NOVPUBChapter 137: Chapter 136: Alas, the Bright Moon Shines Over the Ditch
Chapter 137 -136: Alas, the Bright Moon Shines Over the Ditch
“What kind of professionals? Just a bunch of frogs in a well, always most concerned about what’s right in front of them,” Shandela snorted with contempt. “If they could invent such a medicine, they would have gone to the Old Continent to sell it already. But I would also like to ask Mr. Zhao, can this medicine only be used in the temple? I’ve heard that your pharmacy doesn’t sell antibiotics.”
Since this world did not yet have the distinction between prescription and over-the-counter medications, Chaoyang patiently explained, “It can take effect anywhere, as long as the method of use is correct. The temple has always been dedicated to treating patients afflicted by the Scarlet Curse, and all the nuns have medical experience. After being trained, they can also master the use of antibiotics, which is why we recommend that patients come to the temple for treatment. After all, if operated incorrectly, it could also turn into a lethal poison.”
It was the first time Shandela had heard such a statement, “Is this operation very difficult?”
“It’s not too difficult, an ordinary person could grasp it within a week with proper guidance.”
She immediately felt much more at ease, “That’s good. In other words, Gate of Destiny is planning to sell antibiotics to the public.”
“Why not do business when there’s a deal to be made?” Chaoyang said, spreading his hands.
Shandela nodded to Woody.
The latter immediately took out a thick stack of papers from his briefcase and handed them to Chaoyang.
“I have a big order for Gate of Destiny.”
“Oh? Really? That is undoubtedly my honor,” Chaoyang said politely as he took the papers and began to look through them, only to find that it was a contract detailed to the minutiae.
“Correct, starting with Magnificent Castle, I can purchase medicine for ten thousand people. If its performance is satisfactory, I could even recommend it to the armies of the Old Continent. As far as I know, General Fales is quite interested in all kinds of medicines that can enhance soldiers’ combat effectiveness. If he orders, the quantity will be at least ten times mine,” Shandela said seriously. “At this rate, it won’t take a year for the reputation of Gate of Destiny Pharmaceutical Company to spread across the new and old continents.”
Chaoyang looked up, slightly surprised, at this City Guard Commander—Did the City Guard have so many people? Ordering such a high quantity for the first batch was obviously a sign of sincerity. But the question was, with such a status, was there a need for her to go to such lengths to build a relationship with a newly established small company?
He skipped the boilerplate at the beginning of the contract and flipped directly to the parts about the rights and obligations of both parties, quickly finding aspects that differed from standard business contracts.
“Gate of Destiny falls under the name of the lord, becoming an exclusive supplier for the City Guard?” Chaoyang asked, puzzled, “What does that mean?”
The adjutant immediately took over the conversation, “Mr. Zhao, please rest assured. The contract includes a detailed explanation later on. There’s no need for any change in the company’s capital or structure; overall, everything stays as usual. This change is more nominal, with the lord not interfering in the company’s business. While meeting the needs of the City Guard, you can still continue selling medicine to the local residents. Of course… the nominal partnership between Gate of Destiny and Yeni Temple would have to come to an end, as the company now represents Count His Excellency and is not suitable to continue sharing a name with another party.”
As Chaoyang reviewed the section Woody referred to, he couldn’t help but be moved—the thoughts of the City Guard leader were truly different from the average person. Not only did she emphasize in the contract that all of Gate of Destiny’s assets belonged to the Paradise Foundation, but she also left a loophole for them to continue supporting Yeni Temple. For instance, the contract did not limit the employees’ right to freely change jobs, nor did it specify that the pharmaceutical company couldn’t sell medicine to the temple.
As the adjutant said, everything was only nominal.
And with the price for ten thousand doses of medicine, as well as the promise of promotion to the Old Continent, this contract could definitely be considered highly beneficial.
Any other company would not hesitate, even considering it mana from heaven.
However, Chaoyang didn’t understand… What did the City Guard see in Gate of Destiny that made them go to such great lengths?
“I’m sorry, I’m afraid I cannot accept this contract,” he shook his head, handing the large stack of papers back to the adjutant.
Woody said in astonishment, “Sorry… what did you say?”
“I said, the Gate of Destiny cannot sign the contract.” Chaoyang took a sip of his tea, “Why don’t we try a different way of cooperating? Something simpler and clearer, like the City Guard providing funds and the company supplying the medicines.”
“You’re simply unaware—”
“Woody!”
He was cut off midway by a stern interjection from his superior.
Shandela then turned to Chaoyang, “This clearly isn’t bad for you and your company, so why won’t you accept? Forgive my bluntness, Mr. Zhao… it may seem like you’re losing independence, but having the lord’s endorsement means your company will also receive corresponding protection. Most of the time, a title can save you from many unnecessary troubles.”
Hearing this, an idea suddenly sprouted in Chaoyang’s mind.
Could it be… the City Guard Commander knows the Gate of Destiny is in trouble?
“It’s alright, we can deal with our problems ourselves, and personally, I prefer simpler business methods in contracts,” he feigned misunderstanding.
Shandela’s patience was rapidly dwindling. She could not grasp why others desperately sought what the founder of the Gate of Destiny treated as a hot potato, “You’ve seen it, rumors about the miracle cure are everywhere now. Once public opinion builds up to a certain level, it will become quite frightening.”
“Thank you for the warning.” Chaoyang replied politely, “We will be careful.”
…
On the way out of the Yeni Temple, Woody couldn’t help but complain, “This is preposterous, does that guy even realize how much of a thorn he is in the side of those companies funding Paradise? You kindly offer to help him, but he doesn’t appreciate it! Is he waiting for disaster to strike before he’ll regret it?”
Shandela also felt quite disappointed in her heart. She had put in considerable effort to persuade the lord, only to encounter resistance on the company’s side. True, she had her own agenda—securing the Gate of Destiny company’s antibiotics for the military would add an ace up her sleeve. Especially after talking with Elise, she had a growing suspicion that something significant might erupt on the Old Continent. But putting aside her own motives, she had given the other party enough respect, and the actual benefits were far greater than the nominal losses. Yet, to her surprise, they refused to sign the contract.
“Alright… prepare a new commercial contract tomorrow and send it here to the temple. We’ll start with a batch for five hundred,” she said listlessly. 𝙣𝒐𝙫𝙥𝙪𝙗.𝙘𝙤𝙢
“You still want to work with them?” Woody was bewildered.
“After all, the medicines truly are effective, and we’re going to have to learn how to use them sooner or later. Even if the Gate of Destiny were gone, other companies would produce these drugs, and it’s always right to prepare early,” Shandela commented with regret.
Honestly, she had a good impression of the company and Chaoyang himself, especially since they were willing to sell medicine to the common folk at low prices and even distribute free drugs from time to time. These days, it’s rare to see companies willing to engage in low-return or even charitable activities.
That was one of the reasons why she wanted to offer her protection.
But now that it’s come to this and Chaoyang still refuses, she can only drop the matter.
Shandela sighed softly in her heart, hoping that both the Gate of Destiny and the Yeni Temple would weather the storm that was coming.
