38: The First Challenge
Despite the success, not everything was as easy as it seemed. One afternoon, as Li Mei was preparing for the market, she was approached by a tall, serious-looking man in his forties. His attire marked him as a merchant from a larger city, and his demeanor was that of someone accustomed to making deals.
"I've heard of your herbs," the man said in a low voice, inspecting her booth with a scrutinizing eye. "I'm in need of rare medicinal plants for my business. Your ginseng looks promising, but I'd like to discuss a more substantial deal."
Li Mei stiffened, her fingers clenching around the bamboo vial she was holding. The idea of making a large sale intrigued her, but she was cautious. She had heard of merchants taking advantage of small producers, especially those with unique products.
"What kind of deal are you proposing?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
The merchant leaned in, lowering his voice. "I can offer you a fair price, more than what you would earn from selling individual portions here at the market. I've got clients in the city who are willing to pay handsomely for your herbs. All you need to do is supply me with a steady amount, and I'll take care of the distribution."
Li Mei's mind raced. On one hand, the offer seemed tempting. The money he was offering could sustain her for a long time, and the idea of her herbs reaching people beyond the village was appealing. But on the other hand, something didn't sit right with her. The merchant's tone was too smooth, too calculated. She had always believed in the purity of her work and had no desire to compromise the quality of her remedies for profit.
"I appreciate your offer," Li Mei said, maintaining her composure. "But I grow these herbs with care, and I'm not willing to sell them in bulk to just anyone. I need to be sure that they are going to the right people."
The merchant's smile faded slightly, but he didn't give up easily. "I understand your concern, young lady. But think about it—if you're serious about expanding your business, you'll need to make deals like this. The city offers opportunities that this village cannot."
Li Mei's gaze hardened. "Perhaps. But I'll make my own decisions when it comes to the future of my work."
The merchant sighed, realizing she wasn't going to be swayed so easily. "Very well, but remember, opportunities like this don't come around often. Don't regret turning it down."
With that, the merchant turned and walked away, leaving Li Mei to contemplate his words. The offer was tempting, but she knew she needed to stay true to her principles. She wasn't in this to make a quick profit; she was here to create something lasting, something that could help people without compromising her values.