There was still more than an hour until the appointed time, but Qin Yao and Song Yu didn’t return to the inn. Instead, they were gathering information about Fulong Trading Company on the street.

Half a year has passed, and with the support of the Princess in the background, Fulong Trading Company’s strength has grown significantly compared to before.

Now, all the suppliers to the medicine shops in the Prefecture have switched to Fulong Trading Company, and the leathers in the major cloth stores are also sourced from Fulong Trading Company.

Other products like tea leaves and miscellaneous goods are also involved.

Even though it hasn’t become the top in Zijing Mansion yet, it is currently the most popular client of the Cao Yun Bureau.

Rumor has it from those in teahouses that Fulong Trading Company is planning to contract all of the ships from Zijing Mansion’s river docks to earn transport silver.

This isn’t something a regular business house can accomplish; someone powerful must be backing them, only then might they have hope of getting involved in official business.

Just because of Fulong Trading Company’s high-profile practices in the last half-year, some within the business house even speculated that Qiu Yan had hired an assassin to kill Jinglin Trading House’s boss, Guo Lin, and is now planning to take his place.

When Song Yu found out about this, Qin Yao was just about to drink a cup of cold tea and almost spat it out.

Of course, being a professional, she didn’t actually spray the tea out.

However, as she was so close, Song Yu still sensed something and asked with concern, "Madam, are you okay?"

Qin Yao waved her hand, finished the cold tea in her cup, and spoke a fair word for Qiu Yan.

She said, "Guo Lin could not possibly have been killed by Qiu Yan."

The few people deep in discussion immediately turned to look at Qin Yao, not convinced, and asked, "Why are you so sure?"

Qin Yao thought to herself, if she killed someone herself, how could she not know?

With a calm expression, she said, "These two are not connected at all, their business scopes are different, Mr. Qiu has no reason to do so."

Regardless, she clarified, whether they believe it or not is none of her concern.

"Let’s go." Qin Yao indicated to Song Yu to grab the Lady’s Box; it was about time to head to Dengyun Building for the meeting.

Qiu Yan and Jiang Wen had arrived first. When the parties met, they were all old acquaintances. Qin Yao introduced Song Yu, and the four of them were seated one by one.

The dishes came quickly, and after a few bites, they started talking about business.

Regarding the settlement of the final payment, Jiang Wen proactively handed over the silver without Qin Yao having to bring it up.

Last time’s order was for five thousand book boxes, with a deposit of one thousand already paid, so there was still a balance of one thousand remaining.

Sung notes were used. Song Yu took them to verify, nodded toward Qin Yao after confirming they were correct.

Qiu Yan said, "This time, we’ll need another five thousand, to be delivered by mid-December."

Qin Yao frowned slightly, the demand was noticeably less, indicating that the Divine Power Book Box’s boom period had passed.

If it continued like this, they feared that even adding up the whole year next year, they might not reach an output of ten thousand.

Thinking of this, Qin Yao signaled Song Yu to take out the new product to show to the two. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Qiu Yan and Jiang Wen had noticed the box covered with gray cloth as soon as they walked in, but since Qin Yao didn’t mention it, they refrained from asking.

Now, watching Song Yu pull off the cloth, revealing the exquisite portable box inside, its surface engraved with embossed peach blossoms, genuinely catching their eye.

Qiu Yan looked at Qin Yao with keen interest, "What is this?"

"Lady’s Box." Qin Yao nodded. Song Yu understood, stood up and moved the table’s bowls and dishes aside, clearing a space to give Qiu Yan and Jiang Wen a full view and explanation of the Lady’s Box’s usage and design concept.

The phrase "exclusive for noble ladies" made Jiang Wen’s eyes light up with interest.

Especially the small copper mirror embedded inside the box, particularly inventive.

Naturally, noble ladies have their own dressing cases, also equipped with copper mirrors for daily makeup.

However, that copper mirror cannot be carried around at all times and is not as endearing as this small one.

All in all, even Jiang Wen, a big man, thought if he buys back one for his wife and daughter, they would definitely love it.

Qin Yao was savoring the nine-hour broth specially brewed by the chef of Dengyun Building while saying:

"This time, I am preparing a mid-to-high-end route targeting the households of officials and merchants. They have the strongest purchasing power and have the means to use a Lady’s Box."

"If Mr. Qiu and the Shopkeeper find it satisfying, we might cooperate again. We provide the product, and you handle packaging and sales."

Qiu Yan frowned slightly upon hearing a new term, "Packaging?"

"Yes." Qin Yao smiled saying, "If I say this is just a box to store things, it cannot compete with other large wooden boxes, and no one would buy it.

"However, if I say this is an exclusive portable box designed for noble ladies and a symbol of their identity, status, wealth, and power, then it’s no longer a superfluous wooden box but a noble lady’s exclusive Lady’s Box."

This straightforward explanation made sense, and Qiu Yan nodded, understanding her point—exaggerate, boast as much as possible!

Jiang Wen tentatively asked, "And how many of these Lady’s Boxes can the factory produce per year?"

"Well..." Qin Yao thought seriously, but her tone was quite nonchalant, "Let’s set a limit of two thousand for now; they’re pure hand-made, limited editions meticulously crafted by workers."

Jiang Wen couldn’t hold back his smile.

Qiu Yan too, somewhat helplessly reminded Qin Yao, "Skilled craftsmen abound, even if the supply is short at first, we can’t prevent knock-offs from appearing no matter how capable we are."

"Furthermore, noble ladies might not necessarily buy our stuff!"

Song Yu was startled by his words, yes, almost forgot about this snag.

How to prevent copycats?

Actually, that’s not the point; the point is how to make their Lady’s Box the one and only.

Song Yu feared even Qin Yao hadn’t thought of this point because, on their way here, Qin Yao never mentioned how to launch the box.

Nervous?

For her, it does not exist.

Three pairs of eyes turned to Qin Yao, who was still calmly sipping her soup, speaking leisurely:

"We can empower the product. To make the Lady’s Box from Fulong Trading Company truly one-of-a-kind, it’s simple, just see who uses it, and only use ours."

With these words, Qin Yao raised her eyebrows at Qiu Yan and Jiang Wen, her implication was as good as explicit; they should know who she was talking about.

"Moreover..." Qin Yao picked up the Lady’s Box on the table, as if suddenly remembering, she added:

"Since we’re taking a mid-to-high-end route, the materials of the box should be upgraded at least two levels. The box should use top-grade wood, the lining separated by silk, Huayong Road’s mechanism buckles made of jade, and the handle wrapped with ribbons."

"Moreover, we need to make anti-counterfeiting marks to ensure its distinction from other knock-offs."

"Alright, that’s all I’ve thought of for now. The dishes are getting cold; aren’t you gonna eat more?" Qin Yao earnestly asked.

Song Yu, Qiu Yan, and Jiang Wen glanced at her numbly, who can still eat after being stirred so passionately!

Qin Yao, "Then I’ll finish it all."

The three remained immersed in the novel marketing concept, not minding her whether she ate it all or not.