Chapter 1807 - 1805: The Deal Is Done

Tang Rao really wishes he could have a proper discussion with Chen Jingtian and ask him what exactly he wants. Anyway, if he wants to eat something, Tang Rao can definitely find it for him, until he's tired of it.

But liking to eat and using wanting to eat something as a reason to threaten people—is such a bad habit he really has to correct in Chen Jingtian.

"Yeah, the key is that Master Tu tried countless methods, even made Braised Spirit Pig taste awful to make Lord Chen give up, hoping it would work. But unexpectedly, he didn't mind at all and even praised Master Tu's culinary skills for improving."

Tang Rao could imagine how desperate Tu Lingfeng must have been at that time.

His face probably scrunched up completely, especially considering that Tang Rao had previously emphasized the importance of treating Chen Jingtian well, serving him so well that he comes and goes contentedly.

No matter the multiple identities Tu Lingfeng and his team have, their sole mission should revolve around Tang Rao. Whatever Tang Rao says goes; they must not let Tang Rao feel they are causing trouble.

If it weren't for the kitchen guy coming to find Tang Rao, he might not have realized how wrong his previous actions were.

Chen Jingtian, this troublemaker, just thought Tang Rao wouldn't dare do anything to him, hence he dares to want whatever he wants, eat whatever he wants. The scariest part is, despite causing trouble for so long, he hasn't shown any sign of wanting to leave.

Did he calculate that Tang Rao would yield to him?

Yes, to avoid falling out with Chen Jingtian and to find his daughter sooner, even if there were a knife hanging over his head, Tang Rao would endure it.

If one fails to endure the small things, it messes up the big plans. Everyone understands this principle; no need for further reminders.

"Alright, let's not worry about this for now. I'll go talk to him about life. If he's suddenly in a good mood and doesn't want to eat Spirit Pig anymore, you guys won't have to make Braised Spirit Pig for him."

This is what you call the divine fight, and mortals suffer.

It's not easy for the kitchen guys either, taking care of so many people's meals every day, worrying about offending the influential guests staying there. Over time, even the most persevering would contemplate retreat.

It only took a few minutes to find Chen Jingtian.

This guy sure knows how to enjoy himself.

Tang Rao suspects from the beginning Chen Jingtian never intended to leave Zijing City. The things he brought for daily living were so thorough and abundant, that the temporary place Tang Rao prepared for him was arranged by him into a home fit for long-term residence.

"Lord Chen, I hear you order Braised Spirit Pig every day. Looking at you now, you've put on weight, haven't you? Look at how skinny you were when you first came to the Kao Shan Sect; after eating so much Spirit Pig, you've gained quite a bit of weight compared to before."

As the saying goes, don't hit someone in the face, don't expose people's shortcomings. Tang Rao deliberately did both, knowing people like Lord Chen, who are older, value their age the most. Yet, he precisely targeted this sore point, bluntly saying he gained weight without even remotely softening his words.

"Tang Family Master, even though we live in your house, it isn't easy to meet you."

Chen Jingtian doesn't beat around the bush with Tang Rao or bother with flattery; he speaks his mind without any reserve.

"Of course, think about it—you have your goals, I have my ideas. I can't fulfill your goals, and you don't help me realize my ideas. We can't communicate with each other, so it's best not to meet, to avoid both parties being displeased, don't you think?"

Chen Jingtian originally intended to make an accusation, but Tang Rao beat him to it, pouring out all his grievances like beans—a stance that he wished could drown Tang Rao with his grievances.

"You can't say that; as long as it doesn't involve principles, we should speak openly—why act like enemies? Let's talk nicely, we can negotiate."

As someone who's eaten more salt than Tang Rao has rice, Chen Jingtian realized he had already lost in momentum to Tang Rao by a large margin. It was embarrassing, wasn't it? Even if he didn't want to, to avoid amplifying the awkwardness to a higher realm, he first yielded to Tang Rao.

"That's the spirit! Lord Chen said as long as it doesn't involve principles, we can negotiate. So now, let's sit down and talk. Once we've talked and reached an agreement, I'll treat you to a feast."

If the talk isn't finished, or doesn't reach an agreement, then there's no chance of eating anything.

Tang Rao is such a 'principled' person!

With so many words praising himself, Tang Rao felt slightly embarrassed.

"Don't you want me to persuade my father-in-law to agree to trade between East Island and North Island? No problem, my father-in-law is staying at my Kao Shan Sect. As long as you agree to my terms, your matter becomes mine. But if you can't meet my conditions, then consider everything I've said as nonsense."

Tang Rao finally agreed to discuss the trade issue with him head-on. The smile hadn't settled on Chen Jingtian's face before it was wiped away by Tang Rao's next words.

"Are your terms still the same?"

Chen Jingtian took the initiative and began the negotiation with Tang Rao.

"Yes, I'm very dedicated. Whatever request I made to you before is still the same, with no bargaining. You don't need to argue; just tell me yes or no, and I'll tell you whether we're cooperating; it's that simple."

Tang Rao wants Chen Jingtian's daughter, and Chen Jingtian wants trade with North Island. The bilateral value isn't too far apart—in trade terms, frankly speaking, neither side will lose.

But for the sake of bilateral trade, requiring Chen Jingtian to separate his daughter and son-in-law was still a bit heartless.

"Is it possible to substitute something? My daughter and son-in-law have overcome numerous challenges to be together. Separating them like this is truly cruel—I really can't bring myself to do it. Please don't force me."

Chen Jingtian closed his eyes, contemplating over and over, reminding himself this was his bottom line. Yet, bilateral trade had become a knot in his heart many years ago. Finally encountering an opportunity, without Tang Rao's coordination, this chance might pass, and it might never happen again in his lifetime.

On one side is his daughter, on the other East Island.

Because of this tough choice, Chen Jingtian fell into deep self-blame.

"Lord Chen, I'm not giving you a hard time. How about this—I'll think of a way. If you find it acceptable, we can continue negotiating."

Tang Rao isn't speaking empty words; what he wants is for Chen Jingtian to willingly hand over his daughter.