Word Spreads: A Young Man's Interest
Soon after, a young man approached Li Mei's booth. He was tall and had a certain arrogant air about him. His fine clothes and well-groomed hair marked him as someone from a wealthier family. Li Mei recognized him immediately as Xiang, the son of the most successful merchant in the village, and he had a reputation for being disinterested in anything that didn't benefit him directly.
Xiang's gaze swept over the booth with a mixture of curiosity and mild disdain, and Li Mei felt a slight unease. The young man's tone, when he spoke, was dismissive. "So, these are your remedies?" He picked up a bottle of ginseng tincture and examined it with a critical eye. "What makes this so special?"
Li Mei took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "These remedies are made with natural ingredients, carefully chosen for their potency. I grow the herbs myself, and everything is crafted by hand, with great care."
Xiang raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "And you think this ginseng will actually work for someone like me?"
Li Mei smiled politely. "Ginseng can help improve energy, vitality, and even mental clarity. Many people use it to combat fatigue, especially those who lead a busy life." She gestured to the bottle in his hands. "It's an effective remedy for anyone who needs to keep their strength up."
Xiang eyed her for a long moment before placing the bottle back on the table. "I suppose I'll give it a try, then." He took a few coins from his pouch and set them on the counter. "I'm always looking for something that will keep me sharp."
Li Mei nodded, wrapping the ginseng tincture carefully in cloth before handing it to him with a polite bow. "Thank you for your patronage, sir."
Xiang took the package, but before he left, he looked at her, his expression softening slightly. "You seem serious about this. I'll see if your remedies live up to their reputation."
Li Mei watched him go, her mind spinning. Had there been something more in his words? She couldn't quite place it, but it felt like there was more to Xiang's interest than just the tincture. Still, she had no time to dwell on it. This sale was important—it had confirmed that there was potential in her business.