Earlier in the city lord's residence, Qian Renxue had briefly exchanged words with Pietro about work matters. However, after only a perfunctory few questions, she quickly turned her attention to inquiring about Ye Wen's identity.
After all, compared to sending her own people to investigate, this ready-made source of information was far more convenient.
Pietro, on the other hand, felt somewhat disheartened afterward, unsure whether he had successfully flattered or inadvertently offended her.
But soon, Pietro dismissed the matter from his mind. Though Ye Wen's pharmacy business was thriving, it was still relatively small compared to their century-old family. Losing some profits to please the Crown Prince was a small price to pay.
However, the information Pietro provided about Ye Wen was rather superficial—he only knew anecdotes about Ye Wen's exploits after becoming a soul master and being engaged to Huo Yu'er.
Even so, even this limited information was enough for Qian Renxue to admire him.
"At such a young age, he is bold and decisive, possessing strength yet not boastful. Instead, he dedicates himself to benefiting the common people. This child will surely achieve great things in the future." This was Qian Renxue's evaluation of Ye Wen at the time.
Pietro nodded in agreement. After all, every great family had its share of troublesome heirs.
Despite trying to teach them humility, the hot-headed youngsters always brought various troubles his way. Pietro inwardly wished for a wise descendant like Ye Wen to inherit the family business!
Meanwhile, without realizing it, Ye Wen had been brought by Qian Renxue to the local Soul Battle Arena.
Looking at the structure before him, which bore a striking resemblance to the ancient Roman Colosseum, Ye Wen opened his mouth but said nothing.
Ye Wen thought to himself, shouldn't we be discussing matters in a private room at a hotel or teahouse? Why come to such a place of bloody combat? Could this wretched woman be plotting revenge for yesterday and planning to force me into a fight?
Qian Renxue merely smiled mysteriously, saying nothing, before leading Ye Wen alone to a private suite within the arena.
Hmm…
Looking at the elegant room, Ye Wen felt somewhat speechless. Wasn't this supposed to be a place for conversation?
Ye Wen remained stiff and awkward for a moment, while Qian Renxue naturally instructed the waitstaff to bring tea and snacks. Only then did she sit down across from Ye Wen with composure.
"Let us reintroduce ourselves. I am Xue Qinghe of the Tian Dou Imperial Family." Qian Renxue spoke calmly.
Though she had already introduced herself yesterday, under these circumstances, her deliberate repetition made Ye Wen tense up. Unnecessary kindness often concealed ulterior motives, and her affected demeanor clearly indicated hidden intentions.
Ye Wen's nerves tightened as he raised his hand with unprecedented seriousness and bowed. "Greetings, Your Highness. I am Ye Wen, the grandson-in-law of Countess Tianxin. May I ask why you have brought me here?"
"Ho ho, Young Ye, there's no need to be so nervous. Today's visit is simply for a chat—not official business. If possible, I'd prefer you call me Brother Xue." Qian Renxue waved her hand dismissively and chuckled.
The more casual Qian Renxue acted, the tenser Ye Wen became.
Setting aside Qian Renxue's other questions, as a busy noble managing myriad affairs, her condescension toward him clearly implied an ulterior motive.
But Ye Wen could only internally grumble. Outwardly, he expressed gratitude: "Thank you for your appreciation, Your Highness. Then, allow me to address you as Brother Xue."
After another round of polite exchanges that left Ye Wen feeling nauseous, Qian Renxue finally broached the main topic.
"Young Ye, I see you're eager to expand your business. Would you consider entrusting me with the agency rights to promote it? With my connections, I can ensure rapid expansion throughout the Tian Dou Empire. It would be a tremendous benefit for both you and the commoners below.
Moreover, I can promise you that the profit-sharing will mirror what Lord Pietro offered today. You won't lose a single bit."
"Ah, this… this…"
Outwardly, Ye Wen feigned shock, acting as though he didn't know how to respond. Internally, however, he fiercely resisted.
Beforehand, Ye Wen had already considered the issue between himself and Qian Renxue.
In the future, if he had the ability, he would certainly save this little angel.
But for now, Ye Wen wanted to play it safe!
And Qian Renxue's proposed collaboration would undoubtedly thrust him into the spotlight on the Douluo continent.
No matter how cheap the cost of medicinal herbs might be, if it involved the entire Tian Dou Empire, the scale of profits would be staggering—enough to make even Title Douluo envious.
Thus, when Ye Wen initially promoted his business, he had already prepared to offer discounts, as long as he didn't incur losses, and continue expanding.
But now, Qian Renxue was proposing to act as his agent. While she certainly had the qualifications, the problem was that she wasn't truly Xue Qinghe.
The natives of Douluo might not know, but Ye Wen was well aware that this woman, in her desperation for quick results, would eventually expose her true identity.
If the agency rights were handed over to Qian Renxue, once her identity was revealed, no matter how neutral or unknowing Countess Tianxin Huo Rui might be, Ye Wen would inevitably face liquidation from the Tian Dou Empire's officials.
After all, within bureaucratic systems, there was no justice or evil—only positions and allegiances. Ye Wen had seen too many instances in his past life where high-ranking officials were abandoned once their power crumbled.
The problem now was that Ye Wen didn't know how to refuse Qian Renxue!
After all, on the surface, Qian Renxue was currently the highly esteemed First Crown Prince of the Tian Dou Empire, Xue Qinghe. To outright refuse such a powerful ally would raise suspicions about his own intentions.
But Ye Wen couldn't pretend ignorance for too long. He cautiously ventured a response:
"I'm afraid this won't work, Brother Xue. Though I also wish for these medicines to benefit the Douluo continent, my operation is still in its infancy. Supplying the herbs is a major challenge. Our current production barely meets the needs of the Fasinuo Province and this region—it's already at its limit."
Qian Renxue nodded thoughtfully, inwardly acknowledging that she had been too hasty.
However, with her wealth and influence, Qian Renxue immediately countered: "It's no problem. Not only can I act as your agent, but I can also allocate a large plot of land for you to cultivate and produce these herbs. What do you think?"
Ye Wen, who had assumed his earlier excuses would dissuade her, suddenly froze mid-smile. The offer was incredible—absolutely heavenly. In his previous life, if he had such a generous client after graduating, he would have been ecstatic!
But with Qian Renxue having gone this far, Ye Wen could only smile and accept.
To reject such a favorable offer would make it obvious to anyone that something was amiss.
Since cooperation was unavoidable, Ye Wen resolved to pay closer attention to Qian Renxue's situation in the future.
At the slightest hint of trouble, he would pack up and flee, resurfacing only after he had grown stronger!
However, the issue of faith power would once again become problematic. Ye Wen sighed. Clearly, he wasn't the protagonist—there were always unexpected complications. For now, he could only take things one step at a time.
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