Published: March 12, 2025
CHAPTER 366: Cautious Smith
Zhao Hai sat calmly in the cart, which was making its way to the Shelley Hotel. When the cart arrived, the people in the hotel immediately recognized Zhao Hai's vehicle. It was unavoidable; Zhao Hai's cart was simply too distinctive.
The hotel attendants rushed out to welcome him and invited Zhao Hai into the hotel. Another attendant quickly ran off to inform Wanhao. These attendants were well aware of Zhao Hai's standing in Wanhao's eyes, so they naturally did not dare to show any neglect.
When Wanhao received the report, he was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected Zhao Hai to come at this time, especially since Meigen had just encountered trouble. He presumed Zhao Hai shouldn’t have come right now.
However, Wanhao quickly invited Zhao Hai to sit in the lounge of his room and also called for Weili to join them. After the three were seated, Wanhao looked at Zhao Hai and said, "Little Hai, is there something you need?"
After several encounters, they had become somewhat familiar, and Wanhao had spontaneously started referring to Zhao Hai as "Little Hai" to bring their relationship closer.
Zhao Hai did not mind the term of endearment; he merely smiled and said, "Did you forget what I told you yesterday? I've already compiled the statistics on vegetable production."
Upon hearing that Zhao Hai was there to discuss business, Wanhao let out a sigh of relief. He was genuinely worried that Zhao Hai had fallen out with Smith and had come to seek his assistance. Although he would have helped Zhao Hai regardless, it would have meant that the Shelley family would receive much less benefit and could not use Zhao Hai to strengthen their ties with Smith.
Wanhao hurriedly smiled and said, "Great! Let's hear it; I’ve been eagerly awaiting this."
Zhao Hai smiled slightly and replied, "In the future, I can approximately provide you with five hundred thousand pounds of various vegetables each month, ten thousand firefly fish, and as much grain and fruit oil as you need. How does that sound? Is that enough?"
Wanhao was genuinely surprised by the quantity. His face lit up with excitement as he said, "That’s more than enough! Don’t worry, the price will be fair."
Zhao Hai chuckled and said, "I've never worried about you shortchanging me on price, because those things are mine. If you dare to squeeze me on the price, I just won’t sell to you, haha."
Both Wanhao and Weili chuckled lightly. Then Weili looked at Zhao Hai and asked, "Brother Zhao Hai, may I ask what happened with Miss Meigen yesterday?"
Weili had noticed that Zhao Hai was an exceptionally straightforward person. If you wanted to find out something from him, it was best to be direct. Zhao Hai’s temperament was somewhat like a warrior; he favored straightforwardness, which is why Weili asked so directly.
Zhao Hai smiled and said, "Brother Smith has already figured out that matter. Even if you didn’t ask, I would need to tell you. The second thing I came here for today is to discuss this with you."
Wanhao and Weili were taken aback, then exchanged excited glances, as they had vaguely guessed what Zhao Hai was about to say.
Zhao Hai looked at their expressions and smiled slightly, "You haven't guessed wrong. The people who attacked Meigen this time were indeed Duke Ryan's men. They wanted to capture Meigen and force Duke Smith to drive me out of Tianshui City. Unfortunately for them, they failed. That’s why Duke Smith is furious and is preparing to retaliate against Duke Ryan. I told him you also have grievances against Duke Ryan and are planning to deal with him. How about it? Do you agree?"
Although Wanhao and Weili had guessed what Zhao Hai was going to say, they were still thrilled to hear Zhao Hai confirm their suspicions. They truly hadn’t expected Zhao Hai to hold such high standing in Smith’s eyes, especially since Zhao Hai had stirred up trouble and even posed a threat to Meigen, yet Smith had not blamed him.
However, this situation was undoubtedly good news for the Shelley family. Although they were preparing to deal with Duke Ryan, handling him in the Roson Empire was not an easy task, and they would have to pay a considerable price.