The An Yun Merchant Association's Predicament
Yang Xizhi frowned deeply, his tone extremely grave. "The day after tomorrow is the auction for control of Sanyang Street. This may be our only chance to turn things around."
In the Cangyun Empire, the business world is not like other industries where people often fight tooth and nail.
Business battles usually don't involve physical combat; they're only about industry. But sometimes, these silent battles are even more terrifying.
In the business world, financial resources are what matter most. If you don't have enough financial resources, you certainly won't be able to compete with other Trade Association.
Previously, their An Yun Merchant Association was just an ordinary small Trade Association, eating the leftovers of larger chambers of the Trade Association, so they never received much attention. However, in recent years, their Trade Association has gained considerable popularity thanks to its good reputation, and the profits of all Trade Association have been steadily increasing.
But there's only so much cake in the Imperial City. If you eat too much, others will naturally eat less, and you'll inevitably become the target of their attacks.
As a result, the four Trade Association most affected joined forces to put pressure on the An Yun Merchant Association. These days have been extremely difficult for them, with the Trade Association income plummeting and they are almost on the verge of collapse.
"We're afraid it will be difficult for us to compete for Sanyang Street. With our current strength, even if we offer a higher price, they will definitely be able to keep up, unless our Trade Association sells off its core assets, but that would be putting the cart before the horse."
"That's right. Sanyang Street has a huge flow of people. Whoever gets control of it will have absolute power in the surrounding area."
"The Four Great Merchant Associations won't let this go easily. They originally intended to reduce my An Yun Merchant Association to its original state, so how could they possibly give us a chance? Just give up on that idea."
"Then what do you suggest we do? Are we really going to disband it? Everyone, you are all veterans of the An Yun Merchant Association. Your interests depend on the existence of the Trade Association. If the Trade Association disappears, will you all starve?"
Someone couldn't help but shout angrily, and the others immediately fell silent.
Really.
Their interests are deeply intertwined with the An Yun Merchant Association; if something happens to the An Yun Merchant Association, the impact on them will be significant.
Everyone has been discussing it, but after a long time, no suitable solution has been found.
Finally, silence fell over the hall again, and no one spoke.
Yang Xizhi could only say, "Regardless, let's go and see what 'Auction. It's orchestrated by the Imperial Family. Even if the Four Great Merchant Associations have some connections within the Imperial Family, with so many eyes watching, it'll be difficult for them to do anything."
"During this time, I'll try to use my connections to see if I can resolve this with Immortal Crystal. If there's truly no other way, I'll sell all my possessions to take over Sanyang Street."
His tone was resolute. He had poured his heart and soul into the An Yun Merchant Association, and he couldn't just give up like that. He wouldn't let it go until the very last moment.
Seeing this, the others exchanged glances. Some hesitated, wanting to persuade Yang Xizhi, but ultimately remained silent.
Given the current situation, it will be difficult for their An Yun Merchant Association to continue operating.
With the Four Great Merchant Associations pressing closer, how can the An Yun Merchant Association Four Great Merchant Associations them?
This is too difficult!
It's practically impossible to do.
But it would be inappropriate to say such things aloud, so everyone chose to remain silent.
Yang Lan watched the group of elders talking, unable to get a word in edgewise, and could only watch with worry from the sidelines.
After the conference, Yang Xizhi kept Yang Lan behind alone.
"Father?"
Yang Lan asked with a face full of curiosity.
Yang Xizhi sighed silently, "From now on, you should get to know that person well. It would be best if he could take you away."
"Father, I'm not leaving!"
Yang Lan immediately shook her head.
Yang Xizhi's eyes were somewhat forlorn. He said sadly, "Father will be alright, don't worry. It's just that I'm afraid my An Yun Merchant Association will soon cease to exist. If you come with me, you'll suffer. Father doesn't want that."
"Your choice is to follow that person."
He never expected Su Chen to lend a helping hand. After all, this was the Imperial City, and although Su Chen possessed the Cultivation Level Immortal King, that level was still insufficient for the Imperial Family.
As for the possibility that Su Chen would use Immortal Crystal to help them solve their problems, he had never even considered it.
Taking control of Sanyang Street is no small feat; even an Immortal King would suffer significant losses. Even at the height of the An Yun Merchant Association's power, it would likely have drained all their wealth.
How could Su Chen possibly take out so many Spirit Stones to help the An Yun Merchant Association casually?
Yang Lan looked at her father with tears in her eyes.
Yang Xizhi's voice rang out again. "Do you still remember your father's teachings? Never let personal feelings interfere with your life. This matter has a great impact. If the An Yun Merchant Association really disappears, I may be very busy and have no time to take care of you."
"But I can help you."
Yang Lan suddenly spoke up.
Yang Xizhi paused for a moment, then turned to look at Yang Lan's somewhat stubborn expression, and smiled with relief, "No need, you have your own life too."
Yang Lan has a talent for business and can indeed help him, but he doesn't want Yang Lan to suffer with him.
As far as Yang Xizhi was concerned, as a man, she should bear all of this.
Yang Xizhi suddenly felt exhausted. All his efforts over the years had suddenly been in vain. He was emotionally distraught, and the hall remained silent for a long time.
He slowly stood up, looking as if he had aged ten years, and walked out of the hall.
Yang Lan remained frozen in place, unable to speak. She desperately wanted to help Yang Xizhi, but there was nothing she could do; she could only watch helplessly.
Faced with this situation, she felt only helplessness.
Yang Lan returned to the Back Courtyard, and just as she was about to reach Su Chen's Courtyard, a smile returned to her face. Yang Lan didn't want her negative emotions to affect Su Chen.
She didn't want Su Chen to help her out of consideration for her.
Taking over Sanyang Street would cost a lot of Immortal Crystal, and if she even mentioned it, it would put Su Chen in a difficult position. For some reason, Yang Lan always felt that as long as she asked, Su Chen would help her.
Therefore, she absolutely could not let Su Chen help her.
Yang Lan smiled and said, "The Future is long, and we can overcome these difficulties. Keep going!"
She tried to cheer herself up and comfort herself.
Stepping into the Courtyard, Su Chen was brewing tea with remarkable skill, even surpassing Yang Lan's expertise, like a seasoned master, each movement exuding elegance.
Yang Lan was momentarily captivated by what she saw.
The Chamber of the Trade Association's crisis seemed to vanish the moment they saw Su Chen, and all their gloomy moods disappeared.