Chapter 284 - 285: Iron Wire Grass

Chapter 284: Chapter 285: Iron Wire Grass

Manager Zhang stood there, looking at Li Yang in astonishment.

’Iron-wire grass... that stuff’s a real rarity.’

"What do you want iron-wire grass for?" Manager Zhang asked.

Li Yang rejoiced inwardly. ’So he does know about iron-wire grass. Looks like this herb company really knows its stuff.’

"A friend of mine is sick and needs iron-wire grass for their treatment. It’s not a common herb, but since you’re in this business, I thought you might have some."

Seeing Li Yang’s sincere reply, Manager Zhang nodded. "Iron-wire grass is indeed very hard to come by. It’s a pity, but even though we’re in this line of work... we don’t have any either."

Li Yang was disappointed. He gave a bitter smile and said, "You don’t have any? Could you try to help me find some? My friend really needs this herb for their illness. Without it... they might not have much longer to live."

Manager Zhang looked troubled.

An idea struck Li Yang.

"Manager Zhang, I imagine your company has a great need for wild ginseng like this, correct?" Li Yang asked again. "If you can get me some iron-wire grass, I can promise you... I’ll do my best to get you more wild ginseng. In fact, I can guarantee at least ten more stalks just like this one."

"What did you say?" Manager Zhang suddenly grew excited. "You’re saying you have ten more stalks of wild ginseng like this one?"

Li Yang smiled faintly. "That depends on whether you can help me with the iron-wire grass. Otherwise... I won’t have a single stalk to offer."

In the herb trade, wild ginseng was hard currency.

And while iron-wire grass was also rare, it was a completely different matter from wild ginseng.

Wild ginseng had much broader medicinal applications and could be used in most cases, but iron-wire grass was only effective for a small number of specific illnesses.

From that perspective, the market value of iron-wire grass was far lower than that of wild ginseng.

However... Manager Zhang hesitated for a moment before saying, "You know, iron-wire grass... it’s very scarce, and it’s almost all been bought out. We do manage to acquire it from time to time, but there’s a particular party that’s constantly buying it up. As soon as our company gets any, we sell it to them immediately."

"Huh?" Li Yang was stunned. "So, you’re saying you do get it in stock, but you sell it all to them, right?"

"That’s right!" Manager Zhang nodded, a hint of helplessness in his voice. "Iron-wire grass is only useful for a few specific ailments, and the price they offer isn’t low. We have no reason to refuse the business."

"Do they have a patient in their family who needs this herb on a long-term basis?" Li Yang couldn’t help but ask, his curiosity piqued.

"I don’t think so!" Manager Zhang mused for a moment before continuing, "They never rush us. They just tell us to deliver it whenever we get it in stock. You know how it is with herbs like these—we might acquire a large batch at once, or we might not see any for a very long time. But they never pressure us..."

Li Yang understood. ’If they’re not rushing him, it means they aren’t in a hurry to use it.’

"Hoarding?" Li Yang frowned.

Manager Zhang shrugged and smiled. "That’s their business. It’s not my place to worry about it. Besides, I’m not the one who handles that account, so I’m even less in the know."

’It seems Manager Zhang doesn’t want to discuss this any further.’

Li Yang took the hint and didn’t press further, changing the subject. "Let me just ask you one thing: can you sell me some iron-wire grass?"

Manager Zhang considered the question.

"The source of iron-wire grass isn’t in our region; it’s grown in other provinces. If I were to sell some to you, I’d have to arrange a transfer from another regional manager..." Manager Zhang thought for a moment before adding, "It could be a hassle, and I don’t know if they’d be willing to transfer any to me."

Li Yang laughed. "In that case, I guess I’ll have to sell my other wild ginseng stalks to whichever regional manager has iron-wire grass."

Manager Zhang grew anxious at once. He quickly forced a smile and said, "No need for that. If you really want some, I can try to arrange a transfer. But I can only try, mind you. I can’t guarantee I can actually get my hands on any, since it’s technically already spoken for."

"Alright, I appreciate you even trying," Li Yang said. "Give it a shot first. If it doesn’t work out, we can talk again then."

"Okay!" Manager Zhang nodded. "Let’s exchange contact information so we can talk more later."

Soon, Manager Zhang got in his car and left.

"What happened?" The owner came out, looking worried. "Hey, Boss Li, you two can’t just cut me out and make a deal on your own, can you?"

Li Yang smiled and patted his shoulder. "You’re overthinking it. This has nothing to do with our business—it’s just a small personal matter. Don’t worry, I’ll still bring business your way."

"Oh, good!" The owner breathed a sigh of relief.

After leaving, Li Yang thought for a moment, then immediately headed to the Xue Chu Medicine Restaurant.

When he arrived, Zhao Xuechu looked a little surprised. She greeted him and had someone bring out a medicinal cuisine hot pot.

"Are you busy?" Li Yang asked. "If not, sit down and eat with me."