Fair Trade Chapter Twenty Seven - Tipping the Balance

Xueye felt an odd sense of relief being able to work again. It was rather nice having Xinhua’s help, despite his efforts to convince her she didn’t need to had fallen through. The company was just as much her place as it was his after all. 

He was delighted that he had tasks to focus on. He didn’t have time to focus on any wandering thoughts even with the potential of seeing Jinse soon enough for the delivery. It was supposed to just be a business visit anyways. It was always easy for him to set aside personal matters when it came to business. 

He couldn’t linger too much with all that’s piled up and a new batch of contracts to review given the recent change in law. He wished he could have been around to intervene in drafting but some were still in the process or have yet to be signed by both parties. He was sure to have them sent to his office before he got to work on personally processing everything for the new shipment.

Xueye and Xinhua were both fortunate that Lord Meigui seemed far too busy dealing with meetings over the recent changes and a few of their business partners were already trying to take advantage of the opportunity to renegotiate their contracts. Xinhua especially didn’t want to deal with their father, given they almost always argued terribly in the few times they met in the past handful of years.

After a few arrangements, the siblings slipped away to Xueye’s new warehouse with a few hands to help with the delivery to the Fox’s Den. It was nice to see the place already filled. He normally didn’t personally look into the stock unless it was a surprise shipment but this investment was important and he wanted to double check the numbers that the caravan had started working on yesterday without him. He was quite grateful over the head start.

As the small team started double checking everything Xueye realized why they had stopped part way through. A lot of the herbs were a little difficult to discern, even with the help of the book Xueye was lent and not all of the items from the herb shipment were clearly labeled. 

“I might have to recruit Dr. Jingji to help identify the ones we are uncertain about,” Xueye sighed in frustration. “Especially the ones that look way too similar.”

“Sorry it became a little disorganized,” Hailing huffed with his arms crossed. “Dividing it up at the palace became a little hectic.”

“It’s alright, you guys did more than I expected yesterday. I appreciate it!” Xueye beamed. “Everything here is so neat.”

“You mentioned some of the herbs might be poisonous so we thought it best to separate everything out as best we could.” Hailing mentioned.

“The last thing the company needs is an incident after all.” Xinhua nodded.

“Father would love to throw it in my face as he finally throws me out for good,” Xueye sighed.

“We can’t have that,” Hailing smiled comfortingly.

“Young Master, everything is loaded up!” Qiang called to them cheerfully from the doorway. 

“Wonderful, thank you!” Xueye smiled over at him. “Well, since we are at a standstill until I can get the doctor here, we may as well go.”

“Sure you aren’t just eager to see Jinse?” Xinhua elbowed him with a teasing smirk. 

“It’s just business, jiejie!” Xueye glanced away trying to remain calm. He knew he needed to maintain that mindset or else the nerves he had would be entirely overwhelming. The mask of a businessman was the easiest to hide behind after all.

“Just keep telling yourself that when you are the only one he’s demanded to be there for a delivery.” Xinhua implied. “I assure you he didn’t when I was in your place.”

“Is that true?” Xueye blinked, glancing at Hailing for confirmation.

“He didn’t care before,” Hailing shrugged.

“You also had every right to refuse as it isn’t technically your job,” Xinhua snickered.

“I know that!” Xueye chimed in quickly but he had no excuse. Initially he accepted Jinse’s outrageous term as an excuse to visit him even when they were busy. In a way it was exactly as Xinhua was implying, he just didn’t want to admit it aloud. “It’s a nice break from office work, you know?”

“Uh huh,” Xinhua voiced flatly in disbelief. She gently pushed him towards the cart. “Let’s get going. Wouldn’t want to keep him waiting, hm?”

“He doesn’t even know yet,” Xueye giggled, letting her push him until they got closer to the cart. 

The Fox’s Den was lively as usual, even during the day. It was always a popular venue so Xueye was quite used to seeing it rather busy but there were more than he was used to seeing crowding the game floor the moment he stepped inside. 

There was a crowd around a particular table, everyone murmuring excitedly. Though Xueye couldn’t see Jinse, he expected him to be in the center of it all. After all, only Jinse could really command such attention in that place. Xueye just shook his head and smiled over at Hu Ning who waved him over to the bar.

“Let me guess, someone challenged him directly?” Xueye asked as he approached.

“Foolish as it always is, yes,” Hu Ning shook her head. “What brings you hear again so soon?”

“The shipment arrived yesterday, so I’m here to deliver,” Xueye beamed. “Do you want everything unloaded to the usual place?”

“That would be ideal,” she nodded. “Go on ahead and I’ll let him know you are here.”

“Let him finish,” Xueye requested. “He’ll drop the whole spectacle the moment he knows I’m here. I’ll stick around even if we finish up.”

“Thank you, Young Master,” Hu Ning smiled, at how easily Xueye understood Jinse. 

Xueye returned to the cart and relayed the information on where to unload. Before Xueye could even move to help however, Xinhua put a hand on his shoulder and steered him back towards the game floor.

“You go wait,” Xinhua commanded. “Let us handle this.”

“Xinhua,” Xueye whined.

“No, you go to the bar and wait!” She said a little more commandingly. “Let’s be real, it won’t take long for him to wrap up even if he doesn’t know you are here yet. You’ve been working all day, you need a break.”

“Fine,” Xueye pouted, knowing there was no point in arguing with her. If he did she’d likely find a way to draw Jinse’s attention to them. 

“Oh, Lady Meigui,” Hu Ning approached and was surprised to see Xinhua there. “I wasn’t aware you returned.”

“Just yesterday,” Xinhua beamed. 

“When you get a moment could we chat, just the two of us, before you leave?” Hu Ning asked. She often communicated Jinse’s plan and intentions as his unspoken second in command. The two women have discussed quite often about the plan to protect Xueye whenever Jinse was busy. Having Shizhe in on it now, she thought it best to bring Xinhua up to speed on that matter.

“Absolutely, give me just a moment,” Xinhua was about to inform Hailing but he was already right there waving for her to go ahead. “You sure?”

“You are just as bad as the Young Master,” Hailing sighed. “Both of you can just relax and leave this to us.”

“Right,” Xinhua giggled. She gave a look to Xueye who just rolled his eyes and also waved for her to go. 

Xueye sat down at the bar and watched the two women disappear down the hall.

“Young Master Meigui Xueye?” An unfamiliar voice caught his attention before he could truly settle. 

“Yes?” Xueye tilted his head curiously. The woman who spoke was very formally dressed in beep blue robes accented with silver. She was accompanied by a pair of men that towered over Xueye, wearing similar colors but much less elegance. 

“My name is Qiu Bai,” She bowed briefly. “I'm here to apologize on behalf of my employer. His previous attempt to get in contact with you was not meant to be under such violent pretenses.”

“Oh?” Xueye suddenly felt incredibly nervous. “Just who is your employer?”

“I cannot say here but he does wish to discuss business with you,” Qiu Bai mentioned. “It is not his intent to harm you. Those he hired previously to escort you very much misunderstood his intentions.”

“I see,” Xueye sighed. He really didn’t want to go, but it felt like he had no choice. If he could clear things up then he would be less of a burden on those trying to protect him. He was just nervous. He didn’t want to go at it alone but it felt like everyone was preoccupied at the moment. He realized that was just why they chose this moment to approach him and it made him all the more terrified to leave with them alone, “Just a moment.”

“I’m afraid it’s quite urgent,” Qiu Bai urged firmly.

“And I’m here on business at the moment!” Xueye raised his voice for a moment, hoping he’d catch the attention of at least someone he knew or an employee near enough to inform Hu Ning or Jinse. “I can’t just leave without informing anyone.”

“Right, of course, my apologies,” Qiu Bai bowed her head. Though she hid it well, Xueye could tell this was rather vexing for her.

“Is there a problem?” Jinse had heard Xueye’s nervous outburst and immediately stood up, the crowd parting for him and despite his opponent’s protests falling on deaf ears. He was approaching them with a tense expression fixed on Qiu Bai.

“Not at all, Master Jinse,” Qiu Bai bowed deeply. “We were-.”

“I wasn’t asking you!” Jinse practically growled. He knew who she worked for. He wasn’t about to let her walk out of there with Xueye, at least not without him accompanying them. He glanced at Xueye and his harsh expression softened to worry.

“It’s alright, Jinse,” Xueye smiled reassuringly at Jinse. “They wanted to discuss business, so I’m afraid I’ll have to delay our usual talks until I get back. Could I trouble you to let Xinhua know? She’s speaking with Hu Ning right now.”

“You aren’t getting away from me that easily,” Jinse smirked. He realized this was the moment he had been waiting for since he had managed to share Shizhe’s vision. He waved over the closest employee and whispered to them, quiet enough no one else would hear, “Tell Hu Ning I’ll be out taking care of the Young Master and our current problem.”

“Yes, Master Jinse,” The young man quickly vanished into the back halls.

“I’ll be accompanying you.” Jinse stated as he turned his attention back to them.

“That won’t be necessary,” Qiu Bai was visibly tense. “This is a private matter.”

“I’m afraid I have to insist,” Jinse flashed a smile with a threat in his eyes. “The Young Master won’t be leaving my establishment without me, today.”

“Right,” Xueye couldn’t help but let out a faint sigh of relief. Though he was worried that something might happen to Jinse as a result, he always felt more at ease in his company. “How could I forget?” He turned to Qiu Bai with a smile, content to play along, “I’m afraid I’ll also have to insist that if I am to meet with your master that he must be with me.”

“Very well,” Qiu Bai said reluctantly. “If you would both come with me.” She turned and waved for them to follow. The two men with her fell in step behind Xueye and Jinse as they left the building. 

Jinse walked incredibly close to Xueye, his hand brushing against the young man’s carefully so as to not startle him. While Xueye rarely was so willing to initate in public, he very quickly turned his palm around to grab at Jinse’s offered hand. Jinse felt the faint tremble in those slender fingers. He was going to have a hard time keeping himself from killing Jianhong outright the moment he laid eyes on him.

They were led down by the docks to some small unassuming restaurant that had yet to open yet was quite filled with many imposing individuals, standing behind an older man simply sitting and enjoying a cup of tea.

“Young Master Meigui, please come join me for tea,” the man gestured across from him.

“Don’t drink it,” Jinse whispered to Xueye.

“Mn,” Xueye wasn’t planning on it. He didn’t trust this situation one bit. If the place were open he’d consider it. He took a breath as he sat down, steeling himself for whatever nonsense of a deal was about to come his way.

“Master Jinse, I don’t believe you were invited to this meeting,” the man narrowed his eyes at the fox. It didn’t even make Jinse flinch. 

“About that,” Xueye intervened before Jinse could make some grumpy comment about not leaving. “For the time being, he will be involved in certain business matters of mine. He’s just shadowing me for now but I hope to borrow his assistance in the future for the company.”

“Quite the change in profession,” the older man looked a bit suspicious. “This is the first I’m hearing of it.”

“We have discussed it on occasion behind closed doors,” Xueye continued. “We were intending on finalizing details when I was so rudely interrupted.”

Jinse didn’t let it show but he was shocked by how smoothly Xueye came up with such a lie. Seeing such confidence when he knew Xueye was terrified before was admirable. Jinse was more than willing to play along with it but he thought for the time being it would be best to not interject unless Xueye needed him. He was just there to protect Xueye but he would always support him without fail. After all, Jinse was no stranger to tricks and lies.

“Young Master, are you aware of who I am?” The man asked, his intimidating gaze shifting back to Xueye.

“I can’t say I do. Please enlighten me.” Xueye said with a smile, doing his best to hide his nerves.

“My name is Jianhong, your father and I have done business in the past. Your company owes me a great deal.”

“So it’s to you my father, put us in debt,” Xueye sighed. “I wish to apologize on the company’s behalf for the untimely manner in which he’s been treating your repayment as of late. I’m surprised it’s me you wish to see over the matter.”

“You are the one who will inherit the company. I think it best to bring you in on the terms of our agreement. Besides, with a recent law put in place it’s best to put it in writing after all.” Jianhong waved a hand and Qiu Bai brought a scroll to the table.

That bastard put us in debt without putting it in writing first?! Xueye was outraged at the notion but again didn’t let his smile slip. He had made a mental note to thank Yuliang for pushing such a law to remedy these half hearted business practices his father favored. 

“Please have a look,” Jianhong gestured to the scroll. “This details my current arrangement with your father as well as the amount of debt that remains following the interest.”

Xueye practically paled at the amount, Just what did he borrow this much for? Certainly this was a debt that was going to be haunting the company for years beyond even Xueye’s ownership if they were to pay it back in a manner that wasn’t going to put them out of business. He figured even if he somehow pinned it as a personal loan to his father that he’d likely still inherit it after his passing. For once he wished he could interrogate his father over this matter.

“Do you have proof of this initial deal?” Xueye asked. “I know my father often does verbal exchanges but this much money without so much as a scrap of written agreement or invoices seems a bit of a stretch, even for him. I assume you came to me because you no longer wish to deal with him. Is that correct?”

“Yes, that is correct, he’s quite exasperating to do prolonged business with.” Jianhong sighed.

“You aren’t the only one,” Xueye chuckled, thinking of Shujing. “Recently his true nature has been creeping to the surface more. Still, my point stands, I will need time to ask him details of this deal if you wish for me to sign this.” Xueye felt he couldn’t trust either of them. He felt there was something he was missing. He wanted to read every detail of this contract before he even considered signing it.

“You aren’t leaving until this is signed,” Jianhong stated firmly. Some of his men in turn stood between them and the door.

Jinse had half a mind to kill them all. His hand twitched with desire to sink into the flesh of these insolent fools that dared cause trouble for Xueye. He hesitated to do so, worried to scare Xueye.

“Then produce the proof I need or bring him here the way you deigned to bring me here,” Xueye stated firmly.

“Qiu Bai,” Jianhong sighed in exasperation, motioning her over. “Bring whatever records we have on this deal.”

“Yes, sir,” she bowed and stepped away.

“You are quite unlike your father in business practices,” Jianhong stated. “Nor are you the soft hearted Young Master I’ve heard of.”

“This isn’t a simple matter,” Xueye closed his eyes. “If you think I’m willing to simply sign a contract that affects the future of my family’s legacy without verifying every detail, you have certainly misjudged me.”

“Indeed, if you’d prefer, I’m willing to pardon such a debt in exchange for a favor in the future.” Jianhong offered. “It would save us all time.”

“No!” Jinse snapped instantly. “We refuse!” He realized that was really what Jianhong was after. He wasn’t going to let Xueye be subject to whatever nefarious plan Jianhong had in mind.

“Jinse?” Xueye blinked up at him, stunned by his outburst.

“How about this instead?” Jinse crossed his arms, trying to reign in his bloodlust again. “If the remaining sum were to be paid by sundown, would you leave him and the company alone?”

“Jinse?!” Xueye panicked at the implication. Granted being indebted to Jinse would be far more preferable, he didn’t want Jinse to have to pay out so much to clear this. “You're not the one that owes him. Let me handle this.”

“The Fox’s Den makes plenty. If our own deal over my stake in the company is anything to say, you also have access to such funds,” Jinse stated, he’d only ever made the money in the interest of changing Xueye’s luck. In Jinse’s eyes it was all for Xueye to use in a pinch. While it was initially a lie Xueye made up, it was also a perfect excuse to not only make that money readily available but also to spend more time with Xueye. He had every interest in turning this idea into a legitimate deal. “I know we’ve yet to put our terms into writing but it’s a fair trade, no?” Jinse smirked down at Xueye with delight. “I intend to make good on this deal.”

“This is still a bit much,” Xueye’s brows knitted. “I’m not sure I feel comfortable with your terms, Jinse.”

“It’s non-negotiable,” Jinse stated firmly. He looked at Jianhong again, “Well? Will full repayment clear the need for this waste of our time?”

Jianhong looked oddly furious over Jinse’s request which was such a delight to the fox. Jinse had backed him into a corner. There was no reason for him to not take the money without showing his true intentions. 

“What do you say? Do we have a deal?” Jinse held his hand out to Jianhong to shake on it, hoping to drain the man of every ounce of good fortune he had. Even if he couldn’t rip out Jianhong’s throat like he wanted, with no good fortune Jianhong would be dead before sundown by some unfortunate accident.

“Very well,” Jianhong stood and took Jinse’s hand. “I’ll send Qiu Bai to collect come sundown. If you do not pay then we will resume negotiations tomorrow.”

“Wonderful!” Jinse beamed as he quickly drew every last drop of good fortune in an instant. “In that case we are leaving.”

“Go on then,” Jianhong waved his hand to shoo him off.

“Come on then, we have much to talk about,” Jinse held his hand out to Xueye, who was looking a little irritated at him.

“Indeed we do,” Xueye grumbled but still took his hand.

Jinse didn’t let go, rushing them out the door. Xueye went along for a while before he planted his feet and stopped Jinse in an empty back street. Jinse stopped and looked down at the young man confused.

“Xueye, shouldn’t we get back before-?” Jinse was interrupted quickly.

“What were you thinking offering something like that?!” Xueye scowled at him. “I was handling it. It’s a family problem, you don’t have to pay them!”

“I’m going to anyway,” Jinse quickly replied. “You can’t make a deal with that man!”

“Why not? I was doing just fine negotiating!” Xueye grumbled.

“If you get trapped into owing him a favor he could make you do something unspeakable.” Jinse explained quickly. “I refuse to let you. Likely that contract was also lined with such a stipulation.”

“I wasn’t going to sign it without reading every bit of it to find out what,” Xueye scowled. “I’m not an idiot. I could tell he was shady. Especially considering who he sent for me before today…”

“I know you aren’t,” Jinse looked hurt. The last thing he wanted to do was cause Xueye to think he thought so little of him. “I don’t doubt you could have navigated your way through such a tricky contract. I know how brilliant you are. I’m sorry I overstepped. I just can’t stand the thought of anything bad happening to you. Being under that man’s thumb, would have caused you such grief and regret.”

“I know you are just looking out for me,” Xueye sighed, trying to cool down. The vague sense of fight or flight finally dying down. “I’m sorry for getting all bent out of shape. You know how I feel about being indebted to anyone.”

“I won’t say that you don’t owe me because you’d just yell at me again, but better me than him right?” Jinse flashed a hopeful smile.

“Yes, well, I suppose that depends on our negotiations, huh?” Xueye couldn’t help but return the smile. He did, in fact, feel a lot more comfortable doing business with Jinse. “We shouldn’t be hashing all this out here. Sorry I stopped us here. Let’s head back now. I’m sure Xinhua is worried sick.” 

Xueye started walking again but before he could get far Jinse snatched his wrist and stopped him from leaving the little secluded area they had found themselves in. 

“Jinse? Something wrong?” Xueye noticed his complicated expression. There was so much in those golden eyes. Xueye didn’t know what to do or say to coax those thoughts out of him. Xueye just waited patiently in the drawn out silence.

Jinse was growing frustrated at his inability to sort through his own emotions and thoughts at that moment. One thing was clear at least. He needed to be close to Xueye.

Jinse pulled Xueye against him and wrapped his arms tightly around the young man. He felt that storm of thoughts and emotions slowly mellow out. They were still there but it was less bothersome with Xueye in his arms.

“Jinse? Shouldn't we be heading back?” Xueye said this but made no attempt to pull away. He even melted into the embrace. It was something he desperately needed after such tension that made him feel like he was close to snapping. 

“Just a bit longer,” Jinse requested softly. Xueye never heard him sound so vulnerable.

“Do you want to tell me what's on your mind?” Xueye asked. He hoped it would help put his own chaotic thoughts at ease if he did.

“Just you,” Jinse breathed softly as he buried his nose in that soft white hair. 

“Jinse?!” Xueye whispered his name in quiet shock as he felt heat creeping in at those words. This didn't sound like his usual teasing but surely it was just his imagination over the loving sound laced in with the concern. Surely he was overthinking but it felt like Jinse was clinging to him, fearing Xueye would disappear.

“I'm here,” Xueye found himself mumbling as he wrapped his arms around the taller man. “I'm safe now.”

“I know…” Jinse clung to him tighter. “I just…” Jinse couldn't bring himself to continue. If he did he'd admit too much. 

“Tell me…” Xueye urged. “You're making me worry.”

“I can't right now…” Jinse whined softly. How desperately he wanted to but the words just wouldn't come out. 

“I'll wait then,” Xueye started gently rubbing his back. Xueye was desperate to know what was on his mind but he didn't want to push him too much if he was too vulnerable. He had to leave Jinse with a way out. “You can tell me anything, you know that right?”

Jinse felt like he was about to break apart if Xueye wasn't holding him together. How could he know just what to say to hit him in his most vulnerable spots? Jinse couldn’t help but wonder if he was really oblivious or if he knew.

“You know you mean everything to me, right?” Jinse couldn't stop himself from admitting at least that. He felt Xueye tense in his arms and panicked a little. He wanted to see his expression but also was too afraid to let go so he clung tighter. 

“You mean that?” Xueye asked softly, disbelief and uncertainty filling his voice. He sounded more vulnerable than Jinse at that moment. 

“I do,” Jinse voiced truthfully and Xueye relaxed again which in turn soothed Jinse’s nerves a little. “So please don’t hate me over something like this, okay? I couldn’t stand it.”

“I could never hate you, Jinse,” Xueye said sweetly and comfortingly. “I’m sorry if getting upset made you think that. I was still feeling overwhelmed by it all.”

“You have every right to be angry with me.” Jinse replied softly. “I made the decision for you.”

“I’m not angry, I promise. I believe that this could do us good.” Xueye drew back and smiled up at him. “So let’s go and sort out the details.”

“Alright,” Jinse couldn’t help but return the smile.

---

Fair Trade is going to skip an update. I've been still struggling with motivation lately. Sorry. Next chapter should be available on Patreon by the 4th and here on the 18th. There is also a new Patreon exclusive prequel about Yushi's rise to the throne that I started. It won't update it as regularly as the main story. If you can't spare the monthly $1 minimum you can pay a one time fee of $10 to buy access to the full collection.

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