First day of the lunar New Year.
The new year has begun, and everything is renewed.
Zhao Ya just got up when he heard someone knocking at the door. Opening the door, he saw it was Tan Dong.
He clasped his hands in greeting, grinning, and said, "Brother Zhao, Happy New Year! I'm here to pay you a New Year's visit."
"Happy New Year, come in quickly!"
Once inside, Tan Dong spotted Tang Zui'Er, who was dressed in new clothes, and his eyes lit up as he blurted out, "Sister-in-law, you look really beautiful today."
Those words made Tang Zui'Er's face turn bright red, and after bringing tea and snacks, she quickly turned and left.
After Tan Dong sat down, he cracked open some sunflower seeds as he observed his surroundings, noticing the room was neat and tidy. He couldn't help but express his envy.
"Brother Zhao, you've got skills; finding a gentle and kind girl like Sister-in-law is not easy!"
"Cut the crap!" Zhao Ya laughed and scolded, "Don't leave at noon. Let's have a drink or two, just the two of us brothers."
"Alright, but not here."
"Then where?"
"Of course, at my place. To be honest, my father and brother have both returned. They want to meet you, so I've come to invite you and Sister-in-law for lunch at our place."
"Oh? Your father is back?"
"Yes, my dad is usually incredibly busy. It's only during the new year that he can take a couple of days off."
Zhao Ya was moved.
Recently, he had been troubled over the Exotic Beast Flesh issue. Now that Tan Dong's father had returned, it was the perfect opportunity to ask him for advice.
"Great, I haven't met your father yet. This is a good chance to pay my respects."
After chatting for a bit more, Tan Dong left first.
Zhao Ya told Tang Zui'Er about going to have lunch at Tan Dong's house at noon.
Hearing this, Tang Zui'Er hesitated a little.
"Do I… do I have to go?"
"Of course, Tan Dong specifically invited you. There's no need to be afraid; we're just going for a meal."
Zhao Ya knew that Tang Zui'er was naturally timid and afraid of strangers, so he reassured her gently.
"Okay… okay, I'll get ready then."
After Tang Zui'Er got ready, Zhao Ya led her out the door toward Tan Dong's house.
On the way, Zhao Ya bought a few gifts, as it was his first time meeting Tan Dong's father, and it would be inappropriate to go empty-handed.
Upon reaching the Tan house, an old servant was already waiting and quickly led Zhao Ya and Tang Zui'Er inside when they arrived.
Today, the Tan house was bustling, with a steady stream of visitors coming to pay their respects.
Zhao Ya also noticed that most of these people had a rough and rugged demeanor, likely people from the Jianghu.
At this moment, Tan Dong also arrived.
"Brother Zhao, let's go to my room first. My father is meeting with guests and will come over later."
"Alright!"
When they got to Tan Dong's room, Zhao Ya couldn't help but remark, "I didn't realize your father is so well-connected, with so many Jianghu people coming to visit."
Tan Dong sighed, "What Jianghu people? Truthfully, they're all from various gangs in the Outer City of Wuxiang City. They come to pay respects to my father every year at this time."
Zhao Ya was a bit surprised.
What kind of status does Tan Dong's father hold to make the various gangs from the Outer City come to pay respects?
As he pondered this, he heard footsteps outside and then saw a slender old man enter the room.
The old man was nearing sixty, but well-preserved, looking very much like a shrewd shopkeeper.
Behind him was a young man with features somewhat similar to Tan Dong's, but much more robust, exuding an imposing presence with his movements.
Zhao Ya particularly noticed that the young man's hands were iron gray, with short, thick fingers, evidently a result of training in something like Iron Sand Palm.
Deep in thought, Zhao Ya then stepped forward quickly, clasping his hands and greeting, "I'm Zhao Ya, nice to meet you, Father Tan."
The old man scrutinized Zhao Ya for a moment, then gave a thumbs up in praise.
"What an impressive and handsome young man. No wonder my second son kept mentioning you after I returned home, truly extraordinary."
"You flatter me, sir!"
"Hahaha, this must be Miss Zui'Er, indeed a beauty, such a perfect match."
Tang Zui'Er blushed, curtseyed slightly, but said nothing.
"Come, since today is so lively, let's enjoy a good drink together," Father Tan said with a smile.
The meal was ready, and once everyone was seated, drinks and chat flowed freely.
After a few rounds of drinks, Zhao Ya finally learned that Tan Dong's father was named Tan Ziwang, and the robust young man was Tan Dong's elder brother, Tan Bin.
The father and son had been working in the Inner City and rarely returned home.
At this point, Tan Ziwang set down his glass and looked at Zhao Ya with a smile.
"I hear you've now achieved Great Success in Bone Refining, Ya?"
"Yes."
"Hmm, it's quite impressive to have such attainment at your age. My second son also told me you've been troubled about the Exotic Beast Flesh issue lately, is that right?"
Zhao Ya realized it was time to get to the main topic, so he put down his chopsticks and nodded solemnly.
"That's right. Ever since I achieved Great Success in Bone Refining, I've needed a lot more Exotic Beast Flesh, so I've been worried about this issue."
Tan Ziwang asked, "How much do you need, approximately?"
"At least twenty taels of Earthworm Dried Meat every month."
Four pieces of Earthworm Dried Meat make up a tael, and under normal circumstances, Zhao Ya needed at least three pieces a day, totaling twenty-two and a half taels a month.
This was a conservative estimate, but with the lunch provided by the Escort Agency, it was barely enough.
"Twenty taels of Earthworm Dried Meat…," Tan Ziwang pondered for a moment, then said.
"Alright, from now on, I can provide you with twenty-five taels of Earthworm Dried Meat every month. Will that be sufficient?"
Zhao Ya's eyes lit up, "What's the price?"
Zhao Ya already knew that Tan Dong's father had channels to obtain Earthworm Dried Meat, likely cheaper than the Ghost Market.
This was what Zhao Ya cared about most.
Given his consumption rate, even a slight difference in price could mean a big difference.
Tan Ziwang smiled slightly, not answering directly but instead asked, "The meat you buy at the Ghost Market costs three taels of silver, right?"
"Indeed!"
"Well, I can't give it for free, but how about at the price of one tael of silver?"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Ya perked up, looking at Tan Ziwang in disbelief.
One tael of silver was a price Zhao Ya had never imagined.
This wasn't just a discount; it was a clearance sale price.
But Zhao Ya quickly calmed himself and asked seriously, "What do you need me to do?"
Seeing Zhao Ya's calmness, Tan Ziwang showed an expression of appreciation.
"No wonder you've achieved so much at such a young age, quite clever indeed."
"But don't overthink; the reason I'm helping you is because of the deep friendship between you and my second son, making you somewhat of a junior to me, so naturally, I help when I can."