Chapter 36: A Pleasant Collaboration

Hearing Li Yi speak in such a way, Lady Red Whisk finally let out a long sigh of relief, her heart, once heavy with worry, instantly settling. Seizing the moment, Li Yi wasted no time and laid out the plans he had long prepared, explaining everything in detail.

Upon listening, Lady Red Whisk saw that Li Yi had considered every aspect and already mapped out a thorough plan. Satisfied, she nodded at him with a smile. "Very well, Sanlang. This matter... your mother supports you!"

"Thank you, Mother!" Li Yi replied with a simple, honest smile, acting playfully. "I knew it—Mother is always the one who loves me best."

"You rascal..." Lady Red Whisk shook her head with an indulgent smile, unable to suppress her affection.

Soon after, Li Yi took his leave, bringing Yue’er along with him as they headed towards the Drunken Immortal Tavern.

Inside the Drunken Immortal Tavern, Cheng Chumo and Luo Tong were merrily drinking in Room One of the "Heaven" suite, showing no intention of stopping until they were thoroughly drunk.

Li Yi soon arrived at the tavern. Upon hearing of his arrival, Manager Xu hurried out from behind the counter to welcome him personally.

"Greetings, Young Master," Manager Xu said with a beaming face, bowing respectfully. He immediately instructed the attendant beside him, "Quickly prepare the finest private room for the Young Master and serve the best tea. Make sure he is well cared for."

"Yes, Manager. Young Master, please wait a moment," the attendant replied, not daring to show any neglect, and hurried off to fetch the tea.

"Young Master, please come in." At the same time, Manager Xu gestured for Li Yi to enter first.

Li Yi found the scene somewhat amusing. "Manager Xu, there's no need for all these formalities." He shook his head with a smile, then looked at Manager Xu seriously and said, "I've come today to discuss a matter of business with you."

"Business?" Manager Xu was stunned, utterly shocked. For young scions of noble families like them, merchants had always been regarded with contempt and a low social standing. Li Yi wanting to do business with him? It sounded like a fantasy.

Manager Xu couldn’t help but suspect, and a troubling thought flashed through his mind: "Could it be... that Young Master Li really intends to seize my tavern?"

The idea made his face turn pale. In the next moment, Manager Xu fell to his knees, his face full of terror as he pleaded, "Young Master, if I have offended you in any way, please show mercy. I am willing to hand over the Drunken Immortal Tavern to you—just spare my life..."

Li Yi was dumbfounded, and even Yue’er beside him looked thoroughly confused. Was her young master really that fearsome? Just a few words had terrified Manager Xu into such a state?

"Ahem, Manager Xu, please get up and speak," Li Yi said, feeling awkward, as if he were bullying the man. He cleared his throat and continued, "If I wanted your tavern, why would I come to discuss it openly with you?"

Li Yi couldn't help but wonder—was his reputation truly so terrible? Why did everyone seem to think of him as some ruthless bully?

He looked at Manager Xu with a helpless expression.

At last, Manager Xu seemed to awaken from a dream, glancing up at Li Yi, still uncertain. "Young Master, you truly don't mean..."

"What are you thinking? My young master is not that kind of person!" Before Manager Xu could finish, Yue’er interrupted with a scolding tone, "If he says he wants to do business with you, then that’s exactly what he means. Stand up and answer him properly!"

Clearly displeased with Manager Xu’s suspicions, Yue’er glared at him furiously. "How dare you think so ill of my young master! Careful, or I’ll teach you a lesson!"

She clenched her small fists, her eyes sharp, making Manager Xu shiver in fright, barely able to stand still.

Li Yi winced, shooting Yue’er a pained glance. "Yue’er, that’s enough."

"Yes, Young Master," Yue’er replied, withdrawing her glare and standing obediently behind Li Yi, though she continued to pout and occasionally give Manager Xu a hard look.

Only then did Manager Xu feel a measure of relief, wiping the sweat from his brow.

"Let's speak plainly, Manager Xu," Li Yi said, not bothering to argue further. No matter what he said, Manager Xu would always regard him with awe and fear. "I have a set of fast food dishes I’d like to sell in your tavern. We'll split the profits ninety to ten. How does that sound?"

Manager Xu hesitated for a moment, but recalling Yue’er’s fierce yet adorable glare, he quickly relented. He nodded repeatedly, "Everything will be as you wish, Young Master. It’s my honor to serve you!"

"Good, then it’s settled," Li Yi replied, not bothering with further negotiation.

At that moment, Yue’er produced a contract she had drafted earlier from her sleeve and handed it to Manager Xu.

Manager Xu accepted it nervously, glancing over it with disbelief. When he finally read the contents, he looked at Li Yi in astonishment. A notorious young lord, yet he could draft such a detailed and unexpectedly fair agreement!

Manager Xu was momentarily speechless. The contract was ironclad—if either party breached the agreement, the penalty was a staggering one hundred thousand taels. Wasn’t that daylight robbery?

Besides, as a mere small-time merchant, how could Manager Xu ever dare claim damages from Young Master Li? He’d have to be tired of living.

"This contract is perfectly reasonable and suits me well," Manager Xu replied, forcing a smile as he shakily signed the document.

"Excellent, Manager Xu. Here’s to a successful partnership." Li Yi stood, offering his hand with a gentle smile. "Tomorrow, I’ll have the goods delivered. We’ll follow the agreement to the letter. You simply have to sit back and collect your share."

"Ahem—yes, to a pleasant partnership..." Manager Xu replied with a bitter smile, feeling as though he was walking to his doom.