Chapter 1704: Chapter 1690
What Chu Ge was actually more curious about was, in terms of this insecticide, whether it was an ointment, edible, or something else.
But he couldn’t ask this question just yet.
"My father treated such a condition for someone before, and it’s because of his experience that we’ve developed this medicine."
The shopkeeper’s words carried an indescribable sense of pride, unaware that Chu Ge was coaxing information out of him. He simply thought Chu Ge wanted to buy the insecticide and learn more about bloodworms.
Chu Ge nodded and gave a thumbs-up to the shopkeeper, saying, "Sounds impressive."
"Perhaps it’s hard to comprehend without experiencing the situation, but it was truly a matter of life and death back then. If we had been a step later, that person might not have made it."
The shopkeeper lamented, "In the end, it was that person’s extraordinary luck back then."
"If I may ask, did the person who sought your father’s treatment ever visit Southern Fujian?"
Chu Ge couldn’t help but feel suspicious, wondering whether the two people mentioned might be Wen Zaao and Zhou Ang’s father.
The region of Southern Fujian is situated at the border between two countries, and with the pervasive miasma, why would they venture to such a remote place unless absolutely necessary?
"They did!" The shopkeeper exclaimed, "When they returned from that side of Southern Fujian, it was exactly the third day after being bitten by a bloodworm. Had it been any later, not even an immortal could have saved him!"
Chu Ge was even more puzzled, "Was this insecticide a medicine your father initially developed for that person’s condition?"
The shopkeeper nodded, "Certainly, otherwise what else?"
After hearing this, Chu Ge was somewhat reassured. He exhaled lightly, expressing concern, "Boss, here’s the thing: we’re heading out for field training in Southern Fujian the day after tomorrow, but our team includes female members; I’ve heard there are bloodworms there, with strong toxicity, so we want to seek some medicine."
This time, Chu Ge was more strategic and didn’t directly express a desire to buy bloodworm medicine or insecticide, merely simplifying the request.
Upon hearing this, the shopkeeper paused for a moment, shook his head gently, and sighed, "Your timing is off; had you come a few days earlier, you could have obtained the insecticide. But currently, it’s all been purchased by someone else."
Chu Ge’s mind spun rapidly, "Is there a possibility... that there might be other medicines that could serve as substitutes?"
The shopkeeper decisively shook his head upon hearing Chu Ge’s words, "Impossible. As far as I know, there’s no medicine for treating bloodworms in the Capital City, and our medicine is specifically researched for these venoms."
After hearing this, Chu Ge sighed with mild regret, "But we’re in a hurry to depart; could you perhaps help us by preparing it in advance?"
The shopkeeper appeared troubled, making Chu Ge suspect the issue might be a financial one; he immediately took out a bank card from his pocket, placed it on the table, and said, "Don’t worry about the money. No matter the price, I’ll pay it."
"The issue isn’t about money at all." The shopkeeper was indeed distressed, realizing that having the means but being unable to earn was akin to an itch that couldn’t be scratched.
"If it’s not about money, then it should be easier to resolve."
Chu Ge smiled faintly.
Easier to resolve? The shopkeeper couldn’t help but internally retort, "I should be frank; I’d previously promised someone I wouldn’t produce any insecticides within a week, or I’d breach their trust."
Chu Ge raised a brow, "Someone asked you not to produce insecticides shortly?"
The shopkeeper nodded.
"Did that person mention any particular reason?"
The shopkeeper shook his head, "He didn’t say. Even if I asked, he wouldn’t tell me. Although he wore a mask, I could tell from his eyes that he was fierce."
The shopkeeper didn’t want to lose face or, worse, be harmed due to dishonesty.
Knowing that the shopkeeper was an ordinary man, Chu Ge realized his worries were understandable. "Don’t worry. If you secretly help me, I won’t tell anyone."
The shopkeeper still appeared conflicted.
"If you still find it difficult, I can offer double the price."
Since arriving in this society, Chu Ge learned that when it comes to such matters, as long as there’s money, anything is achievable.
Sure enough, upon hearing "double," the shopkeeper’s face showed slight hesitation.
However, the hesitation wasn’t full-fledged. It merely indicated the conditions weren’t sufficient yet. "Alright then, how much did that person offer you? I’ll pay double on top of it, how about that?"
The shopkeeper’s eyes visibly sparkled as he glanced at Chu Ge in shock, "I understand you urgently need the insecticide, but genuinely, I’m in a tough spot; I’ve made a commitment..."
"Triple."
Before the shopkeeper could finish speaking, Chu Ge interjected, his gaze intense and sharp.
The shopkeeper swallowed hard, offering triple the price based on that individual’s fee? This was indeed a hefty number.
Considering things further, the person only specified not selling bloodworm medicine, yet didn’t mention anything about not selling insecticide.
The person before him merely sought medicine without specifically mentioning bloodworm medicine or insecticide; perhaps this wasn’t a breach?
With these thoughts in mind, the shopkeeper’s hesitation eased somewhat. Rubbing his nose, he told Chu Ge, "Given the circumstances, expedited production is feasible, but regarding quantity..."
"The quantity doesn’t need to be extensive; I’ll take whatever you can produce."
Seeing the shopkeeper relent, Chu Ge felt relieved; his lips curved slightly into a smile, "Boss, rest assured, by helping me now, I’ll be back to support your business in the future."
Anyone willing to pay a high price for bloodworm medicine is probably wealthy, especially individuals like the person before him who spends considerable sums without batting an eye. Of course he’d wish for frequent visits, ideally from several such patrons.
Though inwardly thinking this, outwardly he maintained composure, chuckling softly, "Regarding quantity, it’s guaranteed to meet your needs."
Pausing to reflect, then resuming, he continued, "Alright then, come by midday tomorrow to collect it."
Chu Ge was somewhat surprised, "Just one night’s time?"
"This formula for the medicine is exclusively our secret recipe; although easy, the key lies in the herbal proportioning. With modern tech, everything’s mechanized. There’s no longer hand-milling to combine medicines, it’s all done by smart machines."
Enlightened, Chu Ge smiled mildly, reflecting on the curious shape he’d imagined—whether topical or ingested, now recognizing ground powder was likely the form.
He smiled slightly, stating, "I lacked understanding. I’ll come by midday tomorrow to collect it."
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