Bringing the Farm to Live in Another World

CHAPTER 368: Interests

Wanhao was not angry at Smith for saying that, because what Smith said was indeed a fact. The origin of this matter was indeed the feud between the Shelley Hotel and Duke Ryan.

If it weren't for the grudge between the Shelley family and Ryan, Zhao Hai would not have fallen out with Ryan. If Zhao Hai did not have enmity with Ryan, Ryan would not be hunting Zhao Hai down all over the world, let alone using such a move against him.

Therefore, Wanhao agreed with Smith’s statement. He noted that collaborating with Smith and the others this time would only bring benefits with no drawbacks. It was fine for him to lower himself; after all, this was the difference between a businessman and an old noble.

Old nobles value dignity. Anyone who dares to offend their dignity will face a desperate counterattack, and they will fight to the death. What they care about is their interests, because they believe that if an old noble loses his dignity, he can no longer be called a noble. This is a temperament cultivated over many years, ingrained in their souls, and cannot be erased.

Businessmen are different. There is a saying in Old Bai's poetry: "Businessmen value profit and take separation lightly." In the eyes of businessmen, profit is the most important thing, and other matters can be put aside. Sometimes, dignity can also be disregarded if profit can be gained.

Thus, Wanhao smiled slightly and said, "Your Excellency the City Lord is right. It is precisely because of this that today I brought a small gift for Miss Meigen to ease her worries. I hope Your Excellency will not refuse. As for what you mentioned, I will definitely speak candidly and thoroughly, as we will need Your Excellency's support this time."

Smith looked at Wanhao and smiled, "I'll accept the gift on behalf of Meigen. Now, let’s talk about your plan. I had originally wanted to invite Little Hai to listen as well, but he refused to come, so that’s that. However, he said that if there’s anything, just tell him, and he will definitely help. After all, Duke Ryan has been pursuing him quite harshly this time."

Wanhao chuckled and said, "Speaking of which, I truly feel sorry for Mr. Zhao Hai. This is originally our Shelley family's issue with Ryan, yet we dragged him into it. That was not our intention at all."

Smith looked at Wanhao with meaningful eyes and smiled, "You should never think of someone like Little Hai as a fool. People like him are worth forming a genuine friendship with. If you don’t show sincerity, don’t expect him to treat you as one of his own. Am I right?"

Seeing Smith's expression, Wanhao let out a bitter smile. Although his power within the family was not small, the real decision-makers were still the elders of the family. The tests regarding Zhao Hai were decided by those elders. Although Wanhao disagreed, the words of an external store manager held limited weight.

Even though Zhao Hai was treating them well now, who could truly know what was in his heart? Zhao Hai’s willingness to do business with them was driven by profit. If Zhao Hai genuinely trusted them, he wouldn't have given the bulk of their business dealings to the Smith family.

Wanhao was certain that the benefits Zhao Hai provided to the Smith family were definitely larger. If not for the previous incidents, Zhao Hai might have given their family even greater benefits. That would have meant a new rise for the Shelley family, but unfortunately, they had missed that opportunity.

Seeing Wanhao’s expression, Smith understood the situation. In fact, the family’s attitude towards Zhao Hai was not as good as Smith had shown; it was just that Smith personally appreciated Zhao Hai, which was why he treated him well. Now, it seemed that Zhao Hai had indeed returned substantial rewards.

Wanhao took a deep breath and did not continue on that topic but instead shared their family’s plan on how to deal with Duke Ryan.

To deal with Duke Ryan, the Shelley family had to gain the approval of the Roson Empire royal family and those old nobles. Recently, Duke Ryan's actions had been too arrogant, causing dissatisfaction among the royals. The Shelley family just happened to seize this opportunity to use profit to sway the royals, ensuring they would no longer concern themselves with Duke Ryan. This effectively removed the biggest support Duke Ryan had, leaving him as a rootless floating weed, making it much easier for them to deal with him.