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"I'll ask the experts first. If there's any news, I'll let you know," Lu Ao said. "Let's skip the contract. There isn't much in total, so there's no need to make it so complicated."

Lu Ao had never worried about finding buyers for the seafood from Marine Ranch. Signing a contract like this offered no benefits besides restrictions.

Weng Qian understood Lu Ao's concerns. He merely wanted a contract for a little more security.

He had even set aside his work at the hotel and spent several days slowly wearing Lu Ao down, but after two or three days, he still had gotten nowhere.

Weng Qian asked, "How much kelp do you have in Marine Ranch right now? If there's plenty, cut me some today and I'll take it back tomorrow."

"I'll cut you two baskets. The kelp is still growing, so I can't cut too much. Two baskets will have to do."

"That works." Weng Qian pondered it. "But with only two baskets, it can't be the main dish. It'll probably be used as a side dish. I'll think it over when I get back and see whether we should develop a kelp-and-seaweed specialty menu. By the way, how much are you selling this kelp for?"

Lu Ao answered directly, "No charge. Consider these two baskets a gift from us."

Weng Qian was greatly surprised. "No charge? Did the sun rise in the west? I thought you'd charge me an outrageous price and fleece me for all I'm worth."

As he said this, his eyes swept up and down Lu Ao, his face full of suspicion that Lu Ao was plotting something.

Lu Ao laughed at his expression. "Kelp isn't worth much anyway. Take it back. Consider it my sponsorship for your new dish development."

"Hey, saying that gives