C15 A Boost to the Economy of Soong City

After having breakfast, Jee Faang headed to the backyard, armed with a basket and a kitchen knife, to gather vegetables for dinner.

He had previously purchased seeds and decided it was time to give the vegetable garden a thorough overhaul. Hei, the dog he had acquired from the seed seller, was sprawled on the ground, exuding an air of utter laziness.

Jee Faang glanced over the vegetables in the ground, perplexed to find that the remaining section of the garden was barren.

He was at a loss for words; the vegetables seemed to have vanished into thin air.

Patting Hei on the head, Jee Faang mused, "Hei, if only you could talk and tell me what happened last night."

Hei kept its eyes shut, seemingly oblivious to Jee Faang's words.

"This dog's gotten lazy too," Jee Faang quipped to himself before leveling the soil and sowing the new seeds.

A small bird perched on a branch observed the scene, its eyes glinting with an almost imperceptible brightness as it stood silently atop the tree.

Realizing he wouldn't be enjoying the garden's vegetables this time, Jee Faang returned the tools to the kitchen and secured the doors and windows. "Hei, looks like we'll have to buy our dinner at the market today. Let's go."

Soong City Market, though small, buzzed with activity.

Grandpa Li and his grandson Kangkang were shopping for vegetables when he spotted Jee Faang and called out eagerly, "Kangkang, there's Young Master Jee. Go on and say hello."

Jee Faang observed the little boy before him, donning a tiger-head hat, with a vacant stare and lips pressed tightly together, as if he hadn't spoken in ages, his spirit seemingly frightened away.

Caught off guard, Jee Faang inquired, "Grandpa Li, what's wrong with Kangkang's complexion?"

"Ah, the poor boy was terrified by a rat demon recently."

It turned out that Kangkang had witnessed the rat demon's escape and had been so traumatized that he slept for three days straight. Upon waking, he hadn't uttered a single word.

Grandpa Li's voice wavered with emotion as he spoke.

Jee Faang felt a wave of sadness wash over him. He knew Kangkang well.

The child was usually so lively and adorable, but seeing him like this now was truly heartbreaking.

"Grandpa Li, is there any chance Kangkang could recover?" Jee Faang inquired.

"I've consulted with several traveling doctors known in the martial arts circles, and their treatment methods are quite similar. They suggest spending time talking with Kangkang, as it might help call his soul back," Grandpa Li explained.

After pondering for a moment, Grandpa Li added with some hesitation, "Young Master Jee, as a learned man, could you perhaps spend some time talking to my Kangkang? Your words might just reach him."

"Of course, I'll make sure to visit Kangkang regularly," Jee Faang promised.

Grandpa Li handed over the vegetables and eggs he had brought to Jee Faang, "Young Master Jee, I'm entrusting you with the care of the vegetables we've grown at home."

Jee Faang gave a wry smile, "Grandpa Li, I really can't accept this. After all, I haven't done much."

"Young Master Jee, you're a man of great learning. These items may not be much, but they represent my gratitude. Please don't look down on them," Grandpa Li insisted, pushing the basket into Jee Faang's hands.

With no other choice, Jee Faang accepted the gift.

"Do you need any more seeds, Young Master Jee?" Grandpa Li offered.

Jee Faang gestured dismissively, "No, thank you. My garden is a bit unpredictable. Seeds I plant seem to sprout one day and vanish the next."

"Grandpa Li, I'm off to buy some more crabs," Jee Faang said, bidding farewell to Grandpa Li and Kangkang before heading to the nearby crab vendor.

"Young Master Jee, you've come to the right place for crabs. I gather them from Penghu Bay by Soong City Market every evening," the vendor said with enthusiasm.

"Even the prominent families from Soong City Market buy crabs from me."

"Are they really that good?" Jee Faang asked, somewhat incredulous.

"Don't believe me? Just yesterday morning, the son of the great marshal bought all my crabs after hearing that Miss Lo is fond of them. He had me deliver them straight to the Luo residence."

The son of the great marshal?

Jee Faang stroked his chin thoughtfully. Lo Yingying certainly didn't waste any time.

Although it wasn't perfect, it certainly gave a boost to the economy of Soong City.