Fruit Farmer In A Cultivation World

East Ridge city was the northern most city of the Green Wind Empire. Nestled between the harsh Endless Mountain range where no life flourished and the dangerous Crimson lake, It was among one of the least populated cities of the empire.

The area's hilly topography made it difficult to construct and maintain roads. Because of it, merchants seldom made their way here. In a sense, it was almost like East Ridge city was isolated from the rest of the human civilization.

Very rarely would the city receive visitors from outside, and even when it did, the visitors would mostly be returning youths who had left the city in hopes of a brighter future.

However, none of these things mattered to the people living here. Life was the same as usual, if not busier because of the quickly approaching Autumn festival.

Many farmers and craftsmen from the surrounding villages had set up stalls in the outskirts of the city, hoping to make some quick cash. The Autumn festival was expensive, and having more money would never hurt.

Among the dozens or so stalls was a poorly built kiosk Sen Lin had rented for the day for 12 ricetalons. Given that a single ricetalon coin was enough to buy a kilogram of rice, the price was a bit steep. But considering how close the kiosk was to the city gate, he didn't mind it much.

Usually, he would have gone for a cheaper kiosk but after remembering how he had to set some time apart to buy bamboo and some chickens, he parted with the 12 coins reluctantly. The clinks he heard when he handed the money to the kiosk owner was still ringing softly in his head.

"Young man, how much for the peaches?" A middle-aged man with a serious tan asked, pulling Fen Lin out of his reverie.

"4 ricetalon for a kilogram of plums."

"Isn't that too expensive? I bought plums for just 3 ricetalons last year."

"That must have been when all of the plums were already ripe." Sen Lin got into his business mode. "Look at these plums. Look how plump and purple they are. These are top quality. On top of it all, these are the first batch to have ripened this year. You won't find plums as ripe and sweet as these anywhere else"

"Still, it's too pricey. How about you make it a bit cheaper? I'll take two kilograms for 7 ricetalons."

"Don't be like that brother. I'm already selling it to you for cheap because you're my first customer. I live on top of the hill north of Red Rock village. I had to walk for over three hours in this sweltering heat to get here. If I make it any cheaper, it won't be worth it for me."

The man contemplated for a while but eventually gave in. "Alright. 4 ricetalons for a kilogram. But I'll handpick the plums that I'll buy."

Sen Lin immediately put on a bright smile. It looked like his negotiating skills had gotten better. He still remembered last year; He had sold his fruits for cheap because the customers were really good at bargaining and his skin wasn't thick enough. 

"Of course. You can handpick any plums. I assure you, they're all of the best quality. I plucked them just this morning. I guarantee you'll be satisfied."

After a good few minutes of selecting, the man paid up and left with a satisfied look. 

Sen Lin also got busier as more customers had been attracted by his first sale. It was the first batch of plums for the year and it wouldn't be a difficult task to sell everything even if he had increased the price a bit.

In just a little under two hours, he had sold everything that he had brought. As he felt the hefty amounts of coins in his pouch, Fen Lin couldn't help but smile because of the happiness blooming in his chest.

Having money always put his heart at ease. It gave him a strange sense of comfort.

"Let's go Blacky. We need to do some shopping."

Bidding goodbye to the owner of the kiosk, Sen Lin led his donkey inside the city. Very soon, he walked into a bustling market that was at least a hundred times busier than where he had sold his produce.

"It's busy as usual," He commented as he looked at the huge crowd in front of him. He wasn't fond of it and made up his mind to be done with his business as soon as possible.

Glancing at both sides of the street, Sen Lin quickly found what he was looking for. He approached an old man selling crafts made out of bamboo and approached him.

"Old man, are you also selling bamboo?"

Maybe because crafts sold for a higher price, the old man replied a little impatiently. "You'll get four segments for a ricetalon."

"Give me 20 bamboo segments."

Parting with five coins, Fen Lin loaded 20 bamboo segments, each roughly half a meter onto the donkey.

Done with his first task, he swiftly made his way to an alley where dozens of poultry and other livestock were being sold. Thinking about how he'd finally be able to eat eggs on a daily basis, he approached a seller and inquired about the prices excitedly.

"8 ricetalons for a rooster and 20 for a hen."

Listening to the seller's words, all of Sen Lin's enthusiasm was dampened instantly. 

He had bought about 12 kilograms of plum for selling. During their walk to the city, him and Blacky had eaten nearly two kilograms. Even after selling all of the remaining fruit, he had only earned 40 ricetalons.

Initially, he had thought himself a not so broke farmer after making some money. But after learning of the price for the birds, it was almost as if a bucket of cold water was poured over him.

"It's going to get dark soon Blacky. Let's make our way back. We have a long way to go."

Sen Lin suppressed his cravings for eggs and led his donkey out of the market with a downcast expression.

He killed his urge to look at the poultry one last time and walked away, increasing his pace gradually. It was only when the market was no longer in sight that he dared look back.

"Wait for me eggs. I'll include you in my food after I make a fortune selling all the plums this Autumn festival."