A Top Scholar in Everything

To speak of this simple medicine trade, even if it were profitable, it wouldn't make someone like Ning Fugui, a prominent trader, so eager as to have to pursue it at all costs.

Yet.

Involving the Shelter, involving Martial Artists, this medicine business truly becomes precious.

It's not only the immense profits, but also the potential to weave a vast network of connections.

The Ning Family has certainly built friendships over the years,

but most are business friends, and businessmen are profit-driven — how many are truly reliable?

During the time of Zenith City's difficulties.

Most of the personal connections he had cultivated were of little use; in the end, his own family was more dependable.

Had it not been for his sister being a Tier Five Martial Artist, combined with having many skilled hands covertly, and receiving early warnings, leaving Zenith City would have been uncertain.

That's why the Ning Family has thought to manage some operations.

Without protection for such an enormous enterprise, it would sooner or later be swallowed whole.

However.

His many years of operations in Zenith City have been ruined, and at this moment, attempting to enter this field is incredibly difficult.

Who doesn't know the lucrative nature of the medicine business?

But how many can actually profit from it?

The Ning Family doesn't intend to dominate the market, just wishing to open a channel for their business.

"Since President Bai has spoken, I can't play coy. I can make decisions here, and in appreciation of the President's favor, carve out a portion of the business for you.

However.

You know as well.

Those who can do business in the Villiduo Shelter have significant backers, and I dare not offend them.

Even if it's carved out.

The remaining matters must be settled by yourselves.

Moreover...

I must also take forty percent of the profits."

Currently, there were no outsiders in the hall.

Apart from Baiyu, there was only Ning Fugui and the Qiong Clan Elders; even the Ning Family's trusted aides had been dismissed.

The only person incongruous was Qiong Xue, who was dozing off beside Baiyu.

Count Bene spoke unabashedly.

This was her established rule, overseeing supervision and taxation in medicine affairs, and no one could bypass her.

Despite appearances, like the Anomaly Bureau, the Armed Department, and others, seeming gentle in daily operations.

However.

A closer examination reveals that those officials managing business are exceedingly wealthy.

Moreover.

The Anomaly Bureau, having no issues, is unwilling to provoke these tough problems.

Thus, it only bolstered the prestige of the Counts and Marquises.

Upon hearing Count Bene's demand for forty percent of the profits, Ning Fugui and the Qiong Clan Elders were taken aback.

This heartless and venomous woman was a thousand times more ruthless than them.

Simultaneously cursing in their hearts.

It was merely for her to offer a bit of oversight, allowing them to smoothly conduct business in the Shelter and open up some sales channels.

This Countess demanded forty percent outright.

You must understand,

three parts of the ten must be used for business operations, maintaining trade routes, and paying those who risk their lives to collect herbs in the Spirit Realm.

Another two parts must be used for daily management, networking, and other cutbacks.

After deducting everything.

The remaining five parts are for the two families to share.

But with the Countess taking four parts, doesn't it mean that both the Qiong Family and the Ning Family, one funding and the other providing effort, end up laboring for just one-tenth profit?

Even that needs to be divided equally between the two families.

Ning Fugui cursed inwardly, frustrated that despite his frequent offerings to the Count's mansion in recent days,

it turned out to be a case of feeding a wolf.

"My Lord Count, this is too much. Both our families are just small businesses; after sharing, we only receive four to five parts in hand.

However, with the Lord wanting four parts.

We are busy working, essentially fetching water with a bamboo basket, ending up empty-handed."

Baiyu spoke in a deep voice.

Upon hearing this.

Count Bene shook her head, "No matter who comes to me, this is the arrangement.

However.

Since it's President Bai, I must show some flexibility; otherwise, it's unreasonable.

After all, the Mutual Aid Association has been bleeding for the Imperial for years. I've donated a bunch of millions on suitable days myself.

However.

It's not convenient to elaborate on this now.

It's not that I'm afraid of eavesdroppers, but some words are indeed inconvenient. President Bai, if you have time, find a day to visit my Earl's Mansion. I will personally host you, and only then can we discuss these matters in detail."

Having said that.

The charming and elegant Countess cast a playful and meaningful glance at Baiyu.

At that moment, he understood.

This Countess wasn't concerned about the business; she was clearly interested in him.

It's well known that he is the person behind the Ning and Qiong Families; if one wishes to know, it's not hard.

However.

He wasn't clear about the Countess's intentions; Baiyu had no clue.

But now.

What could he say when a woman expressed herself so frankly in such a situation?

"In that case, I will visit the Count another day to further discuss."

Baiyu replied with a smile.

"That's exactly what I wanted to hear from you, President. I shall take my leave now; as for the business matters, they are trivial."

Count Bene stood, casting a suggestive glance at Baiyu, and then departed accompanied by her personal maid.

After seeing off the young and prestigious Countess,

Ning Fugui and the Qiong Clan Elders returned, their expressions solemn as they looked at Baiyu:

"What's the true nature of this matter, that Countess..."

"I don't know her either."

Baiyu shook his head, "We'll figure out her intentions upon meeting. However, as I'm now the President of the Mutual Aid Association, there's no need to worry about my safety."

Hearing this, the two nodded.

However, Ning Fugui still said, "It's best this way, but be cautious. I will assign Ning Family masters to accompany you. With your mentor in seclusion, if anything happens to you, I would not forgive myself even in death."

"What are you saying?"

Baiyu chuckled but still pondered, it was unlikely the Countess merely wanted to have dinner with him.

It seemed.

There was another reason.

When the day comes, he would have to be well-prepared.

...

On the outskirts of Villiduo.

Moon Concealment City.

This is Count Bene's domain.

Although not a large city, it is indeed a city, with thriving commerce and notable prestige.

Of course.

This also highlights the brilliance of Count Bene's management skills.

Moon Shadow City accommodates no more than ten thousand households.

Yet, it has developed to the point where many nobles from Villiduo come here to seek pleasure.

For no other reason.

One is to show respect to Count Bene.

The second is that the city indeed offers many entertaining places.

Beast Fighting Arena, boxing rings, casinos, all sorts, and some unusual ones like horse tracks, shooting ranges, etc.

Everything that can entertain and amuse, Count Bene has set up.

She has truly turned this place into a spendthrift's paradise.

Moreover, there are her personal guards.

Even if someone wanted to cause trouble, they couldn't.

No matter what, this is her fief.

As long as it complies with the laws of East Prosperity, how she governs is beyond ordinary interference.

And at the city's center, the Black Stone Fortress is Count Bene's residence.

At this moment.

Rushing back from Villiduo's main city, Count Bene had just entered the bedroom when a clear yet indifferent voice called out:

"How did it go?"