"Alice." Rayshui hadn't found a suitable maid yet, so for now, he had to turn to Alice for help.
"Yes, Lord Rayshui." Alice was somewhat reluctant to see the portly nobleman before her eat such a precious cake, but since it was a request from Lord Rayshui, she had to comply. She placed another cake in front of Mafei.
"Hmm, how tasty." Mafei had learned his lesson this time. Instead of humiliating himself as he had before, he followed Rayshui's example, picking up the knife and fork that Rayshui had prepared at the table, holding one in each hand. He imitated Rayshui's delicate tasting process. However, his awkwardness was comical to watch. When he held the cutlery and took a close look, Mafei was shocked again. The craftsmanship of these utensils was remarkable. Even the craftsmen in the royal city couldn't make such utensils, could they? Such exquisite tableware, such elegant table manners. Could this Barone, named Rayshui, really be just a Baron? Are you sure he's not a Duke's son? Or a King's son?
"Would you like another round?" Rayshui asked.
Mafei was trying hard to eat his cake elegantly and indeed, he took small bites, but he ate too quickly, and the cake was gone in no time.
"No, no, let's get down to business." Although he craved another round, Mafei knew he couldn't further lose face. He vigorously denied, shaking his head so hard it was as if he wanted to shake it off.
"Right, Mr. Mafei, you mentioned earlier that you wanted to purchase a hundred bundles of grass paper, correct?" Rayshui put down his knife and fork, took a napkin to wipe his mouth, and then asked.
"Yes," Mafei nodded. If possible, he wanted to buy more, not only for his own use, but to sell to the big merchants in South Sea City. He believed those big merchants would be willing to buy. With his discerning eye, he saw this as an opportunity to make a fortune. A copper coin in, thirty out! An income and outlay that could net him twenty-nine copper coins. This Baron named Rayshui from East Tower City seemed to lack a businessman's intuition; he didn't even recognize such a big deal. Mafei was now eager for Rayshui's approval.
"Sure, twenty copper coins a bundle, I can sell you a hundred." Rayshui sneered internally, how could he not guess Mafei's intentions? Trying to take him for a ride, was impossible!
"That's expensive! I just bought it at the bathroom door for 1 copper coin!" The high price made Mafei yell as though he had been stepped on the tail.
"The price of 1 copper coin is a special offer for the residents of East Tower City," Rayshui stated.
"I see." But don't think that I have no other options. As long as I buy it from the residents at the price of 5 copper coins, I can still make a fortune. Mafei was not stupid; on the contrary, he was rather smart.
"Um, by the way, our local census will conclude tomorrow, and we will be issuing identity certificates to the residents of East Tower City," Rayshui mentioned without fully explaining.
"…Fine, 20 copper coins a bundle it is, but I want a thousand bundles." Mafei was no fool. Even though he had never heard of identity certificates, he understood what they were for from their name alone. Coupled with the previously mentioned five bundle per person limit, it was clear that trying to fly under the radar was now impossible. Finally, Mafei could do nothing but reluctantly agree. Although the profit would be less, it was still a profit. Not to make money would be stupid.
"Okay, but you need to trade with 80% wheat and 20% currency. The wheat is priced at 3 copper coins per pound according to the market price," Rayshui blandly addressed.The next steps in my plan will require a lot of food, but not so much currency.
"Hmm...I can do that."
Nanhai city is abundant with food, so Ma Fei didn't care too much. In fact, wheat in the local market was only priced at 2 copper coins per pound.
On closer thought, I did make some profit.
However...for some reason, there was no sense of triumph in Ma Fei's heart.
It probably had something to do with being constantly pressured by the other party.
