Chapter 81: 81 Have you ever thought about

Dinner time arrived quickly, and since Tang Mo had promised to treat his guests, he wouldn't stint. After all, he had just extorted a huge sum from the Elf Race; it would not be in character for him not to share some of the spoils.

He wasn't a stingy man—rather, to some degree, he was used to being generous with his spending—it was just that his new enterprise had just started, so it wasn't all that apparent yet.

Therefore, he sent word to Auntie Cui Xi to prepare a good dinner. He also ordered some beef and pork to be purchased, intending to give all his employees a solid meal.

When Cui Xi sent word that dinner was ready, Tang Mo led the two groups of guests towards the staff canteen, which wasn't luxurious at all.

As they walked, Wes asked Tang Mo, who was leading the way, "Boss, do you really think these nobles will return the Gold Coins they owe you on time?"

He saw Alice and Tagg trailing behind, seemingly discussing something. They deliberately stayed at the end of the group and showed no inclination to catch up.

John and his captain also kept a distance, appearing more interested in the over fifty trainee Soldiers on the roadside.

Tang Mo looked back at the two groups and knowing they couldn't hear his conversation, smiled at Wes and said, "I must say, sometimes a noble's reputation is quite valuable. Isn't that right?"

"Forgive my frankness, boss, but most nobles' reputations aren't worth 80,000 Gold Coins!" Wes kindly reminded Tang Mo.

"You're right," Tang Mo said seriously, nodding in agreement with Wes. Indeed, 80,000 Gold Coins were not a trivial amount, and it wouldn't be surprising for someone to do anything for that sum.

"So how do you know Mr. John, whom you are meeting for the first time, will definitely return the 80,000 Gold Coins to you?" Wes, immediately growing anxious after hearing Tang Mo's response, pressed on.

As his recognized master, Wes really didn't want to see Tang Mo naively tricked out of 80,000 Gold Coins.

Tang Mo looked at Wes with amusement and counter-asked, "When did I say he would definitely return the money?"

"Then..." Wes was taken aback, his eyes widening as he looked at Tang Mo.

Tang Mo didn't stop walking and asked softly, "Have you ever considered... that I might have purposely given him those machines?"

"..." Wes halted in his tracks, nearly tripping over himself. Watching Tang Mo walk into the distance, he felt he didn't understand Tang Mo's intentions at all.

When he caught up again, Tang Mo continued, "In fact, in a short amount of time, we've obtained over 28,000 Gold Coins, bought 10 large ships with an additional 52,000 Gold Coins, gained over 200 willing Sailors, and a bunch of junk... and all we've spent were three sets of blueprints and two steam engines... isn't that still profitable?"

"But..." Wes still didn't understand Tang Mo's reasoning.

"But what?" Tang Mo asked, not in a hurry, just inquisitive.

"But originally, those items were valued at 160,000 Gold Coins." Wes felt his math desperately needed improvement.

Tang Mo nodded, not denying the fact: "That's right, they did sell for 160,000 Gold Coins."

"I have not considered developing in the Poplar Kingdom, Miss Alice," Tang Mo didn't wait for John to continue and smiled as he gave his answer, "As I see it, my ventures in Brunas have just begun, so I'm not planning on leaving anytime soon."

Being at someone's mercy was not a comfortable position, and Tang Mo knew this all too well. Forget the worth of his pure friendship with John—perhaps not even valued at twenty Gold Coins; even if they were sworn brothers, Tang Mo would not consider abandoning his achievements in Brunas to follow John to the Poplar Kingdom at such a time.

Of course, if his industries here were completely destroyed, he certainly wouldn't mind trying his luck in the Poplar Kingdom, seeking a chance for a comeback.

"This meal is truly unforgettable," John realized by now, finally understanding why Tang Mo was so eager to sell him many important assets.

Because Tang Mo was out of money, in the rough stages of capital accumulation. What Tang Mo needed now was time, not cherishing the valuable technology he possessed.

If Tang Mo's technology were swallowed whole by Shireck or simply obliterated, then no matter how valuable it was, it would become worthless.

That's why Tang Mo was so eager to liquidate, so eager to sell the technology he held to the Elves.

In fact, John had guessed only half right, because the technology Tang Mo was offering was so advanced partly for the reason he imagined—indeed, Tang Mo hoped to buy himself time. On the other hand, it was also because Tang Mo had even more advanced technology on hand.

Right at that moment, hidden beneath Tang Mo's somewhat odd suit, was an even more sophisticated Left-Wheel Handgun, another ace up his sleeve for daring to negotiate with John and Alice.

"Yes, the bandit problem in the Vicious Forest has been reduced by more than half recently, and trade routes between Brunas and Northern Ridge are flourishing... It would indeed be a pity to leave at this time," Alice said, not looking at Tang Mo, as if talking to herself.

Tang Mo didn't understand how he had offended the young beauty before him. Wasn't it just a little joke about the timing of the negotiation? Surely the reaction shouldn't be this intense?

He knew Alice had guessed that the Great Tang Group's private army was clearing out the Vicious Forest, training troops while securing their trade routes.

Though she too found the thieves holed up in the mountains an eyesore, her attempts to send troops for eradication hadn't been very effective.

This time it was Tang Mo's turn to send troops, and no one knew how many soldiers he deployed, but he truly made a surprisingly effective strike.

Therefore, by making such a statement, Alice was reminding Tang Mo that she knew he was training troops and stirring things up in the Vicious Forest.

Tang Mo, of course, also picked up on Alice's insinuation and laughed it off, feigning indifference, and began to chat with John about the customs of Suthers.

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The Dragon Spirit book goes on sale next month. Dragon Spirit mentioned two things:

1. There will be a burst of activity, so everyone can read more.

2. The updates will return to the regular twice-daily schedule.

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