"Nineteen thousand taels? Boy, do you even know what you're saying?"
Qin San exploded with rage, his eyes red as he glared at Alex. He had always been the hunter, but today, he was the prey. This smiling brat had outsmarted him! If it weren't for the circumstances, he would have liked nothing more than to cut down this grinning fox with his sword.
"Your math is quite good!"
The young lady from the Li family nodded approvingly at Alex, then turned to Qin San and said, "Qin San, since this young man has made a fair offer, let's proceed as he suggested. In business, our reputation is key."
"Miss!"
Qin San's face showed his dilemma. He had been skimming off the top, and while most of the silver ended up in his pocket, some had been used to grease palms. If he paid the full nineteen thousand taels, he wouldn't just lose his profit; he'd end up in debt.
The middle-aged man with the pale complexion, Mr. Li, spoke coldly, "What's the matter? Are the other Bihan knives also defective?"
"The other Bihan knives seem fine, but I haven't checked them all thoroughly. I can have them inspected again."
Qin San's expression grew even more troubled. He knew the Bihan knives were perfectly fine, but he couldn't say that outright. Moreover, with so many witnesses, it would be difficult to tamper with the inspection again.
Mr. Li seemed to sense something and glanced at Qin San's subtle actions before addressing another guard, "Never mind, Qin Da, you inspect them."
One of Mr. Li's personal bodyguards walked over to the Bihan knives, glaring at Qin San as he passed. He picked up a knife, swung it a few times, and reported back, "Master, these Bihan knives are excellent and suitable for our guards."
Qin Da could easily tell that the knife in Qin San's hand had been intentionally damaged with internal energy. He despised his greedy junior and saw no reason to cover for him.
Alex quickly turned to the young lady, "Miss, as you can see!" Unlike the stoic Mr. Li, she seemed more approachable.
The young lady looked at Alex and then waved her hand, "Fine. If there are no other issues, we'll proceed with the deal... Nineteen thousand taels, Qin San, pay them."
Qin San's face turned sour as he glanced nervously at the expressionless Mr. Li. He bit his lip and said, "There was an issue with one of the knives. Nineteen thousand taels is too much..."
"Sir, you're right. This was our mistake!"
Alex quickly added, "How about fifteen thousand taels instead? We only hope Mr. Li will consider us for future business." Alex shot a careful glance at Mr. Li as he spoke.
"Miss, this could..."
Qin San's face relaxed a bit. Fifteen thousand taels was still beyond his initial expectations, but it was better than nothing.
However, the young lady's expression turned cold. "Qin San, what do you mean by this? I said nineteen thousand taels, and that's final. Not a single coin less. In business, our Li family's reputation is paramount."
"Miss..."
Qin San tried to speak but was stopped by the guard Qin Da. He whispered, "Third Brother, don't be greedy. If you push this further, Master Li will get angry. When that happens, don't expect me to help you."
Qin San glanced at Mr. Li, who indeed looked displeased. It was unclear whether he was upset about the commotion or Qin San's challenge to the young lady.
The young lady impatiently said, "Qin San, listen up. Right now, take out the silver notes and pay them. Immediately." Qin San's repeated challenges to her decisions had irked her greatly.
Besides, in her view, even after paying nineteen thousand taels, Qin San would still have three hundred taels as a runner's fee. As a servant, he should be satisfied with that; she was already being lenient by not demanding he return the three hundred taels.
Qin San shot a cold glance at Teng Yongfan and the others, his gaze full of murderous intent. "Old Zhang, bring the silver notes. Nineteen thousand taels!"
"Boss!"
Old Zhang hesitated. This time, everyone in the team was involved. Some had spent their share of the money right away. If they had to gather nineteen thousand taels now...
Qin San roared, "I said, bring the silver notes!"
"Alright, alright!"
Old Zhang quickly retrieved the silver notes. They had fleeced the master many times before. Although nineteen thousand taels was a lot, they could manage it with some effort. However, this time they were taking a heavy hit.
"Here you go, nineteen thousand taels!"
Qin San walked over to Alex and shoved the silver notes into his hand, shaking hands as he did. He sent a barely detectable surge of internal energy into Alex's arm.
"Thank you, sir!"
Alex neutralized the internal energy without flinching, then took the silver notes and respectfully bowed to the young lady and Mr. Li, "Thank you, Master Li and Miss Li, for your business."
"Good! If there are no further issues, you may leave."
Mr. Li nodded indifferently, then turned to his daughter, noticing her gaze lingering on Alex. He frowned slightly, "Yu'er, we still need to visit your Uncle Liu. We shouldn't keep him waiting."
"I know, Father!"
The young lady replied, then looked at Alex, "Make sure the amount is correct!"
Alex simply placed the silver notes in his coat, smiling as he bowed to the young lady. "We trust the Li family's reputation. Thank you, miss. Goodbye!"
Alex quickly signaled Teng Yongfan and Teng Qingshan, then turned and left the Yangzhou Guild Hall's Li residence with the others.
Today's events boiled down to Qin San's greed. To someone like Mr. Li, a wealthy merchant, money was secondary to reputation. Qin San's underhanded dealings might have been known to Mr. Li, but under the current circumstances, he couldn't allow Qin San to ruin their reputation.
As the young lady had said, in business, the Li family's reputation was crucial. Especially at a time when his beloved daughter was presenting a grand vision for their future, Mr. Li couldn't let a minor servant tarnish their name.
Mr. Li walked over to his daughter, "Yu'er, let's go. We don't want to keep your Uncle Liu waiting!"
Qin San watched Alex and the others leave, his eyes filled with malice. He beckoned to a man in black standing nearby, "Alang, make arrangements..."