Chapter 21: The Negotiation

Chapter 21: Negotiation (Second Update, Please Recommend and Bookmark)

To Wu Furong, Li Qi’s words were nothing short of a pipe dream. Earning a thousand guan in fifteen days— even at its prime, the Drunken Immortal Pavilion had never achieved such success. Besides, its reputation had now sunk to an all-time low. No matter how talented one was, soaring to great heights under such circumstances seemed nearly impossible. Of course, for five-star establishments like Fan Tower and Emerald Pavilion, raking in vast sums daily was nothing extraordinary.

“Young man, aren’t you being a bit presumptuous?” Wu Furong asked skeptically.

“Presumptuous?” Li Qi smiled confidently. “Uncle Wu, you don’t realize, this is just a conservative estimate. If I told you the real figure I have in mind, you’d probably chase me out of here.”

“Conservative estimate?” Wu Furong’s heart raced, eyes wide. “Then what’s your actual expectation?”

“That, I can’t say yet. You’ll know in due time,” Li Qi replied with a mysterious smile.

Whether or not Li Qi was bluffing, if he could truly earn a thousand guan in fifteen days, Wu Furong would already be more than satisfied.

Madam Qin inquired, “And how do you plan to do that?”

Li Qi smiled apologetically, “Sorry, madam, I can’t reveal that just yet.”

Madam Qin frowned more times today than she had in the past month—an indication of how much trouble, or rather surprise, Li Qi was causing her.

This young man was truly vexing, teasing both me and madam with tantalizing hints, only to reveal nothing at all now. Wu Furong grew anxious. “Young man, there’s no one else here. Why can’t you tell us? You won’t say this, you won’t say that—how do you expect madam to trust you?”

“Indeed, this is no small matter. If you won’t disclose your plan, how can I agree so lightly?” Madam Qin nodded in agreement.

Damn it! Perhaps you two have the wrong person. I want to cooperate with you, not beg for shelter. If I reveal all my plans and you kick me out afterward, who would I turn to? I’ve met many businesspeople, but none as cunning as you two.

Li Qi feigned disappointment and cupped his fist toward Madam Qin. “If that’s the case, then let’s pretend I said nothing. Sorry to trouble you. I’ll take my leave.” He then bowed to Wu Furong and headed for the door.

Just moments ago, the conversation was going well, but Li Qi's sudden departure was shockingly swift. Wu Furong and Madam Qin were stunned.

“One... two... two-thirty-two.”

“Wait, young man!” Wu Furong suddenly called out as Li Qi reached the door.

Damn! Why didn’t you say that sooner? You nearly gave me a heart attack! Li Qi exhaled deeply, though his face remained calm as he turned back. “Uncle Wu, is there something else?”

Wu Furong smiled awkwardly. “Young man, Madam and I were merely curious. If you don’t want to say, you must have your reasons. Everything is negotiable; business cannot be based on sentiment alone.”

If I didn’t insist, who knows how long this negotiation would drag on? Li Qi glanced at Madam Qin, whose cheeks were flushed, almost radiant. It was truly captivating. Sighing, he relented: “Uncle Wu, business is about trust. If you don’t trust me, then there’s no point in doing this deal—it would only sour our relationship. But business aside, I will never forget the kindness you’ve shown me.”

Wu Furong’s face reddened. “You’re right. I was too hasty.”

“Actually, I’m also at fault,” Li Qi smiled awkwardly, then turned to Madam Qin. “It’s natural not to trust a stranger when discussing business for the first time. Please forgive any improprieties on my part earlier.”

This speech gave Madam Qin ample face. In truth, Li Qi’s earlier terms matched her wishes closely. After all, the Drunken Immortal Pavilion was her family’s legacy, and she did not wish to see it fail. She had been despairing, but Li Qi’s arrival brought a glimmer of hope. Fifteen days wasn’t long. If Li Qi failed to produce a thousand guan by then, she could reconsider. Besides, she wasn’t required to invest any money. Leaving the Drunken Immortal Pavilion idle was no worse than having it in capable hands. She was in a position of strength.

Hastily conceding, she nodded, “Very well. If you can come up with a thousand guan in fifteen days, I’ll agree to sell you half the shares of the Drunken Immortal Pavilion.”

Suppressing a smile, Li Qi corrected gently, “Madam, shares.”

Blushing, Madam Qin nodded. “Half the shares of the Drunken Immortal Pavilion will be sold to you.”

Li Qi raised a hand with a smile. “Madam, words alone are not enough. I’d like us to first draw up a contract stating the repayment date, amount, and our mutual conditions. If you remain uneasy, we can add a clause that this contract only becomes effective if I produce the thousand guan within fifteen days; otherwise, it’s null and void. I trust your integrity, but having this written agreement will ensure clarity and order, benefiting us both.”

This young man, after so many words, was essentially saying he didn’t trust me and feared I might back out, yet he spoke so eloquently—a true sly fox. Though Madam Qin wasn’t experienced in business, she was far from naive. She understood Li Qi’s concerns but was intrigued by his sharp mind. Despite his youth, he spoke flawlessly and held a trove of unusual ideas, leaving no room for rebuttal. She sighed softly, “You make a fair point.”

Seeing Madam Qin’s interest, Li Qi pressed on, “Also—”

But before he could finish, Madam Qin raised an elegant brow, interrupting, “Also?”

Li Qi chuckled. “Yes, besides the installment payments, I have a few more requests.”

“You have more requests?” Madam Qin frowned.

Sweating internally, Li Qi thought: What kind of talk is this? We’re partners; I can’t even state my requests? Even if I worked for you, I’d have the right to ask for my salary. Yet Madam Qin’s tone made him feel apologetic. He smiled sheepishly, “Yes, a few small requests.”

This young man was truly bothersome. Madam Qin frowned, “Go on, I’m listening.”

Li Qi’s expression turned serious. “First, I want to hold the highest decision-making authority over the Drunken Immortal Pavilion; all matters, big or small, must follow my arrangements. Second, today’s agreement must remain confidential; no outsiders can know. On the surface, madam, you remain the sole owner of the pavilion, and I am merely a chef here. Lastly, madam must personally oversee the business. You cannot delegate all matters to Uncle Wu or me, as was done before.”

Madam Qin’s brows furrowed deeply, revealing her hesitation. After some thought, she replied, “The first two points are acceptable. However—about the last one—I would prefer Uncle Wu to act on my behalf.”

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Thanks to Mr. Su Mo for the generous tip. This is a promising start.

(End of chapter)