Yan Ge said, “Indeed. To earn money from women, one relies on clothing and jewelry, while for men, it’s undoubtedly through alcohol. This most expensive method costs only 1000 taels, which is a good deal. However, we must postpone the matter of brewing wine and first focus on opening the pharmacy.”
“A pharmacy?” Yan Jin asked.
Yan Ge smiled and replied, “Yes. The complete disappearance of the scar on my face is the best advertisement. I will take this opportunity to open a pharmacy.”
“That makes sense,” Yan Jin nodded.
Yan Ge asked Wan Xiang, “Why was Bai Jushen looking for me last time? Has it been resolved?”
Wan Xiang replied, “Master, Wen Xian heard that you were planning a major project in the outskirts of the capital and expressed interest in joining.”
*Wen Xian is the young master Yan Ge met at the toy shop during the poisoning incident. The one dubbed ‘First Merchant”.
Yan Ge’s lips curled up. It was really dozing off and being offered a pillow. He was worried about not having enough manpower, and now someone was offering their help. How fortunate!
“Master, now that you have returned to the company, shall I send a message to Wen Xian?” Xiao Chuanzi observed Yan Ge’s expression and asked.
“No need. If Wen Xian truly cares about this matter, he will definitely arrange for someone to keep an eye on our company,” Yan Ge replied.
His guess was right on the mark. Shortly after he sat down in his office, a servant came to report that Wen Xian had come to visit. He then had servant take him to the reception room.
Yan Ge straightened his clothes and walked towards the reception room, followed by Yan Jin. Others couldn’t see Yan Jin, so he would sometimes walk, sometimes leap, and even fly around, amusing himself and having a happy time.
Yan Ge appeared at the entrance of the reception room, and Wen Xian stood up, bowing with a smile. “Young Master Qin, it’s not easy to see you, as you haven’t been to the company for quite some time.”
The scar on Yan Ge’s face had completely disappeared, and Wen Xian couldn’t possibly miss that fact, so he looked surprised.
“Apologies for the delay, I had some urgent matters at home,” Yan Ge said. “Please have a seat. May I know why Young Master Wen was looking for me in such a hurry? What can I do for you?”
Wen Xian said, “I’ve heard that Young Master Qin’s project in the outskirts of the capital has attracted a lot of attention. I’m interested in joining.”
Yan Ge asked, “How much capital are you planning to invest, Young Master Wen?”
Wen Xian smiled helplessly. He hadn’t found out anything yet, and Yan Ge was already testing him. But the First Company had become synonymous with “profit” nowadays, and he was certain that once he got involved in the outskirts project, making a fortune would be an easy task. So he answered Yan Ge’s question, “50,000 taels.”
Yan Ge shook his folding fan and said, “Young Master Wen is so straightforward, I can’t help but show sincerity as well. Recently, I have other matters to attend to and can’t spare time for the outskirts project. However, if I could find a collaborator, it would be much appreciated. I plan to establish an amusement park in the outskirts. If Young Master Wen is truly interested in joining, we each contribute 100,000 taels. After the amusement park is built, I will be responsible for developing new attractions, while you will handle management. The profits will be divided in a 40-60 ratio between us. What do you think, Young Master Wen?”
Wen Xian became intrigued and said, “An amusement park? It sounds intriguing. But I’m curious, what kind of attractions will it have?”
Yan Ge shook his head and replied, “To avoid leaking confidential information, I can’t reveal too much for now. I can only guarantee that it will be incredibly profitable. Young Master Wen, please take your time to consider. To be honest, even if you don’t participate, I am still looking for someone to join. So, Young Master Wen, I’m afraid you need to make a decision quickly.”
Wen Xian watched him calmly sipping tea, his heart trembling. He had only heard about Master Qin clean and decisive way of doing things, but today, during their negotiation, he truly realized that there was no room for bargaining with him.
“Young Master Qin will only be responsible for developing new projects, while I will handle the management, which is quite complicated. Despite that, I propose a 50-50 profit split. What do you think?”
Yan Ge shook his head strictly and said, “Young Master Wen, your words are misguided. Although the Wen family’s business is substantial, it has only remained stable in recent years without any breakthroughs. If you collaborate with First Company, the Wen family will gain much more from First Company’s reputation than First Company gains from the Wen family.”
Wen Xian fell into silence.
Both Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi felt that their young master was too direct, and they were afraid that he might have touched a sensitive spot with Wen Xian and prepared themselves for a potential fallout.
Wen Xian sighed and smiled, “Young Master Qin is insightful, and I admire that. Let’s go with your proposal. We will each invest 100,000 taels, and the profits will be split 40-60.”
“Young Master Wen is straightforward indeed,” Yan praised with a smile. “Wan Xiang, bring one of the four papers in the study.”
“Yes,” Wan Xiang acknowledged.
Yan Ge had already drafted the contract while in the carriage. At this moment, he could write without hesitation. His pen moved smoothly like flowing water as he quickly wrote three pages, finalizing the contract and handing it to Wen Xian for his review.
After carefully reading through it, Wen Xian nodded, “There are no issues. Young Master Qin, you have thoroughly considered all aspects.”
“If there are no problems, I will have the contract printed in three copies. Once signed, it will be effective. One copy will be kept by the authorities, and the other two will be given to you and me, respectively.”
Wen Qin nodded again.
On that day, Wen Xian had someone bring over 100,000 taels in silver bills, while Yan Ge took out 70,000 taels. He had already invested 30,000 taels in the initial stage, and with the account book at hand, everything was clear. He handed over the account book and the 70,000 taels to Wen Xian. After signing the contract, their collaboration was officially established.
Only then did Yan Ge present the project plan and design drawings of the amusement park, providing a detailed explanation to Wen Xian and entrusting him with the full authority to handle the amusement park affairs.
Wen Xian looked at the design drawings and secretly rejoiced that he hadn’t hesitated in his decision.
With the amusement park matters delegated, Yan Ge felt at ease. He called Xiao Chuanzi to his side and asked, “Xiao Chuanzi, now that the Toy House project is on track, have you been idle and growing bored again?”
Xiao Chuanzi replied honestly, “Master, I have indeed been a little… hehe… Master, are you assigning me a new task?”
Yan Ge chuckled, “You are smart. Indeed, the scar on my face have already disappeared. Your task is to open a pharmacy and make the scar removal ointment the flagship product.”
Xiao Chuanzi hesitated, “I’m not very knowledgeable about medicinal herbs…”
“I’m assigning you to manage the pharmacy, not to treat patients,” Yan Ge clarified. “You’ll be responsible for hiring four reputable doctors, and I’ll also try to find a retired imperial physician to join us.
