Chapter 2 Remuneration

  Then, Lide said sincerely: "This time I invited a few people on board, it was to ask if you had any losses and see if there's anything I can help with."

  "But I didn't expect that the one who was greatly helped in the end was actually me. If there's anything that can express my gratitude, please let me know."

  After seeing Reed's family background, even the stupidest person would understand what this means. If expressed in the most intuitive monetary terms, he would undoubtedly give a staggering figure without hesitation.

  However, contrary to Ridley's expectations, Raymond remained surprisingly calm upon hearing the words, without any excitement as if he had just stumbled upon a fortune. He scratched his head and said, "To be honest, this time we were also mistaken, and besides, we were rescued thanks to your help in the end. If you really want to say it, no one owes anyone anything, but..."

  At this point, Raymond's eyes narrowed slightly: "As for your kindness, if you say that there is no request at all, it would be too hypocritical. It's just that I don't lack money and the like, what I want is something a bit further away."

  "What did you mean?" Reed hesitated for a moment.

  "Let me be frank with you, our adventure to the Veronica Continent this time is actually to find opportunities and expand our business. Although running into you was unexpected, it's a great opportunity, and I don't intend to waste it."

  "So, I hope to establish a business relationship with you. Because, in the long run, this is more cost-effective than just money."

  Raymond deliberately spoke in this "honest" tone, firstly to hint at Reed's identity as a merchant and conceal his origins; secondly, he truly hoped to establish further connections with Reed.

  They knew that this time they went to the Veronica continent, without relying on anything, with an uncertain future. If they could establish a relationship with Reed, such a powerful businessman, and even win him over as an external aid, it would be a great help.

  Raymond is a person who either doesn't do something or does it thoroughly, so how could he let such a good opportunity slip away?

  As expected, Raymond's words made Reed stunned at first, and then he smiled with a clear conscience. Raymond's words seemed to be worldly, with an appearance of wanting to take advantage of the situation, but Reed had been in business for over 20 years, had met countless people, and had his own set of moral standards.

  It's only natural for Raymond to think that way. After all, doing business is all about connections, and if Raymond were to act like a saint and help people without seeking anything in return, that would be truly abnormal.

  So, Reed didn't get angry, instead he burst out laughing: "Of course, of course, I'd be delighted to do business with you. Hmm..."

  Reid thought for a moment and then turned around and said: "Emil, bring that over here."

  At Ryder's command, the young man who called Emil nodded knowingly and turned to fetch a roll of drawings from the bookshelf, spreading them out on the table.

  It was a detailed navigation chart of the voyage between Moziana and Veronika, marking various routes and island distributions in the sea.

  "This is a detailed sea chart that I had drawn at great expense, and it has become one of the best-selling items in my trading company."

  As he spoke, he pointed to a diamond-shaped island on the sea chart and said: "This island is my transit base established between two continents. It has now become the busiest trading hub in that sea area. If you need anything or want to sell something, just come here to find me."

  "Ah, so the rumored Mana Island really exists." Dreya couldn't help but exclaim at this time: "I've heard many sailors talk about it, that between the two continents there's a black market island that's not inferior to Free Town, and it turns out it was you who established it."

  Ride smiled and handed the rolled-up map to Raymond: "This nautical chart is a small token of my appreciation, I hope we can have more opportunities for cooperation in the future."

  Rather than prattling on about Raymond's background, he treated him with the utmost sincerity as a business partner from the get-go. It has to be said that Reed's magnanimity and demeanor are truly captivating.

  Raymond took over the drawings and shook Reed's hand: "Then I won't be polite. But no need to wait for the future, now I have a business deal to make with you."

  His words couldn't help but make Reed stunned again, and then he burst out laughing: "Haha, interesting, it seems you can definitely become an excellent businessman. What is it?"

  Raimund said: "Some magic crystals and jewels, I hope they can all be exchanged for the common currency of the Veronica Continent."

  Needless to say, those must be the things that Freddy scrounged up from Mrs. Sylphrena's place in Silsby County. These trinkets are good for carrying but not for using; exchanging them for cash is the safest way.

  "No problem, I can buy it all at market price right away." Reid said without hesitation, neither asking about the quality of the goods nor their origin, fully revealing his magnanimous nature as a great merchant.

  Having said that, it was almost done. After chatting for a while, Raymond patted Basster's head, who was still eating and drinking, pulled her up to bid farewell, and Reed politely sent the three of them to the door.

  Just then Reid's gaze fell on the long sword at Raymond's waist and he was taken aback.

  "That is..."

  But this flash of surprise crossed his face and was noticed by no one. His eyes sank slightly, Reed thought for a moment, and suddenly said: "Wait a minute."

  Raymond turned around and Reed asked, "I don't know what specific plans you have this time on the Veronica continent?"

  "I've never been there, but I've heard it's not very peaceful, although there are also many opportunities. So when the time comes, we'll just have to take things as they come."

  "Hehe." Reed laughed and said, "Veronica is indeed a place with great opportunities and risks. However, if a merchant group doesn't have its own base and just acts as traveling merchants, it's hard to develop further. Have you found a town that can serve as the merchant group's base?"

  Raymond, this fake, how would he know these things? Upon hearing this, Wei had no choice but to say: "This... hasn't happened yet."

  Reid didn't seem surprised, he signaled to Raymond to wait a moment, then pulled out a letter from his pocket, picked up a pen and quickly wrote a few lines at the end of the letter, sealed it with a stamp, and resealed the letter.

  Handing the letter to Raymond, he said: "So, I suggest you can try going to this place."

  Raymond took the letter without a word. Reed explained, "It's a small town called Haidington, which is in trouble due to business difficulties. The mayor sent me this letter not long ago, hoping I could set up a trade point there."

  "If you've reached the Veronica Continent and have nowhere else to go, you might as well try your luck here. Although the town isn't big, both land and sea transportation are very convenient, with considerable potential, making it a place worth using as a base. I've briefly explained your situation at the end of this letter."

  "Unexpectedly, Reed suddenly gave himself such a big gift. Raymond was surprised and couldn't help but feel some doubt: 'But since they were seeking your help, why did you...'"

  Ried waved his hand: "For some reason, I'm not very convenient to respond to this request at the moment. However, this town is in a difficult situation and really needs help. It just so happens that you also need a place to settle down, so I'll do this favor."

  "If you can rely on that small town to open up a larger trade route, not only will it help me out, but it will also indirectly save the entire town's people. This is something that benefits us all. After you arrive there, just take out this letter and mention my name, and the other party should accept you."

  Hearing him say this, Raymond immediately understood: "In that case, I'd like to thank you again for your generosity."

  "Not at all." Reed said, walking with Raymond to the door, "However, don't be in a hurry to thank me. To be honest, this introduction isn't exactly a lucrative deal either."

  "Veronica's continental situation is complicated, sometimes doing business isn't just that simple. If you go to Haidington, you'll probably take on considerable risk too. So if you encounter any difficulties, come find me on Marina Island and I'll help out if I can."

  Reid's candor made Raymond feel good, and he smiled: "Please don't worry, I'm also very good at some things outside of business."

  Reid was taken aback, and then patted his shoulder with praise: "Haha, I'm really looking forward to working with you in the future."

  Then Raymond had the batch of precious gems sent over, and Reed bought them all at market price without hesitation. As a result, Raymond immediately had more than 100,000 yuan in his hands.

  Afterwards, both sides bid farewell and the fleet set off towards their respective destinations.