I Become a Landlady in the Game World

With such substantial funds, venturing into a relatively hostile territory was also risky.

For the territory's reward? Not worth it.

Naturally, it was to challenge himself and, by the way, also make a contribution to the territory.

Watching Hope Village develop bit by bit, and having his career rooted there, Zhou Bai had long felt a sense of belonging to Hope Village.

When the territory needed him, he naturally was willing to step forward.

Moreover, he had confidence that he could keep himself safe in Barnes Village.

Just as Zhong Yongnian was letting his thoughts roam, Viscount Robin appeared at the stair's entrance.

The moment he saw him, Zhong Yongnian stood up from his seat as a sign of respect.

When Viscount Robin took the main seat, Zhong Yongnian respectfully bowed, "Greetings, Lord Viscount."

Seeing Zhong Yongnian's attitude, Viscount Robin was quite satisfied and then said to Zhong Yongnian, "You are..."

"I am the captain of the War Beast Mercenary Team, and also the owner of the Convenience Hall in Hope Village, the dried meats, dried fruits, instant noodles, starch noodles, and other convenient to carry and consumable goods sold far and wide in various territories all belong to me," Zhong Yongnian introduced himself.

Hearing his introduction, Viscount Robin's eyes moved involuntarily, and his body also straightened a bit.

Clearly, Zhong Yongnian's identity had a significant impact on him.

"What did you say you brought as a significant gift? Coming to Barnes Village, what is your purpose?" Viscount Robin asked straightforwardly, and his attitude was not as haughty as before.

He had realized that Zhong Yongnian's products were one of the ace products of Hope Village, and if he could win over Zhong Yongnian, it would be greatly beneficial for him.

As for why he was so confident, it naturally was because of Zhong Yongnian's respectful attitude towards him.

Hearing this, Zhong Yongnian directly took out a bag, which was handed to Viscount Robin by a nearby butler.

Upon opening it, it revealed shimmering gold coins.

As a lord and someone who was "efficient in management," his personal wealth was naturally not lacking, but this was his first time facing such a "gift," and he had to say, the shock at that moment was immense.

"What do you mean?"

"I heard that Lord Viscount has forbidden the merchant teams to trade Hope Village's goods in Barnes Village. I just feel somewhat sorry for you, Lord. Once this business kicks off, the money you make will definitely be several times, even ten times, that of here," Zhong Yongnian spoke frankly.

Viscount Robin's eyes narrowed slightly, "You think I need just one more territory???"

Don't think he wasn't aware; after Hope Village opened up, the number of territories where the goods were sold expanded by dozens. Zhong Yongnian's market for his products was certainly not lacking - there were reports that many territories even needed to queue up for transactions!

Listening to Viscount Robin's words, Zhong Yongnian knew that although Viscount Robin had banned the trading of Hope Village's goods, he was very much aware of the situation in Hope Village and definitely had sent people to understand it.

"Then, Lord Viscount should also know that the Convenience Hall, though my property, is not solely mine. The factory behind it is not just my property either; half belongs to the territory I reside in, and considering the substantial amount of gold I have contributed to the territory, I am only the captain of a mercenary team in Hope Village, without any official position..."

As he spoke, Zhong Yongnian's tone carried a hint of subtle complaint.

Hearing this, Viscount Robin's eyes flickered, "Isn't it said that Hope Village selects officials fairly and justly, based on contribution and examination results? And becoming a soldier only requires contribution. With your contribution level, isn't obtaining a position a simple matter?"

"What if the territory does not allow me to hold a position!" Zhong Yongnian said aloud.

Viscount Robin looked at Zhong Yongnian in astonishment.

"War Wind Mercenary Team, Kara Mercenary Team, Sacred Fire Mercenary Team, Carefree Mercenary Team, and others are top-notch in Hope Village, yet none of their captains hold positions or enter the soldier team because Hope Village doesn't allow it. Hope Village prefers its military power to be in the hands of those it approves of, such as Zhou Bai, the Village Chief who has a significant relationship with the Lord behind him. Zhou Bai's father, Zhou Zhengping, became a Captain after returning from a rather simple mission recently. That rank of Captain is currently the highest rank in Hope Village, and military power is held within their family. I don't believe there's no foul play involved," Zhong Yongnian said, a hint of resentment brimming in his eyes.

Although it was fleeting, Viscount Robin noticed it.

His heart raced a bit as he scoffed, "And here I thought Hope Village was actually fair!"

He thought to himself that no territory would willingly hand over its power to the common people, and indeed it was all just for show.

Upon learning of such an "insider" detail about Hope Village, Viscount Robin was thrilled.

Of course, he didn't quite trust Zhong Yongnian at the moment, but he was happy to have gotten a "hold" on Hope Village, one that was leaked by an insider. Whether it was heartfelt or not, the content couldn't be false.

"Exactly! That's why I can't depend entirely on Hope Village. I need to secure a backup plan for myself. After all, my power is nothing compared to the behemoth that is Hope Village," sighed Zhong Yongnian. "The surrounding territories, Bengela Town included, Glasgow Village too..."

"Bengela Town also has good relations with Hope Village???" Viscount Robin emphasized upon hearing the name.

"At least openly, Earl Orkot of Bengela Town hasn't turned against our territory, and trade between the two continues to deepen. Just before I came to Barnes Village, Earl Orkot had just left; he had been vacationing in Hope Village," Zhong Yongnian revealed briefly.

Viscount Robin narrowed his eyes, "What kind of cooperation do you want with me?"

"I'd place my Convenience Hall's goods for sale here and set up a secretive factory. The profits from sales, you take 60%, I take 40," Zhong Yongnian said. "Although the split seems to favor me, I am, after all, providing the most crucial formula. Besides, if it were a fifty-fifty split, why would I seek your cooperation, my Lord?"

"Solely within our territory?"

"No, I also hope to implore you, Lord Viscount, to sell to other territories. Officially, it could be priced higher than Hope Village, but secretly... you know what I mean," the cunning look of a merchant flickered across Zhong Yongnian's face.

Listening, Viscount Robin was indeed slightly tempted.

This could undermine Hope Village's foundations!

More importantly, he could amass a fortune in Gold Coins.

These coins would continuously be fed into the military developments of his territory, whether for talent or weapons. Once his strength was sufficient, he would coerce Zhong Yongnian into collaborating from the inside out, eventually seizing the opportunity to take down Hope Village and claim all its achievements for himself.

The more he thought about it, the more delightful Viscount Robin felt.

His gaze at Zhong Yongnian shifted.

He was unsure of Zhong Yongnian's true intentions at the moment. Even if Hope Village had sent him, as long as Zhong Yongnian embarked on his ship, there would be no getting off.

"I'm naturally willing to discuss this deal with you, but mere words are not enough..." Viscount Robin suddenly stated.

"I'm willing to sign a contract with you, Lord Viscount. You set the terms of the contract, and I will make minor adjustments based on my situation afterward," Zhong Yongnian said with a smile.

With a contract in place, Viscount Robin felt even more assured.

With the contract, Zhong Yongnian couldn't even think of escaping his grasp.

Both men exchanged smiles, a slyness hidden deep in their eyes.

Each harboring their own devious schemes.