Chapter 87: Maybe There Won't Be a Next Time
Not only were the Chen Family Village members shaking their heads, but even the surrounding onlookers joined in disapproval.
"Has this kid been kicked in the head by a donkey?"
"No wonder this old scammer keeps thriving—too many fools and not enough frauds to exploit them."
Chen Fan turned and declared, "I know this old man's dishonest. His wares are fakes. But what if? What if there's one genuine item? Wouldn't that make this purchase a steal?"
He winked at the crowd after speaking.
"Chen—" Gu Ze began, but Gu Jianghai rested a hand on his shoulder. "Enough. Chen Fan must have his reasons."
The other Chen Family Village elders fell silent.
True—Chen Fan didn't seem like someone easily duped. Could he have actually found hidden treasure?
"..."
Gu Ze stared wordlessly.
What possible reasons?
Better to give that money to me than waste it on a swindler.
"Old man, you heard them." Chen Fan adopted a resigned expression. "Everyone thinks your goods are fake. For these manuals, fifty yuan is my final offer. Take it or leave it."
Originally, he'd planned to acquire them for free. But after obtaining the [Indestructible Vajra Body] manual, his strategy shifted.
To complete this martial art, he needed [Thirteen Guardians' Iron Body] and [Golden Bell Armor]—currently only obtainable through this scammer.
Directly requesting them would arouse suspicion. Even if the old man possessed those manuals, he might either refuse or demand outrageous prices.
Thus, pretending to be a naive buyer remained the best approach. Purchasing all current stock increased chances of new manuals appearing next time. Repeating the "free acquisition" tactic would prove difficult otherwise.
As the saying went: No risk, no reward.
Fifty yuan for three martial arts was a steal for him, while the old man still profited—a win-win.
The vendor contorted his face into theatrical anguish. "Such harsh bargaining! Halving my price? Impossible! At least eighty!" He thrust up eight fingers.
"Eighty? Just rob us outright!" Gao Yang barked.
"Exactly!" Liu Yong chimed in. "Chen Fan, let's walk away. Buying fakes would be disastrous."
Chen Fan mentally applauded their performance. "Very well. Since you refuse, we're done."
"Wait!" The old man stamped his foot. "Fine! Fifty it is! Take them all! Ah, today's luck has abandoned me!" He rubbed red-rimmed eyes while secretly rejoicing.
His costs? Mere paper and ink. Fifty yuan pure profit!
True, some manuals contained partial truths—but useless without complete sets. Yet this fool actually thought himself clever? If only such suckers appeared daily!
"Done." Chen Fan promptly handed over the money and gathered the manuals into his arms.
Bystanders shook their heads:
"Another lamb to slaughter."
"More money than sense."
"Fifty yuan buys reams of paper! That boy will beg for refunds within days."
Hearing this, the old man stuffed the cash into his robe. "Remember—no returns or exchanges."
"No problem." Chen Fan grinned. "If these work well, I'll return to buy more."
Silence descended.
Every spectator froze mid-breath. Even the scammer gaped.
This... this surpassed idiocy. Willingly seeking second exploitation? Unprecedented!
Gu Ze rolled up sleeves, trembling with outrage. "Fifty yuan! That's fifty jin of rice! How many mouths could that feed? And you—"
Gu Jianghai restrained him with a headshake. Though equally baffled, he chose trust.
The old man coughed. "You're... serious?"
"Absolutely." Chen Fan nodded solemnly. "Your earlier words resonated. These are peerless techniques—my current inadequacy prevents comprehension, but persistent study will unveil their truths. Thus, more manuals mean greater progress. Do you understand?"
The scammer hesitated under Chen Fan's earnest gaze, then hardened his resolve. Heaven-sent profits couldn't be refused!
"Very well." He sighed. "Normally, obtaining one peerless manual brings divine fortune. But recognizing your sincerity, I'll make an exception."
"You mean...?"
"Return next time, and I'll provide superior manuals—more powerful, though pricier. Prepare accordingly."
"Money's irrelevant! I'll take all unique manuals!" Chen Fan's excitement felt genuine now.
Onlookers dispersed, unable to stomach the spectacle. Some schemed—if scamming proved this easy, why not try themselves?
"Rest assured," the old man sniffled. "You're not from Song Fortress, yes? Travel carefully—ferocious beasts and bandits target groups of ten to twenty. Stay vigilant."
Now besides Chen Family Village, another soul genuinely prayed for Chen Fan's safety.
"Old man..." Chen Fan's voice thickened. "Why wait? Share all your knowledge now—write or recite it."
Special thanks to reader XiaoDiXuan for the 1000 Qidian Coin donation! This marks your second grand gift—immense gratitude! Thanks also for everyone's monthly and recommendation votes.
PS: Our editor notified us early—promotion failed. We'll be going live this Sunday...
(Chapter end)
