I Become a Landlady in the Game World

Afterward, the two made their way to a beverage shop.

The beverage shop knew how to conduct business, especially having set up private rooms on the second floor with a minimum spend requirement.

For most people, there was no need for such an arrangement, but for those looking to conduct business or preferring a quiet place alone, it couldn't be more suitable.

Nobles such as Viscount Keynes also favored such spots.

While waiting for Zhou Bai, they ordered their soldiers to keep watch as they sampled various flavored drinks in the shop.

It must be said that the products of Hope Village had never been disappointing, each one a top-notch delight in taste.

He had already decided that, given the chance, he would visit Hope Village now and then to enjoy a bit of life.

The Capital of Gourmet Norwich had become a thing of the past!

Therefore, when Zhou Bai entered the private room, he saw a table full of beverages of different flavors.

"What would the village chief like to drink?" Viscount Keynes asked directly, "They are all freshly ordered."

Zhou Bai chose one at random and then cut straight to the chase, "What did you want to discuss with me?"

"Not 'we', but 'I'," Viscount Keynes clarified with a snort, "This guy attached himself to the situation."

The guy might be foolish, but he knew to stick close to him, leaving him no choice.

Considering their families had been close for generations, he grudgingly allowed him to tag along.

Listening to this, Viscount Conrad spoke up, "Whatever he discusses with you, I discuss the same; I have no objections to it."

Zhou Bai glanced between them for a moment, thinking how close these two "good buddies" seemed!

Then he focused on Viscount Keynes, waiting for an answer.

Seeing Zhou Bai's demeanor, Viscount Keynes pondered for a moment, then spoke up decisively, "We simply wish to ask the village chief to act as a middleman, allowing us to purchase goods at a slight discount. You'd provide the transaction volume, which would also enhance your prestige in Hope Village. Additionally, I'm willing to offer you some private compensation."

Zhou Bai listened and instantly understood.

Not bad at all, he was cleverly offering kickbacks to himself, the village chief!

Reflecting on past interactions, she believed it must have been sparked by her intentional revelation of her "difficult circumstances" in Hope Village.

She had never considered this before, but now, it seemed like a viable option.

Sometimes, it is beneficial to let some people feel they are gaining an advantage, as it can strengthen relationships.

After all, in the end, the money is spent on the territory.

With this in mind, Zhou Bai's face showed a touch of temptation.

Seeing this, Viscount Keynes instantly understood that his plan was likely to succeed and pressed on, "This is a win-win situation! And for you, it is just a minor matter. Surely as a village chief, you have that much authority, don't you?"

By the end, he was openly using reverse psychology.

"Of course, I do," Zhou Bai responded without hesitation, "How could I possibly lack that kind of power!"

"So does that mean you agree, village chief?" Viscount Keynes asked with a smile.

"I could agree, but how much is your offer of compensation?" Zhou Bai asked candidly.

"I am willing to pay eighty percent of what Hope Village would give us in reduced prices," Viscount Keynes said without hesitation.

Eighty percent?

Zhou Bai raised an eyebrow, finding the offer quite generous, and wondered whether it was to foster a relationship with her?

"That price is too high," Zhou Bai said, her face showing interest, but her expression revealed some hesitation.

"It's just a gesture of my sincerity! I simply hope to become friends with the village chief," Viscount Keynes said amiably.

Zhou Bai listened, then composed her expression and said with a snort, "Surely what Viscount Keynes desires aren't just these small benefits!"

That amount of money was trivial to Viscount Keynes; why bother with such a gesture.

There must be some other calculation behind it.

Indeed, that's how nobles are! Scheming like an ant colony.

"The village chief is a wise person," Viscount Keynes said directly, "Hope Village has many fine goods, each one impressive. If even a little could slip through, I would be more than satisfied. Regarding the exclusive trade in my territory, I'm willing to share profits with you, village chief. Even though the products sold are from my territory, the money distributed would be quite different! One is for you and the other is for the territory; surely you know how to choose, village chief," Viscount Keynes stated confidently.

Zhou Bai, intrigued by the fine goods from before, felt the same about the conditions now offered.

After all, Hope Village operated on a very official basis, and while Zhou Bai, as village chief, had significant power in the village, his income was likely not very high, right?

He just didn't believe that, sitting on such a big mountain, Zhou Bai wouldn't be tempted by Gold Coins?

Even if she wasn't tempted this time, that was okay; he would pry again next time, and eventually, a corner of the wall would be pried loose.

Zhou Bai just kept silent upon hearing this.

Such a blatant monetary transaction!

If she was tempted, great; if not, the other party also believed she wouldn't mention it to the Lord behind her, because it would easily arouse the Lord's wariness.

"I do know some recipes for the food in the territory, but leaking them at this point in time would definitely raise suspicion," Zhou Bai assumed the village chief's perspective and seriously analyzed.

Hearing this, Viscount Keynes's eyes lit up.

It seemed there was a real chance.

Good things come to those who wait.

With the flavor of these products, there would always be buyers, no matter how long it took, and he had never expected to succeed in just one attempt.

Hooking up with the village chief was what mattered.

"So, does the village chief mean that the previous proposal is acceptable?" Viscount Keynes wanted a clear confirmation from Zhou Bai.

"Yes, there's no problem with that, I'm in charge of these factories," Zhou Bai said without hesitation, "just make sure you keep your promise and don't go back on your word, or reveal it to anyone. I didn't get to where I am easily, and if the Lord finds out..."

"Don't worry! No one else will find out. If the village chief is not at ease, we can sign a Contract," Viscount Keynes suggested, then suddenly he remembered what he had seen earlier about Zhou Bai's interaction with Baron Barton and probed, "You signed a Contract with Baron Barton, too? It's not the same kind, is it?"

"What I signed with Baron Barton was a Contract between territories, it has nothing to do with me personally," Zhou Bai explained, giving the other party a smirk.

"I see," Viscount Keynes touched his nose sheepishly, "I was just asking."

"I just hope that our future cooperation can be frank on both sides," Zhou Bai said straightforwardly.

"Of course," Viscount Keynes quickly agreed, "I absolutely trust a confirmed partner."

After speaking, he took out a prepared Contract signed with his own name.

"I feel the same," Viscount Conrad quickly took out a Contract as well, making sure it was identical to Viscount Keynes's before he felt reassured.

Heh, he was smarter. By sticking with Viscount Keynes, he would be inseparable from future benefits!

Zhou Bai accepted the Contract and finally left her own name.

The Contract was established.

"I will send someone to connect with you later; discuss any goods you need with them!" Zhou Bai said directly, already contemplating suitable candidates in her mind.

Bayer wouldn't do, as summoned beings couldn't be her confidants.

It had to be from one of the few Mercenary Teams currently in the territory.

Zhong Yongnian? Meng Jingshan?

It would be Zhong Yongnian!

His business was the largest now, and if Viscount Keynes thought he was one of his confidants, he would value her, the village chief, even more.

Viscount Keynes might not spread the news of her taking bribes, but if he had friendly Nobles, he would surely reveal a little.

By then, the number of nobles bringing her Gold might not be few.

Most importantly, it would show the Nobles a potential breakthrough with Hope Village; if they were thoughtful, they wouldn't resort to overly harsh measures.

Dealing with these nobles all at once today had indeed taken a lot of thought.

But luckily, everything was settled.

However, the interactions between Hope Village and the outside world would only become more frequent from now on; today would certainly not be an exception.

Although it was hard work, the rapid development soon to come to Hope Village was a good thing.

In the next moment, Zhou Bai opened the Lord's control panel.

She clicked on the Task Center Building.

There was no need to hold back Hope Village's situation any longer.

Tomorrow, everyone would be able to connect with other territories, Mercenaries from other territories might come, and Residents might move to other territories.

It was just unknown how many Blue Star territories could be connected.

Truly exciting!