"I didn't expect us to meet again so soon."
The person who came to the office this time was no stranger. During her journey to Rhodes Island, Noah hadn't been idle; instead, she had actively built good relationships with the operators on the island. Among them were also some future partners she would need to collaborate with. The white-haired man before her, who exuded the aura of a CEO, was currently resting his chin on his hand, observing the young lady in the wheelchair, blind, with keen interest.
"As you can see, I am deeply honored to have Mr. SilverAsh, the chairman of Karlan Trade, here today."
Noah's etiquette was impeccable, her smile sweet, almost flawless. Even the discerning SilverAsh couldn't, for a moment, connect her with the sincere young lady on the island who enjoyed being close to others. It must be said that when Noah contacted him, he was indeed a bit surprised—in fact, although Karlan Trade seemed to be thriving, it had never received a single business cooperation request from any major country other than Columbia.
This invitation from Noah was not only because his sister, Cliffheart, was very close to Noah, but also because the cooperation proposal itself, put forward by Noah, who had now become the spokesperson for the Commercial Federation of the Great Knight Territory of Kazimierz, was extremely valuable.
However, correspondingly, SilverAsh was also curious why Karlan Trade was chosen. Kazimierz had a developed commercial sector, and Noah, as the spokesperson, should also understand Karlan Trade. In fact, given Karlan Trade's current situation, wouldn't Rhodes Island and Rhine Lab seem more suitable as partners?
"Is Mr. SilverAsh wondering why I chose Karlan Trade?" Noah didn't sound condescending. Although, indeed, from the current supply-demand relationship, she held a definite advantage—as long as she nodded, Karlan Trade had no reason to refuse such a large order—she also didn't feel that what she was doing was something to be grateful for.
After all, it was business, and the reason for choosing Karlan Trade was actually very simple—
"Actually, I've wanted to cooperate with Mr. SilverAsh for a long time. When I was talking with the Doctor, she once recommended to me—if I were to worry about money upon returning to Kazimierz, I might as well 'utilize' Mr. SilverAsh's Karlan Trade." Noah stated her reason directly. "I trust Ms. Doctor's judgment, so I chose you. That's all."
"Utilize?" SilverAsh wasn't angered by her frankness. "It seems Ms. Noah is confident that she can manage Karlan Trade, isn't she?"
"Not at all. In fact, I believe Karlan Trade itself is an excellent partner." Noah shook her head. "I have no intention of interfering with Karlan Trade, nor do I mean to threaten Mr. SilverAsh. It's just…would Mr. SilverAsh refuse a win-win situation?"
"Indeed, I have no reason to refuse." SilverAsh raised his eyes and said to Noah, "Both logically and emotionally, I haven't found any traps in the contract, and the terms are even very generous. That's why I'm very curious: what exactly are you after? The price you're offering…doesn't seem like you're trying to drive it down."
"That's a difference in perception then." Noah shook her head. "I, on the other hand, feel like I'm getting a great deal."
"Oh?"
"Meltwater from Sherag's snow mountains, medicinal herbs, unmeltable Stone source art ice, the fur of snow mountain pack beasts—these things might seem common to you, but in Kazimierz, they are things that money can't buy. Take the snow mountain meltwater, clean enough to drink directly, as an example. In Kazimierz, it must undergo multiple filtrations, re-extracted from domestic water, and the processing cost is not cheap at all—some things you take for granted are high-value items in Kazimierz, where resources are not abundant."
The essence of trade is precisely this: acquiring commonly found items at a low price in one place, then selling them at a high price in a place where they are highly valued, earning the difference.
For Kazimierz, everything from Sherag, everything from that pure land almost untouched by Stone source art and natural disasters, was actually quite precious. That's why Noah was interested in Karlan Trade.
And it wasn't just a contract for materials; there was also a plan to invest in developing resorts in Sherag. Unfortunately, SilverAsh did not agree to this opportunity. Considering that this matter would require the consent of the villagers within Sherag, Noah didn't say much more.
However, the atmosphere of the business negotiation pretty much ended there—to be honest, Noah really didn't like maintaining such a serious demeanor with acquaintances, so after both parties reached a consensus, Noah's attitude visibly softened.
"…How has Ms. Cliffheart been doing recently?"
Noah asked somewhat awkwardly, "When I could still walk, I promised Ms. Cliffheart that I'd go climbing with her after I recovered…I'm very sorry, but that's probably not possible now."
"It's nothing, she knows your situation." SilverAsh shook his head. Indeed, Noah's situation was special; her eyes and legs were disabled due to complications from Oripathy. When she first arrived at Rhodes Island, she could still see some things and walk, but as the disease progressed, by the time he saw her in Rhodes Island's ICU, she had completely changed. Her eyes had lost their luster, and she was completely unable to walk.
Although her life was saved, the price she paid was too tragic for a young woman.
Cliffheart was quite sad at the time, running to Noah's bedside every day to offer comfort. However, Noah herself had already been mentally prepared. Before the surgery and medication, the doctors had fully informed her that such situations might occur, and she had even turned around to comfort Cliffheart.
"I think so too, but I'm still a bit sorry." Noah said apologetically, "When I have some free time, I'll go see her, or she can come see me."
"Hmm, I'll let her know." SilverAsh nodded. "Although as a partner, I must ensure our interests are not harmed, as a friend, I admire your ability and determination. Happy to cooperate."
"Hmm, happy to cooperate."
After the business negotiation, Noah had originally wanted to invite SilverAsh to stay for dinner, but this time she was refused. However, he did chat with Kuro for a while before leaving.
While on Rhodes Island, Kuro and SilverAsh seemed to have a good relationship, and he had even hinted at the possibility of borrowing or hiring Kuro. However, Noah truly couldn't do without Kuro's care, so she had no choice but to firmly refuse.
Noah checked the time—today's business meetings were almost over, but according to Manner, there was supposed to be a new employee starting today…