Chapter 503: Broken Negotiation (Edited)

Monica was surprised by Tom's anger; she didn't think he would dare to shout at her.

"What are you saying? Mr. Seven, I remind you very seriously that I represent the Ministry of Magic!" Monica said angrily.

"No!" Tom extended a finger and waved it in front of Monica. "You only represent yourself. The failure of today's negotiations is entirely your responsibility."

Monica: ??

"Do you know who's in front of you?" Tom looked seriously into Monica's eyes. "I'm an alchemist, an alchemist capable of creating defensive magical items. I'm willing to sell them to the Department of Magic at extremely low prices. And what is your attitude towards me?"

Tom decided to separate this arrogant and out-of-touch-with-reality individual from the Ministry of Magic so that she couldn't do as she pleased in the name of the Ministry.

Many times, being in a large group can give a false sense of security, causing the individual, who is insignificant in themselves, to become authoritarian by riding on the collective momentum. Some people get sudden power, even if it's as tiny as a fingernail's size, and become arrogant, losing their reason and engaging in irrational and irritating behaviors.

In front of these delusional individuals, the simplest response strategy is to separate them from the group, make them see that they don't represent the group they have behind them, and that their actions are their own responsibility, not the group's.

Before Tom separated Monica, he was negotiating with the Ministry of Magic, and the breakdown of negotiations was caused by the alchemist's arrogant refusal to collaborate with the Ministry. But after Tom separated Monica from the Ministry, she became an insignificant assistant who ruined the negotiation with high-ranking Ministry officials.

The alchemist wasn't wrong, nor were the high-ranking Ministry officials. The problem lay with that little assistant! The Ministry of Magic wouldn't fire the assistant since working in the Ministry was a secure job. They didn't even fire someone as clueless as Bertha Jorkins. Naturally, they wouldn't fire Monica, but her political career ended at this moment.

"Of course, I'm willing to collaborate with the Ministry of Magic, but if you're the one representing me, I see no need to continue these negotiations," Tom grabbed the table in front of him, lifted it forcefully, and let the quill, inkwell, and parchment fall to the floor.

Tom looked at the four stunned individuals in front of him and said word by word, "You should understand the value of defensive magical items. Mr. Lucius Malfoy has just ordered a similar item in my shop for the incredible sum of eight hundred Galleons. Although the cursed glove greatly reduces its performance, what's the difference between twenty Galleons and getting it for free?"

Since he had paid for this glove, he was his customer and deserved special treatment.

"You can't find anyone else, right? How many alchemists are there in Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley?" Tom laughed contemptuously. "It's you who should adjust your attitude!"

After these words, the four representatives of the Ministry of Magic were left speechless, Dawlish and Naya lowered their heads, embarrassed by Tom's words. His speech made them feel ashamed. As people on the front lines, they understood how many benefits a defensive magical glove could bring. The price offered by Mr. Seven was already extremely advantageous, and they had no shame in haggling.

As for Thicknesse's representative, he had an indifferent attitude, showing that this matter had nothing to do with him. He was well aware of his position and his Chief's position behind him. After the intervention of the Minister of Magic, both he and his Chief had lost their ability to influence this matter. If he got too involved in this matter, he would surely attract Minister Bones' attention, something Mr. Thicknesse did not desire.

But it was also a perfect opportunity; his discreet attitude allowed him to emerge unscathed.

Monica's face turned as red as a tomato. She hadn't expected her random words and spontaneous offer to provoke such a strong reaction.

When she was in charge of international trade before, she had never encountered a situation like this! Those traders were polite to her, but how did it turn out like this when she came to this alchemist?

I'm lowering the price; you can talk to me, why do you have to shout at me?

Previously, Monica represented the British Ministry of Magic, so all her extravagant actions were concealed by the imposing figure behind her. The suppliers she negotiated with, despite their deep contempt for her, had to restrain themselves and show a forced smile due to their dependence on the British side, until today.

Today, Monica encountered someone who had no demands. In other words, before Monica acted as the buyer, but today she was the supplier. The market for magical items favored the seller, so she had no bargaining power! Bones sent her here with many purposes: delivery time, purchase quantity, variety, group purchase discounts... Negotiation was at the bottom of the list.

She had inverted the priorities of things.

The more Monica thought about it, the angrier she got, and tears fell down her cheeks.

Crying? Tom was surprised. Was this special representative's mental resilience so poor? She must have obtained the position through influence.

"You're really not suited for negotiations," Tom said, looking at the other three. "Go back and report to your superiors to send someone with a clearer mind. Also, Mr. Dawlish, you can prepare to pick up your order."

The four got up from their seats and prepared to leave through the main door.

"Do you want magical items that don't need recharging, don't wear out, and activate passively? Very well!" Seeing Monica's expression that said, "It's not me who's wrong, it's the world," Tom couldn't help but mock, "But that will cost more money! Two hundred Galleons, no maximum limit, I guarantee you'll be satisfied."

Monica stumbled, covered her face, and rushed out the door of the alchemy workshop.

Dawlish and Naya remained silent behind. Finally, Dawlish made a comment, "Are the Ministry folks so unprofessional nowadays?"

"She has a well-connected father who placed her in the Minister's office. Not even Minister Bones could have imagined she would ruin a negotiation like this..." Naya was also speechless. They had come in vain today. She looked at Dawlish and added, "You better go to Gringotts on your way and withdraw your money. At least you won't go back empty-handed."

Dawlish showed a smile, bid farewell to his companion, and headed to Gringotts alone. Fifteen minutes later, he returned with a joyful smile on his face, caressing a ring that had emptied his savings.

He finally had the ring he had spent all his savings on in his hands!