The two women treated Hou Niao as one of their own, conversing with great openness. Naturally, Hou Niao was ready to reciprocate,
"Seeking Geng Ore? There's no need to rush; just wait a bit longer, and there will be changes in Zhongqing City. I can't promise anything for others, but leave the volume of goods you need to me—I guarantee you'll be satisfied."
He didn't reveal his identity as it wasn't necessary; he had yet to make a final decision on how to handle all the troubles in Pingliang State, but it would come soon.
Lan Ting hesitated slightly but still pleaded, "Brother, I heard that the Zhongqing Chamber of Commerce will sell their Geng Ore stock in a few days. I wonder if you could ask the relevant people to allocate a share for us? We don't ask for much, but the urgency from Three Rivers Prefecture…if the delay is too long…"
