Chapter 341

Chapter 341: Royal Family Disciple

Jin Jiuzhou’s words made Zhou Luo fall into deep thought.

Originally, he had thought that the higher-ups of Tian Xia Restaurant would send an ordinary person in charge, at least lower in rank than Jin Jiuzhou.

This way, he might be able to rely on his relationship with Jin Jiuzhou to continue a long-term cooperation with Tian Xia Restaurant.

But now, suddenly, there emerged someone before whom even Jin Jiuzhou had to be extremely respectful.

That made things rather tricky.

He returned to the main building, sat upright in the master seat, frowning slightly.

Currently, the most important thing was Tian Xia Restaurant’s perception of him.

At present, those joint industries had clearly become precious assets of Immortal City, with annual profits exceeding a hundred thousand in calculation.

Precisely because of this, it was unknown how many people coveted them in secret.

Previously, if not for Jin Jiuzhou and Tian Xia Restaurant supporting him, this industry could not have become this large.

Now that Tian Xia Restaurant had sent such a powerful figure, could it be that they intended to monopolize these industries?

If it really was like that, he would have to cut losses promptly.

When he first cooperated with Tian Xia Restaurant, Zhou Luo had anticipated this outcome.

After so many years had passed, he had also earned substantial profits.

Before his own strength had grown, it was still unwise to fight against a major force like Tian Xia Restaurant, which possessed a Fire Cloud royal background.

If possible, he would decisively choose to abandon these industries.

While Zhou Luo was anxiously pondering these matters, the next day, the new person in charge of Tian Xia Restaurant sent someone to relay a message requesting a meeting.

Zhou Luo put on a cyan long gown, hid a soft armor inside it—practically fully armed—and headed straight for Tian Xia Restaurant.

As soon as he appeared, he was directly welcomed to the restaurant’s person-in-charge room.

Standing at the doorway, his expression was strict, and his demeanor serious.

"Come in."

A cold female voice drifted slowly from inside the room, carrying an air that forbade approach.

The servant in charge of guiding cautiously pushed open a side door and gestured "please."

Zhou Luo’s eyes flickered slightly as he stepped inside.

Facing challenges head-on, he was determined to see what the other party truly wanted.

Shortly after, he entered the room.

Before him, what caught his eye was a woman in a snow-white gown; her features were delicate and well-formed, her skin as fair as snow, her hair glowing in the sunlight, and her eyes and brows radiating an indescribable beauty.

She sat there like a freshly bloomed white lotus, meant to be admired from afar but not touched.

Her beautiful eyes looked over him, their icy depths revealing no emotion at all.

Zhou Luo stood there, neither humble nor arrogant, his expression calm as he nodded in greeting.

Given his present status and position, he did not need to offer deep respect before one at the Foundation Establishment stage.

That’s right, the woman before him was merely a Foundation Establishment cultivator. It was only because she held the elder’s token that Jin Jiuzhou had been forced to flee in disgrace.

"Are you Zhou Luo?" Long Yunshuang asked lightly.

"Yes. May I ask why you sought me out, friend?" Zhou Luo replied, his tone gentle yet measured.

He knew he couldn’t appear too submissive. Excessive deference would only mark him as easy prey, undermining the upcoming negotiation.

"My name is Long Yunshuang," the woman stated with an air of casual indifference.

Yet, these words struck Zhou Luo with the force of an earthquake, sending shockwaves through him.

A flicker of astonishment crossed his face, his deep eyes widening with unconcealed shock.

He remembered: the royal family of Huoyun Country bore the surname Long.

She was a royal family disciple.

No wonder she possessed the elder token of the Tian Xia Restaurant.

Instantly, Zhou Luo was seized by the stark impulse to surrender all his assets unconditionally and flee while he still could.

Against such pedigree, he stood utterly powerless.

As the true rulers of Huoyun Country, the Huoyun Royal Family were top-tier forces.

Dominating the vast metropolis of Zhongzhou, they commanded the Six Great Provinces through sheer might. Nascent Soul experts numbered beyond counting under their banner; they even boasted supreme cultivators who had reached the Void Refining level.

It could be said, in Huoyun Country, the Huoyun Imperial Family reigned supreme over all factions.

Any individual emerging from their ranks commanded universal respect and fear, a presence none dared provoke, no matter where they went.

Forget the Qinyuan Sect; even the grandest sects within the Jin Yun Domain possessed no qualification to challenge the Huoyun monarchy.

Of course, given the vast network of royal lineages, not every royal scion wielded such significant authority.

From Long Yunshuang’s demeanor, she likely wasn’t part of the main imperial line.

Had she been direct royalty, there’d be no need for her presence here.

A torrent of calculations surged through Zhou Luo’s mind.

Amidst these swirling thoughts, one fact solidified: the woman in white dress before him was not someone he could afford to cross.

Long Yunshuang watched him in serene silence.

"Manager Long, what tasks require my humble service?"

Zhou Luo’s tone held renewed respect, yet he stood firm, unshaken by her identity.

His reasoning was clear: against such colossal background, any overt resistance was futile. Maintaining his composure was paramount – he needed to discern her true intent.

Long Yunshuang felt a twinge of appreciation; this man possessed admirable self-possession.

She asked calmly, "Pill Master Zhou, do you still wish to continue our cooperation?"

Her primary purpose in coming to Qinyuan City had been to "gild her credentials."

Achieving notable results here would pave a faster path to ascension within the Tian Xia Restaurant.

Hence, it was crucial to ensure the restaurant’s collaborator would not practice deception or double-dealing.

As an external appointee, she lacked complete insight into local affairs.

That was precisely why she’d dismissed the predecessor Jin Jiuzhou’s lingering presence. As for seeking Zhou Luo, it was to guarantee the continuity of their partnership.

Facing her question, Zhou Luo answered earnestly, "That depends entirely on you, Manager Long."

The response pleased her. She studied him before speaking slowly.

"Our collaboration may continue, but the terms require modification."

Before her arrival, she had surveyed the situation.

She understood perfectly: without Zhou Luo and his network, these ventures might yield profit still, but the margins would inevitably diminish.

That wasn’t the outcome she desired.

Therefore, sustaining the partnership, for now, was non-negotiable.

"Might I ask, Manager Long, how you intend to proceed?" inquired Zhou Luo.

Her meaning was unambiguous; his curiosity now centered on her approach.

"Yield an additional two percent profit share," Long Yunshuang stated directly.

Understanding flashed in Zhou Luo’s eyes. Her aim mirrored Jin Jiuzhou’s – to build achievements here.

And the swiftest path to showcasing results? Squeezing him, the business partner, of course.

"That’s certainly possible," Zhou Luo countered smoothly, "though might one ask what Manager Long intends to offer in compensation?"

He’d deduced she wouldn’t rashly sever their cooperation.

The roles had now reversed. He had to leverage this stability, seeking the slightest advantage within the confines of feasibility.

Long Yunshuang lifted her gaze, fixing upon him.

He actually dared to bargain.

"What do you want?"