n

n

n

"Sis, don't exaggerate. I know that you're just comforting me. It's the same every year and I don't want to participate anymore. I want to act, but Dad doesn't agree because he thinks that it isn't proper work. Last year I attended the Pharmacy Competition and I received the participation award. Do you know what that was? It was a towel. Grandma scolded me so badly when I got home, she said that I was retarded. I don't want to participate anymore,

" Lan Yanran said with a tortured expression. Lan Anran was heartbroken.

nShe caressed Lan Yanran's small head and remembered that in her past life, her brother had sold himself to an old and ugly rich woman for her sake. It was to help her raise money and in the end, he died by the woman's hand.

nLan Anran could help tearing up at the thought. She turned her head to wipe the tears and smiled.

n

"Don't worry, after the Pharmacy Competition, I'll tell Dad not to force you to stay in medical school. I will help you get transferred to the Performing Arts Department.

"

n

"Really?

"

nLan Yanran's eyes lit up and were instantly energized.

n

"When have I lied to you?

"

nLan Anran smiled sincerely.

n

"Sis, you really are the best sister in the world!

"

nLan Yanran put down his utensils and hugged her happily.

n

"Alright, let's eat!

"

nLan Anran smiled.

nLan Yanran held his utensils happily. He never knew a meal at home could be this fragrant!

n...

nAfter the meal, Yanran went to sleep obediently while Lan Anran kept looking at her watch.

nThe black market was far from the house, so she would have to leave early. In order to ensure her family didn't notice anything, she would only leave after her father returned home.

nAt 12am, Lan Anran set off.

nNight enveloped Rong City and a black figure shuttled through the lonely streets.

nThe black market was located on the outskirts of Rong City. It was only open on Saturday and it sold a dazzling array of things that were prohibited, hence why it was called the Ghost City.

nThe rule of the Ghost City was to leave after the transaction. Usually, the people who purchased things wouldn't ask about the origins of the products. The deal would proceed as long as there was money. There weren't any police or anyone managing the city, and the things sold were all rarely seen on the market. Prices increased when supply was low, so the prices in Ghost City were usually very high.

nLan Anran wore night clothes and a cap, walking along the path to the vicinity of the Ghost City, where a group of people were waiting for Lan Anran.

n

"How is it? Is the information accurate?

" Lan Anran asked first.

n

"Don't worry, this was insider news. The buyer is Old Ghost and there isn't anything he doesn't know. He has never failed us,

" a burly man reassured her.

n

"Mmh, let's go!

"

nLan Anran took the lead and walked into the room.

nThere were many people in the Ghost City today. All of them were masked, not willing to let others see their real appearance.

nLan Anran and a group of people went straight to a small hut that was lit only by candles. There was an old man in the hut. His bread was white, he wore a hat, and his skin was yellow under the candlelight.

n

"Young lady, you want news about fennel?

" the old man asked in a deep voice.

n

"Mmh, I need some,

" Lan Anran answered.

n

"Everyone that comes here needs it. You know the rules?

"

nThe old man stretched out his hand.

nLan Anran naturally understood. She took out a bag with a wad of cash and offered it all with a smile.

n

"Can you tell me now?

"

nThe old man looked at the heavy bag of cash and smiled brightly, showing a mouth full of yellow teeth.

n

"Fennel is a rare thing, it's said to cure all diseases. There has only been one or two sightings of it in the past few decades. Recently, there was a bundle of fennel growing in the Liu Xiang Pavilion, but it is going to be auctioned and will go to the highest bidder. You can take a look.

"

nThe old man took the wad of cash and counted it unhurriedly.

nHe was the king of information. This auction was almost completely secret, as everyone wanted to get their hands on the fennel. Hence, the information was suppressed.

n

"Got it, thank you!

"

nLan Anran turned to leave.

nThe old man called out,

"Find me the next time you need something!

"

nLan Anran ignored him and left the room.

n

"Boss, is the auction going to be costly?

" the man asked.

n

"Money isn't a problem, just get me an invitation card,

" Lan Anran said coldly.

n

"Why don't you let someone here make one?

" the skinny man asked.

n

"The people here only recognize money and we can't make something that looks authentic. It would be troublesome if I were exposed. Besides, I don't have any more money, that blood-sucking old man!

"

nLan Anran looked at her watch. Time was running out and it would be dawn by the time she returned.

n

"Let's split up here. Remember to get me a real invitation card. I'll add on chicken drumsticks when I'm back!

"

nWith that, she disappeared into the darkness.

n

"Boss is really quick and resolute!

" The skinny man sighed.

n