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

Chapter 43: Chapter 43 – An Honest Friend

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Before long, the last bundle of flowers had been sold.

The woven bamboo basket that had once been overflowing with blossoms now lay completely empty.

Wei Jun stood frozen for a long moment, staring at the vacant basket in disbelief. Even after witnessing the entire process with his own eyes, he still found it difficult to believe.

Those flowers that most people would have ignored growing along the mountainside had actually been bought.

Not only had every bundle been sold, but each had fetched a price that far exceeded Wei Jun expectations.

He let out a slow breath before turning toward Han Yan.

"I still can’t believe someone was actually willing to spend that much on those strange flowers."

Han Yan smiled faintly as he counted the copper coins one final time. Satisfied, he tied the money pouch securely and tucked it into his sleeve.

"People have always been willing to pay for things that are beautiful," he said calmly. "When something pleases the eye, its value naturally rises in the hearts of others."

Wei Jun scratched the back of his head.

Although he did not fully understand those words, they somehow sounded reasonable.

He nodded earnestly and said, "It’s already getting late. Since we’ve sold everything, let’s pack up and head back. Looks like fortune was on our side today."

Han Yan nodded in agreement he looked toward the busy marketplace before speaking again.

"Let’s get something to eat first. After that, we’ll head to the old craftsman and buy the new bow and arrows."

As he spoke, Han Yan untied the pouch once more and counted their earnings.

Han Yan divided the remaining earnings and placed a small cloth pouch into Wei Jun’s palm.

"This is your share of today’s earnings."

Wei Jun accepted it with a grin, but the smile soon faded as he opened the pouch and counted its contents.

Inside were three hundred copper coins... and one whole silver tael.

His eyes widened.

He counted again to make sure he had not mistaken the amount.

Then he looked up at Han Yan in confusion.

"Brother Yan..."

"You gave me an extra silver tael."

His brows furrowed.

"That’s not right."

"You must have counted wrong."

Without hesitation, Wei Jun reached into the pouch, took out the silver tael, and pressed it back into Han Yan’s hand.

"Brother Yan, this won’t do."

He shook his head firmly.

"I only lent you my bow and arrows. We grew up in the same village. How could I ask for payment over something so small?"

He tried to stuff the silver back into Han Yan’s sleeve.

"You’ve already given me my share of today’s earnings. This silver is too much. Keep it. You’ll need it more than I do."

Han Yan took a small step back, avoiding the silver being forced into his hand. He shook his head almost immediately.

"I didn’t make a mistake."

His tone was gentle but firm.

"Brother Jun, that silver is for you."

Wei Jun frowned.

"But...."

Han Yan interrupted him with a smile.

"You lent me your bow and arrows without asking for anything in return. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to hunt, nor would I have earned today’s money."

He looked directly into Wei Jun’s eyes.

"We may not have been especially close before, but I don’t like owing favors."

"Consider this my way of repaying your kindness."

"So keep it."

"I’m not taking it back."

Wei Jun refused to give up. He once again held the silver tael toward Han Yan.

"No, I really can’t accept it."

"You’ve already shared today’s profits with me. If I take this as well, wouldn’t that make me someone who takes advantage of his own brother?"

Han Yan smiled helplessly before pushing Wei Jun’s hand back.

"I gave it to you because I wanted to, not because you asked for it."

"If you truly regard me as your brother, then don’t refuse."

He closed Wei Jun’s fingers around the silver tael.

"I’ve already made up my mind."

"There is no need to argue any further."

The determination in Han Yan’s eyes made it obvious that no amount of persuasion would change his mind.

Wei Jun lowered his gaze to the silver resting in his hand.

One silver tael.

To ordinary villagers, it was far from a small amount.

For someone like him, it could cover many household expenses.

He remained silent for a while.

Finally, he slowly closed the pouch.

A warm smile spread across his honest face.

He suddenly reached out and rubbed the back of his head awkwardly, looking somewhat foolish.

"Brother Yan..."

"If you ever need help... no matter what it is..."

"If someone bullies you or if you run into trouble, don’t hesitate to come find me."

His expression gradually became serious.

"From today onward..."

"We’re brothers."

"Blood brothers."

Han Yan was briefly stunned by Wei Jun’s solemn declaration. When he met Wei Jun’s earnest, resolute eyes, he could only shake his head and let out a helpless chuckle.

Sometimes, a single act of sincerity toward the right person was enough to earn a loyal brother for life.

People like Wei Jun might not be the cleverest.

They might not have silver or influence.

But once they accepted someone as family, they would never betray that trust.

Han Yan smiled warmly and nodded.

"Then I’ll be relying on Brother Jun in the future."

Wei Jun laughed heartily.

"Of course!"

Han Yan looked at the sky.

The sun had already begun its slow descent.

"We should eat first."

"I don’t want Xin-ge and little Yong waiting for too long."

Wei Jun looked at him with a mischievous grin.

"Are you sure you’re worried about Min Yong?"

"I think you’re mostly worried about your wife."

As he spoke, he wiggled his eyebrows exaggeratedly.

Han Yan nearly stumbled on his own feet.

He coughed lightly and quickly straightened his robes.

"Pfft... Brother Jun, you’re mistaken."

"Let’s hurry and eat."

Seeing Han Yan’s embarrassed reaction only made Wei Jun laugh even harder.

"Hahaha! Look at you!"

"I never thought someone as calm as you could become so flustered."

The two men continued walking through the lively streets amidst Wei Jun’s endless teasing.

Before long, the aroma of freshly cooked noodles drifted through the air.

Following the fragrant scent, they stopped in front of a modest noodle stall tucked beside the roadside.

The stall was simple but clean.

Several wooden tables were neatly arranged beneath a cloth canopy, while a middle-aged couple worked together behind a steaming pot of broth. The rich fragrance of bone soup mixed with scallions and fresh noodles spread through the surrounding street, drawing a steady stream of hungry customers.

The owner greeted them warmly.

"What would the two young masters like?"

"Two large bowls of noodles," Han Yan replied.

The owner smiled.

"That’ll be five copper coins per bowl."

Han Yan nodded without hesitation and paid the ten copper coins.

For hardworking townsfolk and hunters, five copper coins for a generous bowl was considered a fair price. The portions were enough to satisfy even men who had spent the entire day laboring.

Soon, two steaming bowls were placed before them.

The broth was clear yet flavorful, topped with chopped vegetables, a few slices of braised meat, and spring onions. The noodles were soft and chewy, filling the air with an inviting aroma.

Neither of them bothered with conversation.

After spending most of the day busy with customers, both of them had long since worked up an appetite.

The two lowered their heads and quickly finished every last strand of noodle, leaving even the broth nearly empty.

Once they had eaten their fill, Han Yan wiped his mouth with his sleeve and stood.

"Let’s go."

Wei Jun nodded.

The bustling market remained crowded as merchants shouted to attract customers while buyers moved from stall to stall.

Together, the two made their way deeper into the town until a familiar wooden storefront appeared before them.

Above the entrance hung an old but sturdy wooden sign, its faded characters bearing the marks of countless years beneath the wind and rain.

The storefront itself was unassuming, yet the moment they stepped closer, the faint scent of polished wood and treated leather drifted into the air.

Rows of bows of varying sizes lined the walls inside, while bundles of arrows stood neatly arranged in wooden racks. Hunting knives, bowstrings, quivers, and other tools were displayed with meticulous care.

Although the shop lacked the grandeur of the larger weapon stores in town, every item within carried an air of quality that spoke of a craftsman who took pride in his work.

Han Yan and Wei Jun stepped through the doorway.

The elderly craftsman, whose hair had long since turned completely white, had been polishing a bow behind the counter. Upon hearing their footsteps, he slowly raised his head.

His weathered gaze fell upon Han Yan before shifting briefly to Wei Jun. A faint smile appeared on his wrinkled face.

"So you’ve come."

Wei Jun cupped his fists respectfully.

"Senior."

The old man nodded before his gaze shifted to the figure standing behind Wei Jun.

A hint of curiosity flashed across his aged eyes.

"And who is the one behind you?"

Wei Jun smiled and replied respectfully,

"Senior, this is Han Yan from our village. He’s come today to purchase a hunting bow."

Han Yan stepped forward and cupped his fists.

"This junior greets Senior."

The old man sized Han Yan up from head to toe before giving a slight nod.

"So you’re Han Yan."

A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

"Come then. Let’s see if we can find a bow that suits you."

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