Chapter 007: Celebrating the Merchant's Connection with the Shao River

After taking his seat, Guan Shaohe stood up and raised his glass, saying: "Shaohe offers a toast to Young Master Wu!"

Han Mo chuckled and said, "Sit down and drink. If you stand while I remain seated, it would be I who is lacking in courtesy."

"A trading firm?" Han Mo was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "As the saying goes, 'Rivals are enemies.' If I were to open a trading firm, wouldn't that mean I would be competing with Manager Guan for business? Isn't Manager Guan afraid that Xiao Wu would push you out of the market?"

Han Mo's current mood is akin to that of David Beckham after he scored a free kick against Greece in the World Cup qualifiers, feeling utterly elated. The group surrounding Han Mo resembles the England fans from that match, filled with immense excitement and viewing Han Mo as their hero. Unfortunately, due to their apprehension towards Xiao Jing's influence, they cannot cheer out loud like the fans; instead, they can only chuckle quietly, reveling in their joy internally.

Han Mo smiled and said: "Manager Guan, do not blame me for not reminding you. Xiao Wu is a junior in the clan, without power or influence. In the eyes of outsiders, he is merely a wealthy young man with no real abilities. Even if you have something to ask of me, I probably won't be able to help much."

For Han Mo, the monthly allowance amounts to merely five taels of silver. Fortunately, Madam Han dotes on her son and often secretly slips him some silver. Even so, Han Mo's total monthly income barely reaches around ten taels. While this is a substantial sum for an ordinary family, it is pitifully small for these wealthy young gentlemen

Han Mo, feeling utterly bored and lazy, truly did not wish to mingle with figures like * Tu * Shu Yi and Huo Qiuyuan, engaging in those meaningless conversations. Seeing that Guan Shaohe was very respectful, he nodded and smiled, saying: "Since Manager Guan is so hospitable, I shall not impose. " He then stood up and followed Guan Shaohe into the private room.

Han Mo said leisurely: "Manager Guan's question clearly carries profound meaning, so it would be better to speak plainly!"

Xiao Jing, supported by those around him, walked while saying: "You all remember this, I will make you regret it, I will definitely make you regret it." He left in a disheveled state, assisted by the crowd.

Everyone turned to look in the direction of the sound, and they saw a tall man in a white brocade robe standing in front of a graceful pavilion, clapping his hands and gazing at Han Mo with a beaming smile.

Han Mo said with a smile: "Fourth Brother, why worry so much about beating a dog? Come, come, let us drink."

Han Mo was taken aback, not expecting Guan Shaohe to suddenly inquire about such matters

Han Yuan cupped his hands and said: "Guan Shaohe, my brothers are drinking, why not come over and share a drink together"

Guan Shaohe laughed heartily, sat down, and after the two clinked their cups, they drank it all in one go

Han Mo noticed his serious expression, which did not seem like a joke. He furrowed his brows and asked, "Manager Guan, I do not understand what you mean at all."

Guan Shaohe waved his hand and said, "You may go first!"

Everyone praised him, raising their glasses in honor of Han Mo

Guan Shaohe waved his hand and said: "Do not be afraid, do not be afraid. If the Fifth Young Master truly opens a trading firm, not only will Shaohe not collapse, but rather, with the Fifth Young Master's blessing, we will earn even more silver together."

He stood there casually, and an aura of wealth emanated from him. The others present were also scions of wealthy families, but apart from the Han brothers, none could match that man's air of affluence.

Guan Shaohe paused for a moment and finally said: "Fifth Young Master, Shaohe is being presumptuous and has a matter to inquire of you. If it is offensive, please do not take offense, I beg your pardon"

"I wouldn't dare!" Guan Shaohe said repeatedly, "Young Master Wu speaks frankly, and Shaohe greatly admires that. Although Shaohe is a merchant and may appear to be profit-driven to outsiders, what he has always appreciated most in life is a person with such an open and straightforward character as Young Master Wu."

Han Mo chuckled and said, "In Manager Guan's eyes, my example money is hardly worth a dime. So, is Manager Guan planning to assist Xiao Wu?"

As everyone took their leave, they filed out one after another. Guan Shaohe called over the innkeeper and arranged a new table filled with fine wine and dishes, before respectfully inviting Han Mo to take a seat

"Young Master Wu is joking," Guanshao He laughed and said, "Even if Shao He wanted to offer silver, I fear Young Master Wu would not even look at it."

Han Yuan leaned closer and said in a worried whisper, "Xiao Wu, if Xiao Yan Wang goes back, he will likely tell Hei Yan Wang about this, and Hei Yan Wang will definitely inform San Shu. When you return, just say that I was the one who acted, and that you were avenging me. This matter cannot implicate you, Fourth Ge."

Xiao Jing took half a day to regain his composure. With the support of his attendant, he stood up. Indeed, he was a notorious villain; he did not curse or glare in anger. Instead, he took the handkerchief from his attendant, wiped the white foam from the corner of his mouth, and despite his swollen, bruised face, he managed a strange smile. He gave a thumbs up and said, "Han Xiao Wu, you... you are impressive. I can't beat you, but that's alright. You should head back early. Your family's esteemed patriarch will be waiting for you with a big stick!"

This person is only around twenty-four or twenty-five years old, yet appears remarkably mature and composed, even the smile on their face carries a hint of subtlety

The reputation of the Fifth Young Master is indeed resounding in Donghai City. Guan Shaohe smiled and said, "I have long admired the name of the Fifth Young Master, but have never had the fortune to meet. I did not expect to have the honor of inviting the Fifth Young Master for a small drink today; it truly is a stroke of great fortune."

Han Mo waved his hand and said: "I am not a refined person, so there is no need for you to be overly formal. As the saying goes, there is no business without deceit. You invited me here, so there must be something to discuss. Just speak plainly, there is no need for circumlocution."

Everyone on the entire third floor was taken aback, as they truly did not expect Han Mo to dare to take action, and to do so with such severity

"You didn't ask, how would I know it would offend?" Han Mo picked up a toothpick and began to clean his teeth, saying: "What do you want to ask?"

Merchant Guan Shaohe of Qingguo, I have met the Fifth Young Master!" The man respectfully bowed to Han Mo, then turned to Han Yuan and offered another bow: "I have met the Fourth Young Master!

If an ordinary merchant has the opportunity to befriend the sons of the Han family, it is something to be sought after. However, Guan Shaohe merely smiled slightly and said, "Thank you, Fourth Young Master. Shaohe has prepared food and drink in the elegant room. If the two young masters do not mind, please come in and have a seat. Shaohe would be most grateful"

Guan Shaohe smiled kindly, like a spring breeze, and softly said: "But I do not know how much the monthly allowance of the Fifth Young Master is"

"Fourth Brother, Little Five has long wanted to beat him up, but just couldn't find the opportunity. I never expected that Little Yan Wang would be so generous today, asking me to hit him. It seems this Little Yan Wang really has a tendency for masochism." Han Mo raised his cup and drank it all, laughing heartily. Today, this was the only thing that brought him joy.

Han Mo stroked his chin and smiled, saying, "I must thank Manager Guan for the compliment"

Guan Shaohe did not keep them in suspense and directly asked: "Young Master Wu, are you interested in opening a trading firm?"

Han Mo smiled gently at the person and said leisurely: "It was just a matter of hitting someone; it cannot be called ambition, nor can it be considered skill, let alone the notion of heroes emerging from youth. It is merely doing something I enjoy." He stroked his chin and added with a smile: "You are from the Kingdom of Qing, aren't you?"

"Oh dear, Little Yama, how can you say such a thing?" Han Mo picked up the cloth on the table to wipe his blood-stained hands and said leisurely, "It seems you are blaming me. Don't forget, this is something you asked me to do; I am helping you. By accusing me like this, I... I must express my regret

Guan Shaohe was taken aback for a moment, then immediately laughed heartily and said, "Young Master Wu is indeed a straightforward person"

"Young Master Wu, do not be anxious!" Guan Shaohe said softly, "Let Shaohe explain it to you."

Generally speaking, children from wealthy families do not worry about money. However, the Han family's rules are quite strict, as they fear that the younger generation may become excessively extravagant. Therefore, the allowances provided are much lower than what outsiders might imagine

This person cannot be described as particularly handsome, but the first impression he gives is one of great gentleness, with kind brows and benevolent eyes; however, those eyes also carry a glimmer of shrewdness.

Then, the sound of applause was heard, and a hearty voice exclaimed: "What great spirit, what remarkable skill! Truly, heroes emerge from the youth; it is impressive, truly impressive!"

Inside, it was even more elegant and tranquil. A small table was laden with food and drinks, and three or four people were seated at the table. Upon seeing Han Mo enter, they all stood up to pay their respects.

Seeing Xiao Jing leave in embarrassment, everyone burst into laughter. Han Yuan felt the most relieved, pulling Han Mo's hand to sit down, arranging the wine glasses and filling them with wine. He raised his glass and said: "Xiao Wu, thank you from your older brother."

Han Yuan sincerely felt the affection of Manager Guan, and it was difficult to refuse such warm hospitality. However, if both brothers were to go, it would inevitably neglect the group of Huo Qiuyuan. Knowing that Han Mo was not particularly inclined to be with Huo Qiuyuan and the others, he said: "Xiao Wu, since Manager Guan is being so courteous, you should go over and sit for a while"

"Fifth Young Master, truly remarkable!" Huo Qiuyuan raised his glass and said, "Your spirit is unmatched in Donghai City. Everyone, let us all raise our glasses and toast to the Fifth Young Master!"