Richest Man: Divine-Grade Reconstruct System Chapter 1354 - 1189: Withdrawing Money (2)

~4 minute read · 924 words

Previously on Richest Man: Divine-Grade Reconstruct System...

A fat man attempts to buy a house from a young man, intending to acquire the surrounding properties as well. The young man, eager for money, agrees to sell but hesitates when presented with the contract because he cannot read. The fat man is annoyed by this unexpected obstacle.

"I can’t even write my own name, so how can I sign?"

Upon hearing this, the fat man was momentarily stunned, then shook his head with a helpless smile, realizing he had overthought it.

It wasn’t that the young man was unwilling to sell or hesitant to sell to him; rather, the boy couldn’t read or write.

In other words, the young man couldn’t recognize his own name nor write it, which meant he couldn’t read what was written on the deed, nor sign his name on it, highlighting their lack of education.

This left the fat man momentarily at a loss for words, but he quickly came to terms with it, as it was common.

Nowadays, literate citizens were exceedingly rare, not just among common folk; even the aristocratic families had many who were illiterate.

Because of this, upon hearing those words, the fat man resignedly shook his head, acknowledging he had overestimated the young man, for his status was merely that of a poor commoner.

But the issue needed resolving promptly, and he quickly thought of a solution; if the young man couldn’t read, they could use a handprint instead.

Despite lacking sophisticated means to identify fingerprints, this had become a routine practice.

Signing and sealing, if the hand’s general outline matched, the document was deemed valid and the agreement acknowledged.

No one would closely examine the fingerprints.

Technological limitations meant discerning fingerprints or palm patterns was unrealistic; only size and hand shape resemblance could be used as standards.

Without equipment, judgments were made by eye.

This practice was recognized by the Government, indicating that even they accepted handprint seals for those who couldn’t read, and most citizens opted for this route.

Consequently, upon the fat man’s suggestion, the young man awkwardly reached out, dipped his hand in ink, and pressed his handprint on the deed with a smack.

Although he couldn’t read the writing or understand its meaning, it didn’t matter to him, as long as he could collect the silver.

And so, he eagerly pressed his hand, signifying the transaction was nearly complete.

The fat man, upon seeing the handprint, reached for the Scroll, dried the ink, carefully rolled it up, placed it back in his pocket, and nodded with satisfaction.

However, the young man beside him frowned and impatiently asked the fat man:

"Sir, you’ve seen the house, I’ve pressed my handprint, so shouldn’t you give me the silver now?"

His concern wasn’t unfounded; the house was rightfully his, and if he sealed it without receiving the silver, it would be very unfair to him.

Regret momentarily seized him for acting so rashly, but the deed couldn’t be undone.

Thus, he anxiously pleaded for the remaining silver.

But the fat man waved his hand helplessly and replied:

"Brother, your anxiety is quite apparent. It’s not just three thousand taels; even three hundred is too much for me to carry on my person.

If I carried such silver, not only would it hinder my movement, it would surely attract ill intent.

I might be robbed before taking a few steps."

This wasn’t exaggerated; it was a real concern, given the current state of affairs.

Even in Capital City, despite its supernatural stability, robberies would still occur; anyone in lavish robes became a target unless guarded by escorts.

Upon hearing this, the young man sighed helplessly, then urgently asked:

"How, then, will you give me the three thousand taels, Brother?

I’ve handed you the house, and if you don’t give me the silver, I’ll be very anxious. Please don’t mind my urgency; my family awaits to buy rice with it."

This last plea carried a hint of desperation; initially, the fat man sought to purchase the house, and now the homeowner implored him for payment.

Listening to this, the fat man didn’t dawdle and quickly assured:

"Rest assured, I always keep my word. If you need silver urgently, I’ll arrange for it to be delivered now.

But consider carefully; three thousand taels is a substantial sum, a mound of silver.

If it’s not handled discreetly, you’ll attract unwanted attention; so it’s prudent to gather trustworthy help first."

The fat man spoke with experience, knowing that if he handed it all to the young man and the man foolishly stored it all in one place or carried it, he could easily fall prey to ill-intentioned individuals.

And hearing this, the young man nodded in agreement:

"How about this? I’ll accompany you, Brother, to retrieve the money.

No need to worry about where I’ll store it, just hand it over."

The young man considered seeking additional help but didn’t want more people knowing about the lucrative house sale.

He didn’t want them aware of his newfound wealth.

Though keeping it secret was impossible now.

The earlier scene had drawn everyone’s attention.

The locals immediately recognized the young man.

Meanwhile, wealthy observers monitored the developments.

Thus, the formerly inconspicuous man had become the subject of envy.

In addition to envious individuals, some harbored malicious intent.

Knowing he hailed from the area, they set up surveillance at exits.