flstandardbreds Chapter 134 Losing Trust Leads to Merchant's Adversity
Chapter 134 Losing Trust Leads to Merchant's Adversity
Merchants who lose trust face hardship
The news brought by Butler Sun was like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing the flame of hope that had just been ignited in Su Yunlan's heart.
She took a deep breath and tried to remain calm.
"Steward Sun, why has Master Liu suddenly changed his mind? Wasn't everything already agreed upon?"
Butler Sun looked troubled and stammered, "Madam Su, to be honest, my master did intend to cooperate with your escort agency before, but... recently we've heard some rumors that your agency has had some mishaps before, so..."
Su Yunlan immediately understood what Steward Sun meant.
The escort agency had indeed suffered several incidents of lost goods due to mismanagement, which greatly damaged its reputation after word spread among merchants.
It seems that Mr. Liu was worried that his goods would suffer the same fate, which is why he changed his mind at the last minute.
“Steward Sun, the previous mistake was indeed our agency’s responsibility. But now I have taken over the agency and carried out a series of reforms. The quality and ability of our guards have greatly improved, and we have also made thorough arrangements for security. Please tell Master Liu that we will definitely ensure the goods are safe and sound.” Su Yunlan’s tone was sincere, hoping to dispel Master Liu’s concerns.
“Madam Su, I will certainly relay your words to my master. However… you know my master’s temperament; he is always cautious and careful. Without witnessing the changes in your esteemed escort agency firsthand, he may find it difficult to believe.” Steward Sun sighed, his face full of helplessness.
Su Yunlan understood that regaining the merchants' trust would not be something that could be done overnight.
She must demonstrate her abilities through concrete actions.
"Steward Sun, please lead the way. I want to pay a visit to Master Liu in person." Su Yunlan's eyes were firm, and her tone left no room for doubt.
The Liu Mansion was magnificent and splendid, with carved beams and painted rafters.
Led by Butler Sun, Su Yunlan arrived at Master Liu's study.
Mr. Liu was short and stout with a ruddy complexion, and his shrewd eyes gleamed with calculation.
He glanced at Su Yunlan sideways and said in a cold tone, "Madam Su, what brings you here today?"
Su Yunlan got straight to the point: "Master Liu, I've come here today to assure you that our escort agency will be able to safely deliver your goods to their destination."
Mr. Liu snorted coldly, "Guarantee? In this world, who can guarantee anything? Madam Su, you are so young, you probably don't know how treacherous the business world is."
Su Yunlan said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Master Liu is right. The business world is indeed like a battlefield, fraught with danger. However, our escort agency is not to be trifled with. We have experienced escorts, comprehensive security measures, and more..." Su Yunlan paused, deliberately keeping everyone in suspense, "...and moreover, we have my divine health doctor to escort you, guaranteeing the absolute safety of your goods."
A hint of suspicion flashed in Mr. Liu's eyes. "Oh? A miracle doctor? Madam Su knows medicine?"
Su Yunlan smiled slightly, "I know a little bit."
After a moment of contemplation, Mr. Liu slowly said, "Since Madam Su is so confident, why not help me transport a shipment for free first? If the goods arrive intact, I will consider a long-term partnership with your escort agency."
Su Yunlan's heart sank. This Master Liu was indeed shrewd, proposing such harsh conditions.
Offering free escort services while ensuring the goods remain undamaged completely conflicts with the costs and risks associated with escort agencies.
"This..." Su Yunlan was speechless for a moment, not knowing how to answer.
"Madam Su, what? You're unwilling?" Old Master Liu's lips curled into a cold smile, as if he had already seen through Su Yunlan's thoughts.
The atmosphere in the study immediately became heavy, and Su Yunlan fell into deep thought.
"Fourth Sister-in-law..." came Xiao Shiliu's hesitant voice from outside the door.
Xiao Shiliu hesitated outside the door for a moment before finally pushing it open and entering. He bowed to Master Liu and said, "Master Liu, I apologize for disturbing you." He then turned to Su Yunlan, his voice tinged with trepidation, "Fourth Sister-in-law, I... I have an idea."
Su Yunlan looked at Xiao Shiliu and gave him an encouraging look: "Shiliu, feel free to say whatever you have to say."
Xiao Shiliu took a deep breath and said, "It's only natural for Master Liu to be worried about the safety of his goods. How about this: our escort agency's guards will intensify their training during this period to improve their escorting skills, and then we'll select elite guards to form a special escort team specifically responsible for Master Liu's goods. What do you think?"
Upon hearing this, Master Liu stroked his beard, looked at Xiao Shiliu with great interest, and then glanced at Su Yunlan.
Su Yunlan's eyes lit up; this was indeed a good idea.
This would not only showcase the strength of the escort agency and dispel Master Liu's concerns, but also provide an opportunity to improve the overall quality of the escorts—a win-win situation.
"Sixteen, your idea is excellent!" Su Yunlan nodded approvingly. "We can divide the bodyguards into groups for practical training, simulating various emergencies, such as bandits robbing the goods, loss of cargo, etc., so that they can accumulate experience in real combat and improve their ability to respond."
Xiao Yuhan, who had been silent all along, finally spoke. He walked to Su Yunlan's side, handed her a cup of hot tea, and said with concern in his eyes, "Lan'er, this is a good idea, it can be implemented. I will personally supervise the training of the bodyguards to ensure they reach their peak condition." Su Yunlan took the teacup, the warmth spreading to her fingertips. She returned a warm smile; the silent exchange between them spoke volumes.
The aroma of tea wafted through the study, easing the previous tension.
"Mr. Liu, what do you think?" Su Yunlan turned to look at Mr. Liu, her tone full of confidence.
Mr. Liu pondered for a moment, his eyes flickering, as if he were weighing the pros and cons.
“Since that’s the case…” Master Liu slowly began, his gaze falling on Xiao Yuhan with a hint of inquiry, “Then let’s see the results of your training first.”
As night fell, torches lit up the training ground of the escort agency, illuminating the resolute faces of the guards.
Holding a long sword, Xiao Yuhan moved nimbly as he instructed the bodyguards in swordsmanship.
Amidst the glint of swords and the clash of shouts, a chilling atmosphere permeated the air...
On the training ground, passion is poured out, and every drop of sweat sparkles with anticipation for the future.
Xiao Yuhan's gaze was sharp, and wherever his sword pointed, there was a flaw.
Under his meticulous guidance, the bodyguards underwent a complete transformation, becoming increasingly swift in their movements and more coordinated in their teamwork.
Three days later, an elite escort team, carrying a batch of valuable medicinal herbs belonging to Master Liu, embarked on their journey to the border.
Along the way, they encountered torrential rain and mud, evaded lurking bandits, and with their superb martial arts skills and quick wit, finally delivered the goods safely.
Inside the Liu residence, Master Liu stroked his beard, looking at the intact goods list. The shrewd man turned to look at the dignified Su Yunlan beside him, his tone softening considerably: "Madam Su is indeed worthy of her reputation. It seems that this escort agency has truly been transformed."
Su Yunlan's lips curled up slightly as she savored the joy of her initial victory.
She knew this was just the beginning; rebuilding the security escort agency's reputation would require much more effort and time.
However, just as hope was rising in Su Yunlan's heart, Butler Sun poured cold water on it.
“Master, one success doesn’t mean anything. The reputation of this escort agency has been built up over many years, and it will not be easy to restore it now.”
Upon hearing this, Master Liu frowned again, and his gaze toward Su Yunlan became scrutinizing.
The atmosphere became tense once again.
Su Yunlan took a deep breath, about to explain, when suddenly, a commotion came from outside the door.
A bodyguard rushed in, looking flustered, and said breathlessly, "It's terrible, Madam Su! Outside... outside everyone's saying that our escort agency lost some goods because..." The bodyguard's voice trailed off, as if he was having trouble speaking.
"What did you say?" Su Yunlan pressed, a faint unease creeping into her heart.
The bodyguard stammered, "They said it's because our bodyguards colluded with bandits..."
Su Yunlan's expression changed drastically, and her heart sank.
This rumor is suspicious; it's obvious someone is behind it.
"Who is spreading rumors?" she asked in an icy tone.
The bodyguard hesitated for a moment, then said, "It seems... they are from another escort agency."
Su Yunlan felt that she was being targeted.
Upon hearing this, Master Liu's face also turned ugly.
He looked at Su Yunlan with a complicated expression, and finally slowly said, "Madam Su, it seems that this cooperation matter will need to be discussed again..."
"Master, you should think it over!" Butler Sun fanned the flames from the side, his expression sinister.
Su Yunlan stood quietly in place, feeling the suspicious and scrutinizing gazes around her.
She knew that a new crisis was quietly approaching.
Just then, she noticed a strange smile that flashed across the corner of Butler Sun's mouth...