Chapter 21

Listening to Li Qi's words, Wu Furong thought they were nothing more than a dreamer's talk. Earning a thousand strings of cash in fifteen days—such a feat had never been achieved, even during the most prosperous times of Zui Xian Ju. Moreover, Zui Xian Ju's reputation was now in tatters. Even if you had the greatest talent, it would be hard to achieve such a meteoric rise. Of course, for places like Fan Lou and Feicui Xuan, which raked in gold every day, this would be nothing.

"Little brother, aren't you being a bit too boastful?" Wu Furong asked skeptically.

What boast? You just want to say I'm lying. Li Qi smiled confidently and said, "Uncle Wu, you don't know. This is just a conservative estimate. If I told you the number in my mind, you might kick me out."

Conservative estimate? Wu Furong could feel his heart rate reaching its limit. His eyes wide open, he asked, "Then what is your estimate?"

"I can't say that yet. You'll know when the time comes," Li Qi said with a profound smile.

Whether Li Qi was lying or not, as long as he could really earn a thousand strings of cash in fifteen days, Wu Furong would be satisfied.

Mrs. Qin asked, "So, how do you plan to do it?"

Li Qi smiled apologetically and said, "I'm sorry, Madam, but I can't say that yet."

Mrs. Qin frowned, and the number of times she had frowned today was more than in the past month. It was clear how much trouble—or rather, surprise—Li Qi had brought her.

This kid is really frustrating. He's got us all worked up, but now he won't say anything. Wu Furong said anxiously, "Little brother, there's no one else here. What can't you say? If you don't say anything, how can Madam trust you?"

"That's true. This isn't a small matter. If you don't say, how can I easily agree?" Mrs. Qin nodded.

Damn! You two are misunderstanding. I want to work with you, not beg for your help. If I reveal all my plans and you kick me out later, who will I cry to? I've seen people who are good at business, but I've never seen anyone as good as you.

Li Qi put on a disappointed look and bowed to Mrs. Qin, saying, "If that's the case, consider what I said as nothing. I'm sorry for disturbing you. I'll take my leave." He then bowed to Wu Furong and turned to walk towards the door.

Just a moment ago, everything was going well, but now Li Qi is leaving. This change is too sudden. Wu Furong and Mrs. Qin were both stunned.

1!

2!

3...2:30.

"Little brother, hold on." Just as Li Qi was about to reach the door, Wu Furong suddenly shouted.

Damn! Why didn't you speak earlier? You scared the life out of me. Li Qi felt a huge relief, but his face remained calm. He turned and asked, "Uncle Wu, is there something else?"

Wu Furong smiled awkwardly and said, "Little brother, Madam and I were just curious. If you don't want to say, there must be a reason. Everything can be negotiated. Business shouldn't be done with hot-headedness."

If I don't act hot-headed, we'll never reach an agreement. Li Qi glanced at Mrs. Qin, who had rosy cheeks, almost dripping with charm. He sighed, "Alright, alright. Since you look like a fairy, I won't make it hard for you. Let's come back. In business, trust is key. If you don't trust me, we might as well not do this deal to avoid any bad feelings. But I won't forget your kindness."

Wu Furong's face turned red, and he nodded, "You're right. I was too hasty."

"Actually, I was also at fault," Li Qi smiled awkwardly and then said to Mrs. Qin, "It's natural for you not to trust me. Anyone would be cautious when doing business with a stranger for the first time. If I did anything inappropriate, please bear with me."

These words gave Mrs. Qin enough face. In fact, Li Qi's conditions were exactly what she wanted. Zui Xian Ju was the Qin family's ancestral business, and she didn't want to see it fail. She had already given up hope, but Li Qi's appearance gave her a glimmer of hope. Moreover, fifteen days wasn't long. If Li Qi couldn't come up with a thousand strings of cash, she could always make other plans. Since it didn't cost her anything, and Zui Xian Ju was just sitting there, she was in a position of strength. She quickly agreed, "Alright, if you can come up with a thousand strings of cash in fifteen days, I'll agree to sell you half the...?"

Li Qi held back a smile and said, "Madam, it's shares."

Mrs. Qin, blushing, nodded, "Half the shares of Zui Xian Ju."

Li Qi raised his hand and smiled, "Madam, words are not enough. I think we should write down the terms, including the repayment date and amount, as well as our conditions. If you're still not comfortable, we can specify that this agreement only takes effect if I can come up with a thousand strings of cash in fifteen days, otherwise it's null and void. Of course, I'm not doubting your integrity, but having this agreement will make things clearer and more organized, which is beneficial for both of us."

This kid, saying all this, is just not trusting me, afraid I'll back out, but he's putting it so formally. Mrs. Qin, though not a businesswoman, wasn't stupid. She understood Li Qi's concerns but was surprised by him. He was young, but his words were flawless, and he had a head full of ingenious ideas, making it impossible to argue. She sighed, "What you say makes sense."

Seeing Mrs. Qin was moved, Li Qi pressed on, "And—"

But before he could finish, Mrs. Qin interrupted, raising her eyebrows, "And?"

Li Qi chuckled, "Yes, besides the installment payment, I have a few more requests."

"You have more requests?" Mrs. Qin said unhappily.

Sweat! What kind of talk is this? We're partners, and I can't even make requests? Even if I worked for you, I have the right to request my salary. But Mrs. Qin's tone made Li Qi feel like he was doing her a disservice. He smiled awkwardly, "Yes, a few small requests."

This kid is really annoying. Mrs. Qin frowned, "Go on, let's hear them."

Li Qi said seriously, "First, I need to have the highest decision-making authority at Zui Xian Ju, meaning all matters, big or small, must follow my arrangements. Second, today's matter must be kept confidential, and no one else can know. In other words, on the surface, you will still be the sole owner of Zui Xian Ju, and I will just be a cook. Lastly, you must personally manage the business of Zui Xian Ju and not delegate everything to Uncle Wu or me as before."

Mrs. Qin listened, her eyebrows furrowed, showing some concern. After some thought, she said, "The first two points are fine, but—this last point, I think Uncle Wu can represent me."

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Thank you, mr灬Su Mo, for your support. This is a good start.

{Piao Tian Literature}