Blossom In Adversity - Vol. 2

C386. A Transaction Involving a Copper Coin.

Chapter 386: A Deal Sealed with a Copper Coin

When Hua Zhi extended his invitation, he’d only mentioned “the seventh day.” No specific time. Just a vague date on the calendar.

Still, nearly everyone who received the invitation decided to err on the side of caution and arrived early. By the time the anticipated hour finally struck, a decent crowd had already gathered outside the Hua family estate.

But here’s the thing—the gates were firmly shut. Nobody knew whether they should knock, shout, or just awkwardly hang around. And so, the group lingered in an indecisive huddle, casting uncertain glances at one another.

Right when the collective hesitation reached its peak, the grand doors creaked open with deliberate slowness. Out came two servants who briskly set up a table at the bottom of the steps. And then, as if on cue, a boy of about ten stepped forward.

The kid was dressed to impress, decked out in scholarly robes with his hair neatly tied in a cloth headband. His expression? Calm, composed, almost unnaturally so for someone his age. If scholars had mascots, he’d be it—pure academic charm radiating from head to toe.

Trailing behind him were twenty other children, all similarly dressed, each holding a basket whose contents were carefully concealed.

“I am Hua Baiyu,” the boy announced, his voice steady but polite. “Thank you all for honoring our agreement and coming today.”

He bowed deeply in the traditional scholar’s greeting. Caught off guard, the gathered students quickly returned the gesture, their surprise thinly veiled.

Relieved by their respectful response, Hua Baiyu allowed himself a small, discreet sigh. The tension in the air eased. Turning to one of the children behind him, he grabbed a basket and placed it on the table.

“With the Autumn Examination fast approaching, I understand your time is precious,” he began, his tone professional and efficient. “My eldest sister has prepared this food, which is designed to last several days without spoiling. It is meant for you to consume during the exam. I wish you all success in your endeavors.”

The crowd exchanged confused glances.

Food? This was not what they’d expected.

But Hua Baiyu wasn’t done yet. “To keep things fair and to avoid any sense of obligation,” he continued, “these items are only available for purchase.”

Now the confusion turned to mild astonishment.

“Each portion costs exactly one copper coin,” he clarified. “No more, no less. If you don’t have one on you, you may settle the payment later.”

A ripple of bewilderment ran through the crowd. Some were too stunned to respond, while others silently questioned what they’d just heard.

Was this it?

Was that the grand reveal?

A heartfelt speech followed by a demand for a single copper coin?

Surely, there had to be more... or was there?

After a brief, telling pause, it became clear to everyone that Hua Baiyu had no intention of adding anything more. This was all the Hua family had to say. Those standing nearby noticed a younger student shifting uncomfortably, a look of confusion crossing his face as he hesitated, seemingly uncertain how to proceed after the lack of a clear answer. Perhaps to break the tension, someone standing close gave a casual pat to their robe, fished out a copper coin, and handed it over.

Hua Baiyu let out a quiet breath, his previously guarded posture softening as a faint dimple flickered on his face—a subtle but rare glimpse of ease. With a calm, almost offhanded gesture, he nudged an empty basket forward and said smoothly, “Just drop it in here.”