"If you’re willing to sell, that would be ideal. If not, we can collaborate. You provide the recipe and technology, and I’ll handle the sales... we’ll split the profits fifty-fifty..."
"Ha ha..." Yang Ruxin suddenly burst into laughter. "Young Master Yong Cang, are you joking? If I give you the recipe, you’ll really share the profits fifty-fifty with me? Don’t talk to me about any contracts or the like; they’re all worthless. Once you get the recipe, you’ll just turn your back on me, and I’ll have no recourse... So go home, wash up, and sleep on it..."
Yong Cang’s brows furrowed slightly: "Then how do you suggest we cooperate?"
"You are not a businessman," Yang Ruxin’s gaze suddenly sharpened.
Yong Cang’s frown deepened, but he remained silent, merely locking eyes with Yang Ruxin. After what felt like an eternity, so long that he began to find it difficult to breathe, he hurriedly took a deep breath, "Lady Xinxin has keen insight. My name is Toyotomi Souran, and I am the direct heir to the Toyotomi Family... Due to the oppression from the Tokugawa Family, our family has suffered heavy casualties... I was spared because my mother is from Daxuan and I spent most of my time here, but the family vendetta must be avenged..."
"Toyotomi? Tokugawa?" Yang Ruxin furrowed her brows slightly. "Toyotomi Hideyoshi? Tokugawa Ieyasu?"
"You..." Yong Cang was momentarily surprised. "You actually know about our Wa Country’s history? Toyotomi Hideyoshi was indeed my ancestor..."
Yang Ruxin merely smiled noncommittally. Her knowledge of history wasn’t strong, but even then she had read history books; these two figures were just too famous. However, what excited her was that the current Great Xuan Dynasty should be contemporary with the Ming Dynasty, meaning chili peppers existed. It seemed she needed to continue her diligent search.
It must be said that our dear Ruxin has developed an inexplicable obsession with chili peppers.
"I want to revive my family’s glory, and for that, I need silver," Yong Cang continued as he noticed Yang Ruxin slightly lost in thought. "Thus, I must engage in business. Only with silver can I gather forces, and with forces, I will be able to return and reclaim everything that belongs to the Toyotomi Family..."
"You’re telling me all this, without fearing that I might betray you?" Yang Ruxin offered a faint smile, one that didn’t reach her eyes. "Or rather, I am more worried about being implicated by you."
"I’m telling you this because I trust you," Yong Cang smiled faintly. "It shows my sincerity in wanting to collaborate. I not only have high hopes for your Divine Sauce but for those few snack items of yours as well. If they could be introduced to the Wa Country, I believe they would be highly sought after..."
"The more you know, the quicker you die," Yang Ruxin sighed helplessly. "You’re trying to leave me with no way out..."
Yong Cang’s brow twitched: "Today’s conversation is known only to you and me; no third person will know... If you disagree, let’s pretend we never spoke..."
Yang Ruxin pretended to ponder: "This is a big decision; I need to give it some thought..."
"Alright," Yong Cang stood up immediately. "I await your favorable response any time." Having said that, he bowed with his fist encased in the other hand, then left the room.
Ever since Yong Cang and Yang Ruxin had entered the room together, Yang Ruyu had been extremely agitated. She realized that practically any man she took a fancy to would be disrupted by this Dani. It was infuriating!
But there was someone guarding the door to the room; how could she get inside? Then, glancing at the room next door, her eyes lit up, and she hurried up the stairs.