Ye Chen spoke clearly and decisively, which put Shen Suyu at ease. She liked people who were straightforward—if matters weren’t made clear from the start, any problems later would just waste time arguing back and forth.
“You can rest assured. I was brought here by Gu Yanshen, and I’m not unreasonable. I promise nothing will go wrong. I just want to see the condition of the silkworms first. If all goes well, I’ll place an order,” she said.
“Good,” the two chatted happily, and Ye Chen stopped hesitating. Shen Suyu watched the silkworms wriggling in her hand and felt deeply satisfied. Inspiration struck her, and she began discussing business.
“As you can see, I truly love silkworms, and I sincerely want to cooperate with you. However, my funds are limited, and the quantity I need is a bit large. How should we negotiate this business?” She drew on her experience from her previous life and presented herself with utmost seriousness. Her sharp, confident aura even made Ye Chen pause; this wasn’t an aura you normally saw outside of the business world. He hadn’t expected the woman before him to be so capable.
“Miss Shen, what you’re saying? Naturally, we’ll stick to the previous pricing. I won’t give you a discount, nor will I raise it. Whatever you buy, you buy,” Ye Chen replied. “I’m in this business too. I can’t just lose money for your sake, can I?”
He hesitated for only a moment before reacting. Even if he wanted to, he wouldn’t agree so quickly.
“This isn’t a one-time deal. As long as your quality is good, I’ll continue doing business with you in the future and make you a regular supplier. For this first time, could you give me a slight discount to support my business?” Shen Suyu smiled gently. Ye Chen laughed at her audacity, and because Gu Yanshen was nearby, he didn’t argue further, simply letting her speak.
“Miss Shen, your bargaining style is indeed unique and haughty. I’ve been in the business world a long time and have seen all sorts of negotiating tactics,” Ye Chen said, forcing a faint smile. “But I’ve never heard anyone say something like this—why should I lose money just for your business? Do you think that’s reasonable?”
“I know what I said sounds bold, Mr. Ye, but I had no other choice. Please trust me this once. I promise I won’t disappoint you. Just give me a larger order this time, and I’ll make up for any shortage later,” Shen Suyu said with absolute certainty. Ye Chen was stunned; even in his own business, he wouldn’t dare make such a claim—how could Shen Suyu?
“May I help Miss Shen? Just for Gu Yanshen’s sake. But you should consider what you can provide me in return later. I don’t give things away for nothing. If your offer doesn’t appeal to me, not even Gu Yanshen’s favor will help,” Ye Chen said coldly, slightly intrigued and wanting to test Shen Suyu’s capabilities.
“I’ve never done business here, so you don’t know my abilities. You wouldn’t believe empty words. I don’t want to fool you either. Just give me the goods for now. If I don’t succeed, I’ll repay you double,” she said, her words striking like thunder. Not only Ye Chen, but even Gu Yanshen widened his eyes in surprise.
“Miss Shen, do you understand what you’re saying? These silkworms aren’t cheap. Are you really willing to risk everything on this one deal?” Ye Chen asked, bewildered. Shen Suyu nodded firmly. She had built her fortune on this business in her previous life and believed she could do it again.
“To be honest, I prepared a small amount of money before coming, intending to buy just a few silkworms, thinking slowly and steadily. But seeing your quality, I was immediately convinced. That’s why I have to make this gamble. Please give me a chance,” she said, her smile gentle yet sharp.
Ye Chen was stunned, looking at Gu Yanshen, then at Shen Suyu, unsure of how to respond.
“You don’t need to worry about saving face. Do whatever you think is best. I fully support your decision; this is business, not friendship. Your own interests come first,” Gu Yanshen said, understanding exactly what Ye Chen was thinking. He wouldn’t make things difficult for a friend, even if he had some feelings for Shen Suyu.
“All right!”
“Then I agree to Miss Shen’s request. I hope your business succeeds, and I’ll do my best to help. If there’s anything you need me to do, just say it. Don’t be polite,” Ye Chen said, taking a deep breath and decisively agreeing. He trusted Gu Yanshen’s judgment; someone Gu Yanshen brought here couldn’t be bad.
“Actually, there is something I need help with. Raising silkworms, producing silk, or making clothes all takes a long time, with no short-term profit. But we’ve made a wager, and I need some income quickly. I’d like a batch of semi-finished clothes. Is that possible?” Shen Suyu said without hesitation, stating her plan clearly. She had thought this through in advance and was seizing the opportunity to speak.
“Miss Shen, this is a bit difficult for me. I raise silkworms; I’m not a clothing manufacturer. I can’t really help with that part of the business,” Ye Chen said, laughing and shaking his head. Shen Suyu truly didn’t hold back—she spoke everything straight out.
“If it really doesn’t work, you can ask Gu Yanshen. He has many friends on the island and outside, many of whom are in business. If someone can help, great; if not, we’ll find another way. I can connect you,” Ye Chen said, teasingly shifting responsibility to Gu Yanshen.
Shen Suyu felt a little embarrassed, her face slightly red, not daring to look up.
“I’ve already troubled Gu Yanshen enough. I’ll think of a way to handle this myself; there’s no need for him to help. You focus on your training,” she said, restraining her impulses and politely deflecting the favor. She could tolerate mutual cooperation, but she didn’t like always troubling others.
“I can help. I’ll figure out a way for you,” Gu Yanshen said.