I Only Choked on Noodles, Why Am I Here?! [BL]

Chapter 41: Chapter 41 – Early Birds and Bad Market Luck

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Wei Jun’s thoughts drifted back to what had transpired within the carriage, and a trace of puzzlement surfaced in his heart. Han Yan had always traveled by carriage so why had he reacted so strongly this time?

The more he pondered, the more peculiar it seemed.

Yet in the end, Wei Jun suppressed his doubts.

Perhaps, after all these years, Han Yan had never truly grown accustomed to such journeys, enduring them only out of necessity to shoulder the burdens of his household. Or perhaps... it had something to do with Madam Wei.

That thought lingered briefly before he let out a quiet sigh.

Han Yan’s life... was truly not an easy one.

"Brother Jun, let us go," Han Yan said, his voice calm as he turned his gaze toward him.

Noticing the faint crease between Wei Jun’s brows, Han Yan paused for a brief moment. There was a trace of heaviness in the other’s expression, as though his thoughts were entangled in something unseen.

Yet Han Yan did not inquire further. Some matters, he knew, were better left unspoken.

Wei Jun, however, seemed unaware of the scrutiny. He remained standing where he was, his mind wandering, on something distant and unclear.

Han Yan gave a light snort of breath, neither impatient nor indulgent, and called out once more, "Brother Jun."

Startled, Wei Jun blinked, as though abruptly pulled back from a far-off place. He quickly gathered himself and nodded. "Ah—yes."

Without further delay, the two turned and departed from the carriage, their sleeves brushing lightly as they moved.

Their steps were neither hurried nor slow. As they advanced, their gazes swept across the lively expanse before them, taking in every detail of the bustling scene.

Vendors called out in loud, practiced tones, their voices rising and falling like waves. Stalls were already encircled by eager customers, the clamor of bargaining weaving into a ceaseless din.

The air was thick with the mingled scents of spices, roasted meats, and freshly harvested produce, stirring both appetite and urgency.

With but a single glance, it was clear every favorable position had long since been claimed.

Wei Jun let out a quiet sigh, his shoulders drooping slightly as he cast his gaze toward the far end of the street. "We are too late," he muttered, a trace of resignation in his voice.

"All the good spots have been taken. Even so, we have already paid for a stall there is no turning back now. We can only make do with what remains."

At the extreme end of the market, where the flow of people thinned and the noise dulled into a distant murmur, stood a small, neglected stall. Its wooden surface was coated with a thin layer of dust, and a few loose planks creaked faintly whenever the wind passed through.

Han Yan followed his gaze, his expression as calm and unreadable as ever. After a brief silence, he shook his head lightly. "A place is but a place" he said in an even tone.

"Whether it prospers depends on the one who stands behind it. There is no need to dwell on loss."

Wei Jun glanced at him, then let out a soft chuckle. Reaching out, he gave Han Yan’s shoulder a light pat, his earlier frustration easing somewhat. "You make it sound so effortless, Brother Yan."

Han Yan merely nodded in response, neither agreeing nor denying, his expression unreadable.

Without another word, he turned and headed toward the empty stall, his steps steady and unhurried, as though nothing could disturb his composure.

But inwardly

What kind of dog luck is this...

He had dragged himself out of bed before dawn, endured that bone-rattling carriage ride, and still ended up with the worst spot in the market.

My modern sense of early doesn’t work here.

His gaze swept over the bustling street, watching the already-crowded stalls and a quiet, helpless amusement rose within him.

Do these people even sleep?

For a fleeting moment, he nearly burst out laughing, only to catch himself just in time.

If I start laughing now, I’ll look like I’ve lost my mind, he thought dryly.

He cleared his throat lightly, forcing the amusement back down.

Ancient people aren’t early birds... they’re the ones waking the birds.

The thought eased the faint frustration in his chest. He let out a small sigh before composing himself once more.

Yet, as his gaze drifted across the bustling street, a trace of genuine admiration surfaced within him.

Despite his complaints, he could not deny it these people rose before dawn, enduring hardship and toil, all for the sake of providing for their families.

In this regard, their diligence was something even he could not lightly dismiss.

By the time he reached the stall, his expression had already returned to its usual calm as though none of those thoughts had ever existed.

"Brother Jun" he said "let us set up at once. If fortune favors us, we may yet sell everything before sunset."

Hearing this, Wei Jun straightened and nodded quickly. "Very well."

The two worked in quiet coordination. Han Yan set down the bamboo baskets, arranging the wild game and fresh fruits with meticulous care, each item placed in an orderly and appealing manner. Wei Jun fetched water and wiped away the dust, scrubbing the wooden surface until its worn grain revealed its original hue.

Together, they secured the loose joints of the stall, their movements swift and practiced, as though long accustomed to such labor.

Time passed, slow.

Customers surged like a river through the central lanes of the market, yet few strayed toward their remote corner.

The sounds of haggling and laughter felt distant, as if separated by an unseen veil. The sun climbed higher, its warmth pressing down upon them and still no one stopped.

Wei Jun leaned against the stall, glancing down the road for what felt like the hundredth time.

"At this rate" he murmured, half in jest and half in truth "we may end up carrying everything back."

Han Yan stood quietly behind the stall, his posture straight, his gaze tranquil. There was no impatience in his expression, nor the slightest trace of doubt. "Have patience, Brother Jun" he said in a steady voice.

Just as Wei Jun was about to speak again, a faint figure entered their line of sight.

An elderly woman, her back slightly bent with age, walked slowly along the path. Each step she took was measured, as though requiring careful effort. In her wrinkled hand, she held onto a small boy, whose bright eyes darted about with curious wonder.

They advanced unhurriedly, yet with steady persistence step by step until they arrived before the quiet stall at the far end of the market.

Wei Jun straightened at once, his earlier languor swept away. He nudged Han Yan lightly, lowering his voice with a hint of excitement. "Brother Yan... our first customer has come."

Han Yan’s gaze shifted, settling calmly upon the approaching pair. Though his expression remained composed and unreadable, inwardly he was already on the verge of celebrating throwing imaginary flowers.

He quickly suppressed the absurd thought, forcing down the restlessness within him, replacing it with a mild, pleasant smile.

At last—after a long wait—

their first customer stood before them.

Han Yan stepped forward and greeted the old lady in a calm, polite tone. "Madam, please take your time. If there is anything you wish to purchase, feel free to choose."

The old lady leaned closer, her aged eyes slowly scanning the neatly arranged goods. After a brief moment, she raised a weathered hand and pointed at a cut of meat. "How much for this?"

Han Yan followed her gesture and replied evenly, "This portion is of good quality. The price is twenty copper coins."

In this world, currency was divided simply. The smallest unit was the copper coin, used for daily trade such as food and basic goods. One hundred copper coins made up one silver tael, and higher transactions were often settled in silver or gold. For common folk, copper coins were the most frequently used, especially in markets like this.

The old lady immediately frowned, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Twenty copper coins? That is too expensive for an old woman like me."

She hesitated, clearly unwilling to pay such a sum, then added, "Could it be... a little cheaper?"

Han Yan did not rush to answer. Instead, he gave a slight pause, as though weighing the matter, then spoke calmly. "Since it is your first time here, I can lower it for you. Seventeen copper coins. That is the lowest I can go."

The old lady still looked unconvinced. "Seventeen is still a bit much..."

Before she could continue, the little boy beside her tugged at her sleeve again, his eyes locked onto the nearby fruit basket. The fresh fruits were bright and plump, clearly catching his attention.

The old lady sighed softly. "Then... how much are those fruits?"

Han Yan glanced over and answered, "A small bundle is ten copper coins."

At this, the old lady hesitated even more. After a long pause, she finally said, "Just... give me a few pieces for the child. No need for so many."

Han Yan nodded lightly and selected several of the freshest fruits, carefully placing them together with the meat.

Then, after a brief moment of consideration, he spoke again. "Since you are taking both items, I will give you a combined price. Twenty-three copper coins for everything."

The old lady was slightly taken aback. "Twenty-three?"

Han Yan’s tone remained steady. "Including a small reduction. Consider it a goodwill price."

The old lady weighed it in her mind. After a moment, she finally nodded. "Very well, twenty-three it is."

She counted out the copper coins slowly and handed them over.

Han Yan, however, added one extra fruit without a word and placed it into the child’s hand.

"This one is a small gift" he said lightly.

The boy’s face instantly brightened. "Thank you, big brother!"

The old lady sighed helplessly, though a faint smile still lingered on her wrinkled face as she accepted the goods. She carefully tucked the items away, then looked up at Han Yan.

The old lady smiled faintly. "Thank you... I’ll come again."

Her voice carried the warmth of simple satisfaction, as though the small bargain and kindness had left a good impression on her.

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