Chapter 196: Victory Settlement After the Banquet

The carriage carrying the wind and snow disappeared at the end of the street lamp's light, merging into the long night, leaving the bustle and warmth behind.

Looking at the silhouette that gradually disappeared at the end of the street, Ailin's ups and downs of mood could not be calmed for a long time, and her right hand holding the pocket watch was unconsciously pressed against her chest.

"Theresa..."

Walking to the side of the Princess, Theresa said respectfully.

"Any orders, Princess?"

"No... I just... do I look very strange right now?" Ailin reached out and touched her face, as if confirming the temperature of the fireplace.

Looking at that face that had lost its composure and was pretending to be calm, Theresa smiled helplessly in her heart and nodded, saying.

"If I may be so bold, I'm afraid so."

"It seems I should control my emotions... Theresa, take a deep breath with me; we need to be a little calmer."

"Yes, Princess." Although Theresa felt that she had always been calm, she still obediently cooperated with her.

Ailin took a deep breath and patted her face, seemingly calmed down.

However, just when Theresa thought so, her Princess, who seemed to have calmed down, couldn't help but whisper.

"What kind of gift do you think I should return? Is there anything meaningful, not too cheap, but not too expensive, preferably something our economic situation can afford..."

Although the Campbell family allocated a lot of expenses for family members to maintain their dignity, she didn't have much "money of her own" that she could spend at will, otherwise she wouldn't have auctioned her pocket watch to raise funds.

Theresa couldn't laugh or cry when she heard this, coughed lightly, and said.

"Princess, meaning is something that needs to be thought about by yourself; I'm sorry I can't share your worries..."

"Indeed, it was my presumption; please pretend I didn't say that; I have to think about it myself..."

Ailin took a deep breath of cold air again; obviously, she had realized that she hadn't truly calmed down, but she just couldn't suppress the restless emotions.

She held her forehead in frustration and muttered to herself in a low voice.

"Ah ah, why is it so troublesome, what is wrong with me?! Ailin Campbell, you must pull yourself together!"

She was only infinitely glad at this moment that there was no one else around, especially that Mr. Kelin was not here, and didn't see her useless expression... otherwise she would definitely be ashamed to the point of being unable to show her face.

However—

Not necessarily.

If it were that gentleman, he would definitely resolve the restless emotions in her heart in a considerate, humorous, and elegant way, and would definitely not make her unable to show her face.

After all, when he was by her side, she was always fine. Even the self she saw in his eyes was more confident, elegant, and shining than the self she saw in her mirror usually... even if he didn't say a word of flattering flowery language.

Less than a minute after parting, she actually started to miss him.

She must be crazy...

Looking at the Princess who started to talk nonsense, Theresa sighed leisurely in her heart, silently looked around, and used her eyes to block the servants who tried to walk over and ask if they needed help.

At this moment, she looked like a girl who had just fallen in love, completely without her usual composure, elegance, and dignity.

Theresa knew very clearly that her respected Princess must not want others to see the expression on her face at this moment.

And the only thing she could do was this.

But then again, she was also very surprised in her heart; it turns out that love really makes people lose their minds.

She had always thought that it only existed in stories written by bards, until she saw Princess Ailin, who had been smart and clever since she was a child, also show a broken expression.

But speaking of bard stories...

Theresa's heart moved slightly.

"How about writing a letter?"

Putting down her hands holding her head, Ailin cast a surprised look at her.

"Writing a letter?"

"Yes... didn't he say that you can write to him?"

Theresa nodded subtly and continued.

"I think it's not necessary to have trouble to write a letter; you can actually chat casually when you have nothing to do... for example, what interesting things happened today, or what happy things, unhappy things. Compared to only writing when there is something, I think this might seem more sincere."

This idea wasn't actually thought of by her on the spot, but was written in some knight novel she read when she was a child.

Although this metaphor is not appropriate, the princess in the castle seems to be flirting with her knight lover behind the king's back like this.

Of course, the knight was hooked away by a succubus from Hell when he was about to return in triumph with glory, and she tore the book in a fit of anger, so she didn't see the plot behind it.

Thinking about it now, it's a pity.

Ailin's eyes gradually brightened, and she excitedly held Theresa's hand.

"Theresa, you are really too smart! Thank you!"

"You're welcome, Princess; it's my honor to share your worries... I hope my immature suggestion helped you."

Theresa nodded slightly, while silently praying in her heart.

If it were riding horses and fighting, she would have rich practical experience, but she hadn't experienced this kind of thing after all, so she could only refer to novels.

Hope it doesn't turn into a bad idea...

In the carriage.

Looking at the Andi family manor disappearing outside the carriage window, Luo Yan's mouth curled up with a faint smile, and he reached out to close the carriage window.

Recently, his driver had gradually learned to be sensible, finally knowing to shut up when the boss didn't speak, which also saved him a lot of worry.

Of course, Watching Pangke's change was just the most insignificant one among the many gains tonight; the biggest trophy was naturally the favor of the entire upper society of Lei Ming City and the friendship of the Andi family.

What Baron Gess couldn't do after wearing white silk and posing for more than a month, he did in just one banquet.

Of course, this was also thanks to the "efforts" of his subordinate, the Immovable One.

After tonight, diamonds would become the new darling of the upper society of Lei Ming City, and would be sought after by those rural nobles who were eager to squeeze into the upper circle like Baron Gess.

The specialties of the Rock and Earth Soul tribe had completely opened up sales in Lei Ming City.

And it wasn't just Lei Ming City and the surrounding Baronies.

Soon, "Ailin's Eye" would become the most dazzling embellishment on Grand Duke Edward's crown, and by then, the entire Campbell Principality and even the Lei En Kingdom would re-examine these shiny treasures and be fascinated by the story behind them and the myth of the New Continent's wealth.

He certainly couldn't have done this alone by grandstanding, but it was more than enough with the help of the people in the manor behind him.

Especially the Andi family, who directly "shared the loot" with him.

Next, they would use their influence in the Old Continent to promote that long-lasting story without sparing any effort, and help him expand his commercial territory.

According to the agreement reached by both sides, the Andi family would hold 30% of the shares of Kelin Mining Company and be fully responsible for the company's operation. And Luo Yan only needed to be responsible for sending people to watch the account books and replenishing the warehouse in time according to the production of the diamond mine. Andi promised him that the annual profit would not be less than one million gold coins, and there would be no less than 10% market share growth every year within ten years.

If it wasn't reached, the Kelin family could terminate the contract at any time.

In fact, this supplementary clause was purely redundant; after all, this diamond mine had been in Luo Yan's own hands from beginning to end.

As long as he wanted, he could change the cooperation partner at any time; after all, the contract was guaranteed by power, and no contract could constrain power itself.

However, he wouldn't do that.

After all, no one was more suitable to do this than the Andi family, and he didn't intend to find another competitor for his business.

Exclusive operation is necessary at this time.

Finding two people to compete and fight would only mess up the market and let the "consumers" take advantage.

And Andi naturally understood this point, so he kept his posture very low when discussing this contract.

According to general practice, this kind of business with a profit margin more exaggerated than robbery is divided 50-50 according to the rules of pirates, but he took the initiative to give up 20%.

【Missing text】

For the Andi family, they, who didn't have the initiative, needed to use this 20% profit they took the initiative to give up to ensure that the Kelin family, who could get off the car at any time, sat on their chariot. And Luo Yan happened to need the 30% profit given to them to buy over the entire Andi family; money was not that significant to him, just a tool to buy people's hearts.

So both sides hit it off.

Not long after, perhaps someone would be stimulated by interests and set sail to find the Kao Continent he spoke of.

However, Luo Yan could be certain that even if they found the Elf Continent in the center of the Vortex Sea, they would definitely not find his territory.

He naturally had his ways to keep these people's appetites hanging, but that was not what he needed to do now.

What he needed to do now was to make the entire upper society of Lei Ming City slowly become his captives and sell their souls to the devil without realizing it.

Conquering them is equivalent to conquering the wallet of the Campbell Principality.

As for the respected Campbell Princess.

Perhaps it could be counted as his trophy tonight, but in fact, she was not his main goal, or rather, his goal had already been achieved in the process.

Looking at the Demon King who was resting with his eyes closed, Hearing You You, who was floating on the side, sighed from the bottom of his heart.

"As expected of the Demon King, truly a sinful demon."

As a roundworm in someone's stomach, although it didn't know what Luo Yan was thinking, it could roughly perceive vague emotions.

Obviously!

This guy is stealing joy again!

Luo Yan glanced at the air beside him and replied casually in his heart.

"I am a Demon King, but I didn't do anything bad today, right?"

Hearing You You: "Eh? Doesn't deceiving the feelings of a pure girl count?"

Thinking it would say something, but didn't expect it to just pop out such a sentence, Luo Yan smiled lightly, learned the appearance of Saint Xisi's believers when praying, and drew a cross on his chest, saying.

"I just responded to the prayer in her heart."

Hearing You You looked at Luo Yan in surprise, only feeling admiration in his heart.

As expected of the Demon King!

The two sentences clearly mean the same thing, just changed to a different way of saying it, and the feeling given to people is completely different!

At this time, Luo Yan suddenly remembered one thing, so he asked.

"By the way, Hearing You You, how much did the faith value rise tonight?"

"Let me see... hiss! Demon King, your daily increase in faith value actually rose by 10,000 points! Too strong... what on earth did you do?! Did you drug their champagne?!"

When looking at Luo Yan, Hearing You You's eyes were full of worship, wishing he could turn into the shape of the Demon King statue.

When hearing this number, Luo Yan was also surprised, but soon relieved.

Souls above silver level are everywhere there, and it's not strange that the faith value contributed is more than ordinary people; I'm afraid Princess Ailin alone contributed quite a lot.

Another 100 closed beta qualifications.

Sure enough, leeks still have to be cut from the fat ones...

The carriage stopped downstairs at the Morning Embrace Hotel.

After Luo Yan got off the car, he looked at Watching Pangke, who was standing respectfully on the side, and said.

"Any thoughts?"

Hearing the boss take the initiative to talk to him, Watching Pangke was slightly stunned, thought seriously for a few seconds, and opened his mouth.

"Sir, I found that there is a reason why the Andi family can rule this city."

Although it was nonsense, it was a not-so-small progress for him before, indicating that he was also learning.

Luo Yan smiled and said.

"Then what is the reason you see."

"Every guest, noble or not, can get what they want from him, either money, or honor, or something else. Whether it's the noble Campbell family, or the ordinary wealthy people in the Queen's District, or other nobles..." Watching Pangke carefully glanced at his master, then continued, "Including you."

Luo Yan nodded approvingly.

"Very good, you have improved."

"Thank you, master." A smile of heartfelt joy appeared on Watching Pangke's face, like a big child who had been praised.

This recognition even made him feel happier than gold coins.

Of course, it would be even better if there were gold coins.

"No need to thank me, I'm just telling the truth," Luo Yan said casually, "Although you are still far from Andi, with your current ability, it is enough to run a small business to support yourself and your family, and maybe you can make a small fortune. If you are hardworking enough and value education, your son and grandson might have a chance to become someone like Andi, but wanting to go further requires some luck and opportunity."

Hearing this sentence that seemed to have the intention of saying goodbye, Watching Pangke said quickly.

"Sir, please let me continue to follow by your side; I think... serving you is the greatest meaning in my life."

Luo Yan was very satisfied with the expression on his face.

What demons like most is this kind of person with ambition, and at this moment, that unprecedented ambition was burning in his eyes.

Now, it is time to open the third magic box of Roxai Kelin for the citizens of Lei Ming City.

"Very good, then tomorrow you do one thing for me; in your own name, acquire five storefronts next to Queen Street and turn them into tea shops. These shops don't need to be too big, spacious, bright, simple decoration without losing cultivation... you can refer to the style of those banks in the port area, as for the signboard, simple and easy to remember is fine; now is the time to test your learning ability."

Although he couldn't guess Mr. Kelin's intention, Watching Pangke still respectfully remembered every word, nodded seriously, and said.

"As you command, sir."

——

(Happy New Year! Brothers! It's a new year again; I wish you all everything goes well in the new year, and your wishes come true! I'm also going to accompany my family, haha.)

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 197 =====