In business, everyone hopes for a steady stream rather than a one-off deal. Chao Renzong's intention for long-term cooperation was precisely what Hidden Stream desired. Changtian adjusted the types of goods for the transaction on the list, and thus the first deal was set. Although Chao Renzong was wealthy, gathering the ransom required for the trade took considerable effort, so the first person to be released was indeed Elder Quan, nine months after Changtian left Central Capital.
The timing of this release was very appropriate. For large chambers of commerce, time is an extremely important cost. The position of the chief elder is so crucial that if Elder Quan's release were delayed any longer, Heavenly Residence might have appointed someone new, and Chao Renzong wouldn't have given in so easily.
