Day by Day ((60))

[qualapec]

Sun Meixiu sat in front of Bustopher Jones, inclining her head slightly out of habit. "I assume you've heard the news about my father?"

[victoriousscarf]

He considered the queen in front of him, somewhat unimpressed and nodded. "Yes, I did. Did you want something?"

[qualapec]

She didn't like his dismissive tone, but kept her feelings well hidden. "I didn't come for sympathy, condolences, or money if that's what you're concerned about. I simply need to know if you plan to continue business with me given the change in management."

[victoriousscarf]

Jones arched a brow, taking a sip of the wine before him. "Continue business with a queen?" he asked. "What possible reason would I have for that?"

[qualapec]

"Because you like fine things, and my opium is still the finest in Felidae," Meixiu said evenly. "My supply is the same as my father's. I know his recipes --- never shared with my brothers or any other cat." There was a beat, and she added, "And I'm willing to give you a ten percent discount from my father's going rate."

[victoriousscarf]

That last bit actually did get Jones' attention. "Fifteen percent."

[qualapec]

Meixiu paused like she was weighing the options and preparing to argue, but internally she was relieved. She'd started low on purpose and hoped he wouldn't go higher than twenty. Bowing her head, as if accepting a more powerful force, she said, "Fifteen is more than acceptable, Mr. Jones."

[victoriousscarf]

He frowned for a moment and nodded. With the phrase "acceptable" he began to think maybe he might have pushed for more but... it was hardly like he could not afford it. "What else can you give me then?" he all but purred.

[qualapec]

She didn't like the sound of that purr. "Anything my father would give you, I would be willing to work out an arrangement for."

[victoriousscarf]

"But why only offer what he did when you are in the position to... offer so much more?"

[qualapec]

Meixiu thought of that fat sack of potatoes humping her and resisted the urge to vomit. "Ah, I believe I understand what you're saying. A twenty percent discount, then?"

[victoriousscarf]

A brow went up at that, and he swirled his glass around slightly. "I suppose that would be acceptable. But do keep in mind the fact that you might have other talents to offer, hm?"

[qualapec]

"I will keep it in mind for future reference." She'd been made aware of it every day since she reached puberty. "Would you like a sample?" So as to dissuade all doubt about what she was talking about, she reached into her bag and produced a pipe made of rosewood and bone. "To seal our arrangement."

[victoriousscarf]

He considered her and shook his head. "Not at work, sweetling. The night is still far too early for that business."

[qualapec]

She nodded and tucked the pipe back into her bag. "In that case, Mr. Jones, I'll take my leave. I look forward to a long business relationship." Perhaps a little too glad to leave, she rose and held her paw out to shake.