Li Chen returned to his lodgings and had barely rested when someone knocked on his door.
He opened it to find the corpulent merchant he had seen before: President Qian, the head of the Merchants' Association whom he had previously discussed with He Ran.
President Qian stood at the doorway, with several burly-looking guards behind him. They all remained several paces away, leaving him alone in the foreground.
He bowed slightly, wearing a warm, beaming smile. Anyone unaware of his identity might have mistaken him for a humble shopkeeper greeting customers and seeing them off. In truth, however, he was a wealthy local merchant, a powerful figure who controlled the Merchants' Association.
Li Chen had already guessed his identity, but still asked with a trace of puzzlement, "You are...?"
Association Head Qian cupped his hands with a broad smile and said with utmost courtesy, "I am Qian Wanli, Association Head of the local Merchants' Association."
Only then did Li Chen pretend to realize who he was and step aside. "So it is President Qian himself. Forgive my lack of courtesy."
President Qian chuckled as he entered. "You did not know me before, Brother Li, so this visit is rather presumptuous. But I have no other intentions. I merely came to congratulate you on becoming Artisan Zhao's retainer."
"Oh?" Li Chen said. "You already know about that, President Qian? You certainly are well informed."
President Qian said, "We merchants like to poke around for news everywhere. I hope you won't laugh at me, Brother Li. Someone, bring in the gifts I brought."
"Gifts?" Just as puzzlement stirred in Li Chen, an attendant dressed like a servant entered carrying a leather trunk and set it on the table.
President Qian opened the trunk himself. It contained several tiers holding exquisite gold and