“The chieftain only knows one side of the story. It is true that the official salt is sold at a high price, but the common people simply cannot afford it and turn to buy our private salt,” the woman explained. “So the six or seven times difference you mentioned is just a theoretical value. In reality, it is far from being achieved.”
"Then what price do you think is appropriate, Chief?" Chen Xuan actually understood the intricacies of the matter; he had only been deliberately asking for an exorbitant amount.
The woman remained silent for a while before parting her lips to utter a number: "At most, one-tenth of next year's profits."
"One-tenth?" Chen Xuan was furious and suddenly stood up from his chair. "Are you trying to fob me off like this? I came with sincerity, and the gang leader is going too far."
An immense aura spread out, and the members of the Giant Whale Gang outside heard the commotion and wanted to come in to check, but the woman gestured for them not to come in.
After stopping her men, the woman turned around and answered calmly, "Chief Chen, please be patient and let me explain in detail. We don't actually need salt permits for smuggling salt these days, since they are two completely different paths. Of course, having salt permits can provide some insurance and reduce some of the risks in our business. It's just a pity that the salt permits you have are only for one-time use and are destined not to last for many years."
"Furthermore, Chief, don't be fooled by how well we live. A large portion of our income goes towards bribing various departments. Otherwise, how could we have survived for so many years? The lion's share is taken by those people, and we only get a small portion. So, giving the Chief ten percent is already a hard-won achievement."
A playful smile appeared on Chen Xuan's face: "I've long heard that the Giant Whale Gang has some connections with the government. I wonder which lord they've benefited from?"
The woman's expression changed: "Is the chieftain crossing the line by asking this?"
Chen Xuan knew she wouldn't answer, so he laughed and said, "Then let's go for 20%, that's the lowest I can go."
The woman shook her head: "At most 15%!"
Chen Xuan fell silent: "Okay, deal!"
Hmph, I'll take you into my house one day. I'll take your money and your body, you'll be mine anyway. It's okay if you have a little less now.
"It's a pleasure to cooperate with you~" The woman smiled slightly and picked up her teacup, indicating that she would drink tea instead of wine.
Chen Xuan was experienced and not afraid of her poisoning him. He lightly touched her from a distance, took a small sip, and said, "We've been chatting for so long, and I still don't know the gang leader's name."
The woman replied, "My surname is Guan."
"Guan..." Chen Xuan was slightly annoyed, thinking to himself that this woman wouldn't even say her name, but he would find out sooner or later.
While the spoils were being divided on the island, Zu'an in the city, armed with the list given to him by Jiang Luofu, began searching for Chen Xuan's hiding place.
Ever since Zu'an handed over the 7.5 million tael IOU to Jiang Luofu, she has been planning to take over the Plum Blossom Gang's assets. With the academy's capabilities, it wouldn't be difficult to investigate the Plum Blossom Gang's overt and covert assets.
When Zu An came to her door, Jiang Luofu did not hesitate and handed him the prepared booklet. Since he would be the one to receive these later anyway, it was no big deal to show it to him in advance.
Looking at the densely packed addresses of farmhouses in the ledger, Zu An was secretly amazed. So this is how profitable running a casino is.
He didn't care about the delay and led Jiao Shan and other guards from the Chu family to search everywhere. Unfortunately, after searching for most of the night, they still found nothing.
"Could it be that I guessed wrong?" Zu An was also somewhat frustrated and could only return to the Chu residence first.
After all, Chu Chuyan still needs to receive treatment tonight.
Upon returning to the Chu family to report these matters, both Mr. and Mrs. Chu and Chu Chuyan had furrowed brows, clearly indicating that the current situation was what they were most worried about.
If we can't save Wang Yuanlong, and the Wang and Chu families break off relations as a result, that would be a real problem.
Just then, Cheng Shouping ran over excitedly and said, "Young master, young master, someone is looking for you outside."
"Who is it?" Zuan asked curiously. Who would come looking for him so late at night? And why was this guy so excited?
Cheng Shouping opened his mouth, but then noticed Chu Zhongtian and the others beside him, and quickly swallowed his words: "I dare not say."
"What's there to be afraid to say? When did you learn to be so hesitant?" Qin Wanru said impatiently. She still remembered this servant; he used to arrange concubines for the master, causing her no end of trouble.
Cheng Shouping thought to himself that the injury he had suffered last time had not yet healed, but with the head of the family, his wife, and his young mistress all staring at him, he dared not keep them in suspense any longer and answered, "It is Miss Qiu."
"Which Autumn Maiden?" Chu Zhongtian was taken aback and didn't react for a moment.
Cheng Shouping said smugly, "Which other Qiu girl in the entire Bright Moon City is Qiu Honglei from the Immortal Abode, of course?"
You know, countless men have visited her door but rarely get to see her, and now she's actually taking the initiative to come see her in the middle of the night. He immediately felt a sense of honor.
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That's all for today. I'm sleep-deprived and feeling really unwell; I simply can't write anymore. Sorry.
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