Dinner engagements on the Sains Continent were somewhat different from those in the Celestial Empire back on Earth. Business was never discussed before the meal was finished.
And so, after rounds of toasts and a hearty meal, dessert was served. Everyone took a sip of tea, and only then did Reeves get down to business.
"President Xu, I asked Haines to invite you to dinner today for two reasons. First, the Xinfei Merchant Guild has grown rapidly over the past year, and I wanted to meet you again to see whether you had changed since last year. Second, these two friends of mine happen to have something they would like your help with."
Newman, who came from the Rulson Kingdom, immediately nodded with a smile. "That's right. I specifically asked Reeves to arrange a meeting with you, President Xu. Otherwise, I really wouldn't have known how to meet you."
"The same goes for me. I came all the way from the duchy specifically to meet you, President Xu," Angklu, from the Stantin Duchy, added with a nod.
Xu Yi gave Haines a puzzled glance, only to see him shrug. Clearly, he did not know the real purpose of this dinner either. Xu Yi turned back, glanced across the two men's faces, and smiled. "You're both too kind. What can I help you with?"
The two exchanged a glance, and Newman spoke first. "Here's the situation, President Xu. I heard that your Lampari Kingdom began promoting the farmland magic machinery produced by your Xinfei Merchant Guild nationwide last year, and that this year's autumn harvest was a bumper crop, with grain production far exceeding previous years. Is that true?"
"Uh... I don't know the exact figures, so I can't say whether production really far exceeded previous years, but I imagine that's