Barlow reacted even faster.
When he came calling, he brought two crates of refined coal and five sacks of flour—twice the usual amount. Standing at the courtyard gate, he removed his hat, revealing a shiny bald head, his smile squeezing all his wrinkles together.
"Master Su—"
He had changed how he addressed him.
Su Li was sorting iron materials in the yard without even looking up.
"—congratulations on reaching the third tier." Barlow rubbed his hands as he edged half a step into the courtyard. "Also, regarding our previous exclusive distribution contract, I'd like to renegotiate the terms with you."
"What terms?"
"The initial exclusive order will be raised from thirty items to fifty, and the advance deposit from fifty percent to seventy percent." Barlow spoke quickly, clearly having rehearsed it beforehand. "In addition, the Silver Claw Merchant Guild is willing to cover all promotional expenses for the noble and custom editions in the other three cities of the City-State Alliance."
Su Li put down the iron and glanced at him.
Barlow's smile deepened, while a layer of fine sweat appeared on his bald scalp.
"You cover the promotion costs, and the sales split stays the same?"
"Unchanged."
Su Li nodded. "Fine. Let the person handling my accounts look over the contract."
Barlow paused. His gaze passed over Su Li's shoulder, and he saw Elena seated behind the stone table, already holding up a charcoal pencil.
His smile froze for an instant.
The last contract had been altered beyond recognition by this red-haired young lady. Every clause had struck precisely where the Goblin Chamber of Commerce hurt most.
"Of course, of course." Barlow took out a copy of the contract and handed it over with both hands.
Elena accepted it, flipped to the first page, and stopped her charcoal pencil