Chapter 247: A Deal Sealed

Chen Er paced back and forth on the pier, the sun climbing higher in the sky. It was already late morning, and he should have returned by now, but there was still no sign of the others.

The sun was a daily occurrence, nothing to marvel at. Chen Er couldn't understand why people from the capital found it so fascinating, but until the contract was signed, he dared not relax. Even if they wanted to stay and watch the sunrise for a whole day, he had to be there waiting.

“They’re back! They’re back, Manager Chen. Look!”

Chen Er quickly turned towards the sea. Yes, it was their fishing fleet. He immediately ordered the stevedores to prepare to receive them.

It didn’t take long for the boat to dock. Hua Zhi looked at Chen Er without surprise. “I apologize for keeping you waiting, Manager Chen.”

“Not at all, not at all. Please be careful on the steps.”

When she wasn’t being harassed, Hua Zhi was always willing to maintain harmony. As she got off the boat, she said, “Let’s go straight to the fishing company. There’s no need to go back to the inn.”

“Yes, please follow me.” Chen Er smiled broadly and led the group onto a carriage. Before they came, he had asked his wife to clean the carriage thoroughly and even put a fragrant pillow inside.

Shao Yao sniffed it and put it down. The pillow was filled with something very refreshing.

No matter how nice a carriage was, it was still bumpy. Fortunately, the road to Shuiguang Village was well-maintained, thanks to the several fishing companies in the area, and the journey wasn't too far.

“Huahua, are you really going to take those two siblings with you? I don’t like that sister, but the younger brother seems talented. Why don’t you just give him to me? Master said I can take on a junior disciple now.”

Hua Zhi, who had already made up her mind, asked, “Does he have a talent for medicine?”

“He can’t even get out of bed, how would I know if he has any talent?” Shao Yao pouted. “We’re both miserable, we can be companions.”

And then have you both go out and destroy the world?

Hua Zhi felt a mix of sadness and amusement. Caochao had been well-educated by the former princess when she was young, and even though she had lost her memory, the foundation was still there. Plus, there was Yanxi watching over her. As for that boy, he could talk, but if she really let him learn all of Caochao’s skills, no one could guarantee he wouldn’t go astray.

It was hard to be a good person, but it was so easy to be bad.

Pushing her forehead, Hua Zhi didn’t agree.

Shao Yao rubbed against her ingratiatingly, “He’s very resilient, and he’ll definitely put in a lot of effort to learn. As long as he’s serious, he can learn well.”

“He’s not suitable. I’ll keep an eye out for a suitable one for you in the future.”

“Okay,” Shao Yao didn’t insist. Since Hua Hua said she would keep one for her, she would definitely do so. She didn’t necessarily need a disciple, but having one would be nice. She could let her disciple do the things she didn’t want to do. That’s what her master did. She really didn’t like cutting herbs, and she would only cut her own with reluctance. But as soon as her master came back, she had to cut all his herbs!

Thinking about this painful task, Shao Yao was determined to take on a disciple. Apprentices were there to do the work that the master didn’t want to do, that’s what her master taught her.

The carriage stopped, and as soon as Hua Zhi got out, she saw Wu Zheng waiting by the carriage. She smiled faintly and said as she walked down, “Master Wu looks very happy.”

“Thanks to Miss Hua, I feel very fortunate. Please come in.” Wu Zheng’s smile was hearty, and he seemed quite elated.

Gesturing for the others to stay in the waiting room, Hua Zhi only brought Xiao Liu and Caocao into the room. After they had all sat down, Wu Zheng was about to express his gratitude, but Hua Zhi went straight to the point. “I suppose Master Wu has already made up his mind. What about the price?”

Wu Zheng was startled, secretly thinking that this young lady was really straightforward. He immediately responded, “I accept that price.”

Hua Zhi raised an eyebrow. “Don’t think I’m taking advantage of you. I wouldn’t have done anything to Cao Dahai if he hadn’t provoked me. We’re just doing business. If you agree to this today and then send inferior goods when the time comes, I won’t let it go.”

“I sincerely want to do business with Miss Hua. Profit is one thing, but more importantly, Miss Hua’s way of doing things makes me feel very reassured. With a customer like you, I don’t mind earning a little less.” Wu Zheng’s expression was particularly solemn. “With Miss Hua’s character, I don’t need to worry about you taking advantage of me in business. Having a customer like you is a great blessing.”

After saying that, Wu Zheng smiled again. “Moreover, this price is just right. It allows me to make a profit without making it unacceptable. Miss Hua is really capable.”

Hua Zhi glanced at Xiao Liu. The sixth prince had a smile in his eyes but looked a little embarrassed. It was great that Sister Hua hadn’t been taken advantage of.

“Since that’s the case, I have a small request. For each shipment, I would like to trouble Master Wu to prepare some seawater for replacement during the journey. I’m not worried about the shellfish, but the sea fish are a problem. I hope that most of these seafood will still be alive when they arrive in the capital.”

Seeing Wu Zheng’s hesitant expression, Hua Zhi knew what he was thinking and smiled. “Of course, Master Wu doesn’t have to bear the loss. The goods will still be calculated by weight. Master Wu just needs to send some seawater to the Donglai Shipping Company when you deliver the goods. I’ve already made arrangements with them.”

Wu Zheng’s expression relaxed, and he immediately agreed. This wasn’t too much trouble. However, he said, “I must inform Miss Hua that even with seawater, some of the sea fish may not survive the journey to the capital. I’m afraid the goods may not meet Miss Hua’s requirements.”

"I'll be satisfied if half of them are alive. I'll figure out a way for the dead ones. I'll send someone to Zhiyang, and once he's inspected the goods and finds them satisfactory, Mr. Wu won't be held responsible. I can promise you that."

"Hahaha, it's so refreshing doing business with a young lady. Shall we sign the contract?"

"Who are you planning to use as a middleman, Mr. Wu?"

With things progressing so smoothly, Wu Zheng was in high spirits. He gestured to Chen Er to invite someone, while explaining to Huazhi, "We've invited Old Man Lin, a highly respected figure in our area. He's literate and even has connections in the Zhiyang county government. This deal benefits many people, and he's more than willing to act as a middleman."

Probably one of the three elders in the area. Thinking about asking Xu Ying to inquire further, Hua Zhi decided not to ask any more questions.

Old Man Lin, supported by Chen Er, arrived quickly. The thin, wiry old man had a sparse beard, wore extremely clean and tidy clothes, and stood up straight, making him the most impressive person Huazhi had met in Zhiyang.

She stood up and bowed, "Thank you for your trouble, old sir."

Old Man Lin hastily waved his hand, "Don't be so polite, young miss. It's our Shuiguang Village that's benefited."

Hua Zhi didn't respond to this double entendre and solemnly invited them to sit.

Chen Er brought over brush, ink, and paper, diligently grinding the ink on the side.

The old man's handwriting was extremely neat, and after Wu Zheng examined it, he passed it to Hua Zhi.

After a glance, Hua Zhi said, "Please add a clause at the end, stating that if An Tai Fishing Company substitutes inferior goods, Shi Zai Restaurant has the right to confiscate the goods and the ship."

Old Man Lin looked at Wu Zheng, who knew that this was the young lady's only request and nodded immediately.

After adding the clause and making three copies, the three parties pressed their fingerprints, and the contract was finalized.

———TN: Hua Zhi isn't someone you want to mess with, especially when it comes to business!

She's like the Iron Lady of the corporate world, a fierce and formidable CEO of Multi Enterprise. Don't let her calm demeanor fool you – she's a strategic mastermind with a sharp wit and a knack for turning businesses into empires.

So, if you're planning on crossing her, think again. She's not one to take lightly!