Chapter 268 - 241: Mutual Probing

Chapter 268: Chapter 241: Mutual Probing

Uncle Musa deliberately adopted a casual posture, betraying none of the presence of a professional. He looked like nothing more than a somewhat elderly merchant.

But his gaze never once left the heavily bundled-up Shire across from him.

Upon hearing the other man’s hoarse greeting, he merely nodded, but a judgment had already formed in his mind. ’He’s faking that voice. Why? Is he hiding something?’

"How much Red Bull do you want to buy?" Shire asked. He dispensed with any pleasantries, not asking about tea or coffee, but cutting straight to the point.

This caught Musa slightly off guard. When dealing with other merchants, they would always try to chat you up, probing your intentions and bottom line before getting down to formal negotiations. But this man had opened with a direct question. ’Is this guy just that confident, or is he doing this on purpose?’

He paused for two seconds before speaking. "I’m just personally very fond of this stuff. If the price is right, I might consider stocking a small amount of Red Bull."

Musa deliberately held back his cards. He wanted to draw things out with the other man and use the time to try and get the information he wanted, such as the origin of the White Shell Trading Company’s name, or asking things like, "Who helped you run this business so well? Can I meet them?"

"A small amount?" the raspy voice of Shire from across the table repeated. "I do have some Red Bull left, and I’m willing to sell it, but the price is still up for discussion. You know this drink has... other effects."

Musa’s eyes narrowed as he mulled over the man’s words. ’He wants a good price. Is he deliberately alluding to Red Bull’s magical and aphrodisiac effects? As expected, merchants love to beat around the bush like this when they talk business.’

If Vivian hadn’t sent a detailed letter explaining its uses, Musa would have just considered Red Bull a novel beverage. But this person seemed to know its effects, as if he’d tested it himself. Musa subtly glanced at Mary, who was standing by the door. She just stood there calmly, awaiting her boss’s instructions. ’She looks so composed. She must have seen her fair share of negotiations. It seems they’re very confident they can sell Red Bull for a high price.’

"As for the price, I’ve considered it. This stuff is refreshing and can alleviate fatigue." Musa chose his words carefully, speaking slowly. "However, on the market right now, people prefer coffee and tea. The chrysanthemum tea from the Archipelago is currently a hot commodity for me, whereas Red Bull is just something new."

"Mr. Salumu, while it may be new, its prospects are quite good." A hint of a smile crept into Shire’s voice. "I believe you can see that."

"Be that as it may, it takes time for people to accept new things," Musa said, leaning back slightly, projecting an air of someone holding all the cards. "The most I can offer is seventy percent of the price of chrysanthemum tea."

...

Shire watched Mr. Salumu sit down and silently called up the man’s status panel.

[Name: Musa]

[Race: Human]

[Danger Level: 9, A Bit Dangerous]

[Personality: Loyal and Tenacious]

[Own State: Magic Transformation (Positive)]

’Hm? Uncle Musa?’ Shire frowned imperceptibly. The name seemed so distant, so far-removed that he almost thought the panel was displaying an error.

But when he took a closer look at the man’s face, he couldn’t match it to his memory. ’His facial structure looks softer, and his aura is all wrong. Especially his style of dress... this person is even wearing a Ruby necklace. He looks a bit effeminate.’

The Uncle Musa he remembered was a man who swung his Great Sword with vigor, whose hearty laugh and wheat-colored muscles made Shire shake his head just thinking about the times he was beaten to a pulp while learning Noble Swordsmanship.

’But the name, and the Magic Effect...’ Shire wasn’t sure. ’There are plenty of people with the same name. It can’t be that I’ve run into someone from my family this easily. Besides, Uncle Musa doesn’t know any Magic.’

"I think seventy percent is still a little low. After all, this drink can be mixed with honey and milk for even better flavor." He stated his opinion, his eyes fixed on the man opposite him.

Uncle Musa just mulled it over for a moment. "You have a point. I can raise the price a bit, but..."

Shire’s eyes narrowed, waiting for what the man would say next.

"But I have a new proposal," Musa said, shifting his posture. "I’ve asked around about your workshop. I hear it’s doing very well. I was thinking, why not let me provide some capital and we can go into the Red Bull business together? According to what Miss Mary said before, you’re the only one who can grow this plant. If we partner up, the prospects could be even better."

"Of course," he paused for two seconds, "I don’t know how this plant is grown or how it should be preserved. If I’m to join this partnership, you’ll need to send some of your people to me. That’s the only way."

’A partnership?’ Shire frowned. ’This person is nothing like Uncle Musa. To propose such terms... and he wants me to send people to work with him? If he does that, once he grasps the cultivation techniques and turns my men to his side, he could kick me out of the picture entirely.’

’Uncle Musa isn’t that kind of person.’ He recalled his memories of Torch City, of the responsible, middle-aged man who kept the entire Baron’s Castle in perfect order every day. ’This guy across from me is a completely unscrupulous merchant.’

Shire coughed lightly a few times to clear his throat, then continued in his raspy voice, "I’m sorry, but I have no intention of partnering up at the moment. For now, I just want to sell a portion of my Red Bull and see how it goes. As for sending people to help you manage things, I’m afraid that would be difficult. After all, I’m the only one who cultivates this, so no one else knows how."

The Island Merchant across from him frowned and fell silent. A few seconds later, he suddenly voiced a question. "I think a partnership is a good path forward. We can even keep the name ’White Shell.’ Of course, other names would be fine too. Speaking of which, when I first saw a trading company in Yangjiao Town named White Shell, it gave me a sense of surprise and warmth. After all, in a region so far inland, I’ve never seen a name with such an Archipelago-style flair."

’Something’s not right about this guy,’ alarm bells went off in Shire’s mind. ’It’s like he’s deliberately trying to draw something out, and now he’s even bringing up the name.’

"I still don’t want to enter a joint venture." He shook his head slightly. "I’m sorry, Mr. Salumu."

Hearing Shire’s clear refusal, a glint flashed in Uncle Musa’s eyes. He raised his left hand and brushed his beard with the back of it, clearly thinking about his next move.

And that very gesture made Shire’s eyes go wide. He clenched and unclenched his fists several times, trying hard to calm himself.

"Uncle Musa... is that you?"