Blossom In Adversity - Vol. 2

C239. I'll Bear the Consequences.

Chapter 239: I'll Bear the Consequences

Even without any rare species, these alone were enough for her to set up a stall. Hua Zhi turned to Wu Zheng, who was following beside her, and asked, "I'd like to take a closer look. Would that be alright?"

Wu Zheng responded heartily, "Of course, Chen Er, bring over a net."

The net was a handy tool for scooping things out of the pond. They came in various sizes, and the one Wu Zheng was holding was a medium-sized one. Wherever Hua Zhi pointed, he would scoop up a net full for her to examine.

The fish were very lively and of good size. People who lived by the sea knew the principle of catching the big ones and letting the small ones go for the sake of long-term sustainability. Other sea creatures like shrimp, snails, and shellfish were also very fresh, but fish still accounted for the vast majority.

"Why don't I see any crabs?"

Wu Zheng looked surprised. "You want those? Well, we do have them. I'm not trying to trick you, but those are the worst sellers in our whole fishing business. They're a pain to eat, and there's not much meat on them. Not many people like them."

As he spoke, Wu Zheng led her to a pool at the very edge. This pool was different from the others, appearing much deeper. Of course, if it were too shallow they'd probably climb out.

Although they didn't sell well, the crabs looked very much alive, clearly well-cared for. They were just a bit smaller.

"Are they all here?"

"They're all here. Do you think they're not good enough?"

"It's not that they're not good. I want some that are bigger."

Wu Zheng was really puzzled now. Could it be that these sideways-walking creatures were in high demand somewhere else?

Thinking this, Wu Zheng became more cautious. "We do have some larger ones, but around here, only the small ones are bought to make drunken crabs. The shells of the big ones are too hard, and the meat is tough. The locals really dislike them. I am being bold, would like to ask, is there a special way you plan to cook these?"

"They are a pain to eat, but when prepared well, they have their own unique taste. Don't worry, Mr. Wu, if I buy them and they end up being a loss, I'll take the blame, and I won't blame you for not warning me."

"Miss Hua is a straightforward person. Then let me be honest with you. If we can make this deal, I won't make a profit on these crabs. Just think of it as helping those old and young fishermen find a way to make a living."

Hua Zhi looked at Wu Zheng. "How do you mean?"

"Most fishing businesses don't accept crabs. I buy a few out of pity for those few households who have no other way to make a living. They were born and raised in this place and are destined to make a living from the sea. Countless people lose their lives at sea every year. If a family loses one member, it's like the sky has fallen. The old ones can't go out to sea, and the young ones are too small, so they can only dig for oysters and pick up crabs by the sea to make a living. Although I buy some, I dare not buy too many. It takes up too much space. If Miss Hua really has a way to sell these crabs, then she'll be their great benefactor."

"Life is hard for everyone." Hua Zhi replied casually, without adding anything else. It wasn't that she didn't feel sorry for them, but she couldn't let her emotions cloud her judgment. If she could make the deal, she would naturally have a way to solve their problems. The premise was that she had to make the deal.

Wu Zheng raised his cup and toasted. It was a novel experience to negotiate a business deal with a woman so smoothly.

Hua Zhi paused slightly, also raised her cup, and moistened her lips before putting it down.

"I found the Donglai Shipping Company to help with transportation," Hua Zhi said, handing several sheets of paper to Xia Xia. "The young master there recommended An Tai Fishery, saying your goods are of excellent quality, and I must say, they truly are."

She flipped through the papers and passed them to Wu Zheng. "The quantity I require is quite substantial, and I'm truly eager to finalize this deal with you, Master Wu."

Wu Zheng knew this would be a large order, but he hadn't expected it to be this large! Seafood, unless dried, doesn't keep fresh for long. He'd thought even a large order would be manageable, but this far exceeded his expectations!

Reaching the end of the papers, Wu Zheng took a sip of tea to steady his nerves. "Currently, my fishery doesn't have that much stock. Could you give me a few days to prepare?"

Hua Zhi shook her head. "Not now. This isn't a one-time purchase. I plan to start sending the first batch in August, and the second batch ten days later. Subsequent shipments will depend on how well business is doing."

A pie had fallen from the sky!

Wu Zheng's mind was filled with this thought. He bit his tongue to calm himself and pressed, "As for the quantity..."

"If business improves, the quantity will naturally increase." Hua Zhi smiled. "Are you saying, Master Wu, that you can't handle it?"

"I can, of course I can." Even if he couldn't, there were ways to manage. As long as he could secure this deal, other issues could be resolved!

From that moment, the two parties' eagerness for the deal reversed. Hua Zhi sat back, calm and collected.

"The prices are listed there. As for the final price, we'll discuss that later." Hua Zhi stood up. "I'm in no rush. Master Wu can take your time to consider it. I'll come back tomorrow at this time."

Wu Zheng quickly stood up as well. "I'll see you out, Miss Hua."

The two parted at the fishery's gate. As soon as she was gone, Wu Zheng immediately sent someone to follow her to see where she was staying. Then he turned to his chief steward, "Go and invite Li Xiang over immediately."

Li Xiang was the owner of Shun Chang Fishery, which had joined forces with Wu Zheng to compete against Yu Shun Fishery. Chen Er immediately understood what his master was planning.

"Chen Er," Wu Zheng said, "if this deal goes through, you'll be handsomely rewarded."

Chen Er grinned. He knew his master would never shortchange him!

*

Back at the inn, Xia Xia and Xu Ying busied themselves with various tasks. Hua Zhi turned to Xiao Liu, who had been looking hesitant. "Worried?"

The Sixth Prince looked hesitant. "I don't know if that price is right."

"Since it's been shown to them, there's no changing it now. Business is about integrity. There's no going back on your word. If we made a mistake this time, I'll take responsibility for you. But Xiao Liu, not all consequences can be borne after the fact. Money is one thing, but what about life? Once a person is dead, they can't be brought back."

The Sixth Prince lowered his head, feeling both ashamed and guilty.

Hua Zhi smoothed the boy's collar. "It's better to be more prepared than to have regrets later, understand?"

"Yes, I remember."

"Good. It's still early. Go out and have a look around. If you're unsure about anything, you can learn more. Be careful."

The Sixth Prince looked up. The more time he spent with Sister Hua, the more he envied Bai Lin. Bai Lin had been taught and cared for by Sister Hua for so many years. He felt so fortunate to have received even a little of her attention. He couldn't imagine how happy Bai Lin must be.

Hua Zhi didn't dwell on the emotions in the boy's eyes. She watched him leave and then called Wang Cheng over. "There's a Yu Shun Fishery here with questionable methods. Be sure to keep a close eye on Xiao Liu. Don't let anything happen to him."

"Yes, miss."

"Go quickly then."

Tapping her fingers on the desk, Hua Zhi instructed, "Everyone be on the lookout. This place is small; our arrival can't be hidden."

Shao Yao rubbed against her and chuckled, "Don't worry, Huahua. If anyone comes, I'll take care of them."