Chapter 47: The Young Master Needs a Good Relaxation

Hearing Xu An's words, Song Ziyan gave a gentle smile and refilled his teacup.

"Master Xu, the art of sugar-making is in your hands, and the ultimate authority rests with you. Compared to my offer, I would actually prefer to hear your counter-offer."

"Lady Song, I have already stated that I truly do not know the technique of making sugar," Xu An shook his head.

"Rest assured, Master Xu, the moment we step out of this door, I will completely forget about this conversation," Song Ziyan said with a smile.

Xu An sighed inwardly. Dealing with a clever person meant having no secrets; he felt as though she had seen right through him.

After a moment of thought, Xu An said, "How about eight hundred wen per catty?"

He considered this price to be quite reasonable. After all, the most expensive white sugar currently on the market fetched five hundred wen per catty.

Song Ziyan pondered for a moment before replying, "That price is a bit high. However, if Master Xu insists, the Song family can agree to it."

Xu An looked at her. "It seems Lady Song holds a different view. Please, do share it."

He refrained from making a final decision on the spot. When dealing with intelligent people, one should never rush into decisions; doing so invites contempt and could lead to significant losses.

Sure enough, the moment his voice trailed off, Xu An noticed a subtle change in the way Song Ziyan looked at him.

"Master Xu is indeed extraordinary. You are right; I do have a different perspective."

Her appreciation for him deepened. Those truly capable and broad-minded were invariably those who could maintain their composure.

She spoke softly, "To return to what I said earlier: white sugar is neither gold nor antique calligraphy and painting that appreciates in value. No matter how precious it might be, it remains an everyday consumable for ordinary people."

"Since it is a consumable, aside from the ultra-wealthy whose fortunes are boundless, the question of cost-performance ratio inevitably arises. If the cost-performance ratio is sufficiently high, the market and sales will undoubtedly thrive; otherwise, they will falter."

"Therefore, I suggest that Master Xu set our purchasing price at seven hundred wen per catty. In doing so, the retail price we set for the market can also be kept relatively low."

"The lower the price, the higher the cost-performance ratio, and the broader the market. Greater market reach translates to higher sales volume, and through the principle of small profits and quick turnover, overall revenue will increase exponentially, resulting in greater earnings."

True to her identity as a merchant's daughter, her understanding of the market and commerce was thoroughly profound. Her logic was impeccable and watertight. Even Xu An, a time-traveler from the modern era, had to concede that this woman was truly a rare talent.

Xu An smiled. "What you speak of are merely theoretical ideals. After all, white sugar has not yet entered the market, and its actual performance can only be known once it is put to the test."

"If I agree to lower the price now, should I ever wish to raise it later, it would be a completely different matter. It might even jeopardize our stable cooperative relationship."

"Lady Song, there is no need to tell me that 'everything is negotiable when the time comes.' Compared to the superficial acquaintance between the two of us, I have far more faith in the corrupting power of profit."

Song Ziyan showed no trace of embarrassment; she simply looked at him with a smile. "Does Master Xu mean to suggest that our bond is not yet deep enough?"

Xu An openly admitted, "Precisely!"

Song Ziyan nodded with a smile. "Understood. Since Master Xu does not agree, the Song family will purchase it from you at eight hundred wen per catty."

After a brief reflection, Xu An said, "Actually, what Lady Song said is not without merit. If I receive a share of the profits, and sales surge as a result, we will both stand to gain more money—a genuine win-win."

"Therefore, I believe we can leave room for discussion on this point. Once the white sugar is listed on the market, if circumstances truly align with Lady Song's predictions, I am willing to offer you a discount from eight hundred down to seven hundred wen."

A radiant smile bloomed on Song Ziyan's face. "Master Xu indeed possesses great vision and magnanimity. I am deeply impressed. Then we shall defer entirely to Master Xu's wishes, and I will have someone draw up the contract right away."

"There is no need to rush, Lady Song. There is another matter we must clarify beforehand: if I grant you a discount, your retail price must also be reduced correspondingly to boost sales, and the proportion of your price reduction must match mine," Xu An stipulated.

"Naturally," Song Ziyan agreed without a moment's hesitation.

"However, Master Xu, since we are now in partnership, I must also know how much white sugar your side can produce in a single day. Without a concrete figure, it will be difficult to proceed."

Xu An contemplated for a moment before answering, "For now, the output will not be particularly high—roughly a hundred catties a day. However, after a month, I should be able to increase production to three hundred catties."

Song Ziyan frowned slightly. "That is indeed rather low."

Xu An smiled. "Lady Song, since we have formed a partnership, we must look to the future. A low output now does not mean it will remain low hereafter. Furthermore, I can guarantee that within six months, our daily output will reach a thousand catties."

"Very well, I trust Master Xu!" Song Ziyan said with a smile.

Following this, the two discussed finer details regarding the cooperation. Once a complete consensus was reached, Song Ziyan left the private room to prepare the partnership contract.

...

Outside the door, Manager Qin, who had been keeping watch, saw Song Ziyan emerge and immediately stepped forward to inquire in a low voice.

"Young Miss, how did your discussion with Master Xu go?"

"Master Xu has agreed to the partnership. The procurement price will be set at seven hundred wen per catty, alongside his twenty percent share of the net profits," Song Ziyan replied as she walked.

"As expected of the Young Miss, to be able to secure such terms for the partnership." Manager Qin wore a look of profound admiration.

Although he was over fifty and had spent decades navigating the business world, he often found himself falling short of this young proprietor's acumen and capability.

"Very well, I am going to prepare the contract now. You go and attend to Master Xu in the meantime," Song Ziyan instructed.

"Please go ahead with your work, Young Miss. I will take good care of Master Xu and ensure he is thoroughly well-entertained. You may rest easy!"

With that, Manager Qin turned his gaze toward a servant standing in the corner. The servant gave a slight nod of acknowledgment and slipped quietly away.

Shortly after, Manager Qin re-entered the private room.

"Master Xu, it will take a little time for our Young Miss to finalize the contract. To prevent you from being bored, I have made special arrangements for some pleasant entertainment, so we can eat, chat, and amuse ourselves in the meantime."

"Manager Qin, you are far too courteous. There is truly no need to go to such trouble," Xu An said.

"It is no trouble at all, Master Xu. From now on, you are a friend of our Young Miss, as well as a friend of the Song family. These arrangements were specially prepared for you, so please do not decline."

With that, Manager Qin clapped his hands twice.

Immediately afterward, several attendants entered the room carrying an array of exquisite and delectable dishes, arranging them neatly upon the table.

Following them came four young women with slender waists and flawless, fair skin. Swaying their captivating hips, each holding a wine vessel, they glided into the room and clustered around Xu An.

Taken aback by this spectacle, Xu An was momentarily startled.

Before he could react, all four women leaned directly against him, raising cups of wine to his lips.

"My lord, you are so terribly handsome. Would this humble concubine have the honor of drinking with you?"

One of the women pressed her soft bosom against his back, sending a wave of pleasant warmth coursing through him.

"You look unfamiliar, my lord. Is this your first time visiting the Drunken Moon Pavilion? The wine here is the finest in the entire city, and each maiden offers a distinct flavor. Since you have graced us with your presence, you simply must taste them all."

A delicate and alluring young woman draped herself over his front, her voluptuous and proud breasts barely contained by her loose, nearly translucent attire, revealing a vast expanse of snow-white skin.

Between them lay a deep, mesmerizing cleavage.

The other two women were equally radiant and alluring, each hooking her arm through one of Xu An's and exerting all their charms to captivate him.

Xu An swallowed hard.

He had to admit that all four women were exceptionally attractive; any one of them would easily outshine the so-called internet beauty streamers from his past life.

Moreover, each possessed her own unique allure. To claim he felt nothing would be a lie.

Still, he possessed his own principles and bottom line. He was no mindless stallion controlled entirely by his lower half, willing to indulge with anyone. Forcing a smile, he said, "My four fair maidens, I..."

However, women trained specifically in the arts of entertainment were professionals at what they did. Sensing his intention the moment he spoke, they promptly cut him off.

"My lord, since you have come here, you should simply relax and enjoy yourself. Don't be such a buzzkill."

"Indeed, let us sisters properly attend to you. Come, my lord, have a cup of wine first..."

"Master, we sisters have recently learned a new game called 'Fourfold Flames of Passion.' Shall we put on a demonstration for you? Please lie down over here, my lord..."