"Did you hear? In the Li Family's store, a single use of a High-Grade manual is going only for 200 silver!"
"Yes, I heard they are buying from Ikasa's store and selling it to us commoners for double the price."
"Did you see his store open in the last few weeks? Obviously, the Li family has taken over that business."
"Shh! Just thank our lucky stars that they are even selling to us. And 200 silver is still a reasonably cheap price."
"In Ikasa's store, we had to look for a group before buying. Here anyone can go and use the manual after paying."
Li Fan smirked as he heard people gossip outside the store. Within three weeks, he had earned a profit of 5000 gold. And at the current speed of sales, he expected the profits to rise above 10000 gold.
"Sir, we are out of manuals to use."
The storekeeper reported.
"Go and get the next batch of manuals from Ikasa."
He threw a money pouch containing 2000 gold to his servant.
While the Servant was headed to Ikasa's Mansion, the owner welcomed an important guest.
"Welcome! The young miss of the Xue family has decided to grace this humble one with her presence. It is my lucky day indeed."
Ikasa bowed his head slightly as he welcomed the two lasses to his living room.
"Mr. Ikasa is indeed as charismatic as rumored."
"Hearing such words from a beauty like you, I feel flattered."
Ikasa led Xue Mi and her maid to the living room. Once they were seated and the tea served, the battle of wills resumed. Ikasa leisurely sipped his tea while waiting for Xue Mi to speak.
When she did not speak even after the tea in his cup was finished, he became restless. To center himself, Ikasa observed her.
His eyes took in her features. Her glowing skin was smooth like jade, without any blemishes. Her phoenix-shaped eyes evoked his admiration. Cherry red lips contrasted nicely against her fairness.
She grew uncomfortable under his gaze. To break the ice, she restarted the conversation.
"Mr. Ikasa must be a busy person. Am I keeping you away from something?"
Her eyes avoided him when she spoke.
'So, she is still a greenhorn in such matters.' He inferred
"Hahaha! You jest! If the graceful young miss of the Xue family asks this question, which fool would say yes?"
Ikasa replied teasingly. Xue Mi blushed a little but composed herself. The maid beside her frowned at his tone.
"Mr. Ikasa, please don't tease me. I will be straightforward. I am here to make a deal with you on behalf of the Xue Family."
'Thought so.' Ikasa smiled.
"What kind of deal does Xue Family want to make with me?"
"We hope to get exclusive selling rights of your Battle Technique Manuals."
"Oh?!" Ikasa was taken aback by the demand. He expected them to come for the Cultivation Manuals. Covering up his surprise, he continued to probe.
"Given your history with the Li Family, I thought you would go after the Cultivation Manuals. After all, that was your domain originally."
Xue Mi narrowed her eyes. She pondered over his implied provocation and carefully worded her reply.
"They took our Cultivation resource market. We took their Grain supply chain and other necessity stores. At present, we are on amicable terms."
With eyes narrowed, she uttered her words in a cold voice.
"Do you, perhaps, want to see the two families compete for your manuals, Mr. Ikasa?"
Hearing her measured words, Ikasa sighed. She made it clear that the Xue Family had repaid its grudges. Although she had used the word 'amicable', it might mean that there was a temporary truce between the two families.
And her question at the end was a simple and plain threat. Both, Li Family and Xue Family, will not tolerate him if the answer was 'Yes.'
His eyes rested on her naive, doll-like face.
'Tsk… Despite looking like that she is not gullible at all.'
She might be a veteran in such negotiations, but she had already exposed her weakness earlier. Even the slightest flirtatious comment caused her to fluster.
He straightened his posture and met her eyes.
'As expected. She avoided eye contact. But I cannot push her too far.'
"Why would I want the two families to compete? If both families are on friendly terms, then my safety will be guaranteed by both of you."
Ikasa dismissed the threat in her earlier question.
"Mr. Ikasa has a unique perspective. I admire your vision."
She mustered her courage to look at Ikasa and compliment him.
"Miss Xue has a silver tongue. What kind of deal structure do you propose?"
"All of your Battle Techniques will be exclusively sold through our stores in Sal City. We will take 70% of the profits and pay you the rest 30%."
The deal was obviously unacceptable. He decided to take a strong position by bringing up his deal with Li Family.
"I share 50% of profits in my deal with Li Family. I am sure they will offer me the same deal for my Battle Technique manuals."
Xue Mi smirked. It was as if a cat had got a mouse.
"Your deal is with Li Fan, not Li Family. The Elders of the Li Family are clamoring to reduce your share to a mere 10%. What we are offering is much more generous in comparison."
This news sent shivers down his spine. He remembered he had not made any official contract with the Li Family for the sole purpose of reneging on the deal when he was strong enough.
Then in the past week, he had tasted the sweetness of being a hands-off storekeeper.
'No, I have grown complacent. It's about time I practice my battle techniques. Before that, let's deal with this girl first.'
"Hahaha!, Ms. Xue, Li Fan is the successor of the Li Family. The Elders may move their mouths as much as they want, but he will not change our deal."
He relaxed back into his seat. And steepled his fingers before his chest.
"If the Xue family wants to use this news to threaten me, I do not welcome your presence."
Xue Mi tried to think of a way out. This deal was very important to the Family. If they fail to secure this deal, even their remaining market share of Cultivation Resources would be taken over by the Li's.
"Mr. Ikasa, your deal with Li Fan is in jeopardy. It is only a matter of time before the Li Family turns on you. Wouldn't it be better to have us as a backup?"
Ikasa detected a hint of anxiousness and desperation in her voice. By leaning forward, he indicated his interest in her suggestion. He noticed a hint of anticipation in her eyes.
He replied to her suggestion with a question of his own.
"Ms. Xue, are you implying that the Xue family will back me if I go against the Li Family?"
Xue Mi again looked at her maid with helplessness. The maid gave her a nod of encouragement.
Usually, she would not dare to discuss matters of this magnitude. But her father had assigned this task to her, and she was determined to complete it.
She decided to disclose a piece of information known only to the top echelon of Sal City.
"Mr. Ikasa, if you really take on Li Family, it won't just be the Li Family you face but the City Lord's Manor as well!"
"What?!"