After transmigrating,The Female Supporting Character Became Darling of The Five

Chapter 130 what's wrong with it?

“What’s so funny, Wan Wan? Do you think the terms I’ve offered aren’t good enough?” Master Gu could see the meaning behind her smile.

“Master Gu, please forgive me, but I cannot agree to your offer. The future potential of the goat milk soap recipe is immeasurable; it’s worth far more than a mere ten thousand taels and an annual ten percent dividend. Perhaps at first, working on my own will be challenging, and the profits won’t be very high. But once I establish this business, the long-term profits will greatly exceed ten thousand taels.”

Su Wan didn’t reject him without an explanation; she clearly laid out her thoughts.

“Moreover, if I pass down the goat milk soap technique for generations, the income it will generate should be evident to you. If you were in my position, would you sell it?”

Master Gu fiddled with the jade thumb ring on his finger. He had thought that as long as the price and profits were high enough, Su Wan would agree. But he hadn’t anticipated that she would think so far ahead.

He only invested in businesses with very promising prospects, which is why he came to negotiate. If the Gu family could leverage the goat milk soap business, it might one day make them the wealthiest family in the capital.

“Wan Wan, you can name any terms you like. As long as it’s within my power, we can negotiate. If you still think my offer is too low, I could also transfer a restaurant under the Gu family’s name in Xiangzhou Prefecture to you. It’s a stable business that brings in thousands of taels each year. This way, Wan Wan, you could stay in Xiangzhou Prefecture, earning money without traveling far and wide, sparing yourself a lot of hardship.”

Master Gu continued to extend olive branches, proving how valuable he saw the goat milk soap. His offer was quite generous, and most people would have accepted it by now.

However, to Su Wan, it still wasn’t enough. Not for ten thousand taels, or even for a hundred thousand.

Goat milk soap was a product that could benefit the nation and its people. By keeping the technique within her family, she could elevate the Su family. With her brothers’ talents and success, they might one day become a prestigious family.

But as the saying goes, “the higher you stand, the colder it gets.” Rising too high brings unknown risks and hidden dangers. For Su Wan, goat milk soap wasn’t just a profitable business; it was a safeguard for the Su family’s well-being.

“Master Gu, the Gu family is wealthy, something our modest household cannot compare with. But I still cannot sell the recipe. You see the potential of this soap, and so do I. In business, as in life, one should not only focus on short-term gains but rather on long-term benefits. I appreciate the effort you took to come here, but please, go back.”

Su Wan, calm and composed, gestured to him to leave after declining his offer.

Master Gu was naturally unwilling to give up so easily. He had anticipated her refusal and had a backup plan. Ultimately, he just wanted a share in the goat milk soap business.

“In that case, how about this: I could help Wan Wan open up the goat milk soap market, set up a workshop, hire workers, and quickly expand this industry throughout the Dajin Dynasty, even into the Western Regions. You likely don’t have much capital now, so establishing a workshop, hiring labor, and opening up markets would not be easy. You also lack connections; building this business will take a long time. But I can help. All you would need to do is give me a twenty percent share of the profits.”

What a sly fox—he spoke as if he were doing her a favor, but just the twenty percent share alone would be more than enough for him to profit immensely.

Indeed, there is no merchant without cunning. The wealthier the businessman, the more adaptable and resourceful they are, finding opportunities in every corner.

"Mr. Gu, you misunderstand me. Who’s to say I don’t have start-up capital? Besides, good products never lack a market. Even without connections, I can grow this business successfully. I am confident enough in my product; its popularity in the market speaks for itself. With increased demand, expanded reach, and larger production, I could achieve the figures you're offering within a year or two at most. There's no need to say more—I am busy and cannot afford to spend time in idle talk. Perhaps someday when we meet at the top, there will be an opportunity for us to work together."

Su Wan stood, gave him a slight bow, and turned to head back to her home. Mr. Gu stopped her once more.

"Hold on, Wanwan!"

Su Wan turned around, curious about what else he had to say. Not that she planned to accept it.

He pushed a small wooden box to the center of the table and smiled, saying, "You and I have been like father and daughter for over ten years. Today, I didn't come empty-handed. In this box is the title deed to a house in Qinghe County. I cannot bear to see you living in such a humble dwelling. As my family will be relocating soon, consider this property my gift to you, Wanwan."

"‘A mountain doesn't need to be high to be sacred; water doesn't need to be deep to be spiritual. This is a humble home, yet virtue fills it. I have family by my side, loving parents, and kind brothers—what lack could there be in my home? As for a house, I will buy one myself in the future. Mr. Gu, I won’t see you out, but I wish you a safe journey." Su Wan gave him another bow, her words coldly drawing a clear boundary.

She had no need for the Gu family’s charity. What did he mean by "since it will be vacant, I cannot bear to see you live in a humble place"? So, was he simply giving it away because no one else would live there?

Fuming, Su Wan kept a stern expression as she returned home and stormed into the kitchen to gulp down a big glass of water.

Everyone in the Su family who had been working nearby had watched her interaction with Mr. Gu, curious about their conversation, but they hadn't been able to hear a word.

Meanwhile, Mr. Gu’s face had darkened. Clenching his fists, he watched Su Wan's retreating figure, his heart in turmoil.

For the past ten years, had he been completely wrong?

This adopted daughter was no ordinary person. Her words, insight, and vision were nothing like the delicate and playful girl Su Wan used to be. Could it be that she had been hiding her true abilities all along, harboring resentment against the Gu family and unwilling to share her goat milk soap recipe sooner?

Otherwise, how could she have transformed so drastically upon returning to the Su family?

Mr. Gu couldn’t understand. In the Gu household, she had been the only daughter, with the best of everything, and he and his wife had cherished her as dearly as their own. Yet this was how she repaid them—she truly was ungrateful.

And yet, Mr. Gu also felt a twinge of regret. Why hadn’t he fought to keep her back then? If he had, he wouldn’t need to come here now, swallowing his pride to ask her for anything.

But it was too late; they were no longer family. For the sake of past bonds, he decided to let it go, hoping they could each go their separate ways in peace.

It's wise to leave room for others, for you never know when paths may cross again.