Chapter 856: Heaven‑Created, Earth‑Set

Mei Er fixed his face and glared at Wu Shuang: "Boss Xiao is our honored guest; why don't you hurry and bring the tea over."

"Yes." Wu Shuang clutched the ledger, lowered his head, and hurried away.

Mei Er turned around, his face once again full of smiles, raised his hand to guide: "Boss Xiao, this way, please."

The group passed through the corridor and entered a spacious office hall.

In the center, a long table was covered with dark green velvet, its edges inlaid with copper.

The curtains were deep‑red silk, fastened on both sides with golden hooks, and the window faced the castle's Training Ground.

Mei Er walked to the head seat of the long table, sat down, and raised his hand: "Please sit."

The door was gently pushed open, and Wu Shuang entered carrying a tray.

His face turned ashen, and he placed the tea cups one by one before everyone.

He then retreated to the corner, still holding the tray.

Mei Er lifted a tea cup and offered it to Xiao Ningyuan: "Boss Xiao, please."

Xiao Ningyuan lifted his cup, took a sip, and nodded: "Fine tea."

Mei Er set the cup down and got straight to the point: "Boss Xiao, you and I are both businessmen; I know the goods I want are all in your hands."

He paused, trying to make his Zhongyuan speech sound more authentic: "Since we're both in trade, we should naturally make money together."

"This is called… Heaven‑Created, Earth‑Set!"

Feng Zhou helplessly turned his head toward the window.

This time, everyone had grown accustomed to his oddly mixed Zhongyuan speech, and no one laughed.

"Mr. Mei Er is straightforward," Xiao Ningyuan said, his smile unchanged, "but you should know how large this deal is."

"As for the price, of course we need to discuss it properly."

He shifted his tone, leaned back against the chair, and with a hint of fatigue said: "However, we have traveled a long way and have been tossed at sea for several days."

He deliberately rubbed his shoulders: "My body is really exhausted."

"Discussing business isn't urgent in a single moment; I'm sure Mr. Mei Er won't mind, right?"

Mei Er's smile froze.

You're still dragging? I'm damn near losing my patience!

He cursed Xiao Ningyuan in his Lan family's hometown dialect in his mind, then took a deep breath, and his smile became even brighter: "Mindful, mindful!"

Everyone was taken aback together.

Xiao Ningyuan's eyebrows lifted slightly, and the folding fan in his hand snapped shut with a snap.

Mei Er recovered, frantically gesturing: "No, no, no! I meant…"

Sweat beaded on his forehead as he scrambled for words: "I'm saying Boss Xiao spoke well!"

"Having come from afar, we should rest first, regain our spirits before discussing serious matters."

He gave two dry laughs: "I'm not in a hurry, really not."

Xiao Ningyuan reopened his folding fan, swayed it leisurely, and nodded with satisfaction.

Xiao Ningxun gently set down his tea cup and, unhurriedly, asked: "Mr. Mei Er, is there an inn on the island?"

"We're new here and want to wander around, see the scenery of Taiyuan, and sample the local cuisine; we can't just come for a trip and stay cooped up inside discussing business."

Mei Er's heart gave a sudden thump: stay at an inn? And also wander around?

Then when must I wait?

"There are inns, indeed," his smile grew more courteous, "but none compare to here."

"They're small and dirty; how could they suit a few distinguished guests?"

"Why not stay in this merchant house? I'll be sure to host you all properly."

"Boss Xiao, whatever you'd like to eat, I'll have the chef prepare it."

Xiao Ningxun shook his head: "We appreciate Mr. Mei Er's kindness."

"But we've barely made it to Taiyuan; we can't just go and, when relatives ask back home, only know about a Relanzhecheng Castle."

He stared intently at Mei Er, his eyes flickering: "Mr. Mei Er won't wipe out even our modest interest, will he?"

Mei Er opened his mouth, but still didn't dare to intervene.

In his mind, it was as clear as a mirror: whoever holds the goods holds the initiative.

He suppressed his irritation, forced a smile: "No, no, since you distinguished guests are interested, I'll arrange someone familiar with the area to accompany you."

He looked toward the upright figure in the corner: "Wu Shuang! Go fetch Cai Tong."

"Yes." Wu Shuang left.

Everyone, hearing that, felt a secret delight; this time it saved effort, no longer needing to seek out the tea‑stall boss Chen.

Mei Er promptly made the arrangements.

Before long, Cai Tong entered.

He walked with composure, entered without glancing aside, approached Mei Er, and bowed slightly: "Mr. Mei Er, what are your orders?"

Tuan Tuan's eyes lit up the moment she saw him.

Luo Zhenjiang, swift in hand and eye, pulled her into his arms and whispered in her ear: "Be good, pretend you don't know him."

Tuan Tuan blinked and whispered softly: "Got it!"

Luo Zhenjiang gently patted her small back: "Tuan Tuan, you're really good."

Mei Er raised his hand and pointed at everyone: "These are Boss Xiao and his friends from Jingcheng, all my honored guests."

"They wish to stay on the island for a few days, see the scenery, and enjoy the cuisine."

"You will accompany them throughout; be sure to treat them well, and inform me promptly of any issues."

"Understood." Cai Tong didn't even lift an eyelid, exceedingly obedient.

Mei Er said, "His name is Cai Tong, the longest‑serving clerk here."

"A local, most familiar with the island; with him by your side I can rest assured."

Cai Tong's expression unchanged, he turned and faced the group, performing a proper bow: "I am Cai Tong, honored to meet you distinguished guests."

"You have traveled from afar; if I, Cai, have any shortcomings in my hospitality, I ask for your forbearance."

Xiao Ningyuan clasped his fists and returned a bow: "Mr. Cai, you are too modest; you have labored these past few days."

Xiao Ze gave a slight nod, while the others all nodded expressionlessly.

Xiao Ningyuan stood up: "We will not disturb you any further, Mr. Mei, see you another day."

Mei Er also stood, reluctantly bidding farewell: "Boss Xiao, Taiyuan Island looks big, but there are few places to enjoy; I hope you can return to the trading house soon."

Xiao Ningyuan laughed: "Of course, let's go."

Everyone stood up,

Cai Tong's face unchanged: "Mr. Mei, rest assured, I will give you excellent hospitality; please follow me."

Mei Er nodded, watching Cai Tong lead the group out of the office hall; his smile suddenly vanished, he hammered the table hard and cursed in Hualan language.