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

Chapter 44: Chapter 44 – Stocking Up for the Household

-----

The three of them fully entered the shop.

The interior was much larger than it appeared from outside. Various bows of different sizes hung neatly along the walls, while bundles of arrows were stacked in wooden racks nearby. Animal hides, bowstrings, and hunting tools filled the shelves.

Han Yan’s eyes swept across the display, fascinated. It was his first time seeing such fine craftsmanship.

Some of the bows were short and light, suitable for quick shots. Others were nearly as tall as a man and clearly required considerable strength to draw.

Rubbing his long beard, the old man led him toward a row of hunting bows.

"Young man, try this one," the old man said, handing the bow to Han Yan.

Han Yan accepted the bow.

The bow was made from dark wood and felt solid in his hands. Its shape was simple, with a leather-wrapped grip at the center and a tightly stretched bowstring. Though Han Yan knew little about bows, he could tell it was well-made.

His fingers wrapped around the grip as he pulled the bowstring back.

The string stretched smoothly, but Han Yan quickly shook his head.

"It’s too light."

The old man nodded in approval before turning and selecting another bow from the rack.

"This one, then."

He handed the second bow to Han Yan.

Compared to the first, this bow was slightly longer. Its body was a reddish-brown color, and the limbs appeared thicker, giving it a sturdier feel.

Han Yan accepted it and tested it once more.

As he drew the string back, he immediately felt the difference. The pull was heavier and far more stable than the previous bow.

Still, after a moment, he shook his head.

"It’s better, but it feels too stiff."

The bow required more force than he was comfortable using. While powerful, it would quickly tire his arms during a long day in the mountains.

This time, the old man stroked his beard thoughtfully. His gaze swept across the rows of bows before he muttered to himself and headed toward the back of the shop, rummaging through a corner piled with weapon racks and wooden cases as though searching for something specific.

After a short while, he returned carrying another bow.

The bow was fashioned from dark wood, its surface smooth and unadorned. It lacked the decorative carvings found on some of the others, yet there was a quiet sturdiness to it. The limbs were well-proportioned, giving the bow a balanced appearance.

"Try this one."

Han Yan accepted it.

The moment it settled into his hands, he felt a subtle difference.

His fingers tightened around the grip.

Drawing in a slow breath, he pulled back the bowstring.

The string stretched taut.

His arms remained steady.

The bow curved into a perfect crescent.

A hint of satisfaction flashed through Han Yan’s eyes.

This was it.

Unlike the previous bows, this one felt balanced from end to end. It was neither too light nor too heavy, and the draw required just enough strength to feel comfortable without straining his arms. More importantly, the bow responded smoothly to his movements, making it feel natural in his hands.

A faint smile appeared on Han Yan’s face as he lowered the bow carefully.

"This one, I’ll take it."

The old man’s eyes lit up.

A look of surprise flashed across his weathered face before quickly turning into delight.

"Good! Good!"

He stepped forward and examined the bow in Han Yan’s hands, clearly pleased.

"You know, this is the same type of bow Wei Jun bought from me a few years ago."

He glanced at Wei Jun and chuckled.

"Back then, he insisted on getting a stronger bow. Nearly strained his arm trying to prove himself."

Wei Jun rubbed the back of his head.

"I was younger then."

The old man laughed.

"Younger and more stubborn."

Wei Jun grinned before turning to Han Yan.

"Senior, Han Yan handled my bow quite well recently."

"Oh?"

The old man raised an eyebrow.

Wei Jun nodded enthusiastically.

"He even brought back a massive wild boar."

The old man’s eyes widened.

"A wild boar?"

Han Yan’s expression stiffened for a brief moment.

The image of the arrogant black cat and the enormous black panther immediately surfaced in his mind.

Strictly speaking, that wild boar had nothing to do with his hunting skills. If anyone deserved credit, it was the panther that had dragged the beast all the way to his doorstep under the cat’s orders.

Unfortunately, explaining that would only make him sound insane.

How was he supposed to tell them that a talking cat had commanded a black panther to deliver prey to him?

In the end, Han Yan merely smiled.

The old man looked at him with even greater approval.

"Not bad. Not bad at all."

Before Wei Jun could continue exaggerating his achievements, Han Yan calmly changed the subject.

"Senior, how much is this bow?" Han Yan asked.

The old man stroked his beard.

"Eight hundred copper coins."

Before Han Yan could respond, the old man turned and retrieved a sturdy leather quiver from a nearby shelf. He then counted out two dozen hunting arrows and placed them beside the bow.

"If you’re heading into the mountains, you’ll need these as well."

"The quiver and arrows will cost another three hundred copper coins."

Wei Jun immediately grinned.

"Senior, Han Yan is from my village. Can’t you give us a little discount?"

The old man snorted.

"You brat. Every time you come here, the first thing you do is ask for a discount."

Wei Jun laughed.

"That’s because I know Senior is generous."

"Hmph."

The old man pretended to think for a moment before waving his hand.

"Fine. I’ll waive twenty copper coins."

Wei Jun’s eyes brightened.

"I knew Senior wouldn’t let us leave disappointed."

The old man rolled his eyes.

"The total comes to one tael of silver and eighty copper coins. Not a coin less."

Han Yan nodded. The price was fair.

He counted out one tael of silver and eighty copper coins before handing them over.

After settling the payment, the old man wrapped the bow in a protective cloth and handed it to him.

When Han Yan accepted it, he felt a quiet sense of reassurance.

After bidding the old man farewell, the two left the shop. Wei Jun glanced at the sun hanging high in the sky.

"We still have plenty of time."

Han Yan nodded.

"There are a few things I need to buy."

The two men headed toward the bustling marketplace.

The streets were crowded with villagers, merchants, and traveling peddlers. Shouts rose from every direction as vendors advertised their goods.

Fresh vegetables, grain, cloth, pottery, and household tools filled the rows of stalls.

The rich aroma of steaming buns drifted through the air.

Han Yan adjusted the bow on his shoulder and followed Wei Jun through the crowd.

Now that the bow had been purchased, it was time to stock up on necessities for the household.

There was oil to buy, salt to replenish, and a few other items the family needed.

Wei Jun glanced around before speaking.

"I still need to stop by a few places myself. How about we split up for now?"

Han Yan thought about it and nodded.

"That works."

The market was not small. If they stayed together while buying different things, they would only waste time.

Wei Jun pointed toward the main entrance of the market.

"Let’s meet there when we’re done. We can head back to the village together."

"Alright."

With that settled, the two men parted ways.

Wei Jun quickly disappeared into the crowd, while Han Yan turned toward the row of stalls selling household goods.

The lively sounds of bargaining and laughter filled the air as people moved through the market.

Carrying his newly purchased bow, Han Yan began making his way through the bustling streets, ready to buy everything his household needed before returning home.

After parting ways with Wei Jun, Han Yan found himself alone amidst the bustling marketplace.

Although he had inherited the original owner’s memories, this was truly his first time walking through the town as Han Yan.

The lively scene before him felt both familiar and unfamiliar.

Vendors lined both sides of the street, shouting loudly to attract customers. The scent of freshly steamed buns drifted through the air, mingling with the aroma of roasted chestnuts and fried pastries.

People came and went without pause.

Farmers carrying baskets brushed past merchants leading ox carts. Children darted through the crowd while peddlers enthusiastically advertised their goods.

Han Yan slowed his pace slightly.

There was no need to rush.

Since making the trip to town, he intended to purchase everything his household needed in one go.

His first stop was the grain store after looking around.

The grain store occupied nearly half the street corner and was crowded with customers. Large sacks of grain were stacked against the walls, while workers carried goods back and forth between the warehouse and the storefront.

Han Yan stepped inside and looked around carefully.

They had recently separated from the Han household. Everything had to be prepared from scratch, so there was no room for carelessness.

A middle-aged shopkeeper noticed him examining the grain and quickly approached with a welcoming smile.

"Customer, what would you like to buy today? We have freshly milled rice and flour that arrived only yesterday."

Han Yan crouched beside one of the grain sacks and picked up a handful of rice.

The grains were plump, white, and uniform in size.

The quality was indeed good.

After examining several different sacks, he made his choice.

"Eighty jin of fine rice."

The shopkeeper’s smile widened immediately.

Fine rice was far more expensive than coarse grain, and most village families only purchased a small amount during festivals and special occasions.

"Good choice, value customer. This rice came from the southern counties. The grains are fragrant and soft after cooking."

Han Yan considered the household’s needs for a moment before nodding.

"Add thirty jin of wheat flour as well."

The shopkeeper’s smile became even brighter.

"Certainly."

He quickly called over several workers.

"Move eighty jin of rice and thirty jin of flour for this customer."

The workers immediately began weighing the grain.

-----