Chapter 113 – Exchanging Gifts
Inside the VIP lounge, Leo and Jessica were facing the CEO. Plenty of food and various beverages lay on the table in front of them.
"First of all, it's an honor to be invited to a private discussion like this. I am nothing but a small merchant who got lucky." Leo said, his voice calm and polite.
"Hahaha, you're too modest. The Crystal Ring and the Raging Tiger's martial art method, I believe, are not something a small merchant could easily acquire. You must've hidden yourself quite well under the guise of other groups. Or... You have quite a large backing that not even I could imagine."
Ming Yuchan said, his voice deep and calculating.
The way he spoke showed that he wasn't just a rich merchant, but a shrewd man who knew how to handle his business. He also knew the way the world worked and was sure about himself.
His words were not empty. It carried his confidence and experience in this field.
"Hahaha, will you believe it if I say my father funded all my business?" Leo replied, his tone playful and light.
"Hmm, perhaps. But, your actions today show that you're not someone to be taken lightly." Ming Yuchan sipped his tea and smiled. "You're clearly someone experienced with relationships, especially with high ranking people. That is no easy feat, especially when you're a newcomer."
Lying against someone as experienced as Ming Yuchan would be useless. His eyes could see through anything, and his ears could hear any falsehood.
However, there was no need to admit it. Especially since the other party didn't really care that much either.
"I am not trying to dig into your past or anything. I'm just here to have a chat and a good meal." Ming Yuchan sighed, his tone light and relaxed. "Your actions have piqued my interest. Let's just say that I want to have a mutual relationship with you. Maybe we can trade or form a connection. That's all."
"Hmm, what would Four Wind Merchant get from a small merchant like me? Hahaha, Yang Trading just started operating a few weeks ago. We were just lucky to hit it big with our first auction item. It's not like we have anything else that would interest you."
"Well, I'd like to think that we can help each other out. Like, if you need some information or connections, I can provide them. And maybe... You know a little bit of information that I want to know too."
Both smiled to each other, understanding the underlying meaning behind his words.
"I don't mind. As long as we can benefit from each other, then why not?" Leo nodded.
"That's the spirit. Now, let's have a drink and enjoy the night."
Saying that, the CEO took a cup and poured himself a drink.
"Please excuse me." Leo bowed his head slightly and sipped his own drink.
As they enjoyed the alcohol and the view, a servant approached and put a scroll down before leaving with a bow. Leo looked at it curiously.
"This is..."
"It's a reward. For you. You earned it with your gift. And, we want to show our good will too. Just take it. Consider it a gift from me and my group." Ming Yuchan pushed the scroll toward him. "Feel free to open it."
Taking the scroll, Leo did as he was told. He unruffled the scroll and began to read it.
And, as he did, his eyes widened with shock.
'A drawing. And… how? How did he find out about this?'
What was in front of him was a drawing, a very well-made drawing.
However, it wasn't just a normal drawing. Leo had to take his eyes off the scroll and handed it to Jessica. The secretary frowned a second and they looked at Ming Yuchan.
"Wu Jian told me you are searching for unusual clothes." The Four Wind Merchant's owner spoke as he noticed their prying gazes. "The location of the person in the drawing is written below. You can find him in a village not far from here. If you want, you can hire a carriage to take you there."
"Thank you."
'I underestimated him a little bit.'
Leo thought as he put the scroll into his storage ring.
'Ming Yuchan is a scary man. We definitely need to keep a good relationship with him.'
Thinking that, he took out something he prepared beforehand and put it on the table. It was a simple flintlock gun with an eastern design.
"Master Yang, what's this?"
Curious, Ming Yuchan stroked his chin and observed the item.
"It's a weapon." Leo answered with a smile, "Please always bring it with you. If you pull this part, something that can even kill a 6 Stars martial artist will shoot out. Of course, they will only die if you hit them straight on the head, so, please be careful."
"My goodness, a weapon that can kill 6 Stars? How is this possible?"
"It's not easy to make, but I was able to secure one for you. And it only has one use and won't work anymore if you try to take it apart. It's a prototype of our producer, and the real one is still being made with lower power. It might go to market soon."
Leo explained, and Ming Yuchan looked at him with a surprised face. This was the first time he showed something resembling emotion since they first met at the auction floor.
"You are truly something else, Master Yang. Allow me to revise my view on you."
"Hehe, thank you." Leo laughed and shook his head. "To be honest, I wasn't planning to sell this one. But just think of this as my goodwill for giving me valuable information."
"Hahaha, there is no need. We ought to help each other, no?"
"Hahaha, you're right."
The two guys inside the room laughed.
While the two men were having a drink, Leo and Jessica had left first to attend the banquet. She planned to create more connections here.
Knowing that, Ming Yuchan didn't mind that she leave first and even had two guards protect her while showing off that she was a very important guest welcomed by the Four Wind Merchant.
And so, the banquet continued.