150: Contracts and medical disputes

Hearing his words, Chu Qinhui's expression instantly darkened, his brows furrowing deeply.

He had expected this news would eventually leak out, but he hadn't anticipated it would be so soon; Sun Chunchen had left Heyu Town for less than a month, and during this short time, they hadn't sold another Moon Worshipping Rabbit.

For the people of the Treasure Pavilion to find their way here so quickly, they must have their own special channels.

However, Chu Qinhui's mood soon relaxed slightly; the two people before him had a gentle attitude, appearing as though they had come to discuss business.

Just as Chu Qinhui was about to respond, Chu Jingyu's voice echoed from the courtyard.

"Well said. The Moon Worshipping Rabbit is indeed a Source Beast that my Chu family discovered by chance. May I ask what advice you two have for us?"

As his voice trailed off, Chu Jingyu walked into the room and took a seat at the head of the table.

Qing Luo chuckled softly, "I wouldn't call it advice; I simply wish to discuss a business deal with the head of the Chu family."

"I'm listening," Chu Jingyu said, looking at Qing Luo with a calm expression.

Qing Luo raised her fair hand slightly and took out a contract paper.

"We at the Treasure Pavilion want the Chu family to provide at least one Moon Worshipping Rabbit and five Medicinal Fragrance Powder-Eared Rabbits every month. The purchase price for each Moon Worshipping Rabbit will be two hundred Source Spirit Stone, and for each Medicinal Fragrance Powder-Eared Rabbit, it will be one hundred Source Spirit Stone."

"If the Chu family partners with our Treasure Pavilion, no one will dare to target the Chu family even after the news that the Moon Worshipping Rabbits come from here spreads."

"What does the Chu family head think of this?"

Qing Luo's meaning was clear: the Chu family would provide the corresponding Source Beasts, and the Treasure Pavilion would provide the corresponding protection. However, such an unequal transaction was like walking on a tightrope, carrying immense risk.

Chu Jingyu narrowed his eyes in thought for a moment before saying in a steady voice, "I believe the partnership the Pavilion Master proposed is feasible. However, to maintain a stable supply of these quantities every month, the cost will be somewhat higher."

A flash of joy flickered deep within Qing Luo's eyes. As long as Chu Jingyu agreed to the partnership, raising the price was naturally not an issue; after all, those Moon Worshipping Rabbits would surely yield even greater value in her hands.

"The Chu family head may speak plainly."

"Three hundred Source Spirit Stone for a Moon Worshipping Rabbit, and one hundred and fifty Source Spirit Stone for a Medicinal Fragrance Powder-Eared Rabbit."

Chu Jingyu spoke, directly increasing the price of the two types of Source Beasts by thirty percent.

Qing Luo hardly hesitated, agreeing immediately as if afraid Chu Jingyu would change his mind. "Agreed. This is the contract paper. Please look it over and sign it, Chu family head."

Naturally, before handing the contract to Chu Jingyu, Qing Luo made a small modification, writing in the prices for the two Source Beasts.

Chu Jingyu took the contract and examined it carefully, then let Chu Qinhui read it as well. Once both were certain there were no issues with the content, Chu Jingyu signed his name.

Of course, the signature on the contract carried the signer's Mental Energy, which was an important means of ensuring the contract could not be forged.

The contract was made in duplicate, with each party holding a copy. The only slightly irregular thing was that neither side had chosen a middleman to act as a witness.

However, the Chu family did not want more people to know that the Moon Worshipping Rabbits came from them, and Qing Luo did not want others to know she had obtained exclusive authorization from the Chu family, wishing to keep this supply source firmly in her own hands.

Thus, both parties tacitly refrained from mentioning the need for a witness.

Qing Luo smiled as she tucked away her copy of the contract. "Chu family head, what date do you think would be best for our monthly transactions?"

"Let's make it the tenth of every month. At that time, the Pavilion Master can send someone to collect the goods."

Qing Luo nodded, also finding the timing appropriate. "Then we won't disturb you further. Next month, I will have him come here to collect the goods."

The 'him' Qing Luo referred to was the White-haired Old Man beside her, who was at the Upper Tier of the Extraordinary Rank Realm.

The White-haired Old Man cupped his hands toward Chu Qinhui, and Chu Qinhui nodded in acknowledgment.

Chu Qinhui escorted the two all the way to the foot of the mountain and watched them depart.

Qing Luo observed the farmers working in the medicinal fields on both sides of the road, her expression leisurely. "Within a hundred years, the Chu family will surely flourish."

The White-haired Old Man beside her nodded in agreement. "Indeed. However, if the County Magistrate finds out first that the Moon Worshipping Rabbits come from the Chu family, then they will inevitably face a calamity."

The current County Magistrate's greed was known to almost everyone in Zhiyao County.

One wondered if the punishment of being stationed in Zhiyao County for eternity due to his greed would teach the County Magistrate a lesson.

Unless it was an exceptional case, the Treasure Pavilion always preferred to prosper through harmony, only resorting to extreme measures in special circumstances.

"If the market for the Moon Worshipping Rabbits opens up, the branch pavilions in every Prefecture City will look upon our Zhiyao County Treasure Pavilion with newfound respect. Then, the Pavilion Master's promotion will be within reach."

Hearing his expectations, Qing Luo's expression remained indifferent. "It is still too early to say such things. When you come to collect the goods, make sure not to let any word slip and allow the news to spread."

The White-haired Old Man cupped his hands. "Please trust me, Pavilion Master. I will not breathe a single word about this task to anyone."

A look of gravity flashed in Qing Luo's eyes. Until the market was steadily established, she could not afford to relax. After all, the interior of the Treasure Pavilion was not entirely peaceful, and one could easily have their fruits of labor snatched away by others... "What kind of Medical Clinic is this? Why has my uncle's illness only gotten worse after being treated here?"

Inside the Medical Clinic, a young man supported a pale-faced elder as they entered, immediately beginning to shout in dissatisfaction.

A well-trained apprentice in the Chu Family Medical Clinic immediately stepped forward, speaking in a low, persuasive tone, "Sir, please do not be anxious. If there is a problem, you can tell me first. Please do not shout, lest you disturb the peace of the other patients."

"Not anxious?" The young man pushed aside the apprentice who wanted to help the elder to a seat. "How can I not be anxious? My uncle's illness has been treated here for three days, and not only has it not improved, but it's actually gotten worse!"

"I see it clearly now; your Medical Clinic is full of quacks! Hurry up and pay compensation so I can take him elsewhere for treatment."

The apprentice looked troubled and turned toward the two Old Physicians at the consultation desk. One of them looked at the pale, coughing elder and frowned, having no memory of him.

He didn't think much of it, assuming the other physician had treated him, so he stepped forward to inquire:

"Do you remember what medicine he took? If not, bring the unfinished medicine for me to see. Now, please have the Old Gentleman extend his arm so I can feel his pulse and take a look."

His words were like a spark to the young man's temper. He suddenly exploded, pointing at the Old Physician's nose and cursing.

"You quack! You've seen my uncle so many times, and now you're still trying to fool us? Are you going to wait until my uncle dies before you just say his chronic illness was untreatable?"

"I see it now; your Chu Family Medical Clinic is just here to swindle people! Everyone, don't let this clinic blind you!"

The physician, cursed at for no reason, was completely bewildered. When had he ever treated this old man? He had no recollection of it at all.

Seeing the young man's grief and indignation, the surrounding people—whether there to get medicine or for a consultation—all showed hesitant expressions.

Some had even begun to turn and leave. This wasn't the only Medical Clinic in town, and going elsewhere for treatment was the same.

"You say you were treated at our Medical Clinic? Please explain exactly when and where, which physician diagnosed him with what illness, what medicine was prescribed, and how much silver was spent."

A clear, crisp voice rang out as a girl in a blue and white dress stepped out from the inner part of the Medical Clinic, with a butterfly shimmering with white light fluttering around her.

Complemented by this Light Healing Butterfly, her otherwise plain face gained a touch of unique beauty, giving her a cold and elegant aura.