Ying Ni and Old Chen negotiated a deal for a Yongzheng Tongbao coin. When this precious copper coin fell into Old Chen's hands, he was overjoyed and eager to take it upstairs to admire it. However, at that moment, Ying Ni quickly intervened, grabbing Old Chen and jokingly saying, "Hey, old man, are you trying to destroy the bridge after crossing it?"

Mr. Chen cleared his throat awkwardly and said slowly, "What are you planning to buy? I have a 20% discount on everything in my store right now."

"No, I want a 50% discount." Seeing the happy look on Mr. Chen's face, Ying Li couldn't help but feel the urge to take the opportunity to "blackmail" him.

"Little girl, your way of bargaining is really rare. 40% off is already my bottom line, it can't be any lower." Old Chen restrained the smile on his face, but considering the precious Yongzheng Tongbao coin he got from her, he finally gave a lowest discount.

"Of course, I need to buy high-quality cinnabar and yellow paper." Ying Li clearly expressed her shopping needs.

"Top-quality goods? I'm afraid you're a little late. I'm out of cinnabar, but I have two sheets of yellow paper left. Do you need them?" Old Chen knew the store's inventory intimately, without even having to consult the ledger. Top-quality goods were always in short supply, and once they were put on the shelves, they were quickly sold out.

"I know about this, but I remember that the days of the black market are approaching. As for the admission ticket in your hand..." Ying Li naturally understood the hot demand for high-quality goods, but her real intention was far more than that.

"You want to..." Elder Chen immediately understood what Ying Ni was saying. "It's feasible, but I have one condition that I must state."

"Any specific requests?" Ying Ni knew full well that this old man held a valuable ticket to the black market, one that usually sat unused. Now, she urgently needed a suitable talisman pen, and only the black market could satisfy her needs. If his request wasn't excessive, she would naturally agree to it.

"I have a granddaughter studying archaeology at Kyoto University, so..." Old Chen's mind drifted to his passionate granddaughter. He'd once worried she might become involved in the black market, fearing she'd be unable to protect herself. But Ying Ni was different. Putting aside her deep background, the shares she held were enough to intimidate even those in the capital.

"I can take her with me, but I have several clear conditions. First, once in there, no matter what happens, she must obey my instructions completely. Second, all her expenses will be borne by herself, and I will not bear any responsibility. Finally, the biggest promise I can make is to ensure her safety." Ying Li was not indifferent to the girl's safety, but in order to avoid future troubles, some things should be made clear first.

"Okay, I'll tell her." Old Chen also knew that the black market was full of mixed people, especially this time there were foreigners participating in the black market.

Night, like a heavy curtain, quietly descended upon a corner of the capital, gently withdrawing the city from the bustling daylight. Moonlight, a cool, thin beam, seemed like nature's most delicate brushstroke, attempting to penetrate the thick clouds but only barely scattering, dappling its light across a narrow, winding alley. This alley, like a secret path forgotten by time, was serene and profound, forming a stark and glaring contrast with the surrounding glittering lights and bustling traffic, like the boundary between two worlds, each peaceful and undisturbed.

At the entrance to the alley, a weathered wooden plank stretches across it, akin to a guardian of the lane, witnessing countless untold secrets and transactions. Its surface is mottled, the marks of time deeply etched upon it. Written crookedly in ink, the characters "Unnamed Alley" (未名閣) remain, though blurred, yet they still exude an indescribable mystery and allure. These three words, like a key to another world, guide those brave enough to explore the unknown, step by step into this enigmatic place where light and shadow intertwine, secrets and transactions coexist.

Unnamed Alley—the very name itself evokes endless imagination and speculation. Unlike bustling streets with a clear identity and purpose, it resembles a secret garden hidden within the urban jungle, waiting to be discovered and explored. Here, you'll see a diverse cast of characters wandering through, some hurried, some pausing to whisper, each harboring their own agenda and secrets, searching for their own share of light in this forgotten corner.

It's said that the history of Wuming Alley dates back hundreds of years, when it was just an ordinary alley in the capital. However, with the passage of time and the changing world, it gradually evolved into a hub for the black market. Here, you can find all sorts of bizarre goods and services, from antiques and rare medicinal herbs, from mysterious spells to underground intelligence. Of course, these transactions often come with significant risks and costs, requiring both buyers and sellers to possess wisdom and courage.

Yet, it is precisely this mystery and excitement that captivates countless people. Driven by curiosity, need, or a sense of adventure, they journey into the depths of Unnamed Alley, seeking the secrets and treasures hidden within its darkness. Here, every transaction could become the beginning of a legend; every revelation could spark a global uproar. And in this endless cycle, Unnamed Alley itself gradually becomes deeper and more unfathomable.

Today, as night falls once again on a corner of Beijing, Unnamed Alley remains quietly there. Like a silent spectator, it bears witness to the city's transformation and rise and fall; like a mysterious seducer, it constantly draws those eager to explore the unknown. For those fortunate enough to set foot in this enigmatic place, Unnamed Alley is more than just a place for business; it is a spiritual sustenance, a cultural heritage, and an endless curiosity and yearning for the unknown.

Ying Ni and Old Chen's granddaughter Chen Yiran were both wearing mysterious black cloaks, their faces covered by exquisite and strange ghost masks. They stood quietly at the entrance of the alley, like two ghostly shadows in the night.

"Sister, is this the legendary black market?" Chen Yiran gently pulled the corner of Ying Ni's clothes and asked in a soft voice.

"Yes, it's here. After we go in, no matter what situation we encounter or what strange sights we see, please remember not to make any sound." Ying Mei stared at Chen Yiran and reminded her solemnly again.

"Well, I understand. Grandpa told me to follow your instructions."

A few days ago, Chen Yiran learned that her grandfather had allowed her to visit the black market, and she was filled with excitement and curiosity. In her excitement, she also asked her grandfather in detail about the black market. She knew that this place was not a battlefield where all forces mixed together. She was simply here to broaden her horizons and did not want to cause unnecessary trouble due to impulsiveness.

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like