The corners of Chen Shi'an's mouth lifted slightly. "You jest, Pavilion Master Tao. What your Hundred Flowers Pavilion wants is the recipe, and the recipe is with me now. Whether my sister-in-law or I sign this agreement makes no difference."
"That's true."
Tao Yaoyao nodded, her lovely eyes shifting. "Aren't you worried that I'll take your recipe and then refuse to honor the agreement, Squad Leader Chen?"
Chen Shi'an answered without hesitation. "The Hundred Flowers Pavilion is a name worth its weight in gold in the Desolate Ruins. You wouldn't go that far for a hundred thousand taels of silver.
"Besides, I, Chen Shi'an, am now a ranked martial artist and a squad leader of the Demon Hunting Team. It's not as though I have no means of striking back."
Tao Yaoyao smiled faintly and called toward the door, "Cui Zhu."
Soon, quick, small footsteps sounded outside. Cui Zhu pushed the door open and entered, first bowing respectfully to Tao Yaoyao, then giving Chen Shi'an a slight smile.
"Go fetch fifteen thousand taels in banknotes," Tao Yaoyao instructed softly.
Cui Zhu acknowledged the order and hurried away again.
Tao Yaoyao rose and offered Chen Shi'an a Wolf-Hair Brush.
A puzzled look crossed Chen Shi'an's face.
Tao Yaoyao said quietly, "Weren't we going to put our agreement in writing?"
Chen Shi'an asked, "Your Hundred Flowers Pavilion must do this sort of thing often. Surely you have a dedicated accountant?"
Tao Yaoyao smiled charmingly. "Your calligraphy has already crossed the threshold into true mastery, Squad Leader Chen. Every extra word I can get from you is a gain.
"Perhaps one day, a piece of your handwriting like this will be worth far more than Chen Su Ji."
Chen Shi'an hesitated briefly, then smiled and took the brush. He went to the desk