"Do you still sell them or not? You know I've offered a fair price. You can ask anyone; I'm offering this price because your cotton clothes are of good quality. If anyone offers more, I'll pay you double." The Russian merchant Ivanov said sternly. Few people in this country had more influence than him, and he wouldn't let this deal slip away.
Chen Sancang smiled apologetically. "Mr. Ivan, my subordinate drank too much earlier. This batch of goods is already spoken for. If you're still interested, I can arrange for another cart to be sent from Shengjing for you."
"No, if you send another batch, it won't be at this price. I'll increase my offer by twenty percent!" Ivanov thought for a moment and added, this greedy, short Eastern man, after agreeing to a deal, suddenly changed his mind. He was clearly trying to extort more money, which Ivanov wouldn't tolerate.
Hearing Ivanov's voice, Chen Sancang's head began to ache. What was going on? This wasn't how things were supposed to go; everything was going awry.
Thinking of Chen Zhilong's face, Chen Sancang broke out in a cold sweat. What had he been thinking? Big Brother Long's important matters couldn't be delayed.
Just then, Tofusky also arrived. Chen Sancang had assured him there was a batch of high-quality cotton clothing for sale, which was why he had rushed over. Chinese cotton clothing was always popular here.
Upon seeing Tofusky, Ivanov burst into laughter. "You're here to see that batch of cotton clothes too? Too bad for you, there's no chance."
Tofusky's expression turned extremely grim. "Ivanov, what do you mean by that? Explain yourself clearly."
"My meaning is simple. I offered to increase the price by twenty percent, and they still refused to sell. It seems there's something wrong with this batch of goods," Ivanov said impatiently.
Merchants were driven by profit. An offer twenty percent higher, paid in cash, and yet Chen Sancang directly refused him. There had to be something fishy.
Tofusky's face darkened. What was this Chen Sancang up to? Was he just messing with him out of boredom? If so, this kid wouldn't be able to do business here anymore.
No one dared to trifle with Tofusky here.
Seeing Tofusky's unfriendly gaze, Chen Sancang broke out in a cold sweat. This was the legendary "battle nation"; they'd start a fight at the slightest disagreement.
He was just a strategist, a typical intellectual, and his combat skills were negligible.
Seeing Tofusky's rising anger, Chen Sancang quickly put on a smile that looked more like he was crying.
"It's not what you think, Tofusky. You must understand, I traveled thousands of miles just for you. Your reputation precedes you in our Huaxia. Everyone knows that Zhang Tianxing only rose to prominence with your help." Chen Sancang showered him with flattery.
Tofusky felt a little embarrassed. He hadn't expected to be such a well-known figure in Huaxia.
He hadn't mentioned anything about it when he last called Zhang Tianxing. That must be it, Zhang Tianxing probably didn't want me to get arrogant. How could I get arrogant when I'm associated with a man as talented as you?
As long as my sister doesn't mention Zhang Tianxing's name every other sentence, Tofusky would be eternally grateful.
"Alright, seeing your sincerity, I'll give you a chance to explain," Tofusky decided to hear Chen Sancang out.
"It's like this, Mr. Ivanov came and wanted to buy the entire batch right away. I couldn't agree, of course, because I had already promised you. This batch was prepared specifically for you," Chen Sancang said with feigned sincerity.
Tofusky was almost moved. "But Ivanov said he would increase the price by twenty percent. I can't afford that."
"No problem. Money is a fickle thing; we can earn more. Besides, this batch was prepared for you. I wouldn't betray my promise to Tofusky for the sake of money," Chen Sancang declared with great conviction, assuring Tofusky not to worry.
He considered himself a straightforward and honest businessman, one who kept his word and followed through on his actions. This was his life's creed.
Tofusky smiled broadly, thoroughly pleased. "Good lad, I admire you. I think you're a reliable person. How about this, I'll also increase my offer by twenty percent. I won't let a friend down."
After receiving Tofusky's assurance, Chen Sancang's smile widened. "No need, we'll stick to the original price. I am a businessman who keeps his word."
To be honest, Chen Sancang was tempted by the twenty percent increase. But then he thought, it's a long game, and one needs to play it smart. Not now.
The fish hadn't taken the bait yet. I need to make a good impression. Otherwise, I won't have a chance to strike from the shadows later.
Tofusky was very satisfied. It seemed he had found another reliable business partner. This person was definitely worth associating with.
"Well done, Brother Chen. I'm indebted to you this time. But don't worry, I, Tofusky, have plenty of business. I can give you any one of them, and you'll earn this money back," Tofusky said to Chen Sancang.
This kid is good. Some deals can be made with him. It's fine to offer lenient terms. Honest people should make money.
Chen Sancang smiled. This was the outcome he had hoped for. "That would be wonderful. I've always dreamed of doing exclusive business with you."
"That won't do. Most of the business in Huaxia is exported through Zhang Tianxing. He's the president of your Huaxia Crayfish Association, a very capable person," Tofusky said, shaking his head. Exclusive business was out of the question.
After all, there was a "first come, first served" principle. But it was fine; Huaxia was vast. Zhang Tianxing and Chen Sancang's families could both be agents.
However, before Tofusky could finish speaking, Chen Sancang's face showed disappointment.
"So, it's the president of the Crayfish Association you're working with? No wonder he's developed so quickly. It turns out he had your help. I look forward to cooperating with you," Chen Sancang said, highly praising Tofusky. After this barrage of compliments, Tofusky felt a sense of elation.
So, I'm this capable. Zhang Tianxing is just riding on my coattails to achieve his current success. This Chen Sancang really knows how to speak; his words are so pleasant to hear.
"By the way, Tofusky, we need to import a batch of heavy machinery. Can you help us purchase it? The price is negotiable." Chen Sancang seized the moment and cast his bait.
When Tofusky saw the details, he was greatly surprised. He was astonished by the quantity Chen Sancang was requesting; it would amount to an astronomical sum.
However, if this deal could be secured, the profit would also be astronomical.
Chen Sancang stared intently at Tofusky. The bait had been cast. Now it was a matter of whether Tofusky would take the hook.