Chapter 36. Do you accept?
"Ten pouches, ten embroidered handkerchiefs along with sixty cord knots, Lady Qi, check if the numbers are correct," said Shopkeeper Zou as he spread the items on the counter.
"They’re correct, they’re correct. Would I not trust Shopkeeper Zou?" Qi Shi smiled.
Then there was a crackling sound, and Shopkeeper Zou took out a handful of copper coins.
"Each pouch is five coins, totaling fifty coins. Each embroidered handkerchief is six coins, totaling sixty coins. Each cord knot is one coin, totaling sixty coins. Altogether, that’s one hundred seventy coins. Lady Qi, is my calculation correct?"
As Shopkeeper Zou spoke, he counted with an abacus while also allowing others time to calculate.
Jin’er noticed there was no sign of impatience. The first impression of this person seemed good.
The amounts were clear and not difficult to calculate. Lady Qi pondered for a moment and then nodded, confident in saying, "No need to calculate, no need to calculate, Shopkeeper Zou’s count is naturally correct. Who doesn’t know that Shopkeeper Zou is a kind-hearted, honest person?"
Though aware those were just flattering words, who doesn’t like to hear good things? Shopkeeper Zou was no exception.
"Lady Qi, you know how to speak; I truly enjoy hearing that," he said with a laugh, then handed the counted copper coins to Lady Qi at the counter.
"Here you are, that’s one hundred seventy coins."