PFC Chapter 450 The Essence of a Merchant
Chapter 450 The Essence of a Merchant
Old Emperor's words silenced everyone.
All the facts tell them that old Aude was right.
It's even worse than we imagined.
"We can withdraw."
“But compensation is required,” said the head of the hound family.
Even if they leave Pinocchio, they are still the heads of the family.
"Haven't you understood yet? The company is planning to go down in flames." Old Aodi said with exasperation.
“The dream has become reality; here, death is commonplace.”
"If you want to get out of Asdna alive, you'd better not think about anything."
Although Old Man Auermann offered words of advice, his business plans never stopped.
Anyway, we've lost ownership of Pinocchio, but we still need to fight for our interests.
The company did say there would be reasonable compensation, but that was something he negotiated with the company; what does it have to do with these family heads?
Moreover, Pinocchio is going out of business, so they are now competitors.
When interests are at stake, how can there be friendship?
"But where will we put our pride?" the head of the hound family continued to ask.
“This…” Old Emperor pondered.
“Therefore, I will use my private property to provide you with certain compensation.”
"It's a respectable thing for you and for the company, it's just that I have to make a small sacrifice," Old Ao Di said without batting an eye.
He had roughly discussed the specific amount of compensation from the company with Jade. Although it was not as valuable as Pinocchio, it was still a huge sum of money.
He could eat his fill of this huge sum of money by himself, but it wouldn't be enough if he shared it with four people.
Therefore, he was willing to make a small sacrifice to keep these family heads in check.
"Okay... alright then."
"Old Aodi, we'll trust you one more time."
Everyone readily agreed.
"Then it's decided." Old Emperor finally revealed a triumphant smile.
"I'll discuss the next steps with the company."
"Does everyone have any objections?"
The other three family heads shook their heads in succession, indicating that there was no problem.
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Huichangshi, conference room.
"Gentlemen, we can continue discussing the details."
Old Aude returned to the conference room.
"It seems that Mr. Audi is a smart man."
"The agreement is ready."
With a light tap of her jade fingertips on the table, a holographic agreement silently floated between the two of them, the golden text of the terms flowing like water.
“Mr. Aude.” Her voice was steady, yet carried an undeniable weight.
"Now that a consensus has been reached, let's talk about how to make this handover...more ceremonial."
Old Aude stroked the gilded rim of the teacup, his gaze never leaving the harsh terms.
Although he had agreed to hand over Pinocchio, after all these years in the world, old Emperor Auermann still deserved some dignity.
"A sense of ritual? Lady Emerald, you might as well just say how to ensure that the family doesn't lose face when handing over the land it has guarded for generations."
His tone was slow and deliberate, each word seemingly drawn from a heavy past.
"Face?" Emerald's lips curled slightly, revealing a hint of pity.
"When it comes to survival and development, appearances are the cheapest decoration. But the company has always respected its partners."
"As for the plan, we have already thought it through."
With a flick of her wrist, the holographic image switched to a magnificent celebration blueprint—a virtual spectacle of the Harmonious Music Ceremony.
"We will hold an unprecedented grand celebration for Pinocchio. It is not a commemoration of the past, but a celebration of a new beginning."
"At that time, the Harmonious Music Ceremony will be renamed. What do you think of the name 'Celebration of Life'?"
Old Emperor glanced at the virtual blueprint of the emerald and his face immediately darkened.
“A complete coronation,” he said softly, his tone complex.
"It's a win-win event."
Jade corrects the way, and the fingertips magnify the main stage of the blueprint.
“You will personally hand over ownership of Pinocone to Director Eve as a family representative.”
"At that time, screens across the universe will witness this moment—not conquest, but inheritance."
“Inheritance…” Old Emperor sneered.
"What an elaborately packaged word."
"Then, wouldn't I become a sinner to the family?"
The jade remained unmoved.
"The company never cares about other people's feelings."
The room fell silent, with only the holographic image rotating silently.
Old Aude's gaze swept across the window, the cosmic light stinging him uncomfortably.
"I can agree to your proposal."
"Then sign it."
Jade presented the agreement to him.
"Sign? Oh no, we should talk about compensation first." Old Aude suddenly changed the subject.
Emerald squinted, not showing much surprise at Old Audi's actions.
Because she had long anticipated that old Aude would pull this stunt.
"Compensation? Didn't we already agree on that?" Emerald pretended to be confused, even though she knew the truth.
“Ms. Jade, here’s how it is.”
"I paid a heavy price to persuade the heads of the families."
“These costs were all borne by me personally, so the company should provide additional compensation.”
“I’m sure Director Eve wouldn’t expect me to bear this cost, would she?” A sly glint flashed in Old Audi’s eyes.
When interests are at stake, lies become the best tool.
Jade thought for a moment, then asked, "How many do you want?"
"Not much, not much," Old Emperor shook his head.
"That is, double."
“Double?” Topa’s tone became angry. “Double, that’s almost the same value as Pinocchio now.”
"This is a company matter. I can't be the one who puts in the effort and then have to pay for it too, can I?"
"You..." Toppa was about to lash out, but Emerald stopped him.
“Mr. Audi, the company cannot accept double compensation.”
"However, we can grant your businesses tax breaks when engaging in intergalactic trade."
"How about this?" Emerald crossed her arms, confident in her approach.
"Tax relief?" Old Audie's small eyes darted around frantically behind his sunglasses.
"It seems I have no reason to refuse."
"Then, sign it." Emerald smiled slightly.
She naturally had experience dealing with this kind of old guy.
It's said to be tax relief, but what kind of tax relief is it?
After Jade finished speaking, the line she had just mentioned appeared on the holographic image in front of her.
Old Audi couldn't wait to reach out and touch the holographic image, leaving a biomarker at the end of the agreement.
"The company will always remember your contributions." Jade put away the agreement, stood up, and straightened her skirt.
"And you, Mr. Audi, have just proven your invaluable political wisdom."
"Hehehe, by the way, how long will it take to prepare for the Harmonious Music Ceremony? Do you need my help?"
“Two system days are enough.” Emerald’s answer was precise as a machine.
"Company resources are in place."
"At that time, Director Eve will personally attend the Huichangshi and accept ownership of Pinocconi in front of everyone."
“And you, Mr. Otti, will be remembered as a co-initiator of the new era at Pinocene.” She smiled slightly.
"This is far more meaningful than being the last guardian of the old era, isn't it?"
“That’s right. I, Old Audi, am also very honored and look forward to Director Eve bringing new life to Pinocconi.”
Emerald, leading Toppa, headed towards the door, then paused and looked back. "By the way," she said, "in your opening remarks, you might want to mention the innocent people that Director Eve saved during the crisis—genuine emotions always resonate more deeply, don't you think?"
“That’s natural.” Old Aodi nodded without hesitation.
"I will definitely sing praises of Director Eve in my opening remarks; she is the savior of Pinocchio!"
“Mr. Audi, I still admire your political acumen.”
After saying that, Emerald left the room with Toppa.
The door closed silently, and old Aude stood alone in the luxurious yet cold conference room. The neon lights outside the window flickered in his eyes, reflecting a fervent joy.
"When interests are at stake, nothing else matters."
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Huichangshi, swimming pool.
"Himeko! We're here!"
March 7th came skipping and hopping over, followed by Eve and Star.
"You've arrived."
Himeko looked at March Seven and the others. Behind her stood Walter, Dan Heng, and Jing Yuan.
It seems that the three of them arrived first.
"Uncle Yang! You've arrived already?" March 7th asked.
“Yes, we just arrived too, a little faster than you,” Walter Young said.
"By the way, Himeko, what exactly happened? How is the situation progressing?" March Seven asked impatiently.
"Don't rush, let me explain slowly," Himeko reassured him.
"This matter is related to our Starry Sky Train, no, it should be said that it is related to Eve."
As soon as Himeko said this, everyone's eyes fell on Eve.
"What does this have to do with me?" Eve asked, puzzled.
Himeko nodded. "That's right. Simply put, the company plans to transfer ownership of Pinocone to Eve after acquiring it."
"what?"
Everyone gasped in amazement, their faces filled with shock.
Even Eve was shocked.
Although Jingyuan had been interested in owning Pinocchio from the beginning, he did not expect it to happen so quickly, and that the company would voluntarily relinquish ownership.
"Himeko, what exactly is going on?" Danheng asked directly.
"Here's what happened..."
Himeko explained the company's plans and ideas to everyone.
"So, they're planning to use me as a pawn."
Eve saw through the company's scheme at a glance.
It's nothing more than planning to use his name to take over Pinocchio entirely.
“In my opinion, the company does indeed have this idea,” Himeko nodded.
"Therefore, I did not agree directly, but instead asked you to come and discuss it."
"I have no authority to make this decision, and the company's intentions..."
At this moment, Jing Yuan spoke.
"I think this is a good thing."
"Good news? Jing Yuanyuan, what do you want to say?" Xing asked, puzzled.
"For the sake of Pinocene's future, I think it wouldn't be a bad idea for Eve to take over Pinocene entirely!"
"If Pinocchio gets caught up in a power struggle between the company and its family, then there will be no peace and quiet, and all the previous pioneers' efforts will be in vain."
"If Eve takes over, the family will withdraw directly from Pinocchio, and the company can vigorously develop Pinocchio, but it will not expand indiscriminately or squeeze Pinocchio dry, because the ownership will still belong to Eve."
Walter Young nodded. "I agree with that view."
"So, do you really want to accept it?" March 7th was still somewhat hesitant.
"I don't really agree with this plan." Himeko shook her head; perhaps it would be a burden for the Star Train.
At this moment, everyone's eyes were on Eve.
“Yes, why wouldn’t I?” Eve said directly.
“Someone delivered money directly to my door, but I didn’t want it.”
“Eve, you…” March 7th was somewhat surprised.
"However, once Pinocchio is in my hands, it's no longer up to the company."
Eve smiled slightly.
A plan was already forming in her mind.
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the other side.
"That old Austrian is truly insatiable."
Toppa and Emerald walked out of the council chamber together.
"I never expected that he would still be thinking about profit at the most critical moment for Pinocchio."
Jade smiled dismissively.
“That’s what a businessman is all about. From a capital perspective, I have to commend him for his courage. It is precisely because of this boldness that he has become the Otto Ivefar we know today.”
"But we must also know that every benefit comes at a price, and no matter how loud the voice is, it has no weight."
"Topa, have you made contact with the gold mine?"
Toppa nodded. "He's made contact. He's stopped Ms. Himeko and asked her to convey the plan to Director Eve."
"However, the results will take some time to come."
“That’s perfect. The ‘Aromatic Dew’ should be served after the ‘Poison’ anyway.” Emerald nodded in satisfaction.
"It seems the 'apple swapping' part will have to be omitted this time."
"Who told them to be such a greedy businessman? A mediocre apple won't solve the problem—ah, it seems I've inadvertently hurt myself in the process." Emerald smiled slightly.
"I'm suddenly curious, Toppa, in your opinion, is Pinocone a high-quality asset?"
"With its excellent credit, high profitability, and promising future, even after this calamity, it remains a top-tier asset in the galaxy, without a doubt," Toppa analyzed.
"Yes, obviously. But what I'm asking is, with your taste, isn't this project rather uninteresting?"
"Ha, indeed. If it weren't for the gold mine pulling me into this, I would never have come here."
"But you trust him completely. You're willing to entrust him with a 'foundation' that's as precious as life itself, to complete a gamble."
"Aren't you the same, Ms. Jade? If we hadn't followed suit, your 'jade stone' wouldn't have been able to enter the market so smoothly, capturing the desires flowing in your dreams and gaining leverage in negotiations..."
"For that, I'm certainly willing to sacrifice 'topaz' to provide cover for you... What a grand scheme indeed."
“No one can stop a child from doing what he’s determined to do—not even fate. At least he’s still alive and seems to have some understanding of it, which is the best outcome.”
Topa realized, "It seems... we've gone a bit off-topic, Ms. Emerald. Shouldn't we discuss our next strategy?"
"No need, wait for me to come with me to see Director Eve."
"I'm really curious to see what kind of person Director Eve is."
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