Chapter 58: Discussing a Business Deal

After pouring fine tea for Lin Jinyan, An Zhixian smiled and said, "It is truly rare for a young lady of your age to possess such knowledge of tea."

Lin Jinyan smiled in response. "My grandfather and father are both tea enthusiasts. Having observed them often, I have picked up a bit of superficial knowledge. Please forgive my lack of expertise, Mr. An."

An Zhixian asked, "Is Miss Lin looking to purchase tea for Grand Tutor Lin?"

"Yes," Lin Jinyan replied. "Do you have any recommendations, Mr. An?"

An Zhixian inquired, "May I ask what kind of tea Grand Tutor Lin usually prefers?"

"My grandfather typically favors Enshi Yulu," Lin Jinyan said.

An Zhixian smiled. "Enshi Yulu is refreshing and mellow. Grand Tutor Lin is indeed a connoisseur. I have a very small quantity of an exceptional tea called Rizhu Yuya. Its aroma is rich and captivating; I believe the Grand Tutor would enjoy it. I shall have someone bring some in for you to sample."

Lin Jinyan smiled. "That won't be necessary. Whatever you recommend is surely excellent. I will take this one; please pack a box for me to take home to my grandfather."

An Zhixian said, "Thank you for your trust, Miss Lin. Consider this tea a gift from me. If the Grand Tutor grows fond of it, you may simply purchase more upon your next visit."

Lin Jinyan smiled. "I appreciate your generosity, Mr. An, but I cannot accept a reward without merit. It would feel uneasy to receive such a lavish gift without cause. However, I have a business opportunity here. If you are interested, Mr. An, why don't we collaborate?"

Watching the nine-year-old child attempt to discuss business with such precocious confidence, An Zhixian burst into laughter. "And what sort of business might that be?"

Lin Jinyan replied, "Grain. It is currently the season just before the harvest. The price of last year's old grain is dropping, and I intend to stockpile a batch of aged grain at a low price to sell after winter."

An Zhixian frowned slightly. "The price of aged grain will only continue to fall; how can one profit? And if you intend to sell it as new grain, that is even more impossible. The flavor of aged grain is inferior to new grain; who would pay the same price for it?"

Lin Jinyan picked up her teacup, took a sip, and said with certainty, "What if the price of grain rises after winter? If you are hesitant, Mr. An, feel free to stockpile as much aged grain as you can at a low price. Once it is sold, we shall split the profits fifty-fifty. If it fails to sell, I will buy the entire stock from you at twenty percent above your purchase price. What do you say?"

An Zhixian laughed. "Why would perfectly good aged grain suddenly increase in price? Furthermore, Miss Lin is not yet nine years old. If I end up with a massive stockpile that cannot be sold and you claim ignorance, I would be the one forced to bear the loss."

Lin Jinyan looked directly into An Zhixian's eyes. "Mr. An, are you aware of the magnificent dowry my mother brought when she married into the Lin household? Those assets will eventually be left to me. Therefore, if you suffer a loss, I can afford to compensate you. If you trust me and wish to proceed, I can provide a written contract so you need not fear me defaulting. Think carefully, Mr. An; either way, you stand to lose nothing in this venture."

Looking at the resolute and composed Lin Jinyan before him, An Zhixian lowered his eyes, refilled her tea, and smiled. "In this business of yours, you say we are working together, but I would be the one providing both the capital and the labor. You are merely providing the idea."

Lin Jinyan lifted her teacup, smelling the aroma, and smiled. "But I am the one bearing all the risk. If a loss occurs, you will have lost nothing and gained nothing, whereas if there is a profit, you will have gained without risk. It would be a pity to miss such a deal."

An Zhixian sighed with a smile. "If I were to seek compensation from you for an actual loss, I fear Yichen and Brother Zhou would be quite angry with me."

Lin Jinyan's eyes curved into crescents as she smiled. "If we lose money, I shall not utter a single word about it. If we make a profit, I will not mention it even if you do not."

An Zhixian laughed. "In that case, it seems this business is entirely beneficial to me with no harm whatsoever."

Lin Jinyan pointed to the desk beside her and smiled. "Then I must trouble you, Mr. An, to grind some ink for me."

Hearing this, An Zhixian stood up, added water to the inkstone, and began to grind the ink.

(End of Chapter)