Chapter 260 - Chapter 260: Chapter 260: What I Want is a Cooperative Relationship! (1/2)
Chapter 260: Chapter 260: What I Want is a Cooperative Relationship!
Translator: 549690339
Hearing Wei Ruo’s words, the smile on Fan Chengxu’s face grew thicker: “I’ve always liked to price merchandise and people. Regardless of which aspect, as long as Esteemed Sir Xu can help improve the yield, quality, and profit of my tea leaves, I’m willing to reward you with a proportional contribution.”
“So, Boss Fan’s proposition for collaboration is to have me provide strategies for Boss Fan, and then Boss Fan rewards me proportionally based on the profits, correct?” Wei Ruo asked.
“Correct.”
“Then I’m afraid I cannot agree.”
“Why?” Fan Chengxu asked, looking at Wei Ruo with a puzzled expression.
Xu Heyou was a money-loving person. It was hard to believe that he would pass up this lucrative opportunity.
“Rather than working for Boss Fan and receiving a salary, I prefer to do business with Boss Fan on equal footing and establish a partnership instead of an employer-employee relationship,” explained Wei Ruo.
Fan Chengxu’s smile faded, his eyes carrying a sharper glance, “Esteemed Sir Xu seems to have quite an appetite. Do you believe that you currently have the ability to stand on equal ground with me?”
Unfazed by his response, Wei Ruo responded with a smile, “If Boss Fan thinks my proposal is inappropriate, you can find better options. I don’t mind.”
Fan Chengxu regarded Wei Ruo’s expression, admiring her calm demeanor.
After a moment, the smile on his initially cold face returned: “You are bold, and it just so happens that I’m the type who doesn’t like to follow rules. I’d like to try out a partnership with Sir Xu. How exactly do you envision our collaboration?”
If Xu Heyou had been scared earlier, he might’ve backed out. But he wasn’t scared, which provoked Fan Chengxu’s consent.
“I can participate in the entire process from the planting, picking, drying to the final sale of the tea. For the increase in the tea garden’s earnings that I bring about, I want to share half of it with Boss Fan,” said Wei Ruo.
“Half? Esteemed Sir Xu, you should understand that the tea garden is my property. It’s run by my people, my connections, and my sales channel.” Fan Chengxu responded.
“I’m suggesting splitting the increased part of the income. The silver you were originally able to make, I won’t touch. But for the increased part because of me, I’ll take half. If the increase is due to my contributions, then why shouldn’t I take half?” Wei Ruo retorted.
“That does seem reasonable,” Fan Chengxu conceded.
“Boss Fan can take some time to consider it. I am not in a hurry for an answer. If Boss Fan thinks it isn’t suitable, feel free to reject me. I’m not particularly passionate about the venture.” Wei Ruo didn’t seem overly invested in the deal.
“It seems that in this transaction, I am in the passive position.” Boss Fan chuckled.
“You can’t think like that, Boss Fan. It’s more accurate to say that in this partnership, we are equals and it will be mutually beneficial. If our opinions are in agreement, we begin a new partnership. If not, we can remain cordial and maintain our current business relationship. What do you think, Boss Fan?”
Fan Chengxu let out a light laugh, “What can I say? I think you’re making sense.”
Wei Ruo, seeing Fan Chengxu’s laughter, followed with her own.
Then Fan Chengxu spoke, “In that case, I’ll stake one of my tea gardens to test this out. I hope Sir Xu won’t disappoint.”
###
On the day following their agreement, Fan Chengxu sent someone to take Wei Ruo to his tea garden.
Wei Ruo, accompanied by Xiumei, boarded Fan Chengxu’s carriage.
Comparing to the usual carriages that Wei Ruo took, Fan Chengxu’s carriage was considerably more spacious and comfortable. Even wealthy merchants weren’t allowed to use this type of carriage because of its high quality.