Steam Era: The Lord of 'Puluo' Chapter 1322 618: Gains and Losses

Cui Tiq obtained the Contract Book, pondered for a long time, and finally confirmed that the matter was real.

The Peddler did indeed pay him his reward.

He wanted to return the Contract Book to the Peddler: "I don't want this piece of territory, I just want a person."

The Peddler snorted: "What are you talking about? I'm not a human trafficker!"

Cui Tiq hurriedly explained: "You misunderstood me, I have a friend who lost their life, and I want to bring their life back."

The more anxious he got, the more problematic Cui Tiq's expression became.

The Peddler understood nonetheless: "You want someone to be revived? That's really difficult."

Cui Tiq held up the Contract Book: "I'll give this to you, and I'm willing to pay even more."

The Peddler shook his head: "I have a way, but my method isn't the revival you're seeking, you'll have to find that method yourself."

"It's too late," Cui Tiq shook his head, "he might already be..."

"As long as you find a way, it's definitely not too late," the Peddler looked at Cui Tiq, "that flower, it can't always be kept in your clothes, the wildflowers from the mountains need to be taken out for air regularly."

Cui Tiq took out a tin can from his bosom, which seemed to be some sort of hint.

Li Banfeng nodded to Cui Tiq, confirming it was indeed a hint.

Cui Tiq hadn't understood what Li Banfeng meant, but then heard the Peddler say: "Right now there's a pressing matter at hand, the people at De Song Cliff aren't all dead yet, but they're close. I'm giving you a piece of Proper Land, if you let it turn into Old Land, I absolutely won't forgive you."

This was quite tricky to handle.

If De Song Cliff is not to turn into Old Land, then people must be sent to De Song Cliff, yet in its current state, let alone people, not even grass grows there.

Cui Tiq had an idea: "I have a group of friends, they're very resilient and should be able to settle here."

The Peddler shook his head: "The Knife Labor Ghosts won't work, whether they're from Knife Ghost Ridge or those you've brought with you."

Cui Tiq pointed to the Knife Labor Ghosts beside him: "They're not true Knife Labor Ghosts; they're my..."

The Peddler still shook his head: "No matter where they come from, they must be sent back to Knife Ghost Ridge!"

The Peddler was firm on this, and Cui Tiq hurried to come up with a plan.

Li Banfeng was still pondering the causes and effects of the situation as the Peddler started to leave with his cart.

"Junior Brother, wait a moment." Li Banfeng quickly called out to the Peddler.

The Peddler pulled out a feather duster and asked: "What is it?"

Li Banfeng quickly corrected himself: "Senior Brother, don't rush off just yet."

"Why not leave? There's no business to be done here!" The Peddler didn't even feel like shaking his rattle.

"Who said there's no business? Am I not still here?" Li Banfeng took out his wallet, "I'd like to buy a box of matches!"

"Five cents."

Li Banfeng had no small change, so he handed over a hundred-yuan note.

The Peddler pursed his lips, a bit displeased.

But that's business, you make money when you can, can't argue about more or less.

He gave Li Banfeng a box of matches and handed him some change.

Li Banfeng seized the opportunity to ask: "You mentioned earlier about profits and losses, I didn't quite catch it. How exactly do you conduct your business? Was your deal with Cui Tiq a loss or a gain?"

"Didn't I just say, this deal was a loss, but not a big one."

"De Song Cliff is completely dead, and that's not counted as a big loss?" Li Banfeng offered the Peddler a cigarette and lit it with a match.

The Peddler put down his cart, took a puff, and said: "Different businesses, different ways. Indeed, there's no business that guarantees no loss, but one must have an idea of what quality each business holds,

There are minor deals, steady deals, volatile deals, and those with nothing left at the end,

The business of Medicine King Valley is steady; although Yao Xin fell, the foundation of Medicine King Valley remains, so I handed the business to Xu Han. Old Xu doesn't have to play any tricks, just honestly maintaining the stalls is a profit,

The business at Hai Chi Ridge is volatile; if the pest disaster can be stopped, it's akin to saving a piece of Proper Land and thousands of lives, a big gain; if not stopped, Hai Chi Ridge will be beyond redemption, a terrible loss,

This type of business is the hardest to handle. I planned to do it myself, but when I found Cui Tiq, I got entangled in other matters. Just then I saw you handling the disaster at Hai Chi Ridge, so I let Cui Tiq find you, and unexpectedly, you really made it happen,

You dared to imagine and take risks when everyone thought Hai Chi Ridge was beyond saving, carrying on with Cui Tiq all the way. Since then, I trust you, and I'm inclined to have you handle volatile businesses,

I thought De Song Cliff's situation was similar to Hai Chi Ridge's at that time; that's why I wanted to get you involved in this business, even if you didn't agree, I'd find a way to make you agree,

But as I examined De Song Cliff's condition more thoroughly, I realized this business wasn't for you; De Song Cliff had already rotted to the core,

Things happening here far exceed simple power struggles; the actions of these people have nothing to do with virtue,

They even want to provoke a war, dragging the entire Puluo State into it,

This kind of business has no potential for profit, not even maintaining capital, in cases of such catastrophic deals, a different person must take it,

The situation of Thousand Tael House is quite similar to De Song Cliff, and Cui Tiq handled that business well, so I chose him again. Although the business at De Song Cliff still resulted in a loss, it remained within De Song Cliff's bounds, so the loss isn't much, compensation still must be given. Do you understand now?"

Li Banfeng thought for a moment and said: "You should have clarified the matter sooner, so Cui Tiq wouldn't have to hesitate and get himself into this predicament."