Chapter 12: Another Act of Retaliation

But in Shen Xiuyan’s eyes, no one else existed.

Though the room bustled with people, the only one he saw was Master Su.

Master Su: “?”

He wasn’t sure if it was just his imagination, but why did it feel like this Young Master Shen kept glancing at him, intentionally or not?

And those glances were filled with respect… and a hint of fervor…

He couldn’t help stroking his beard. Could it be that he’d heard of some of his heroic deeds and admired him deeply?

Mm, Young Master Shen has good taste!

Under everyone’s warm welcome, Shen Xiuyan took a seat. He cleared his throat and forced himself to appear calm as he said, “I’m aware of why everyone is here. I presume it’s all for the new type of sugar I’ve developed. I wonder if you’re here to buy the recipe or the sugar itself?”

The moment he said that, the room erupted into chaos.

What!

Was Shen Xiuyan crazy?

He actually wanted to sell the recipe!

Just holding on to that recipe himself would let him rake in endless gold and silver for the next year at least, maybe five.

Not to mention it could benefit his descendants for generations.

As the saying goes, “The one who plants the tree does not sit in the shade, but those who come later will enjoy it.”

So no one here today had even considered the recipe. Being able to buy sugar in bulk at a low price and ship it to other regions to profit off the time difference was already a huge gain.

No one expected he’d actually want to sell the recipe.

But even if he did, so what? Though the room was noisy, how many here actually dared to even dream of it?

The price would be sky-high—far beyond what they could afford.

Of course, Shen Xiuyan wasn’t crazy. He hadn’t planned to sell the recipe at all—until he saw his future father-in-law walk in. That changed everything.

Since Master Su was also interested in the white sugar, all the better. As the saying goes, “Fertilizer shouldn’t be spread on someone else’s field.”

Giving the recipe to his future father-in-law? That wasn’t “giving”—that was just having the money circle right back into his own pocket.

Master Su was indeed tempted when Shen Xiuyan mentioned selling the recipe. Others might hesitate, but he wouldn’t.

Just as he was about to ask Shen Xiuyan how he planned to sell it, Zhao Shilin beat him to it.

“Young Master Shen, I’m interested in purchasing the recipe. May I ask how you intend to sell it?”

Only then did Shen Xiuyan turn his gaze to Zhao Shilin. His expression was blank as he asked, “And Zhao Dabao is what to you?”

Zhao Shilin: “?”

He didn’t quite understand what Shen Xiuyan meant, but judging by his tone, did he know Dabao? Could he be a friend?

Feeling confident, he said proudly, “Dabao is my son!”

With that connection, wouldn’t the recipe practically be in the bag?

Zhao Shilin chuckled foolishly. What a good son he had—such a credit to the family!

With that recipe, what money couldn’t he make? By then, it wouldn’t be about whether they could marry Su Mingyue—it’d be the Su Family begging to marry into theirs.

And when that time came…

He would make Dabao marry Su Mingyue and waste her life away day by day to vent this long-held grudge!

But Shen Xiuyan’s next words shattered his fantasy.

“Apologies. Young Master Zhao offended me at the Golden Pavilion a few days ago, so I won’t be doing business with the Zhao family.”

Zhao Shilin: “……”

That was… not what he expected. So they weren’t friends—in fact, they’d had a falling out…

He forced a flattering smile. “He is he, I am me. Young Master Shen, you’re a generous man, don’t lump us together. Besides, who says no to money!”

Shen Xiuyan smiled. “Well, I just so happen to like saying no to money.”

With the conversation at this point, Zhao Shilin knew there was no room for negotiation. A fire of rage flared in his chest with nowhere to burn.

“Please.” Shen Xiuyan flicked his sleeve and warned, “If you really won’t leave, then I shall take my leave instead.”

With those words, everyone in the room turned to look.

Zhao Shilin ground his teeth in fury—what a masterful move, redirecting trouble elsewhere. With so many business owners present, and given that he still needed to operate in this county, he couldn’t afford to offend anyone.

So, he stood up angrily. “Good day!”

Right! Now!

He was going home to beat that unfilial son to death!!!

First, the brat cost him half his assets, and now he made him miss out on such a golden opportunity!

That son was clearly born under a cursed star—he’d be better off grooming another illegitimate son instead.

At this moment, Master Su finally caught on.

He had wondered—it couldn’t possibly be just a coincidence.

This Young Master Shen had the same name as the man his daughter often mentioned. Looking at it now, this must be the very same Shen Xiuyan.

He was delighted inside, and couldn’t help praising him silently—well done! That sure helped him vent some of his pent-up anger.

Once Zhao Shilin left, another wealthy merchant from a good family spoke up. “Young Master Shen, I’m also interested in purchasing the recipe. May I ask how you plan to sell it?”

Shen Xiuyan replied, “No outright sale. I’ll take a cut—every time you sell a pound, I get a share.”

“This…”

Shen Xiuyan smiled. “After all, I’m sure you’re well aware of the recipe’s value. Not to boast, but the upfront cost to buy it outright might be more than any of you can afford.”

Of course, if his future father-in-law wanted it, he’d hand it over for free!

Yes, Shen Xiuyan had no bottom line at all.

As long as it helped win favor with his future in-law and made marrying into the family easier down the line—just a recipe, who cares?

He cleared his throat to break off his daydream. “Since that’s the case, let’s begin. We’ll auction it—highest share wins.”

As soon as he finished, someone tried their luck.

“I’m willing to give Young Master Shen twenty percent.”

“Pfft, how stingy can you be? Such a valuable recipe and you only offer twenty percent? Trying to take all the profit for yourself?”

That man laughed awkwardly. “Well, I do have to account for staff, rent, and other overhead…”

“Heh, just say you’re stingy—don’t make excuses. Young Master Shen, I’m willing to go fifty-fifty!”

That was a bold offer, and everyone inhaled sharply.

Fifty-fifty might sound like an even split, but after deducting labor costs, the actual net profit was likely only two or three parts out of ten.

And they’d still have to handle staffing and various operational tasks. It seemed less worthwhile—easier to just buy the sugar and resell it.

The man, seeing no one else speak up, felt very pleased—this recipe was his!

Shen Xiuyan, seeing the silence, felt a sudden pang of panic. No way…

He only wanted to sell the recipe to his future father-in-law…

Please, shout your bid already!