Chapter 109: Why Not Take a Look First (Second Update—Please Vote)

“So, Brother Zheng came to me because of this matter...”

Upon hearing this, Li Yi sighed deeply with a touch of melancholy, then shook his head, his expression turning bitter and troubled, clearly finding the situation difficult.

However, Li Yi did not rush to speak or answer. Instead, he slowly lifted the teacup on the table and took a gentle sip.

Seeing this, Zheng An immediately lost his composure, his heart burning with anxiety.

As the heir of the Zheng family, long engaged in the imperial merchant trade of the Tang Dynasty, Zheng An was naturally adept at reading people.

From Li Yi’s faintly bitter expression, he sensed something was amiss.

Leaning slightly forward, his eyes fixed on Li Yi, he cautiously asked, “Is there some difficulty you find hard to speak of, Young Master? Perhaps you could tell me, and I might help analyze the situation.”

“Maybe... I can help you bear some of the burden?”

Zheng An knew he was seeking a favor from Li Yi, so he lowered his tone considerably.

Moreover, Li Yi was the son of the Minister of Personnel!

Watching Li Yi’s troubled and hesitant look, Zheng An guessed he might be trying to raise the stakes to gain greater benefits.

But even before coming to the Li residence, Zheng An had anticipated this.

Therefore, he believed that as long as the situation hadn’t reached an irreconcilable point, there was still room for negotiation.

Witnessing the booming business of the Drunken Immortal Restaurant, as a businessman, it was impossible for him not to feel a tinge of envy or jealousy.

Merchants are, after all, driven solely by profit.

Thus, Zheng An was determined to negotiate a deal with Li Yi.

“Brother Zheng,” Li Yi slowly set down his teacup, glanced at him, and shook his head. “This matter... I’m afraid you’re a bit late. I’ve already signed an agreement with someone else.”

“Signed?” Zheng An was momentarily stunned, his brows furrowing as a sudden wave of disappointment washed over him.

Yet he was unwilling to give up so easily.

After pondering for a moment, Zheng An guessed that aside from Manager Xu of the Drunken Immortal, there could be no other party who had made such an agreement with Li Yi.

So he asked, “Young Master, may I ask if it is Manager Xu of the Drunken Immortal?”

“That’s right.” Li Yi nodded slightly.

---

Hearing Li Yi’s confirmation, Zheng An felt a spark of confidence. Taking a deep breath, he hesitated briefly before saying, “Young Master, I can offer you a profit margin higher than Manager Xu’s!”

Li Yi glanced at him and smiled, “Brother Zheng, are you sure you want to make a losing deal?”

“Absolutely!” Zheng An nodded earnestly without hesitation, his expression grave.

Li Yi couldn’t help but chuckle silently and said nothing further.

Even Yue’er, standing behind Li Yi, stifled a giggle at Zheng An’s words.

But Zheng An, puzzled by their reaction, could not understand what was so amusing.

“Why are you laughing, Young Master?” he asked with furrowed brows, genuinely confused.

Clearing his throat twice, Li Yi shook his head and looked at the now regretful Zheng An. “Brother Zheng, Manager Xu only takes a ten percent profit margin. Are you sure the price you offer is higher than that?”

“Uh...” Zheng An was momentarily speechless, unable to find a reply.

Offering less than ten percent profit meant... essentially no profit at all.

“How could Manager Xu possibly do business on such terms?” Zheng An couldn’t comprehend.

But then, recalling the bustling success of the Drunken Immortal, he quickly understood why Manager Xu had compromised.

Although a ten percent profit seemed paltry, it was a strategic move to boost the restaurant’s other businesses.

By any calculation, it was a guaranteed profitable venture.

However, from the perspective of the Zheng family, the imperial merchants of Tang, the price Li Yi proposed was simply unacceptable to Zheng An.

He realized this negotiation was likely a dead end, yet maintaining a good relationship with Li Yi was still the wise choice.

“Ha ha!” Zheng An laughed twice to break the tension. “Young Master, I dare not take on this deal, but as the saying goes, ‘Even if business fails, friendship remains.’”

“If you have any good deals in the future, please do let me know. I can surely offer you better prices, more suitable terms, and greater security than others!”

Zheng An spoke earnestly, his tone solemn and sincere, not joking in the slightest.

Li Yi smiled faintly, clearly understanding Zheng An’s meaning.

After all, as a Tang official himself, openly conducting business could invite disdain from other officials.

---

But with a powerful imperial merchant like Zheng An involved, these tricky issues would vanish.

Zheng An could lend his strength to easily resolve Li Yi’s concerns.

Moreover, Li Yi was not afraid that Zheng An would dare to cheat him.

Seeing the advantages, Li Yi thought that the Zheng family, protected by their merchant status and official rank, would indeed be a valuable business partner.

Noticing Zheng An showed no signs of leaving, Li Yi smiled mysteriously and raised an eyebrow.

“Brother Zheng, I happen to have a business opportunity now. I wonder if you have the courage for it?”

Instantly, Zheng An’s interest piqued, his brows rising involuntarily.

“Rest assured, Young Master, I can speak for the Zheng family, and my word counts!” Zheng An nodded earnestly. “Please do tell me!”

Since Li Yi had spoken, he did not want to miss this excellent opportunity. Without hesitation, Zheng An intended to settle the matter with him.

Having learned from past ventures like the Orleans Package and Wuliangye, Zheng An trusted that cooperating with Li Yi would be profitable.

Seeing Zheng An’s frank response, Li Yi smiled, glanced at Yue’er behind him, and nodded in agreement.

“Yue’er, please fetch the items for Brother Zheng to see.”

“Yes, Young Master.” Yue’er smiled gracefully and promptly turned to leave.

Soon she returned, carrying a basin of water and a piece of clothing, causing Zheng An to stare in astonishment.

Even the “Green-hat” steward behind him had no clue what this meant.

“Young Master, what... what does this mean?” Zheng An frowned in curiosity, completely baffled by Li Yi’s intentions.

A basin of water and a dirty garment—how could this possibly relate to any business?

Zheng An felt his knowledge was insufficient to grasp the situation.

Li Yi smiled mysteriously, signaling Yue’er with his eyes, then calmly said, “Brother Zheng, take a look first, and you will understand.”

“Alright...” Zheng An nodded reluctantly, his gaze settling on the basin in Yue’er’s hands.

(End of chapter)