Chapter 373: I like that perfect cunning (1/2)
Chapter 373: I like that perfect cunning
Any merchants involved with the black market possessed three parts more cunning and craftiness than the average trader. Master Lin had sensed that Han Yunxi was an unusual character as soon as he walked in and he noted her icy disposition. Moreover, Third Young Master Chen’s injuries showed that they weren’t people to be provoked. The whip-user had utilized his skills with such finesse in such a tiny room that its owner had to be someone extraordinary; furthermore, since these two had the gall to offend an authoritative power in the grain district, they had to have substantial backing themselves.
Master Lin already felt three parts fear towards Han Yunxi and her guard. His statement earlier was simply meant to sound her out. Han Yunxi’s brain might short-circuit when it came to Long Feiye, but she was quite astute in other matters. She was sure that Master Lin was just testing them.
“It’s not enough,” she said coldly, her imposing manner exuding its own sense of pressure. There was no relation at all between them beating up Third Young Master Chen and getting a formal apology from him. How could one offset the other?
“Then what do you want to do?” Master Lin’s tone grew unkind as well.
“Nothing in particular. If Master Lin is interested in doing business with this lady, then that swine needs to give me a formal apology. If Master Lin has no interest in any business, then forget it. This lady will never consider the Lin Clan for any trade matters in the future!” Han Yunxi said frostily.
Things had come to this point. If it were any other time, Master Lin would first let the other party dry for two to three days before resuming talks. But this time was different. He had to change all the grain in the storehouses into ready cash by tomorrow night at the latest! There was no time to delay!
After some hesitation, Master Lin cleverly changed the topic instead. “Miss, just how much grain are you planning to buy?”
Han Yunxi seized the chance with another clever reply, “Quite a bit…no less than 50,000 dan. If Master Lin has the goods, you should consider it carefully. This lady can give you three days’ time.”
Han Yunxi appeared to be taking a step back, but she was actually pressuring the other party even more! How could Master Lin have any more time to reconsider? Long Feiye’s lips had drawn up into a smile as he stood silently behind Han Yunxi. She is young, but more crafty than that old fox! He liked it!
Master Lin couldn’t help but be moved when he heard she wanted 50,000 dan minimum! He hastened to ask, “What does Miss need so much grain for?”
“Since when has business in the black markets needed so much explanation?” Han Yunxi smiled coldly. Now she sounded even more like one of the people in the know.
“This one was simply curious. Miss, have you heard of the scramble sale taking place over these two days?” Master Lin kept questioning her.
“I just came from there,” Han Yunxi replied.
Master Lin only rejoiced that she hadn’t rejected him, before he probed further, “I heard the prices there are very low.”
Han Yunxi looked lofty, but she had actually been waiting for Master Lin to ask that very question! She gave a chilly laugh and said, “Those prices aren’t considered cheap at all.”
Everyone present gave a start at the words. Even Third Young Master Chen, who’d been glaring at them all the while, widened his eyes. 10,000 taels for 10,000 dan isn’t cheap? This woman, she dared to say that out loud!?
Long Feiye’s eyes danced with laughter. As expected, his woman was exactly to his tastes. He too, felt that it’d be too much of an advantage for the imperial uncle if they bought the grain from the imperial uncle’s estate at 10,000 taels per 10,000 dan.
“Then…what constitutes a low price to Miss?” Master Lin asked.
Han Yunxi chuckled. “That will depend on how much grain you have to sell.”
This…could it be that this woman is planning to buy a lot of grain? Master Lin had been trying to sound her out the entire time, but only felt his own appetite growing with each question. “Just how much do you want?” he asked anxiously.
Han Yunx didn’t answer this time, but gave a cold snort towards Third Young Master Chen. “It looks like Master Lin isn’t interested in doing business after all.” As soon as she finished, she turned to leave, Long Feiye silently following behind her.
The various middlemen who’d been watching the scene unfold from the back door all grew anxious at the sight. One of them rushed forward to call Han Yunxi back, but he was stopped by Master Lin. Master Lin wore a stern expression as he watched Han Yunxi’s retreating back. It seemed like he had no intentions of making her stay at all.
The person he stopped grew impatient and raged, “Boss, I’ll pay for our face if Third Chen won’t apologize. That calf’s sorely lacking a proper lesson!”
Master Lin still remained silent. It wasn’t Third Young Master Chen’s apology that was holding him back, but his doubt regarding Han Yunxi’s intentions. Was that woman really here to buy grain? Or was she simply sent to investigate them instead? Careful sailing was required at all times, especially when they were going against the wind now. He had to be prudent.
Han Yunxi and Long Feiye were neither fast nor slow, but walked steadily towards the door. Neither of them looked back, their figures tall and lofty, easy and unrestrained. It made for a mesmerizing sight. The closer they came to the exit, the more anxious Master Lin and the middlemen felt. Judging by Han Yunxi’s previous attitude, it’d be impossible to recover this business chance once they stepped out the door.
“Old Lin, why not just yield?”
“Old Lin, I think that woman’s really here to buy grain! You can tell she’s a businesswoman with a glance!”
“Boss, we can’t afford to wait any longer. Why don’t we leave them here first and talk about the price while reporting it to our superiors? Maybe our superior can send someone here to check?”