Chapter 322: Gilder, Business Discussion (2)

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“It’s evident that this person’s wealth is quite substantial.”

Ji Chen, who was always welcoming to those offering money, gestured with a grand wave.

“Please, bring him in.”

“Yes!”

The man who entered was plump, with a face full of fat and a body considerably obese, especially his round belly, which shook with every step.

He was dressed in extravagant attire, and his short, chubby fingers, due to his obesity, were adorned with gemstone rings. A large gold chain hung around his equally short and stout neck, giving off the air of a super nouveau riche.

He entered with a retinue of servants.

Upon seeing Raymond, his face lit up. “Ray, my old friend, it’s been a while…”

But Gilder noticed Raymond desperately signaling to him and found it strange. It was only then that he realized Raymond was standing behind a young, handsome man, in a subordinate position.

His heart suddenly raced.

His mind quickly worked, and in the blink of an eye, he reacted.

He bent his body, arched his back, and his face turned extremely respectful.

“Your Excellency, you must be the illustrious Lord of the Ocean Crown, spoken of by Raymond so often. 1 have long admired you.

If I had known that you were coming to Maple Harbor in person this time, I would have prepared a grand banquet to welcome you!”

Gilder’s ability to change his expression, almost comparable to a Sichuan opera face-changing master, amazed everyone present.

They couldn’t help but marvel at the speed at which a businessman could change his demeanor.

Ji Chen calmly picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and gestured for the steward and maids to leave. Then he spoke slowly.

“I am indeed the Lord of the Ocean Crown, Ji Chen.”

“I wonder, Gilder, what brings you here on this occasion?”

Gilder’s face was filled with smiles.

“Of course, I have some important matters to discuss with Your Excellency Ji Chen. If my visit seems impolite, please forgive me…”

Ji Chen had no patience for such formalities and placed the teacup down.

“No need for such courtesy; please get straight to the point.”

Upon hearing this, Gilder was briefly taken aback. He seemed to understand that Ji Chen was a man of action and became serious.

“In that case, I’ll be straightforward. I’m very interested in the goods you’ve brought this time, Lord Ji Chen. Is there a possibility of cooperation?”

Hearing this, Ji Chen’s face showed a hint of interest. “Oh? Even someone of your stature, a prominent merchant, is interested in the Ocean’s Crown goods?” “Of course, the Ocean’s Crown is renowned for the exceptional quality of its weapon equipment. Its reputation has already spread throughout Maple City and even to the kingdoms and duchies further north.

The recent word is that the Ocean’s Crown’s weapon equipment rivals that of Dwarven forging!

Therefore, there are countless merchants who want to obtain such goods, and I am no exception.”

Rivals that of Dwarven forging?

Well, that statement might be a bit exaggerated.

Although Lizardmen forge high-quality weapon equipment, it’s highly likely that it can’t match the quality of Dwarven craftsmanship. After all, Dwarven-forged weapon equipment is renowned worldwide.

If Dwarves with already questionable temperaments heard such a statement, they might travel a thousand miles just to dispute it.

Ji Chen waved his hand and said, “That praise is a bit excessive.”

Gilder also chuckled. The statement was indeed somewhat overblown, but it wasn’t entirely without merit.

In terms of quality, Dwarven weapon equipment might surpass that of the Ocean’s Crown, but in terms of quantity and cost-effectiveness, it was a different story.

The number of weapon equipment forged and exported by Dwarves in a year couldn’t compare to what the Ocean’s Crown exported in half a month.

The price gap was even more significant. Despite a relatively small difference in quality, Dwarven-forged equipment was several times or even dozens of times more expensive. The price of a single Dwarven-forged weapon could buy dozens of Ocean’s Crown products.

In terms of cost-effectiveness, Dwarven equipment was clearly outmatched.

Moreover, the market favored the Ocean’s Crown. Ordinary soldiers didn’t require top-tier equipment.

In this sense, as long as the purchase price wasn’t too outrageous, obtaining these goods would allow Gilder to make substantial profits. It was like gold coins falling from the sky.

“So, are you interested in purchasing a batch of weapon equipment from me?”

Unexpectedly, Gilder nodded, then shook his head, with a flame of ambition flickering in his eyes.

“Lord Ji Chen, I want to establish a long-term partnership with the Ocean’s Crown.

From now on, I hope to exclusively acquire at least thirty percent of the Ocean’s Crown’s production of weapon equipment for the Northern Continent.”

Ji Chen’s eyes slightly narrowed, and his interest grew even more.

This fellow has quite the ambition.

Considering the current efficiency and speed of the Ocean’s Crown’s transportation, they could make two round trips a month. Securing a thirty percent share would mean obtaining approximately three to four hundred thousand pieces of weapon equipment, with the involved amount reaching millions or even tens of millions of gold coins.

Once their transportation capacity increases in the future, this scale will become even larger.

“My Lord, not only is Gilder extremely wealthy, but it seems he also has ties to a high-ranking member of the Maple Principality. If we can establish a long-term partnership with him, our business here will receive protection and won’t be coveted by certain envious individuals or forces…

In addition, Gilder has broad connections and can easily find some things, such as a large quantity of rare resources. When 1 chose to cooperate with him, 1 also considered this.”

Raymond lowered his voice and spoke in Ji Chen’s ear.

Ji Chen squinted slightly. If that was the case, then there was indeed value in cooperating.

The resources and connections these natives possessed were unmatched by players at the moment. They often had a strong influence in certain areas.

Although he had some connections with Monica, the daughter of the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, and the elves, one could never have too many friends.

More friends meant more avenues for opportunities.

After a brief moment of consideration, Ji Chen made up his mind.

He smiled and said, “Lord Gilder, 1 believe the Ocean’s Crown also has the intention of establishing a long-term partnership with you. After all, we don’t want to go through the trouble of finding buyers every time we bring our goods. It wastes a lot of our energy and time.

If you have the time, we can have a meal together first and then sit down to discuss the share, pricing, and transportation matters.”

Upon hearing this, Gilder’s face lit up, and he eagerly replied, “I would be delighted. However, let’s start the negotiations as soon as possible.”

He seemed quite eager, and while Ji Chen found it a bit unusual, he agreed.

Next, although Ji Chen wasn’t particularly skilled in trade and negotiations, with the assistance of the experienced Raymond, the initial discussions proceeded smoothly.

After the negotiations, Gilder secured forty percent of the Ocean’s Crown’s output of weapon equipment to the Northern Continent. Prices were determined based on the quality and type of weapons and were paid in various rare resources.

A whole shipload of weapon equipment would be exchanged for around 3,000 units of third-tier rare resources, such as crystals and mithril.

With the fleet Ji Chen brought this time, which included ten ships loaded with weapon equipment, they could acquire around 30,000 units of rare resources. While it wasn’t enough to completely solve the resource issues in their territory, it would greatly alleviate the situation.

At the moment when the negotiations were completed, Gilder let out a heavy sigh of relief. He took out a fine handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Just then, there were footsteps outside, and someone knocked on the door.

“Come in.”

The newcomer was the butler, and he entered with impeccable manners.

“Master, there are many businessmen outside the estate who wish to discuss cooperation regarding weapon equipment.”

Upon hearing this, Ji Chen glanced at Gilder, whose expression had changed slightly. So, that’s why he was so eager to negotiate. It all made sense now.

“Let them all in.”

“Yes.”

Soon, more than ten extravagantly dressed businessmen entered the hall. When they saw Gilder, who was still sitting there with a contented smile, their expressions changed instantly.

They couldn’t believe it. Why had Gilder arrived so quickly?

Had they already finished the negotiations?

Goddammit, they had agreed to come together, but this guy had managed to slip away ahead of them!

In reply, Gilder shot them a scornful glance, implying, “You guys are way too late to the party, you won’t even have a chance to join the lucrative deals, let alone make any money..”