Chapter 59: Agreement Reached

Hearing Luo Yan’s proposal, everyone was stunned for a moment, but their reactions differed. Snow and the others did not understand Luo Yan’s meaning at all; they simply felt it was very “great” and “noble.” Ray, Jenny, and Annia were surprised by Luo Yan’s early maturity. Luo Pei, however, had a spark in his eyes. With his experience, he could tell this was a great idea. Owning shares in a leather business in Lons Pompey City was simply a highly profitable venture, especially shares in a century-old shop that still had some old customers despite its decline; such an opportunity was rare.

Hmm… this brat, since when did his head become so sharp!

Looking at Luo Yan with great appreciation, Luo Pei nodded and said, “Miss Lin… my son is right. If you agree, I also hope to exchange animal skins for some shares in your Lin Leather Shop. Of course… we will guarantee the supply of skins. If we fail to do so, we will naturally lose these shares, and these shares cannot be transferred; they can only be used for year-end dividends.”

Generally speaking, Luo Yan’s idea was quite good. On one hand, it found a long-term and stable sales channel for the animal skins from Talim Village. More importantly, it simultaneously solved the potential funding shortage that Lin Lian might have.

But unexpectedly, Lin Lian waved her hands repeatedly upon hearing this and said with a blushing face, “No, no, I couldn’t possibly do that. The villagers of your village work hard hunting in the mountains, yet they would provide them to me for free. It would be fine if there were dividends at the end of the year, but what if there is a loss? Besides… aren’t you afraid I will run away with the money?”

Hearing this, Snow and the others immediately changed expression. It seemed they were all starting to hesitate. In their eyes, whether it was shares or dividends, was that as real as Gold Plang delivered directly into their hands?

However, Luo Pei smiled when he heard this. He could tell that Lin Lian was not using excuses because she didn’t want to share equity, but was truly thinking of the mountain people, fearing they would lose everything. From this point of view, this girl was truly kind-hearted… but was this kind of temperament unsuitable for rolling around in the business world?

Of course not!!

At least Luo Pei did not think so, and neither did Luo Yan.

Admittedly, “the business world is like a battlefield,” full of risks and hidden dangers at every step. But one must understand that kindness does not equal stupidity. In the business world itself, a natural disposition of kindness was actually a very valuable “resource.” When people thought of “merchants” or “the business world,” the first words that came to mind were indeed “stinking of money,” “ruthless,” and “greedy for profit.” However, they forgot that “honesty” and “reputation” were the only true ways to survive in the business world. To put it simply, even a dishonest merchant would surely prefer to deal with a kind person rather than someone as cunning and sly as himself, right?

In Luo Yan’s view, the fact that Lin Lian could support a declining century-old shop on her own showed her personal ability. Her innate “kindness” made her an even better partner, perhaps even more suitable than that Simons.

[Among strangers who are equally unfamiliar, and without time for detailed observation, Lin Lian’s personality was undoubtedly more reassuring!]

Waving his hand gently, Luo Pei directly ignored Lin Lian’s words and said with a smile, “Alright, let’s decide it this way. The acquisition price will be arranged as you said, Miss Lin, but we can voluntarily exchange animal skins for shares here. The specific share can be discussed and decided in the future. Miss Lin, please go and draft the agreement contract…” At this point, seeing that Lin Lian still looked hesitant, Luo Pei said with a smile, “…Or rather, is Miss Lin lacking confidence in her own abilities and does not believe she can restore the glory of the Lin Leather Shop?”

Upon hearing this, Lin Lian’s eyes widened. She suddenly clenched her fist and said loudly, “No… I won’t! I will definitely restore the reputation of our Lin Leather Shop!!”

As she spoke, Lin Lian immediately turned around and strode toward the inner room. Looking at her back, Luo Pei showed a faint smile. To be honest, he was not worried at all that Lin Lian would cheat on the share proportions; this was his absolute confidence in his own judgment…

…

While Luo Pei and the others were lingering at the Lin Leather Shop, the backyard of the Pia Chamber of Commerce was covered in a low-pressure atmosphere. Simons Pia sat quietly in the backyard, his face as grim as a storm cloud. The people around him were as silent as cicadas in winter. Raffy Pia lowered his head obediently, but looking at his flickering eyes, it was clear that he was not as obedient in his heart as he appeared.

[Generally speaking, in his view, his older brother was clearly making a mountain out of a molehill today!]

It made sense. Ray Allen was famous, and Annia Clunk was rising in reputation, but in the end, they were just two low-level Wizards. What did “future stars” mean? Didn’t it mean they weren’t “stars” yet!

Moreover, their Pia Chamber of Commerce was not without a foundation. Was it necessary to worry so much about two low-level Wizards? It was too early to tell what the future held. Did he know if they were fixed stars or shooting stars? There were plenty of cases where people were brilliant as children but mediocre as adults. If every person thought this deeply about everything, wouldn’t living be too painful!

However, it seemed Raffy Pia had neither the opportunity nor the courage to express these thoughts. All he could do now was lower his head obediently and stand cautiously beside his brother.

After another long silence, Simons Pia suddenly spoke indifferently, “Tell me, what exactly happened today?”

Although he didn’t name anyone to speak, Raffy Pia immediately spoke up upon hearing this, “That… big brother, I heard a child Wizard had come to visit, so I rushed over. I was worried that Master Old Hood and the others were being cheated… as you know, who can trust a Wizard of such a young age!”

Saying this, Raffy glanced secretly at Simons. Seeing that he gave no reaction, he continued, “I originally intended to talk with them properly and communicate, but who would have thought that child was simply too arrogant. Perhaps he thought he was something special, as he completely ignored me and even spoke wildly… hmph… what a brat!!”

At the end, Raffy snorted indignantly, appearing as if he wanted to say more but stopped, not wanting to explain the meaning of the “wild words” Luo Yan had said. But in response to this indignant complaint, Simons only gave him a faint look and did not express an opinion.

Just as Raffy’s expression was becoming uglier, the sound of footsteps suddenly approached. Following that, a young servant in green named James ran in hurriedly. He hastily bowed to the group and then immediately leaned close to Simons to whisper a few words. In the next moment, Simons’ expression immediately darkened…