dawnsdarkside:
Though such formal occasions had become scarce after he had reformed most of his father’s business, it hadn’t exactly been long enough for Diluc to miss them. Still, he hadn’t failed to psych himself up for the occasion, making a list of other commercial ventures he might as well take care of while he was in Liyue Harbor in person. It was a necessary meeting at any rate, seeing as reports had begun pouring in denouncing Liyue merchants who actively bought his wines to re-sell them labeled as local specialties. Regulations had to be established, and Diluc was lucky the neighboring nation had a trading guild specializing in such matters.
Thus he had presented himself to his hosts carrying a fair share of optimism, only to run out of it by the time they were seated. Oh, the man in charge was not incompetent by any means - he clearly knew what he was talking about as far as his own enterprise was concerned. He just lacked a certain… tact, in handling guests, that even Diluc, for all his bluntness and fervor, found more than flagrant. No doubt the wine he was served was all the rage in Liyue currently, but to the young master, it left as sourly bitter a taste in his mouth as a casual compliment to Favonius clearly intended to satisfy him.
It’s a relief to watch the fellow tradesman take leave, and even more so to hear the younger brother speak up, however surprising. Diluc raises a brow at him, rather impressed though all too aware it wouldn’t be appropriate to say so. “Not one to mince your words, are you ?” Now freed from his new business partner’s surveilling gaze, he eagerly pours himself a glass of water and takes a welcome sip. Finally, proper refreshment.
“More than I can say for this lot,” he admits, referring not only to the few dedicated to hosting him tonight, but most of the marketeers he’s had dealings with in Liyue. Though not generally dishonest enough to make him nervous, scouring the harbor to secure fair agreements has been like navigating a minefield compared to doing trades in Mondstadt.
Not that he means to burden his younger host with personal affairs, he decides, sitting back into his chair after having some of a drink he actually likes. Unlike his older sibling, Diluc has done his homework and has heard everything there is to be heard about young Master Xingqiu. Although it seems, even then, the rumors sold him short, painting him only as an apprentice to the family business. “I take it you’re the one who brokered this deal, hm ?” Another curious look. “Why let your brother take the credit ?”
The atmosphere in the room quickly shifted from discomfort to ease. Xingqiu smiling easily as his curtness was remarked on as Master Diluc seemed to hold no distain for it. “I’ve heard you’re more favorable to directness and after what we’ve just had to sit through, I don’t know if I could speak any differently.” He admitted.
There was no surprise when he was found out. Whether that be due to Diluc’s sharp perception or his brother’s obvious shortcomings, it had only been a matter of time before it was discovered. “Dishonesty is the frequent victim to appearance. It would not look very favorable to the Feiyun Commerce Guild’s heir should it be known that deals as important as these were not made by him but his younger brother.” He knew better to speak so ill of his brother but being subjected to his ignorance brought out a familial resentment that he thought he had outgrown. The whole ordeal was of little concern to his brother had he not emphasized the benefits of being formally contracted with Monstadt’s unofficial head of industry. In Xinqiu’s opinion the matter was more to do with what was right rather than profitable. But this was where he and his brother had trouble seeing eye to eye.
“I hope that should you be in need of anything during your stay, you won’t hesitate to ask. I know the merchants of Liyue to be particular in their ways, even the most honest ones. Your reputation is remarkably virtuous and to be of service would be my pleasure . . . Especially since it would give me an excuse to leave my family’s vigilant eye.”
