Chapter 16: Collaboration
Translated by algoo | Proofread by algoo
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Lin Xiu paced the streets, contemplating how to quickly monetize his ability.
This heatwave would last a month at most, then the weather would cool, and the demand for ice would decrease.
He had to act fast.
But even with his urgency, he needed a plan.
First, location. He needed to be near the residences of wealthy officials and nobles. They lived lavishly and wouldn’t hesitate to spend money.
Commoners struggling to survive wouldn’t spend money on ice, no matter how hot it was.
Second, unlike Lingyin, he couldn’t create ice out of thin air. He needed a place with easy access to water, preferably a residence with a well…
He dismissed this idea immediately.
The residences in that area were owned by influential people who wouldn’t rent to him. Even if there were vacant properties, he couldn’t afford the rent.
Lin Xiu realized that despite having a profitable skill, he lacked the starting capital.
He had a monopoly on ice production. Every day he delayed was a significant loss. He lowered his sights, focusing on the shops lining the streets.
This was where the wealthy resided. The shops were opulent: brothels, restaurants, tea houses, all lavishly decorated, catering to the elite. This was where the capital’s money flowed.
No matter how much money you had, a stroll down this street could leave you penniless.
Lin Xiu’s gaze settled on a restaurant. He walked towards it.
…
Zhai Yue Lou.
One of the capital’s most renowned restaurants, Zhai Yue Lou usually bustled with customers, including high-ranking officials. It catered exclusively to the elite.
Ordinary citizens didn’t even know where its entrance was. Even some minor officials couldn’t afford to dine here.
But today, at lunchtime, the usually packed restaurant was empty.
Heat radiated from every direction. The staff slumped listlessly at tables, their clothes soaked with sweat, their voices weak.
“This weather… when will it end?”
“Half an hour, and not a single customer.”
“The ice basins are empty. It’s like a furnace in here. No one wants to suffer like this…”
As they murmured, two figures entered.
A handsome young man, followed by a large guard.
A waiter forced himself to stand, forcing a smile. “What can I get for you, sir?”
Lin Xiu got straight to the point. “I’m not here to eat. I need to see your manager.”
Coming to a restaurant and not eating… normally, the irritated waiter would have dismissed him. But the young man’s demeanor and expensive clothes suggested he wasn’t an ordinary citizen.
The waiter went to fetch the manager.
The manager, a short, plump middle-aged man, emerged reluctantly, cupping his hands. “May I ask your name, sir? And what brings you to Zhai Yue Lou?”
Lin Xiu extended his hand. Ice spread from his palm.
The surrounding temperature dropped noticeably.
The sudden coolness startled the manager. His small eyes lit up. He grabbed Lin Xiu’s hand, as if afraid he would disappear. “Sir, let’s talk upstairs!”
On the second floor, in a private room.
After ordering tea, the manager stared at Lin Xiu intently. “Is your mystical art… ice-based?”
Lin Xiu didn’t answer. He lifted his teacup. The rising steam quickly turned to a cool mist. He took a sip of the chilled tea and looked at the manager. “I’ll get straight to the point. I want to use your well. As for payment, ten taels of silver per day.”
The manager’s eyes narrowed, instantly understanding. He leaned back, a glint in his eyes. “You must be aware that with this heatwave, ice is scarce and highly sought after in the capital. With your ability, you could easily earn a fortune. Ten taels a day seems a bit low, don’t you think?”
Lin Xiu raised an eyebrow. “What price do you suggest?”
Ten taels was enough for a family of five to live comfortably for a year, with occasional meat. His monthly salary at the Ministry of Records was only eight taels. Was this Zhai Yue Lou so wealthy?
The manager smiled. “Fifty taels, at least.”
“Deal!”
Lin Xiu slammed his hand on the table. “As expected of Zhai Yue Lou, so generous. With such sincerity, I won’t bother looking elsewhere.”
The manager was taken aback, then frowned. “You mean… fifty taels from us to you?”
Lin Xiu countered, “Otherwise?”
A flicker of something crossed the manager’s eyes. He chuckled. “Are you joking, sir? You want to use our well and expect us to pay you?”
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Lin Xiu stood up, his expression indifferent. “If you’re not sincere, then forget it. I’m sure Piao Xiang Lou across the street would be more amenable.”
Seeing him leave, the manager jumped up. “Wait, sir! Please!”
Normally, someone using their well would pay them. But with ice so valuable, and business suffering, having someone supply them with ice was worth far more than fifty taels. It could be worth five thousand, even fifty thousand taels.
The capital’s ice reserves were dwindling. Probably only the Imperial Palace still had ice. With this young man, Zhai Yue Lou would be the only restaurant with ice. They would have no shortage of customers.
He had tried to play dumb, assuming the young man didn’t understand the situation. He had been the naive one. Sending this opportunity to a competitor at such a crucial time would be disastrous.
He grabbed Lin Xiu’s arm. “Ten taels! Ten taels! As long as you supply us with ice, we’ll pay you ten taels a day!”
Lin Xiu smiled. “With this heatwave, and ice so scarce, I could easily earn a fortune. Ten taels a day is a bit low, don’t you think?”
He parroted the manager’s own words back to him.
The manager stared at Lin Xiu, wishing he could bite his tongue. Why had he said those words?
He asked, his face a mask of despair, “Then what price do you deem suitable, sir?”
Lin Xiu replied, “Fifty.”
The manager wailed, “Sir, that’s highway robbery!”
Lin Xiu remained unmoved. “If you think it’s too expensive, I’ll ask elsewhere.”
“No!”
The manager gritted his teeth. “Fifty it is! But you must agree to one condition: you will not supply ice to any other establishment!”
Fifty taels was painful, but this young man could generate ten, a hundred, even a thousand times that in profit. He knew which side his bread was buttered on.
Lin Xiu looked at him. “In that case, the price will have to be higher…”
The manager said, “I’ll pay five times the market price!”
Lin Xiu smiled. “Excellent. It’s a deal…”
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