Chapter 112: Accepting the Contract!

Chapter 112: Accepting the Contract!

"The chief manager of Wanxin Trading Company?"

Inside Ziyang Escort Agency, Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun were sitting across from each other, sipping tea.

Upon hearing the servant's report, they both were slightly taken aback.

"Wanxin Trading Company mainly deals in silk and cloth, as well as ready-made clothing. Its branches not only cover four cities, three rivers, and two bays but also extend into the territories of Wusheng Hall and Heavenly Blade Sect.

"Goods transportation is usually handled by their own teams, but they often hire escort agencies for assistance.

"This is primarily because escort agencies have extensive networks and can minimize conflicts."

Yang Xiaoyun knew a lot about Wanxin Trading Company. She then smiled and asked, "Chief Escort, do you know which escort agency they cooperated with the most before?"

Su Mo raised an eyebrow slightly. "Tianmen Escort Agency?"

"Exactly."

Yang Xiaoyun was somewhat curious. "How did you know?"

"You've said so much, showing that Wanxin Trading Company is quite influential. Such a company wouldn't work with ordinary escort agencies.

"There are three major escort agencies in Sunset City: Yangwei, Heavenly Gate, and Iron Blood. Among them, Yangwei Escort Agency is still in good shape. If it were them, there would be no reason to suddenly abandon them.

"As for Iron Blood Escort Agency... although Uncle Yang is now preoccupied with the internal struggles of Fallen Phoenix Alliance, it remains a solid brand. Even if neither you nor Uncle Yang show up, just displaying the Iron Blood banner would earn respect from all sides.

"Only Tianmen Escort Agency declined sharply after Ji Wanli's passing."

"You're indeed clever."

Yang Xiaoyun nodded. "Wanxin Trading Company has always been protected by Tianmen Escort Agency. But whether to meet them or not, you should think carefully. They might not be here in good faith..."

This wasn't hard to understand.

"Tianmen Escort Agency has indeed declined, but Ji Feiyang is still around. Whether he can uphold the Tianmen banner is uncertain.

"At this critical juncture, Wanxin Trading Company wouldn't risk their goods' safety on a gamble.

"If they cooperate with Iron Blood or Yangwei, changing partners later would be extremely difficult.

"Right now, Ziyang Escort Agency has emerged, and I've gained some reputation in Profound Theory Valley, making us a face-saving choice in the southwest.

"This way, they can ensure face while waiting for Ji Feiyang's outcome without being bullied by a larger agency..."

Su Mo shook his head lightly. "It seems small escort agencies have their advantages too."

"Don't be silly. If not for your fame from the battle at Profound Theory Valley, how could we get such business? So, will you meet them or not?"

"Of course, I'll meet them."

Su Mo smiled. "Such a large trading company deserves our attention. There's no reason to turn them away... Ask them to wait in the front hall for tea; I'll join them shortly."

The servant acknowledged and left.

Yang Xiaoyun took a sip of tea. "But this time, it's the chief manager of Wanxin Trading Company who came. That shows considerable sincerity."

"Maybe they just think young people value face and want to avoid trouble by coming personally?"

"That..."

Yang Xiaoyun found Su Mo's reasoning made sense.

She sighed helplessly. "I feel like you're missing out on some fun in life."

"Huh?"

Su Mo looked at her oddly. "What do you mean?"

"Everything seems so clear to you."

Yang Xiaoyun continued, "You lack the impulsiveness and passion of youth, seeming mature beyond your years, which makes me feel sorry for you."

Su Mo rubbed his nose and grinned suddenly. "Xiaoyun, let's go drink flower wine tonight."

"..."

Yang Xiaoyun stared at Su Mo, speechless.

Just as Su Mo thought he had succeeded, Yang Xiaoyun slapped her thigh. "Great!"

"???"

Su Mo was startled.

"I've always wanted to go, but I couldn't go alone. If you take me, it'll be perfect!"

Yang Xiaoyun was thrilled. "A man's word is his bond! Take me tonight!!"

"..."

Su Mo suddenly felt Yang Xiaoyun's previous words were nonsense.

Everything seemed clear to him?

Clear my foot!

I can't even figure you out!!!

Who would have thought a young lady would get so excited about drinking flower wine?

What do you really want to do!?

Su Mo ranted inwardly as he watched Yang Xiaoyun about to jump for joy. He quickly said, "Come on, come on, the chief manager is waiting impatiently."

Yang Xiaoyun reluctantly let Su Mo drag her away.

...

...

The chief manager was certainly not in a hurry.

He was broad and plump, with a slow nature, always believing that slow work yields fine results. A mere hour or two would never bother him.

Picking up his teacup, he began to examine the layout of the Ziyang Escort Agency's main hall.

After a moment, he gave it a somewhat meager internal evaluation.

But it was understandable.

After all, when Su Mo was young and inexperienced, he had been notoriously extravagant, well-known throughout Sunset City.

Thus, the decline of their family was a common tale.

Yet no one expected that suddenly, there would be a day of soaring heights.

This is the wonder of the martial world.

And the reason for his personal visit was also something Su Mo had guessed correctly.

Su Mo had been frivolous in his youth, and even now, at a young age, he was already famous.

Young fame naturally brings pride and arrogance.

Since Wanxin Trading Company wanted to negotiate with Su Mo, they had to consider this. Although the deal itself wasn't significant enough to warrant the chief manager's presence, sending someone of equal status might make Su Mo feel underestimated by Wanxin Trading Company.

A deal that could have been made might end up falling through, possibly leading to conflict and unnecessary enemies.

Wanxin Trading Company, being a business entity, always valued harmony. The chief manager, known for his steadiness, wouldn't make such a mistake. Despite the inconvenience, he personally came to give the Ziyang Escort Agency face and ensure the matter went smoothly.

Another reason was that he wanted to meet Su Mo, the newly risen young master.

The incident at Profound Theory Valley had stirred up a great deal, involving almost every notable figure in the southwest.

This elevated Su Mo's reputation far beyond that of an ordinary young master.

It seemed he had directly secured the top spot among the younger generation in the southwest upon his debut.

Such a person, if not seen with one's own eyes, would always leave a sense of regret.

As he pondered, he heard footsteps approaching from outside. Looking up, he saw a man and a woman stepping in.

The man was heroic and handsome, smiling gently, his gaze calm, showing no hint of arrogance despite his early fame.

The woman was extremely beautiful, walking briskly with a carefree demeanor, her features lively and unrestrained, yet her eyes held a hint of sorrow...

Without a doubt, these two were Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun.

While the chief manager was calculating, he heard Su Mo's voice:

"Chief Manager, your personal visit truly caught me off guard. Please forgive my lack of preparation."

"Not at all, not at all."

The chief manager put down his teacup, stood up, and smiled, saying, "Young Master Su, your heroic deeds are well-known. Meeting you today confirms your reputation."

Flattery begets flattery; such pleasantries are inevitable.

One wouldn't visit and greet the host with insults like, "Hey, why are you so ugly?"

Encountering such rudeness would only invite a beating.

After exchanging greetings, both parties sat down, and after a few more words, they got straight to the point.

"May I ask what brings the Chief Manager here?"

Su Mo asked with a smile.

"To be honest, I am here to seek Young Master Su's assistance."

Seeing Su Mo's straightforwardness, the chief manager continued, "Does the Ziyang Escort Agency currently have any ongoing business?"

"The Ziyang Escort Agency is currently rebuilding. As a junior, I am still unknown in the martial world, and our doors are quiet. We are quite idle."

"Haha, Young Master Su is too modest. Your performance at Profound Theory Valley has made you famous throughout the martial world. My ears are full of praise... It seems I've come at the right time. If I had waited a few more days, I might not even have met you."

The chief manager paused slightly before continuing, "I am here to request Young Master Su's help in escorting some goods to Wufangji."

"Wufangji?"

Su Mo was taken aback. This place was within the territory of the Heavenly Blade Sect.

Strictly speaking, it was practically at the Heavenly Blade Sect's doorstep.

Wufangji was just a day's journey from the Heavenly Blade Sect's mountain gate, similar to Pingfeng Town and Yuqing Mountain.

But similarly, at the foot of this famous mountain, Pingfeng Town is a small town, while Wufangji is a major stronghold.

Initially, it was just a small market in the surrounding area, but under the protection of the Heavenly Blade Sect, it has grown larger and larger. Although called Wufangji, it welcomes guests from all directions.

Merchants traveling north and south pass through there continuously.

"That's right."

The head merchant nodded: "Our Wanxin Trading Company has a modest reputation, and our business is not small. We have several branches in Wufangji. This time, we need to deliver a batch of high-quality silk fabrics to our branches in Wufangji for trade."

At this point, he paused slightly and said with a smile: "Although our company has its own escort team, each mountain and village has its own ways. After all, we are merchants and are still somewhat unfamiliar with dealing with these bandits... To be honest, in the past, Wanxin Trading Company mostly cooperated with the Heavenly Gate Escort Agency."

"However, the Heavenly Gate Escort Agency is currently too busy, so after some searching, we found the Ziyang Escort Agency."

"The young chief escort's battle at Profound Theory Valley is well-known in the martial world. This time, we actually want to rely on Chief Su's reputation to deter others."

"If there are any expenses along the way that need to be covered, Chief Su can speak up, and the Wanxin Trading Company will bear all costs."

Upon hearing this, Su Mo nodded lightly: "I see. Do you know where this batch of goods is now? Can we take a look?"

"Certainly, this batch of goods is currently in Sunset City, stored in the main warehouse of the Wanxin Trading Company."

The head merchant smiled: "If you need to inspect the goods, we can set off immediately."

"Since today is as good as any other, why not now?"

"Hahaha, Chief Su speaks straightforwardly. Please follow me."

Immediately, the group left the Ziyang Escort Agency. As Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun were leaving, they had Xiaochuan bring a few brothers along.

They arrived at the main office of the Wanxin Trading Company and inspected the warehouse one by one.

"This batch of goods is quite large, and the journey will be very arduous."

After Su Mo and his men finished inspecting the goods, the head merchant took out a banknote worth a thousand taels:

"Therefore, we have prepared three thousand taels of silver as escort fees, with one thousand as a deposit. What does Chief Su think?"

As he spoke, a panel appeared in front of Su Mo.

"Mission: Escort Wanxin Trading Company's goods to Wufangji."

"Do you accept?"

Su Mo didn't rush to accept it. He glanced at Yang Xiaoyun, who nodded slightly. Su Mo then accepted the mission and said with a smile:

"Since that's the case, let's follow the head merchant's suggestion. When do you plan to send this batch of goods?"

"The sooner, the better."

The head merchant understood that the deal was settled and breathed a sigh of relief, smiling: "To be honest, Wufangji has been lacking goods for a long time, and this batch is considered an emergency supply. If Chief Su can make this trip smoothly, all future business on this route can be entrusted to you."

"Hahaha, that would be perfect."

Su Mo clasped his fists: "Thank you, head merchant."

"Not at all."

The head merchant smiled: "This is mutually beneficial. When do you plan to depart?"

"Since that's the case, we shouldn't delay further. Let me prepare a bit and depart early tomorrow morning... Also, I'll leave my escort guards here to watch over the goods. Since I've taken on this job, please accommodate them."

"Ah..."

The head merchant hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded.

In the past, when dealing with the Heavenly Gate Escort Agency, such arrangements were not made. However, every escort agency has its own rules, and Su Mo's decision to leave guards was out of caution. The head merchant agreed after a brief hesitation.

After settling the contract and deposit, the deal was finalized.

Su Mo called over Xiaochuan and gave him some instructions before bidding farewell to the head merchant with Yang Xiaoyun.

On their way back to the Ziyang Escort Agency, Yang Xiaoyun occasionally glanced sideways at Su Mo.

Feeling uncomfortable under her gaze, Su Mo subconsciously touched his face: "I know I'm handsome, but there's no need to stare like that, is there?"

"Tsk..."

Yang Xiaoyun rolled her eyes: "What were you thinking about taking this job?"

"Well, it's appropriate."

Su Mo said: "There's no Fallen Phoenix Alliance involved, and it doesn't involve anything else; it's just a simple escort job. Moreover, the Wanxin Trading Company has its own escort team, so we don't need to worry too much about manpower. The only issue is how to interact with their escort team."

"But ultimately, it's about who takes the lead. A straightforward method is to use force to establish dominance."

"Besides that?"

"Besides that..."

Su Mo thought for a moment: "For the escort agency, if we can establish a long-term cooperation with the Wanxin Trading Company, it would be beneficial. As the head merchant said, if this route goes smoothly, future business could be entrusted to us, which would save them trouble and provide us with a steady income. It's surprising that the head merchant chose to bypass the Heavenly Gate Escort Agency on this route."

"The Heavenly Gate Escort Agency once had conflicts with the Heavenly Blade Sect, so the head merchant's decision was likely not impulsive."

"Regardless, it's good news for us."

"Why do I feel like you're not that happy?"

Yang Xiaoyun pouted: "Taking such a big step for the escort agency, shouldn't you be overjoyed?"

"Actually, I'm quite pleased, but there are a few minor issues to consider."

Su Mo said, "This route was originally established by the Heavenly Gate Escort Agency. Whether our reputation will hold up along the way is uncertain. Therefore, we need to carefully examine our route options and try to streamline them if possible. The fewer troubles we encounter, the better.

"Secondly, how should we handle the unavoidable troubles?

"The head of the trading company mentioned that someone from the Heavenly Gate Escort Agency had taken care of things before. Could there be some hidden issues here?"

Yang Xiaoyun couldn't help but laugh: "Of course there are. The bandits get the lion's share, and the escort agency gets a cut too, all at the expense of the Wanxin Trading Company."

"As long as the goods are delivered, the Wanxin Trading Company still makes a profit, so they don't mind spending money to avoid trouble.

"So, the question is, should we stand firm and refuse any such benefits, or should we go with the flow?"

Su Mo looked at Yang Xiaoyun.

Yang Xiaoyun hesitated: "We should follow the chief escort's instructions, of course."

"Sigh... As the saying goes, understanding the world is a form of learning, and mastering human relations is an art. If the water is too clear, there are no fish. In this case, we can only go with the flow... After all, if we stand firm, it would be like slapping the Heavenly Gate Escort Agency in the face.

"On one hand, we're taking their business and using their route, and on the other, we're hitting them where it hurts.

"If we say it nicely, it's being upright; if we say it harshly, it's being naive.

"Who would want to do business with someone who's naive?

"Even if the trading company saves some money, you never know when you might run into trouble for offending people.

"At that point, they might just stop doing business with us, and our current favorable situation would crumble."

Su Mo smiled and said, "With all these issues, do you understand why I'm not as happy?"

"You're wise beyond your years. You should be more energetic."

"Energetic my ass..."

Su Mo said, "How much do you know about this route? When we get back, give me a list of people we need to watch out for. While we can't cover every detail, we should have a basic understanding. We need to know who the local bosses are wherever we go. We'll start with courtesy, and if that doesn't work, we'll resort to force."

"Alright!"

After agreeing, Yang Xiaoyun suddenly remembered: "Wait, weren't we supposed to go drinking tonight?"