CHAPTER 304: CHAPTER 304: [SOUTHERNERS]

Ethan’s invitations have increased again over the past few days.

The reason doesn’t take much thought—it’s just the climate of the Royal Capital.

All the warmth and coldness are in people’s hearts.

This time, he is far more careful in his selection than before.

Previously, he had no stance, and could attend anyone’s banquet without issue.

Now, however, he must exclude those inclined towards the Eldest Prince.

And among the remaining people, choose those who are safe enough to meet.

Apart from this portion of the Royal Capital’s nobility, some people are from outside the Royal Capital.

For instance, there is the southern farm owner Wes Costner, who has attended Ethan’s auctions twice and clearly wants some private interaction with Ethan.

This guy is considered unlucky; both auctions have had incidents.

First was the Wenster heavy rain incident, and this time it was Johnny Blackbird’s assassination of the Eldest Prince.

He spent a lot of money both times, but didn’t get much chance to talk with Ethan.

After the last auction, many people returned paintings fearing Ethan would be banned, but Wes Costner took everything on the list without any returns.

Upon hearing that Ethan had fled the Royal Capital, Wes Costner also temporarily left the Royal Capital.

He only returned from the South to the Royal Capital once the storm had partially settled.

"He wants to invite you to dinner tonight to discuss some matters."

Jackson’s voice on the phone had a slight hint of pleading.

"Of course, Jack, no problem."

Jackson was quite a good friend.

After Ethan’s incident, Jackson showed no intention of turning his back on him, continuing to help Ethan find connections and solutions. Even when Ethan said he’d temporarily leave the Royal Capital, Jackson only mentioned maintaining Ethan’s reputation in the capital.

So, after Ethan returned, they continued their collaboration.

"Thank you, Ethan. It’s really great to have you back."

Jackson seemed somewhat sentimental.

"Jack, I must remind you, this time I’m back, it’s not just about me."

As they collaborated well, Ethan felt some things needed to be clarified sooner.

If Jackson didn’t want to get involved in these matters, it would be better to withdraw early.

"I understand."

Having moved around the Royal Capital for so many years, Jackson certainly knew the depths of the waters here.

"Ethan, we’ve long been in the same boat. What do you think people think of me now?"

"Alright then."

Ethan said no more.

"See you tonight then."

"See you tonight."

In the evening, Jackson arranged for a southern-flavored restaurant located in the Port District.

The restaurant was on Dock Street, the busiest area of the Port District.

Its name is Robin.

The South is filled with farms and estates, and as gardeners and farmers’ favorite bird, robins are often cherished by them.

This restaurant focuses on southern style, with a decor full of pastoral charm.

Walking in, you feel as if you’ve stepped into a wheat field.

Under a scarecrow, Ethan met Wes Costner.

As a top farm owner with an enormous estate, Wes Costner was actually quite modest and plain.

He came to the meeting alone, wearing nothing overly refined, just a set of suspenders with a vest over it, as if he had just returned home from inspecting his farm.

"Ethan, finally we meet again."

Wes stood up to shake hands with Ethan.

As he guided Ethan to his seat, he said, "This place’s southern dishes are quite good and authentic. Ethan, what would you like to eat? I recommend the smoked pork, walnut pie, and smoked shrimp."

Ethan hadn’t tried southern cuisine and was somewhat interested. After ordering some recommended dishes, he casually chatted with Wes.

The conversation was naturally about Ethan’s artworks.

To Ethan’s surprise, Wes wasn’t just a simple rich guy; he had an understanding of art that was deeper than most.

"Actually, I studied at the Kingdom Art Academy when I was young. If it weren’t for the family business, I might have been an artist now."

"Then I should call you senior."

Ethan joked with him.

"I didn’t graduate, so it doesn’t count."

Wes laughed and shook his head, then sighed as if reminiscing.

"I really envy you, Ethan. You’re amazing, managing both your family business and art. You’re a true genius."

"A genius? I wouldn’t dare say that."

Hearing his words, Ethan knew the main point was coming.

Wes was quite different in approach, getting straight to the topic even before eating.

Unlike the royalty in the Royal Capital, who beat around the bush in conversation.

This was a habit of the Southerners?

"I want to collaborate with you, Ethan."

As expected, Wes got straight to the point.

"Collaborate on what?"

Ethan lifted a drink from the table, took a sip, and unexpectedly found it was wine.

Wine, but the taste was rather ordinary.

"I have several vineyards, but unfortunately, as you tasted, I don’t have a skilled winemaker."

Wes also lifted his glass and took a sip.

He was indeed direct.

Ethan said nothing.

Wes continued, "Your wine is excellent, and so is your distribution. But Wenster is in the Northern Lands, difficult to access, while my vineyards are in the South, both close to the Royal Capital and central regions, with convenient transport. My network covers these places, but I lack a good partner, someone who can make great wine and already has a renowned reputation."

He finished his piece, raising the wine glass in his hand.

Still a wine business.

It makes sense—as long as the prohibition remains, bootlegging remains the most profitable business in the world.

Farmers like Wes would find it hard not to crave a piece of the pie.

And Ethan, with immense advantages, his wine is already well-known in the bootlegging world.

You could see Northern Lands wine almost everywhere.

"If you say we finalize it now, it’s still too early, but yes, I’m quite interested."

Ethan clinked his glass with Wes’s.

Wes Costner was right—Wenster is too remote, with inconvenient transportation. Furthermore, Ethan doesn’t have a good foundation in the central areas, the Royal Capital, or the South.

If they combine, it would be mutually beneficial.

It’s worth discussing.

Granted, Wes’s appetite mustn’t be too big.

"Let’s eat first, try the good things from my hometown. I believe you’ll be satisfied."

Wes finished, and Ethan’s ordered dishes started steadily arriving.

As Wes said, the restaurant’s food was indeed very good and tasty.

But what pleased Ethan more was the taste of another offering Wes proposed.

That share would be enough for Ethan to go back and seriously start planning to set up a winery in the South.