Transmigrated into a Grandpa, Embracing the Laid-Back Life

Chapter 28: Human Relationships

Su Ming and Zhao Rui walked along the cobblestone-paved street.

The book stall and that aloof youth named Xu Qing faded into the distance with the flow of people.

Zhao Rui remained somewhat absent-minded, like a puppet whose soul had been extracted, mechanically following Su Ming's footsteps.

Two sentences echoed repeatedly in his mind.

One was what Xu Qing had said: "Some were handwritten by classmates from the County School who had nowhere to sell them, so they consigned them at my father's stall."

The other was what Su Ming had said: "Studying isn't just for examinations."

Students from the County School actually needed to copy books to earn a few coins?

Studying wasn't just for examinations? Then what was it for? Zhao Rui's worldview had been completely overturned and thrown into chaos by these two statements.

"Good job, disciple." Lin Yu's lazy voice broke the tranquility in Su Ming's mind, "The initial interpersonal anchor point has been established. That kid named Xu Qing is a potential stock worth long-term investment."

Su Ming mentally acknowledged with an "mm" sound, his footsteps never pausing."But..." Lin Yu's tone shifted, "Establishing external connections alone isn't enough. Fortresses are most easily breached from within. Our 'base area' also needs proper maintenance."

"Base area?" Su Ming was somewhat puzzled.

"Your home, and your Teacher Zhou." Lin Yu's voice carried a calculating tone, "Whose effort made it possible for you to come to the County School for registration today?"

"Teacher Zhou." Su Ming immediately answered.

"Exactly. How much travel money do you have left after saving on accommodation and meals this time?" Lin Yu guided patiently.

Su Ming quietly touched the money pouch in his robe and calculated mentally: "Ninety coins spent on books, eight hundred fifty coins remaining."

"Over eight hundred coins! A fortune!" Lin Yu's voice exclaimed exaggeratedly, then turned serious again, "But, disciple, money is just lumps of copper when held in your hand. Spending it wisely, on what truly matters, and next time you come to Qingshi Town, you'll probably have received the first payment from papermaking!"

Lin Yu's internal monologue was quite different: "Oh my, my little ancestor, I can't sleep peacefully with over eight hundred coins on you. What if you get robbed on the road, or you get hot-headed and pick a fight? Who would I complain to then? Quickly convert it into 'fixed assets,' and specifically 'human relationship assets' that generate long-term benefits—this is the safest investment!"

Su Ming stopped walking, glanced back at the still dazed Zhao Rui, and pulled him under a relatively quiet eave by the street.

"Master, what do you mean?"

"I mean we need to go shopping." Lin Yu's voice carried an air of strategic command, "This is called 'human relationship investment,' an extremely important aspect of the 'Way of Survival.' Spend small money to accomplish big things, use minimal cost to maintain the most crucial relationship network, ensuring you live comfortably and securely in the village—this is more important than anything!"

"Then... what should we buy?" Su Ming was completely clueless about these matters.

"Follow my instructions." Lin Yu cleared his throat and began issuing orders.

"First, Teacher Zhou. He's your guide into the scholarly world and a major support for your future in the village. We can't neglect him. Go to a pastry shop and buy a respectable box of pastries. Then go to a general store and buy two liang of leaf tea. Nothing too expensive, just enough to show sincerity. This is called 'respecting teachers and valuing principles.'"

"Second, your father. He enjoys his pipe tobacco. Go to a tobacco shop and buy him a pack of the best tobacco shreds. Let him show off to his old friends while smoking, saying 'My third son bought this for me in town.' This is called 'filial piety,' and it will make him more determined to support you."

"Third, your mother and your eldest sister-in-law. Women are the most practical. Go to a cloth shop and buy two chi of durable blue cloth, dark-colored and stain-resistant. Let your mother make an apron or your sister-in-law sew sleeve covers—both would be good. This is called 'thoughtfulness.'"

"Fourth, your eldest brother. As head of the household, he carries great pressure. Let's buy something substantial—go to the butcher and get two jin of pork belly, so he can satisfy his cravings and add some richness to his meals."

solemn tone, "He was willing to risk his life for you—that's life-and-death friendship. Ordinary gifts would seem distant. You need to be thoughtful. I noticed the blade of his firewood knife is

Ming's mind had

sunset. His mother and sister-in-law holding new fabric, complaining about wasting money but with joy shining in their eyes. His

much heavier than the nine hundred

Master, I've remembered everything." Su Ming nodded

Zhao Rui

things for my family. What about you?" Su Ming initiated

showing confusion and embarrassment, "My...

what you bring back yourself is different from what your father buys, isn't it?" Su Ming imitated

words, his face turning red as he lowered

together." Su Ming didn't say more, pulling him toward the bustling East Market

noisy crowds—hawkers' cries, bargaining voices, and children's laughter mingling together, creating a vibrant

helped Zhao Rui regain

instructions, Su Ming first found a pastry

assistant glanced at two boys in coarse clothing and

"What do you want?"

the hibiscus cakes over there." Su Ming pointed to an exquisitely packaged box

him: "Thirty

freshly baked date paste cakes, wrapped in oil paper instead. Affordable, generous portions, and good flavor. We're giving gifts, not

do you have loose date paste

at Su Ming. Seeing he spoke clearly, unlike ordinary village children, his attitude improved slightly: "Yes, ten coins

"Two jin."

them over. Su Ming

When he previously came to town, his mother always bought him the

the tea shop, tobacco shop,

Ming first listened to Lin Yu's analysis in his mind, then spoke calmly. He didn't say much, but always

and sweetly complimented, "Master, your knife skills are really sharp!" The butcher, pleased, even threw

various shop owners, his heart felt like a mixed

had never truly known

previously saw was just a quiet,

at Wenbao Zhai's entrance, his respect for poor scholars like

him that Zhao Rui couldn't quite describe—a seriousness and engagement with

they arrived at the

woman with darting eyes who enthusiastically approached when she

what fabric would you like? For your

that blue homespun cloth, the durable

row of fabrics: "Young sir has good taste. This blue

Ming frowned—this was higher than he

darting around—the price is inflated. This cloth is twelve coins at most. Bargain

usually shopped. He reached out to touch

We farming folks aren't

woman exclaimed, "I'd lose

the butcher—the best pork belly was only fifteen coins per jin." Su Ming said unhurriedly, "Your fabric shouldn't be more expensive than meat, should it? Eleven

watched in

shopping could involve such back-and-forth

glancing at Zhao Rui who clearly came from a wealthy family, the woman gritted her teeth: "Alright, alright, you win! Twelve coins, my lowest!

promptly took