"Nie En? If I recall correctly, he was recently promoted to Gold rank fighter?" Xiao Yi asked with skepticism.
"Yes, that Nie En," Ye Xinghan confirmed with a nod.
"Young Master, may I say something?" Xiao Yi didn't wait for a response before continuing, "How about we make this cooperation solely between us? We'd get a much larger profit if those main ingredients were handled by me or Master Ye Xiao." His tone was patronizing, as if deceiving a child.
*THUMP*
Suddenly, Xiao Yi's heart raced, his senses screaming danger, causing his body to shudder. But just as quickly, the sensation vanished, leaving him to wonder if it was merely an illusion. He glanced at Ye Xinghan, who appeared completely relaxed.
*'What was that??'* Xiao Yi thought, still feeling his heart beat fast, wary of hidden enemies.
"Uncle Xiao Yi, I'm here to ask for your cooperation, not to negotiate. If you don't agree, I can visit another family," Ye Xinghan said while sipping tea. "I believe our conditions are generous enough, but that doesn't mean the Winged Dragon Family is our only choice!"
"I agree, I agree!! Winged Dragon Family will only take 40% of the profit while Master Ye Xiao will take 60%!" Xiao Yi quickly nodded, assuming the terrifying aura was from a hidden master behind Ye Xinghan. He feared that if he were too greedy, he might be assassinated without anyone knowing.
*'These powerful people don't play by the rules!'* he thought.
Ye Xinghan shook his head, "If I said you took 60%, then you take 60%! And remember, don't think about oppressing the Heavenly Marks Family. You must buy those things at a satisfactory price! If I hear anything about it..." He made a throat-slitting gesture with his thumb.
Xiao Yi nodded frantically like a chicken, believing Ye Xinghan's threat implicitly. Murders were forbidden within Glory City, but they happened frequently outside the walls. As the second young master of the Winged Dragon Family, he needed to prove his strength through demon beast hunting and subjugation. Who would care if he were attacked and died in the wilderness?
He now understood the saying, "Accompanying an emperor is like accompanying a tiger." Ye Xiao's wrath was something he couldn't afford to provoke!!!
"You don't need to be overly concerned about it. If you perform your duties splendidly, maybe my father will need further assistance from you," Ye Xinghan grinned, "And in turn, perhaps he will help you solve your difficulties!"
Xiao Yi's face brightened at these words.
*'PATRIARCH!'* He grasped the hidden meaning behind Ye Xinghan's words.
"Young Master Xinghan! Please convey my words to Master Ye Xiao. This Xiao Yi will go through mountains and seas if Master wishes; my life and death belong to Master Ye Xiao!" Xiao Yi respectfully cupped his hands, making these empty promises.
"Save your sweet talk; your results speak louder than words!" Ye Xinghan waved his hand dismissively, "I give you 4 days to prepare everything, then I'll send the recipes and chefs to the designated location."
"Thank you, Young Master, for your generosity." Xiao Yi cupped his hands again. Four days was a very short time to prepare a restaurant, but to show sincerity, he would do his best.
Ye Xinghan nodded and stood up, "Alright, that's enough for now. I'll give further instructions another day."
Xiao Yi respectfully followed Ye Xinghan, no longer seeing him as just a child after their conversation. Ye Xinghan's actions and eloquence belied his young age.
--------
Upon returning to the family's courtyard, Ye Xinghan was greeted by Head Servant Feng. He noticed Ye Ziyun chasing another girl with brownish-orange hair.
*'So, it's Xiao Ning'er!'*
Even as a child, she was strikingly beautiful, her innocent smile capable of melting anyone's heart.
*'Fate is too cruel to her,'* Ye Xinghan thought, then ignored them to sit down and pull out several books on alchemy and inscription from his space ring.
Ye Ziyun and Xiao Ning'er played until sunset when Head Servant Feng took Ziyun back. Throughout his reading, Ye Xinghan was ignored by the girls, both too shy; Ziyun due to well-known reasons, and Xiao Ning'er because Ye Xinghan was a stranger.
Then, Ye Xinghan's party returned to the Snow Wind Family.
-------
Back at his courtyard, Ye Xinghan saw Gyutarou dragging Ume into their room.
"Hahaha, good evening!!" Ye Xinghan laughed in greeting.
"You Demon!" Gyutarou shouted in sorrow, while Ume, too exhausted, said nothing.
*'Well, actually, you are the demon, and your sister too,'* Ye Xinghan thought but kept silent.
"Ah, this is for your future. Grit your teeth and hang on," Ye Xinghan said with a calm smile, pulling out several herbs. "Come, I've learned a bit of alchemy and want to try it!"
"Both of you will take a bath using these herbs. Their purpose is to strengthen your muscles and speed up healing." Without waiting, Ye Xinghan proceeded to the bathroom.
He saw two large buckets of hot water, separated by a curtain, presumably prepared by the servants. Ye Xinghan added the herbs, stirring according to the instructions, finishing in about three minutes.
"Hehe, try it. No need to thank me!" Ye Xinghan said smugly.
Gyutarou and Ume rolled their eyes but moved to the buckets. Gyutarou stripped down and submerged himself with a relaxed expression, but Ume merely looked at Ye Xinghan silently.
"What?" Ye Xinghan asked, maintaining his smug look, eager to see the effects on his 'guinea pigs.'
Ume blushed deeply and feebly said, "Can you get out?"
"Oh!"
---
Note: Ye Xinghan being aggressive towards Xiao Yi stems from his dislike of Xiao Yi in the original novel.