After walking through the streets for a while, Zhao Yunxiao’s group finally halted their steps as they arrived at the gate of a rather unimpressive looking building.


    It was just a single-storey building that probably occupied only around one hundred square metres in terms of total area.


    “Redaxe Hall,” Zhao Yunxiao read the sign on the door. “It looks like this is the place.”


    “This place?” Lu Zhiying could not help but reveal a look of disappointment.


    Zhao Yunxiao had already briefed them on the mission details earlier.


    They were supposed to renew an existing contract that was about to expire – one that stipulated the provision of lumber to the Black Tortoise Sect. The other party was a lumber company called Redaxe Hall, which was headquartered here in Moonrise City.


    Since it was a company that had managed to contract with the powerful Black Tortoise Sect, Lu Zhiying had expected to be visiting the huge organisation.


    That was the reason why after seeing the company’s headquarters, Lu Zhiying immediately began to doubt if they were at the right place.


    “The storefront might not be representative of the scale of the actual business,” Zhao Yunxiao reminded. “Let’s go in.”


    Zhao Yunxiao knocked on the door twice before pushing it open.


    Perhaps because of the small size of the building, the interior was designed in quite a cosy manner.


    The door opened up to a small room with a reception desk facing the door, accompanied by several stools that were neatly lined up in front.


    There were landscape paintings covering the walls, fitting nicely into the theme of the company with the depiction of trees in each of them.


    “Welcome,” the old receptionist said monotonously upon noting their arrival. “Are you here to inquire about a new arrangement or an existing one?”


    “An existing arrangement,” Zhao Yunxiao casually sat on one of the stools. “We are from the Black Tortoise Sect, and are here to talk about our existing contract with the Redaxe Hall.”


    He decided to cut to the chase, even placing his disciple token on the desk to show the old receptionist as proof.


    As expected, the old receptionist immediately revealed a look of surprise.


    “Ah! Distinguished guests from the Black Tortoise Sect! Forgive me for not recognising you!” the old receptionist exclaimed. “Please wait a minute as I inform my boss of your arrival!”


    The old receptionist hurriedly made his way into the back room after finishing his sentence.


    Then again, he had to support himself with a walking stick to prevent his trembling legs from giving way, so his movements were still considered rather slow despite him trying his best to hurry.


    Watching him like that, Zhao Yunxiao and Gu Qiansi even felt a little bad for him.


    Thankfully, the person who came out with him had no such problems.


    It was a slightly plump man who looked to be in his forties, with his hair tied up neatly in a topknot.


    The moment he saw the group, the man immediately broke out into a huge smile.


    “Greetings, distinguished young heroes! I am Hong Zi, the owner of Redaxe Hall,” the man quickly introduced himself. “May I know how to address you?”


    “Zhao Yunxiao.”


    “Gu Qiansi.”


    “Lu Zhiying.”


    “What wonderful names, fitting for such wonderful people!” Hong Zi praised. “Let’s not keep standing here. Come, follow me into the back room.”


    Under Hong Zi’s lead, the trio entered the back room that seemed to be Hong Zi’s office.


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


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    </a> Five percent higher than the previous price? That’s great! We have a deal!” Hong Zi’s eyes lit up in excitement. “I will get my guys to prepare the new contract immediately. It should be ready by tomorrow morning, together with the first batch of lumber!”


    Had he just gotten fleeced?


    Should he have suggested a smaller increase in price, after all?


    Unfortunately, the words had escaped his mouth, and there was no longer any room for regrets.


    “S-Sure...” Zhao Yunxiao agreed reluctantly. “We will be back tomorrow morning to sign the new contract and collect the first batch of goods.”


    “Of course! See you again in the morning!” Hong Zi nodded happily. “Would you like to stay for some tea?”


    “There’s no need for that,” Zhao Yunxiao declined and stood up from his seat. “We still have other things to attend to.”


    “Is that so? Then I will see you out,” Hong Zi offered.


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    In fact, Gu Qiansi was right – Zhao Yunxiao was truly not in the best mood right now, and was just trying to hide it.


    So, from the moment Hong Zi agreed so readily to Zhao Yunxiao’s counteroffer, Gu Qiansi had expected such a reaction from him and had been trying to hold in her laughter since!