At this point, the shopkeeper brought over two steamers of xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).

Zhu Jing pushed all the steamed buns in front of Shen Man and Lan Xiang: "These are for you. Try them and see if they're good!"

As he spoke, his eyes remained fixed on the honey pot, unwilling to look away.

"I can't accept this..." Lanxiang didn't want to accept his gift.

"Consider it a thank you gift for letting me taste the nectar. Little girl, you should try it, I guarantee it's better than any buns you've ever had before!"

The aroma emanating from the steamed buns told Shen Man that they must taste delicious. She picked one up with her chopsticks and put it in her mouth.

"Eat slowly, don't choke," Lanxiang immediately reminded her when she saw this.

While eating the steamed bun, Shen Man mumbled, "These steamed buns are really delicious, Mother, you should try some too!"

Lanxiang couldn't refuse, so she had to take the bun Shen Man handed her and eat it in small bites.

Seeing that the mother and daughter were enjoying their meal, Zhu Jingxu couldn't resist picking up a piece and eating it herself.

After finishing a steamed bun, he said to Shen Man and her daughter, "Why don't you sell this jar of honey to me? I was in a hurry to leave today and forgot to bring any money. I'll take you to my house to get it later."

Shen Man and Lan Xiang exchanged a glance, their faces lighting up with joy. They hadn't expected to find a market for their honey so easily.

"This jar of honey is yours today," Shen Man readily agreed. "But since you've eaten our honey, you'll have to promote it for us. Of course, we can also collaborate."

"How do we cooperate?" Zhu Jing asked curiously.

Shen Man smiled and said, "From now on, you will be in charge of selling all the honey from our family's flowers. We will supply you with honey at a fixed price, and you can settle accounts with us based on how much you sell. How about that?"

Zhu Jing thought about it and felt that this would also be beneficial to him, so he nodded in agreement, "Okay, it's settled then! However, I'm not familiar with business matters, so I need to talk to my father about this first."

"No problem!" Shen Man readily agreed.

The three of them finished all the buns on the table, and Zhu Jing led Shen Man and Lan Xiang to the Zhu family home.

The Zhu family mansion was undoubtedly the most luxurious that Shen Man had seen since she transmigrated to this era.

The Zhu family residence is located in the heart of Qiufeng Town, surrounded by high walls and with its vermilion gates tightly shut. A pair of imposing stone lions guard the entrance, highlighting the owner's noble status.

Zhu Jing walked to the door and pushed it open forcefully. Immediately, a servant came over upon hearing the noise.

"Young Master, where have you run off to again? Who are they...?"

"Oh, they are my guests. They have a business deal to discuss with me. Is my father home?"

"Yes, sir, he's in the front hall," the servant said, stepping aside to let the three of them in.

Stepping through the gate, one enters a spacious courtyard paved with bluestone, neat and clean. The courtyard is surrounded by many flowers and plants, each vying for attention with its vibrant colors and releasing a fragrant aroma.

In the middle of the courtyard stands an artificial hill with a babbling stream flowing down its slopes. At its foot lies a small pond where several koi carp swim freely.

Passing through the courtyard, you enter a spacious hall with carved beams and painted rafters, and the walls are decorated with many calligraphy and paintings, giving it a very high-class feel.

In the center of the hall was a mahogany octagonal table, surrounded by several armchairs, with exquisite tea sets and fruits on the table.

Here, Shen Man also had the good fortune to meet Zhu Linyuan, the famous Zhu family man in Qiufeng Town.

Zhu Linyuan was in his forties, with fair skin and handsome features. He didn't look like a businessman, but rather like a scholar.

He was drinking tea alone in the hall when he saw his son return. From afar, he asked with a smile, "Jing'er, did you go to the market again? What good things did you buy?"

"Father, I ran into that little girl I told you about last time when I went out today. It's her!"

Zhu Jing hurriedly introduced Shen Man to his father.

Zhu Linyuan carefully examined the young girl in front of him, and a hint of surprise rose in his heart.

He secretly admired how beautiful the girl was; no wonder his son couldn't forget her and wanted to bring her home.

Thinking of this, Zhu Linyuan's lips curled up slightly, revealing a barely perceptible smile.

Lanxiang, standing to the side, seemed somewhat nervous and reserved. It was her first time in such a luxurious and opulent place, and everything around her made her feel both curious and uneasy.

She held Shen Man's hand tightly, trying to find some comfort and support from her.

Shen Man sensed Lanxiang's nervousness and gently patted the back of her hand to comfort her.

Then, imitating the mannerisms of ancient people she had seen on television, she respectfully curtsied to Zhu Linyuan and said in a clear voice, "Greetings, Master Zhu!"

Upon seeing this, Zhu Linyuan immediately burst into laughter: "No need to be so polite, you are both honored guests invited by my son, please have a seat!"

Shen Man pulled Lanxiang to sit down on a chair, gesturing for Lanxiang to place the honey pot on the coffee table, and then went straight to the point with Zhu Linyuan, saying, "Master Zhu, we have come here today to discuss a business deal with you."

"Oh, what kind of business is it?"

Zhu Linyuan was a merchant who frequently traveled between the border city and the capital to trade goods. This was the first time he had encountered such a small merchant, and he couldn't help but find it both funny and absurd.

However, out of politeness and professional habit, he maintained his smile and patiently waited for the other party to continue.

After all, no business is too small, and every customer has the potential to become a future partner.

Shen Man did not answer his question immediately, but opened the lid of the honey jar. "Before we talk business, please have Master Zhu try what we brought!"

"Dad, this is filled with honey. I've already tasted it, and it's very sweet!" Zhu Jing immediately interjected upon seeing this.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Linyuan immediately ordered his servants to prepare bowls and dishes, while he picked up the honey jar and examined it carefully.

The servants quickly brought him a spoon and a small bowl. He picked up the spoon, scooped a spoonful of honey into the bowl, and saw that the honey was bright in color, rich in texture, and had a strong floral aroma.

He scooped up a little with a spoon and put it in his mouth, tasting it carefully. Just as his son had said, it tasted incredibly sweet.

"This honey is indeed excellent. I've only ever seen this quality in the capital. I wonder where you get your honey from?" he asked curiously.

Shen Man glanced at Lan Xiang and replied with a smile, "This is honey produced by our own bees, absolutely pure and natural with no additives. We'd like to sell this nectar to Master Zhu, and ask you to help us with the sales. What do you think?"

Zhu Linyuan considered it for a moment and thought the deal was feasible, so he inquired about their inventory and prices.

Shen Man quoted a fair price, which Zhu Linyuan readily agreed to, and decided to order a batch to test the waters first.

After both parties agreed on a date for picking up the goods, Shen Man and Lan Xiang left the Zhu family in high spirits.

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