Noah’s POV:
‘I wonder why Ken is calling.’ I thought as I picked up the call.
Placing the phone on my ear. “What is it?” I asked rudely.
“I guess an introduction is not needed?” He said, returning the same rude energy.
Childish little brat!
“It isn’t actually.” I agreed.
“Where are you?” He asked almost immediately.
What could he possibly need my location for? I hope he has no intention of pursuing a brotherly relationship with me.
“Why does that piece of information matter to you?” I asked.
I heard him let out a deep sigh, as though my words got him irritated. “It’s not necessary to answer my question with a question. Regardless, I called because I wanted us to meet. It’s really important.”
Smiling widely. “I would have asked why, but it’s not important. Because I’m almost at the office, and to avoid any unnecessary scuffle, I can’t invite you to see me there. Also because, while you may not understand the seriousness of work, I do. You know what I mean?” I asked, chucking loudly.
If he went through all that stress just to steal a company from Mira, he should have put in more effort to make it thrive.
Useless!
Suddenly, I heard the notification sound of a new message. “Excuse me,” I said, cutting off the call abruptly.
I quickly tapped on the message icon and saw that the investors had shifted the meeting time.
Which meant it wasn’t a lunch meeting anymore.
“Let’s call it a brunch meeting, then,” I texted back.
Looking up from my phone, I said, “Take me to the resort instead.”
“Of course, sir,” my driver replied, and I returned to my thoughts.
Five years ago, I decided to live for myself-to build a family and, most importantly, to find peace.
I hadn’t visited my father in all that time, not because I was hiding Mirabelle, but because I needed to stay away. After my mother died, I never felt like I belonged there anymore.
I despised Ken from the moment he stepped into the house as my father’s second son. He was a constant reminder of my father’s unfaithfulness to my mother.
Yet, strangely enough, young Ken adored me. He followed me everywhere-school, football, even the bathroom.
I was just a child too, and I wasn’t heartless. Gradually, I began to like the little guy. I thought, “This boy is innocent; why should he pay for my father’s mistakes?”
But I guess I was wrong, Ken eventually changed. His mother successfully turned him against me, and it all began with jealousy. At first, he envied my success in academics, sports, and my relationship with our father.
Then that jealousy gradually turned into hatred, and soon he began scheming recklessly to inherit our father’s company.
I suppose my father wasn’t foolish enough to fall for both his and his mother’s schemes, so the burden of managing the company fell on me instead.
And from that point on, we became rivals
Or rather, I became his rival.
The car pulled up in front of the five-star resort. The driver quickly got out and opened the door for me.
“Thank you,” I said as I made my way to the entrance.
Two security guards who stood by the entrance door helped me open it. I stepped inside and headed for the reception. “Good morning,” I greeted the two ladies on duty.
“Mr. Sylvester, am I right?” one of them asked, not sure of my identity.
I nodded, smiling widely.
“Oh, forgive me,” She said, stepping out from behind the front desk.
She guided me through the resort’s corridors until we reached a backdoor that she pushed open.
Inside, I was greeted by a stunning setting. The room resembled a sitting area, complete with a large TV, plush cushions, a fireplace, and even a dining area.
“They’re waiting for you in the backyard, sir.” She added before leaving.
I followed the sound of laughter to a glass door and pushed it open, revealing three men seated around a table in a lounge area with a pool nearby.
“Good morning, Mr. Sylvester,” Derek, my manager, greeted me, standing up for a handshake. The two foreign men also stood, and we exchanged pleasantries.
After I settled into one of the seats, the conversation began.
“This is Qiang Zhao,” Derek introduced. “The CEO of Eastern Bridge Consultants, the largest business and market entry consulting firm in China.”
In other words, the man looking to invest in my business.
Pointing to the younger Chinese man, Derek continued, “And this is Jun Li, Qiang Zhao’s manager.”
“Thanks for meeting with me, Mr. Zhao. I appreciate you taking the time to come all the way to America.” I said, with a warm and welcoming smile.
Clearing his throat. “Thank you, Mr. Sylvester, the journey was worth it. I finally got the opportunity to discuss your plans to open up a new branch in China.”
“I’m glad to hear that!” I began. “I’m looking to expand, but I know entering the Chinese market comes with its own challenges.”
“That’s why I wanted to meet. I believe my experience and connections in the Chinese business landscape could be valuable for your business.” He responded. “I’d like to invest in the branch’s initial setup costs. I can also help tailor your service and products to better suit Chinese consumers.
In return, I would ask for a percentage of the profits generated. This way, I have a vested interest in the success of the business.” He suggested.
Not bad!
I lifted the square wooden coaster off the glass cup and took a few sips before asking, “That sounds reasonable. What percentage are you thinking?”
And he replied. “I believe a 20% share of the profits would be fair, considering the investment and the local expertise I bring.”
“I’ll need to think about it, but it’s definitely something I’m interested in. My manager will contact you once I decide this. In the meantime, why don’t we call the servers to get everything ready for lunch.” I suggested, with a bright smile.
Noticing the hesitation on Jun’s face, I asked, “Is there a problem, Mr. Li?”
“Actually, Mr. Zhao had something else to add,” he replied, scratching the back of his head.
“Go ahead, Mr. Zhao,” I urged.
“I have a suggestion. I know someone who could be of great help to this business. This person was the one who informed me about your company,” He began.
“Do I know this person?”
“I don’t think so. The person must have learned about the foreign company planning to open a branch in China and told me about it immediately. ” He responded.
“And you want me to work with her?” I asked, and he nodded slightly. “Is she some kind of business enthusiast, market strategist, or something along those lines?”
“Not really; she’s actually a model,” he revealed.
A model?
“What business could a model possibly have with our partnership?” I questioned, as I tilted my head to the side, anticipating his answer.