"Brother Liu, you're being unfair. You gave that Zhang Jin kid such a huge discount, and I'm only finding out about it now. That doesn't seem right."
As expected, Peng Zhou was the first to arrive, always looking to seize any advantage.
"Mr. Peng, I've been meaning to tell you about this. It's just that the company has been so busy lately, I got sidetracked. I'm really sorry to have you come all the way here yourself."
Polite formalities were necessary. Peng Zhou was, after all, a good partner. If he hadn't thrown a wrench in things back then, they wouldn't have become partners.
Now that they were partners, they had to offer the appropriate discounts. Otherwise, given his character, he certainly wouldn't let it go.
Seeing Liu Yifeng's demeanor, Peng Zhou was less confrontational than when he first arrived.
"You know, I didn't mean it that way earlier. I was just anxious, thinking that Mr. Liu might have secretly cut a deal with Mr. Zhang and forgotten about us other partners."
Peng Zhou's implication was clear: he was reminding Liu Yifeng that if he didn't get his due, he knew how to stir up trouble with others.
Liu Yifeng smiled. "What are you saying, Mr. Peng? This whole thing is a long story. It's just that something unexpected happened when we went to celebrate our housewarming. I just didn't want such things to happen again. More importantly, I apologize for making you suffer. Don't worry, any future meat you eat will be top-grade."
Hearing Liu Yifeng say this, Peng Zhou found it quite reasonable. He had indeed suffered back then. He had never had such severe diarrhea.
However, at the time, why hadn't he thought of this profitable idea?
"That's true. These unscrupulous businesses should be stamped out. I have a general understanding of the situation, but I know this is top-grade black pig leg meat. What price can Mr. Liu offer me?"
Peng Zhou's eyes were filled with cunning. When it came to business, he always appeared very reserved. Someone meeting him for the first time would surely be intimidated by his demeanor.
But Liu Yifeng was no ordinary person. "Mr. Peng, you're in quite a hurry. However, I assume you've already inquired. Whatever price Mr. Zhang got, you'll get the same. But we must keep it confidential. If we continue to cooperate at this price, I'll surely go bankrupt."
Liu Yifeng's words were serious, indicating he had thought this through.
Peng Zhou was satisfied, but still a bit wanting. "Brother Liu, this is a bit unfair. You told Zhang Jin first about this. So many days have passed, and if I hadn't come, perhaps there would be no such cooperation. Yet you want to give me the same price as him? This..."
His dangerous eyes narrowed into slits, like a natural king, his legs crossed in a manner befitting the atmosphere.
Liu Yifeng showed no sign of being intimidated. A faint smile played on his lips, but it was a smile that hinted at danger. "Since Mr. Peng is not satisfied, tell me, how should this be handled?"
His tone was equally perilous. He could completely disregard this cooperation, but it seemed Peng Zhou had misunderstood who was in charge.
He had only chosen to cooperate with Peng Zhou because he was a formidable individual, wanting to bring him under his wing. Now, it felt as though he was the true master.
"Does Mr. Liu truly want me to state my terms, and... will you sign the contract according to my terms?" Peng Zhou sensed the danger emanating from Liu Yifeng.
But when had he ever been afraid? Since he had spoken up, he would certainly propose a condition that Liu Yifeng would find acceptable.
"Mr. Peng, why don't you speak first?" Liu Yifeng also felt that Peng Zhou wasn't here for an ordinary business discussion. It seemed he had come prepared.
Peng Zhou chuckled. He had to admit, Liu Yifeng was a formidable opponent, but also a worthy business partner.
"Alright, since Mr. Liu has said so, I want a price that is half of what Zhang Jin received. I know this price won't make you lose money; it's merely the cost price."
It was evident from Peng Zhou's words that he had thoroughly investigated before coming.
Liu Yifeng didn't respond immediately. He toyed with the water glass in his hand, appearing nonchalant.
Peng Zhou, however, was not in a hurry. He had said what he wanted to say and was now waiting for Liu Yifeng's reply.
"It seems Mr. Peng is not willing to take any loss at all. However, since you've inquired so thoroughly, it would be too much if I refused. Very well, it's done as you say."
Liu Yifeng agreed immediately. But he could tell that Peng Zhou had left some room for profit, not completely squeezing him dry.
Still, Peng Zhou's little plan was quite well thought out. Liu Yifeng saw no room to argue and considered it an acceptable condition. He could only sign the contract for now.
"Haha, excellent! I like Mr. Liu's directness. Don't worry, I certainly won't tell anyone about our conversation today. I hope we can cooperate happily again."
Peng Zhou extended his hand, clearly pleased with the outcome.
"Happy cooperation." Liu Yifeng felt genuinely happy too and didn't say much more. Only after seeing off this formidable guest did he feel truly relieved.
Lu Fei, seeing Peng Zhou leave, dared to enter. "How did it go? What method did you use to get him to leave with a smile?"
When Lu Fei encountered Peng Zhou outside, he thought he was mistaken and rubbed his eyes. He then realized Peng Zhou was indeed smiling.
He couldn't help but admire Liu Yifeng even more. It seemed he truly had a way with people, having resolved such a difficult individual. Other matters would surely be manageable.
"Yes, he left with a smile. Can you see if I can still smile now?" Liu Yifeng said, then forced a smile at Lu Fei.
It was evident he wasn't in a good mood. Lu Fei frowned.
"No way, did it fall apart? Did we lose out?" Lu Fei's mood had been good just moments ago, and now he was in despair.
Liu Yifeng shook his head again. "Not entirely. We just earned less. He gets half the price Zhang Jin did, and I agreed."
Lu Fei was shocked. "What? This Peng Zhou really knows how to drive a hard bargain! He must have known we hadn't notified people in advance and even colluded with them. I suspect he's partly responsible for those people showing up."