Proofreader: Papatonks
Now past that tiny inconvenience, Zhuo Fan no longer gave the two icicles and the unconscious second young master any thought, walking into the main hall of the building.
The first step into the reception hall was t with an explosion of wealth, blinding the eyes from the gaudy and glittering gems and stained glass decorating it. The columns supporting the high ceiling were even more outrageous, so made from the rarest ores and gems handpicked from the South Mountains, while others ca in the form of rare beasts from the North Sea, like the flood dragon.
The raw and thick vibe of wealth coming off this hall slamd into Zhuo Fan
As for the strange, average guy waltzing in, just having entered this place proved he ant business. An aged man stepped closer to ask with a deep bow, “Ha-ha-ha, sir, with what may we help you today?”
“Let’s talk business.”
Sensing he had a Soul Harmony Stage cultivation yet showing no reaction to a Radiant Stage cultivator like himself, Zhuo Fan had to reassess the Serene Shores Trading just how ingrained business was to them.
The old man smiled, “Right this way, sir. We have strict confidentiality rules here and all talks are done in private rooms. Once we arrive at sir’s room, a specialized receptionist will attend to you. Of course, as I’m your current receptionist, the content of our talks and their result shall only be kept between us two and my imdiate superior. This is the reputation our company prides itself with. So please, rest assured sir!”
Zhuo Fan nodded.
[Serene Shores Trading values secrecy so much, going as far as minimizing the flow of information to prevent a leak while taking its reputation as a guarantee. This is how they managed to deal with both good and bad people, gaining the trust of all the lands. Its policy vows the company as being completely safe in business, taking no side and spying on no one.]
Its neutrality was thus assured, with no parties being offended, while neither receiving any special treatnt either. But this business plan shows its genius by allowing them to get in touch with all factions.
It is the law of nature for everyone to have sothing needing taking care of hidden from the eyes of all. Serene Shores Trading’s neutrality allowed it to swim freely among these dealings, with no repercussions.
Once into a fine and classy room, Zhuo Fan got into a sculpted lavish chair, one leg over the other.
The old man was calmly closing the door then made a sign to seal sounds in this room by erecting a barrier.
Now the old man turned to Zhuo Fan and smiled, “Sir, we can now begin.”
“They’re right about Serene Shores Trading, serving any custor with utmost attention to detail.”
“You’re too kind, sir. This is our job, ha-ha-ha.”
“While your people skills are pristine, I can’t help but wonder if your power is just as great, able to ease my worries.” A rare praise ca from Zhuo Fan, one followed by a taunting eyebrow and switch of topics.
The old man smiled, “Sir, it’s plain to see to all the five lands just how strong we are. Regardless of the request and its outco, we are confident enough we can do it. If by so absurdity we can’t, then no one else in the world can, ha-ha-ha…”
The old man sounded humble, but anyone could sense the pride and confidence in his tone, in the Serene Shores Trading’s power.
“Ha-ha-ha, I can only hope.”
Zhuo Fan didn’t pursue it and went to business, “I would like to use the company’s five land teleportation array, your comrcial line. Will this be acceptable?”
[What?]
The old man winced, his strolling air changed to one of shock, “You want to use our comrcial line?”
“I can’t?”
“No no no, that’s not the issue here. But…”
The old man was put on the spot, “It’s not just our company that controls it, but also the city lord. We can’t use it as we wish. I’m afraid I can’t complete your request. Please allow to call my superior, sir. I’ll be only gone for a mont…”
The old man made a gesture and the barrier was down so he could leave.
Zhuo Fan knew using the comrcial line wasn’t going to be easy, yet was content in waiting having long ago made a plan for it.
It hardly took much ti for the door to open again and the sa old man arrived, along with another in his twenties of the sa cultivation. Zhuo Fan reckoned his true age to be close to a hundred.
The old man resealed the room and made the introductions to Zhuo Fan, “Sir, here is our company’s eldest young master, Wu Ranze, and my imdiate superior. It’s best if you talk with eldest young master about your business.”
“Hello, sir, I’ve been told you wish to use our comrcial line.”
Wu Ranze bowed lightly, despite being a successor like that second young master, he showed only courtesy, like the whole of Serene Shores Trading did with all their custors, even if so were weak Radiant Stage cultivators or still unaware just how big of a deal they were here for.
Zhuo Fan squinted.
[So he’s the eldest young master. Word has it that he’s sharp and able, the Clan Head’s right-hand man. Looking at him now, he does follow the company’s rules.]
That wasn’t enough to remove all of his skepticism, however, finding sothing a bit off about him…
Unable to clear his doubts at the ti being, Zhuo Fan just nodded, “Yes, that is why I’m here.”
“I see, ha-ha-ha…”
Wu Ranze was blunt, “Sir, while the comrcial line is sothing Serene Shores Trading set up, it is under Goldbough City lord’s control. You need both approvals to use it. Each instance requiring its use also needs to be submitted a day in advance, along with the items carried, quantity, destination and so on. I’m sorry to say, but today’s report has already been given. Using it for our own selfish needs will incur the empire’s wrath. I’m sorry, but this is sothing we cannot do.”
Zhuo Fan mocked, watching his fake business smile, “So you’re saying a company as huge as yours needs to make reports each ti?”
“Yes, this is a handicap, but no matter how big we are, we can’t go against the empire. Please forgive us.”
“So I just need the city lord’s approval and I can use the comrcial line, right?”
“Of course. All that’s required is the city lord’s approval and with a big enough deal, making it worth using it, the comrcial line will be available to you. As for what you wish to carry, be it contraband or even people, we’ll do it regardless, with none catching wind of this. I stake my company’s na on it!”
“Quite a good na too, ha-ha-ha…”
Zhuo Fan gave a smirk and his eyes glinted while fuming inside.
Before even coming to Goldbough City, he knew Baili Jingyu was useless, ignoring his duty most of the ti. At best, he’d go to the company to get so crumbs. There was no way a company as big as theirs would let so moron control it.
They made sure ages ago to fill the fool’s appetite. That was the extent of their collaboration.
Na dropping in this case was only used to jack up the price, to rip him off.
[I bet that even if I do go to him for approval, you’re going to work behind my back so he’ll make it harder on , then split the profits later.]
Zhuo Fan had seen this tactic done plenty of tis before. Sure, the Serene Shores Trading cared naught who ca knocking their door since they made sure to fleece them.
[Business and treachery go hand in hand.]
The bigger the deal, the shrewder the tactic. The dignified presentation proved it…
“Eldest young master sure is wise and able.”
Zhuo Fan’s eyes flashed in thought. Wu Ranze wore the sa flat smile, not betraying any thoughts he might have about his praise, “Thank you.”
“Then let’s talk business. I wonder if your company can smooth it over with the city lord, with a big enough business that is.”
“Ha-ha-ha, that counts as a second deal.” Wu Ranze bead.
Zhuo Fan chuckled, “Yes, eldest young master is a shrewd businessman, ha-ha-ha…”
“It’s the company’s rule, sir, nothing more. We can’t do business without capital and the city lord needs to be on the take as well.”
Wu Ranze’s gaze was fixed on Zhuo Fan, “But sir, what is the deal anyway?”
“A large one, the biggest one your company had in millennia, he-he-he…” Zhuo Fan gave a crooked smile…
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