Chairman Wang became the richest man in Jingyuan thanks to the Qiyang Chamber of Commerce.
Of course, this wouldn't have been possible without the participation of Li Xi and her team.
Previously, the Chamber of Commerce was just an obscure business association, but since Li Xi joined, it has risen like a rocket thanks to her unique business acumen.
After collaborating with General Li Xi and the Emperor Emeritus to hold a trade fair, she became the focus of attention, with major merchants vying to cooperate with her, and her name resounding throughout the business world.
After becoming the richest woman, her social circle also expanded.
She connected with elites from all walks of life, exchanging ideas and exploring business opportunities with them. Her influence extended beyond the business world to various fields such as culture and art.
However, recently she has been troubled by some worries.
Just then, a subordinate rushed over to report to her: "President, the heir of the Marquis of Dingyuan has arrived."
Upon hearing this news, she couldn't help but frown, thinking to herself: Why is it him again? This person comes to see me every two or three days, but each time he doesn't talk about anything serious, he just talks about eating, drinking and having fun.
Although she was very impatient with him, she did not dare to stop him easily, especially since he was the Empress Dowager's own nephew.
Both publicly and privately, she seemed to have no reason to refuse his visit.
"Please let him in." Chairman Wang straightened his clothes and sat down in the chair.
As soon as Young Master Cheng entered, he brought with him a refreshing breeze.
He was dressed in a moon-white robe, with a tall and straight posture, and a handsome face with a gentle smile.
"What brings you here today, Your Highness?" Chairman Wang asked.
Cheng Hexuan chuckled and sat down casually. "It's been a long time since I've seen the president, so I've come to visit."
President Wang responded with a forced smile, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness, but I have been very busy with matters these days and I am afraid I will not have time to entertain you."
Young Master Cheng seemed not to hear him and continued, "I've heard that a new restaurant has opened in the west of the city. The chef there used to work in the imperial kitchen, and his dishes are exquisite. As for the wine, it's brewed with spring water from the mountains, and it's fragrant and mellow. I wonder if the chairman would be interested in going to try it?"
President Wang's impatience grew even stronger, but he could only politely decline, saying, "I appreciate the young master's kindness, but the Chamber of Commerce is currently facing many decisions and is simply unable to get away."
A sly glint flashed in Young Master Cheng's eyes. "It's just an afternoon's work. As the saying goes, work and rest should be balanced. Taking a break now and then might give the president more inspiration and energy to handle the affairs of the Chamber of Commerce."
President Wang sighed inwardly. She knew that Young Master Cheng would not give up easily, so she could only try to decline again. "I appreciate your kindness, Your Highness. However, there are still many important matters to attend to in the Chamber of Commerce, and I am unable to leave. If I have free time another day, I will definitely host a banquet for Your Highness in person to express my gratitude."
Young Master Cheng didn't seem to intend to give up so easily. He gently swirled the teacup in his hand, a playful glint in his eyes. "Why does the chairman have to be so aloof? Besides, I want to discuss a business deal with you this time."
Upon hearing this, Chairman Wang raised an eyebrow, secretly wondering: What exactly is this young master up to? Why does he want to talk business with her?
She remained expressionless and asked calmly, "Oh? May I ask what kind of business the young master is referring to? That you would be so kind as to grace us with your presence?"
Young Master Cheng chuckled softly, put down his teacup, and leaned forward slightly, as if trying to get closer to Chairman Wang: "You must be very interested. Come on, let's eat and chat."
After hesitating for a moment, Chairman Wang finally stood up and said, "Since the young master is so hospitable, then I will trouble you."
A triumphant smile curled at the corner of his lips, and the two headed to the restaurant together.
Upon entering the private room, the food and drinks were quickly served.
Cheng Hexuan first drank a glass of wine before slowly speaking, "I know that the chairman is eager to expand the business of the Chamber of Commerce and sell the goods to other countries, but unfortunately the sea routes are dangerous and pirates are rampant."
President Wang's eyes lit up; indeed, this was something that had been troubling her for a long time.
He continued, "I have a group of capable and righteous men under my command who are skilled in escorting ships. As long as the chairman is willing to share 30% of the profits, I will guarantee the safety of your merchant ships."
Wang Lianyi weighed the pros and cons in her mind. The conditions seemed harsh, but if they could really solve the maritime problem, it was worth a try.
Wang Lianyi smiled slightly, a glint of shrewdness flashing in her eyes. She slowly said, "Young Master Cheng, you are mistaken. Thirty percent of the profits is no small sum. However, if you can truly solve the safety problem of this sea route, I am quite tempted. But how can I guarantee that what you say is true? And how can I be sure that you can keep your promise?"
Cheng Hexuan seemed to have expected this. He smiled slightly, took out a document from his pocket, and gently placed it on the table: "President, please take a look. This is an agreement I signed with several forces in the nearby seas. They have promised that as long as my Cheng family's merchant ships are there, they will not cause trouble. As for keeping their promise, President, you can rest assured. My Cheng family is a prominent family in Jingyuan. How could we break our word?"
Wang Lianyi picked up the document and examined it carefully, thinking to herself: This Cheng Hexuan does have some skills; he was able to reach an agreement with those pirates. If that's true, then his talk of escorting them isn't entirely unfounded.
She put down the documents and looked at Cheng Hexuan with a firm gaze: "Young Master Cheng, I need to discuss this matter with my colleagues in the Chamber of Commerce before making a decision. However, if you can really solve the safety problem of this sea route, although 30% of the profits is a lot, it is not impossible to negotiate."
Upon hearing this, a hint of satisfaction flashed in Cheng Hexuan's eyes. He nodded slightly and said, "As expected of the president, I will await your good news."
A few days later, Wang Lianyi arrived at Xizhou Wharf in Qingcheng as promised.
At Xizhou Wharf, a gentle sea breeze blows and the water sparkles.
Cheng Hexuan had been waiting at the dock for a long time.
He was dressed in a brocade robe, with a jade belt around his waist, and exuded an air of grandeur. Upon seeing Wang Lianyi arrive, he smiled and stepped forward to greet her, bowing respectfully: "As expected of the Chairman, I admire you, Cheng."
Wang Lianyi smiled slightly and returned the greeting, saying, "Your Highness is too kind. I came here today to hear your detailed plan regarding the escort mission."
Upon hearing this, Cheng Hexuan's eyes flashed with approval. He led Wang Lianyi to a quiet corner and slowly said, "President, please take a look. These are the ships and personnel that my Cheng family has prepared to escort the Chamber of Commerce. They are all battle-hardened veterans, skilled in dealing with all kinds of emergencies at sea."
As he spoke, he pointed to a series of large ships in the distance, their flags fluttering and their decks filled with armored warriors, making them appear exceptionally imposing.
"The young master has indeed put in a lot of effort," Wang Lianyi couldn't help but admire.
She approached the ship for a closer look and discovered that not only were the crew well-equipped, but the ship also had many ingenious mechanisms.
After leaving the dock, they went to the office where the Dingyuan Marquis's fleet was located.
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