Chapter 41: Bargaining

Seeing how calmly Zheng An responded, Li Yi realized that Zheng An was certainly aware of these unspoken rules—he simply hadn’t expected Li Yi would personally involve himself in such matters.

After all, there had never been a scion of nobility willing to undertake such lowly affairs himself.

In other noble households, it was always the steward who conducted business.

Moreover, if it became known that Li Yi was engaged in commerce, he would certainly become the laughingstock among the sons of other noble families.

At this thought, Zheng An couldn’t help but feel a newfound respect for Li Yi.

Li Yi, for his part, understood Zheng An’s concerns to some extent. He cared little for these cumbersome social conventions. Instead, he simply smiled and deftly changed the subject, asking with feigned ignorance, “May I ask, Brother Zheng, what brings you to see me today?”

Zheng An noticed Li Yi’s tactful inquiry and immediately had a sense of what to do. Having dealt with officials before, he was well-versed in the subtleties of such conversations.

He therefore dispensed with any further pleasantries, addressing the matter directly. “Young Master, I would like to discuss with you a major business opportunity.”

Li Yi smiled slightly and nodded. “Brother Zheng, have some tea first; we’ll talk in detail afterwards.”

“Thank you, Young Master.” Zheng An nodded, took a sip of tea, and then sat upright and proper, waiting for Li Yi’s reply.

After a moment, Li Yi signaled to Yue’er with his eyes.

Yue’er immediately understood, took an agreement from her sleeve, and handed it to Zheng An.

Without hesitation, Zheng An thanked her, accepted the document, and read it carefully and thoroughly.

Only after some time did Zheng An set the agreement down.

He frowned slightly, raised his head, and looked earnestly at Li Yi. “Young Master, there is one point in this agreement where I must disagree with you.”

At this moment, Zheng An’s expression was extremely serious, entirely the visage of a seasoned merchant.

“Oh? Let’s hear it, Brother Zheng.” Li Yi’s lips wore a slight smile, his tone unhurried.

“Very well!” Zheng An nodded, pondered a moment, then took a deep breath and said, “Young Master, the nine-to-one split you propose seems rather meager for my share, doesn’t it?”

Li Yi had expected as much; he was hardly surprised. Any shrewd businessman would negotiate.

“How about this, Brother Zheng: what percentage do you think would be fair?” Li Yi asked in return.

“Uh, well…” Zheng An was momentarily speechless. Wasn’t the price supposed to be negotiated by both sides? How had it come to him making the first offer? Didn’t that put him at a disadvantage?

Just then, Zheng An realized that Li Yi was not like the other idle sons of nobility.

He’s practically a born entrepreneur…

Zheng An felt his confidence wavering.

Moreover, seeing Li Yi’s confident smile, Zheng An knew that if he bargained as aggressively as he might with others, the deal would likely fall through.

Besides, he had personally tasted Li Yi’s “Orleans Set Meal” and knew its flavor was unmatched. If he could secure the rights, he would certainly dominate the market and amass a fortune!

Clenching his jaw, Zheng An said earnestly, “Young Master, I must insist on at least forty percent of the profits!”

“Forty percent?” Li Yi chuckled, shaking his head. Casting a glance at Zheng An, he said mildly, “Brother Zheng, you are a merchant and surely understand the value of my Orleans Set Meal. Forty percent is too much; at most, I can offer you twenty.”

Li Yi’s smile remained, but there was now an unmistakable firmness behind it.

“Twenty?” Zheng An muttered, his face turning bitter, as if all hope had left him.

He had expected as much, but still he was unwilling to give in. With only twenty percent, after taxes, there would be little left for him—he would be nothing more than Li Yi’s hired hand. For a merchant, that was a grave taboo.

“Young Master, twenty seems rather too little, doesn’t it?” Zheng An coughed, face twitching slightly, and said with a bitter smile, “You know my family holds the imperial merchant rank. If the Orleans Set Meal passes through my hands, it will surely dominate the market.”

“I have already considered that,” Li Yi replied with a calm smile, sipping his tea in perfect ease.

Zheng An’s face twitched uncontrollably. Since you know this, why offer me so little? This isn’t business—it’s daylight robbery... You might as well just take it...

He grumbled inwardly.

At that moment, the clever Yue’er, seeing the atmosphere grow tense and Zheng An’s expression sour, suddenly spoke up: “Sir Zheng, if my master chose to open his own shops, do you think he couldn’t dominate the market? It’s only out of goodwill, because of your acquaintance, that he’s offering you this opportunity.”

“Just look at how considerate Manager Xu has been…” Yue’er pouted, her eyes sparkling, then shot Zheng An a fierce glare, her displeasure plainly written on her face.

Zheng An rolled his eyes at her words. How could Manager Xu compare to him? His family were imperial merchants—how could ordinary people hope to match that?

He said nothing, lapsing into silent contemplation.

Li Yi was quite pleased with Yue’er’s intervention. Since Zheng An was unwilling, he didn’t intend to force the issue. There is honor even when a deal falls through.

After all, with his noble status, opening a restaurant was a trivial task—if only he had more funds at his disposal. That was the sole reason he’d considered partnering with Zheng An.

Besides, Li Yi had absolute confidence in the Orleans Set Meal; it would surely take the Tang Dynasty by storm.

With that, Li Yi smiled lightly and glanced at Yue’er. “See our guest out, Yue’er.”

“Yes, Young Master,” Yue’er replied, then walked over to Zheng An, her face bearing a ‘smile’ as she said, “Sir Zheng, this way please…”

Zheng An’s lip twitched. So if the deal isn’t struck, he’s shown the door right away...

But as he considered the immense profits at stake, he couldn’t help but feel reluctant.

If only Li Yi had offered a better share, he would have agreed immediately.

Rising, Zheng An bowed solemnly to Li Yi. “Young Master, I ask you to give me a little time. This is a matter of great importance. I must discuss it with my father before making a decision.”

“Of course, Brother Zheng,” Li Yi replied with a smile and a nod.

“Farewell, Young Master. I take my leave,” Zheng An said, bowing once more before turning to go.

Meanwhile, Yue’er, seeing Zheng An depart and realizing the deal had not been sealed, heaved a small sigh of disappointment.

“Young Master, what should we do if the business falls through?” Yue’er asked, her face clouded with worry.