Chapter 18: Has the Favorability Dropped Below Zero?

“Cui’s Grain Shop?”

Lu Chuan was momentarily stunned.

“What’s wrong?” Xu Houxiang seemed to realize something and immediately laughed. “Did you ask before?”

“Yes,” Lu Chuan nodded.

“This time, give my name,” Xu Houxiang said, already preparing the money to hand over to Lu Chuan.

After a brief explanation, he returned to the Xu residence.

It seemed that Cui’s Grain Shop was somewhat connected to Xu Houxiang; otherwise, he wouldn’t have taken it so seriously.

He knew that Lu Chuan needed to pay the annual grain tax, so he provided a way for him to handle it. There were probably quite a few kickbacks involved.

One had to admit, being a steward was indeed quite advantageous.

However, it was somewhat regrettable.

Whether steward or servant, in the end, they belonged to the lowly class. They were all bought and sold, and once you served a household, your name had to be changed.

If the master was influential, naturally, you’d receive more attention. Outsiders might look upon you with some respect, but few truly held the lower class in high regard.

Still, most of them didn’t care much about others’ opinions.

Making money and helping their household was what mattered most to them.

As long as it didn’t go too far or get exposed, the masters usually turned a blind eye.

After receiving the information, Lu Chuan headed east.

He had just arrived by the Ding Shui River when he saw a crowd gathered around a certain place.

Curious, he approached.

There was a fierce-looking broker standing there. Before him stood a few scattered individuals, all pale and gaunt, as if they had not eaten in a long time.

Each of them had a grass tag stuck above their heads.

This meant they were from the lowly class, their lives as fragile as paper.

The man was selling these people.

“Come take a look, come take a look...” he called out.

“For just ten thousand coins, you can take one home.”

“Plus, these people are low-class and don’t count towards household registration, so you won’t have to pay the annual grain tax for them!”

He glanced around with a cheerful smile, “Bring them home and do whatever you want!”

“Even if you kill them, it doesn’t matter!”

Lu Chuan stood there, gazing at the scene with a trace of helplessness.

In this era, such things were all too common; he was no longer shocked.

According to the traditional social order—scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants—he belonged to the farming class, which theoretically held a respectable status.

But that was only in theory.

In reality, farmers, who lived by the mercy of the heavens, were favored by rulers throughout history.

They were like oxen, eating little and working hard, and most had no ill intentions.

Their status was merely nominal and hardly elevated in practice.

In fact, ordinary merchants found many ways to make farmers suffer silently.

Just as Lu Chuan was about to leave, someone stopped him.

“Friend, why rush away? Since you’re here, take your time to look. Maybe you’ll find someone you like?”

The fierce broker, smiling broadly, blocked his path.

He had been at this spot for some time.

Many people came to look, but no one was willing to buy.

After all, these individuals were emaciated; even if bought, what could one do?

They required care, and unlike registered citizens, these low-class people would run away if unhappy, especially those who had worked in these broker jobs—they escaped frequently.

Lu Chuan was no saint and wasn’t willing to spend his own money to rescue them.

“Look at me—do I look like someone who can afford ten thousand coins?” he said with a helpless shake of his head.

Just as he turned to leave, something felt off.

He noticed one person whose appearance bore some resemblance to Chen Qingqing.

Though it was only in the eyebrows and eyes, this person was clearly much more beautiful than Chen Qingqing.

However, her gaze was utterly lifeless.

At that moment, a line of information suddenly appeared above her head:

Name: Chen Miaomiao

Age: 16

Appearance: 94

Affinity: 0

Current reward for sheltering: None

Hiss!

It was the first time Lu Chuan encountered someone with zero affinity.

That meant sheltering her brought no benefit whatsoever.

Yet, as affinity increased over time, he could earn rewards.

Now, Lu Chuan felt conflicted.

Damn.

Should he take her in?

The cost was surprisingly low.

“Just so happens I haven’t made a sale today. If you really want her, I’ll give you half price—five thousand coins,” the broker quickly said upon seeing Lu Chuan’s interest.

People like him feared disinterest, not conversation.

Once you spoke, they had a reason to continue talking.

Even if you didn’t buy, they could seize the chance to pique others’ interest.

“Five thousand coins?” Lu Chuan frowned deeply.

He glanced around.

No one else had any status indicators, meaning Chen Miaomiao was the only one the system took notice of.

“That one?” The broker caught Lu Chuan’s gaze and perked up. “Her name’s Dieyi. Don’t be fooled by her current state—her foundation’s strong. I tell you, many want a woman like her!”

“Can she cook?” Lu Chuan ignored the broker’s words and asked.

Chen Miaomiao looked up in surprise, hesitated, then nodded slightly.

Lu Chuan pondered for a moment before saying, “Alright, you’re coming with me.”

At that moment, her status panel flickered again:

Name: Chen Miaomiao

Age: 16

Appearance: 94

Affinity: -10

Current reward for sheltering: None

Damn!

Lu Chuan nearly cursed.

What kind of joke was this?

He was kindly taking her in, and she actually lost affinity?

If not for the panel, no matter how beautiful, he wouldn’t care.

“Money first, then the goods!” the broker said excitedly, pulling out a red rope and expertly tying Chen Miaomiao up.

“No refunds once sold!”

“If she runs, it’s not our problem!”

“So, better lock her up once you get home!”

The broker reminded Lu Chuan.

Lu Chuan nodded and glanced at Chen Miaomiao.

“Let’s go…”

Her eyes were full of resistance.