Chapter 1081: Chapter 1079: Negotiation and Persuasion
The Floral Hall quieted down for a moment; only the sounds of sipping tea and shallow breathing could be heard.
"Twenty percent." Lady Shisan couldnât help but lower her demand. Xiao Qiang, beside her, frowned but said nothing.
Wufuâs lips curled slightly. Willing to compromise, that was good.
"Ten percent, thatâs our lowest offer," Wufu said.
Upon hearing this, Lady Shisan put down her teacup and stood up, saying, "It seems Iâve come in vain. Since thereâs no agreement, Iâll take my leave." She wasnât feigning retreat as a form of advance but was ready to leave the moment she turned.
Just as she was about to step over the threshold, Wufuâs voice came from behind.
"Does Lady Shisan intend to be a pirate for life? Including your descendants, will they all live on the edge for generations?"
Lady Shisanâs body shook, and she turned around, glaring sharply at Wufu.
Wufu looked back at her indifferently.
"What do you want to say?" Lady Shisan asked in a subdued voice, furrowing her brows.
"Lady Shisan, thereâs an old saying in Lingnan; have you heard it? Who with hair would want to be a waster? Similarly, how many would willingly live such precarious lives if they could be honest folk, consigning even their descendants to insignificance?" Wufu said nonchalantly, "If their offspring continue the pirateâs life, is that truly good? While living as a pirate may currently seem better than most commoners, who can guarantee it will always be this way? What if a wise ruler rises, one who detests pirates..."
Lady Shisan and Xiao Qiangâs expressions shifted slightly upon hearing this.
No matter how hard they fought now, wasnât it all for comfort, for a future for their descendants? But as a pirate, just a robber, what future could there be?
For oneself, battling lifeâs dangers is one thing, but one wouldnât want their descendants to follow the same hazardous path.
Wufuâs words had undoubtedly struck a chord in Lady Shisan and her companion, resonating profoundly.
Seeing their expressions change, Jadeite smiled and stepped forward, inviting Lady Shisan and her companion to sit down again. Once they were served another round of tea, she smiled and said, "Lady Shisan, there are many pirate gangs. Why did our lady choose to cooperate only with the Skull Gang? Naturally, itâs out of respect for Lady Shisanâs character. Lady Shisan, a woman of great stature leading a major gang, demonstrates strength and ambition."
Who doesnât like hearing flattery? Lady Shisan was no exception, and hearing Jadeiteâs words, her expression softened slightly.
"Our lady has faith in Lady Shisanâs integrity; isnât it the same for Lady Shisan? Otherwise, why come all this way personally? Clearly, Lady Shisan is also looking for more paths," Jadeite continued with a smile. "This maritime cooperation is merely a business deal. Normally, we wonât meddle in the Skull Gangâs affairs. However, this good cooperation means the Skull Gang gains an ally. As the saying goes, more friends, more paths. Does Lady Shisan truly believe Silver is more important than a way forward?" Lady Shisan pondered slightly and then laughed heartily, "Who would have thought, even a maidservant by Lady Wuâs side is so astute and exceptional! Lady Shisan is impressed!"
"I hope Lady Shisan doesnât find this maid too chatty," Wufu smiled lightly. "Itâs not that I donât want to give more to Lady Shisan, but the strength of several houses allows us only a modest share. If things go smoothly, it doesnât mean there wonât be more opportunities for lasting cooperation in the future, right?"
Lady Shisan felt a stir within and looked at Xiao Qiang. Seeing his slight nod, she declared, "In that case, I, Lady Shisan, will befriend Lady Wu!"
Wufuâs eyes curved into a smile, raising her tea in a toast.