"I've gone to the clinic to ask around. When the doctor heard that it was the information you wanted, he didn't dare to hide it at all. He said that the man was drugged and unconscious. I'm afraid he's on guard and he really won't see anyone today."
Zheng Qing bent over and reported to the person sitting above him with a respectful look on his face. The man was not tall and had the dark skin that was unique to the locals, but he had also put powder on his face, so his black was not completely black, and his white was not natural.
This man is Zheng Bei, the owner of Zheng’s Shipping Company and the brother-in-law of Mu Yunyang, the governor of Jingzhou.
Because he was the youngest and the only male in the family, he was spoiled and protected by the whole family, and he developed a character that allowed him to do whatever he wanted. Now, when he heard that a big business from outside was taken by the Donglai Trading Company, how could he be willing to accept it? In Jingzhou, the business of outsiders would become his even if it was not his.
But since you are sick, just take it easy. There is no rush. You can't run away anyway.
"Have someone keep an eye out for him. I'll go and invite him myself tomorrow." The whole city was talking about how outstanding that man was. He wanted to see just how outstanding he really was.
Zheng Qing responded and withdrew, and sent someone to guard the inn. Compared with this small matter, another matter of pleasing the boss was more important.
The next day, Hua Zhi calculated the time and went out. She had asked Yu Tao to send the luggage out last night. She did not check out and led everyone away, asking Xiao Liu to go to the pier first. She went shopping in the market before going to the pier. When she arrived, Chen Er had already unloaded all the goods.
Seeing her, Chen Er smiled so hard that his teeth were showing, and respectfully led people to the boat.
Hua Zhi asked nonchalantly, "Should we set sail now or..."
"We can leave anytime. Have all your people arrived?"
"We're here, let's go."
"yes."
The boat slowly left the shore. Hua Zhi stood at the bow and looked at the pier which was getting farther and farther away. She was not sure that she could really avoid it like this. After the source of goods was settled, she would have to come here and take a passenger ship back to Beijing. She hoped that by then, Zheng would have given up the idea.
She was not afraid of other people. Donglai Shipping Company was able to gain a foothold here, so it did not take ordinary people seriously. She only needed to avoid Zheng. As long as she did not do anything to Zheng, no matter how angry Zheng was, he would not fight with Donglai Shipping Company and both of them would suffer losses.
Zheng Qing was so angry that he slapped the servant and said, "I told you to watch someone, is this how you watch him? The person has already run away and you are telling me now. How am I going to explain this to the boss?"
The servant was shaking with pain, and he defended himself in a weak voice, "They left with nothing, even the rent for ten days was left. I thought they were just going to the city to talk about other business, but I didn't expect them to get on the ship in the end. Manager Zheng, please help me put in a few good words to the boss, please help me..."
The servant kowtowed to Manager Zheng. Manager Zheng felt satisfied but also annoyed. He begged for mercy, but how could he beg for mercy? He even needed someone to help him beg for mercy!
As expected, Zheng Bei smashed the cup as soon as he heard what he said and kicked Manager Zheng to the ground. "Waste, a bunch of waste, can't even keep an eye on one person."
Manager Zheng endured the pain and climbed up and knelt down again. "I have inquired about it. They are from the capital. The only passenger ship to and from the capital is from Zhenyang. They will come back here sooner or later. I have arranged people to watch them at the dock. We will definitely catch them."
Zheng Bei snorted, feeling angry and annoyed. How dare he run away? This was an insult to his Zheng family!
"If you let him run away again, jump into the Wei River yourself, so that I, the young master, won't have to deal with him."
"Yes, yes, I will definitely keep it safe."
***
Shuiguang Village is the largest village in this area. The salty and humid sea breeze blows, and it seems that the air is filled with the salty smell of sea water. It is almost dusk, but the pier is still bustling with people and boats coming and going.
Hua Zhi didn't rush to leave after getting off the boat. She stopped and walked around the dock for a long time, not caring much about her dirty shoes.
She was lucky. The fish here looked plump and there were many varieties. The quantity also looked good. She didn't have to worry that this place wouldn't be able to handle the demand when her business grew bigger and she needed to increase the quantity.
Chen Erze was afraid that this business would be stolen by someone, so he followed Hua Zhi closely and intentionally led people to the area where his fishing boats were docked so that the customers could see their strength.
"It's getting late. Let's take a rest today and visit the boss tomorrow."
Chen Er understood and led the group to the only inn in the village. This was because Shuiguang Village was a large village with many outsiders, so Hua Zhi had no choice but to stay there.
No words were spoken that night.
The inn was not far from Antai Fishing Shop and could be reached by walking. However, Chen Er was very careful and drove his carriage over early to wait for the guests. He respectfully invited the guests to get on the carriage and go to the fishing shop.
In terms of grandeur, the fishing company could not compare with the Donglai Shipping Company, but the roof was high and looked very grand. Hua Zhi felt it was good at first sight.
Chen Er asked the waiter to invite the boss. He personally led them to the living room and served tea without anyone else. "Please wait a moment, my dear. The boss will be here soon."
As she was talking, she heard footsteps outside the house, each step was very firm. She remembered that Xia Ling once said that Wu Zheng's family used to run an escort agency. She thought that this man might have practiced external martial arts, but when she saw the skinny Wu Zheng, she was not sure again.
Although he looked skinny, Wu Zheng's voice was loud and clear. "Sorry for keeping you waiting. I'm Wu Zheng."
Hua Zhi stood up and bowed slightly, "Mr. Wu, just call me Miss."
Wu Zheng looked at the girl for a few seconds, then looked at Chen Er. Was she really here to discuss business
Chen Er nodded repeatedly. He had done something during the past two days. He took the opportunity to make inquiries in Zhenyang while delivering goods. It was said that this girl had negotiated a deal with Donglai Shipping Company. They had rented a boat, so what they lacked was the goods. Their fishing company had the goods!
Wu Zheng is definitely not a reckless person since he can set up such a big business. Besides, he also knows Chen Er and he would not dare to make such a fuss about something he is not sure of.
Once he had a clue in his mind, Wu Zheng's attitude became sincere. "I won't beat around the bush. I'll just say it straight. I heard from Chen Er that the young lady wants some goods?"
"Yes, I wonder what kind of goods Mr. Wu has here?"
"Hahaha, young lady, you are straightforward. I like dealing with straightforward people the most." Wu Zheng stood up and said, "Why don't you follow me to the back to take a look?"
Hua Zhi had no choice but to agree. She just wanted to see the confidence of An Tai Fishing Company.
Wu Zheng led the group inside, passed through a corridor and a door, and the view immediately became more spacious.
Hua Zhi's eyes lit up when she looked at the connected pools. She walked closer and saw that there must be fish in the pools with tumbling water. Some of the pools were pitch black, some were black and white, and some were white. A rough count revealed that there were probably thirty pools.