The nobleman who came with the woman didn't seem to have any capability to cooperate with the Great Tang Group, dressed in such conspicuous attire that he was only short of having "I am an artist" written on his face.
Indeed, this nobleman was not there to talk business with Tang Mo, but introduced his female companion right away, "Allow me to introduce, this lady is the most famous songstress from the most renowned dance troupe within the Leite Kingdom and the kingdom's rightfully acclaimed top female singer, Miss Susan."
In fact, judging from the aura alone, Tang Mo knew that this nobleman was not the main character of this meeting, but rather the woman was.
Therefore, he gently grasped the lady's outstretched hand and gently kissed the back of it, then released his hand very gentlemanly, smiling and nodding, "Ah, it's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Susan."
"Mr. Tang is truly young and promising," said the woman, probably around twenty-seven or twenty-eight, with exquisitely applied makeup, as she offered Tang Mo a compliment with a smile.
Tang Mo was naturally modest as well, and since the other party was not forthcoming about their business, he responded politely with some chit-chat, praising in kind, "Not at all, compared to artists, I'm just a commoner, nothing more."
To be honest, in terms of temperament alone, this woman had a certain edge over the noble Alice. Although she wasn't as youthful and beautiful as Alice, her facial features were also quite delicate.
With her looks alone, she could easily mix well in circles of the nobility, or if she wished, marry any nobleman and be a genuine noble lady.
However, from some tiny details of the woman's attire, Tang Mo could still see that she wasn't as wealthy as one might imagine.
The lady didn't seem in a hurry to state her own business but brought up the trendy attire Tang Mo had created in Brunas, "Hahaha! Mr. Tang jests, I've heard that the most fashionable attire in Brunas is a kind of clothing called a 'suit,' which was... designed by you, Mr. Tang?"
Therefore, he didn't mind making some early investments, especially since the initial input was inexpensive and efficient – why not do it?
Moreover, having those singers, performers, and dancers entertain in casinos and hotels to attract a crowd, Tang Mo felt it was definitely worthwhile.
So, after giving it some thought, he addressed Susan, "I understand... In fact, I've been considering enriching myself in the realm of art. So, Miss Susan, how many Gold Coins do you need?"
"Roughly 130 Gold Coins per year..." Susan pondered before stating a relatively conservative figure. In fact, the Shireck Consortium previously funded her with 170 Gold Coins a year, but she worried Tang Mo might be unwilling to offer such a high price.
After all, not every businessman had the inclination to patronize the arts, nor did they all have spare money to sustain an art troupe.
So, she thought, even if she had to take a bit less and everyone saved a little, 130 Gold Coins could still make ends meet.
Why? Because her patron, the Shireck Consortium, had been defeated by the forces behind this young man before her. After all, when under someone's roof, one must bow their head.
"130 Gold Coins a year? Shireck gave only so little?" Tang Mo was incredulous, his eyes widening in disbelief.
This price was indeed too cheap, so cheap that it greatly surprised him. He really hadn't expected that maintaining a troupe could be so inexpensive in this world.
You'd think of the celebrities from later eras, flaunting their tax evasions with names like Cool, Frost, and Elegance, elevating Tang Mo's imagination to unprecedented heights.