[27] Strange business partner II

Philip smiled wisely. "I appreciate your openness and clarity. How about we adjust the profit split to 50:50, with the condition that you are also willing to share some additional information about your products that might help us in our marketing strategy?"

I considered the offer for a moment before confidently stating an unexpected figure. "20:80."

Philip's eyes widened in surprise. "Mr Constantine, doesn't that mean you're trying to cheat me?"

I smiled calmly, responding with a convincing tone. "No, Mr Philip, I am very aware of what I am saying. You will change your opinion once you see our products."

I reached for one of the items from my collection—a range of beauty products that appeared advanced and innovative. The packaging was designed with great elegance, clearly reflecting the high quality of the materials used.

"These are some of the beauty products we offer," I said, opening a box to reveal the contents. "Each product is made from easily sourced raw materials but processed with advanced techniques to ensure a high-quality finish. We have conducted thorough research and development to ensure these products are not only effective but also have strong market appeal."

Philip examined the products closely, his eyes displaying a deep interest as he observed their quality. "I must admit that these products do seem very promising."

"What you see here is just a fraction of the potential we offer," I continued. "We have a range of other products designed to meet various market needs. I believe that with this partnership, you will find that investing in our products will yield far greater returns than the profit split we discussed."

Philip paused for a moment, contemplating as he held the product in his hand. "Perhaps you are right. The products do have very high quality, and there seems to be significant potential for success in the market."

I waited hopefully as he processed the information. "So, Mr Philip, are you willing to consider our offer with a fairer profit split?"

Philip finally nodded slowly, his expression indicating that he was starting to accept the proposal. "Very well, Mr Constantine. I will reconsider the profit split, and we can continue this discussion."

I looked at Philip with my confident brown eyes. It was clear that he still had doubts about the products I offered. To address his concerns and fully convince him, I decided to make a final move.

"May I demonstrate the product on one of your staff members?" I asked, with a firm yet friendly tone.

Philip looked at me with a questioning expression but nodded slowly. "Certainly, Mr Constantine. If you believe this will convince me, please go ahead."

I confidently approached one of the staff members who happened to be in the waiting room—a young woman, likely in her twenties, who seemed busy with administrative tasks.

With polite manners, I approached her. "Good morning, Miss. If you're willing, I would like to show you how our product works in action."

The woman looked at me with clear curiosity. Philip stood nearby, observing carefully. I took out one of the beauty products from my bag—a bottle of serum that shimmered in its elegant packaging. Carefully, I handed it to the woman, explaining the application steps clearly.

"This woman will be a real example of how our product can deliver amazing results. This serum contains specially selected ingredients to provide visible instant effects," I said as I opened the bottle and poured a small amount of serum into the palm of her hand.

She accepted the serum with evident curiosity, and I proceeded with gentle movements, applying the serum to her face carefully. The woman's reaction was unmistakable—from her surprised expression to the amazement as the serum absorbed into her skin. Her skin instantly felt smoother and more radiant, and she couldn't hide her astonishment.

"This… this is incredible," she said in an awed tone, her face reflecting her amazement. "It feels so light and delivers immediate visible effects. I've never experienced anything like this before."

Philip, who had previously appeared doubtful, was now taken aback by the woman's reaction. He watched closely, then turned to me with an expression that had become more open and positive. "Mr Constantine, I must admit that your products are indeed impressive. The effects demonstrated are extraordinary."

I smiled with satisfaction, feeling confident that this final step had yielded results. "Thank you, Mr Philip. I believe you will see the great potential in our products and that we can reach a mutually beneficial agreement."

...

After two intense hours of discussion, we finally reached a satisfactory agreement for both parties. The atmosphere in the meeting room now felt warmer, with a collaborative aura full of hope. I felt content, not only because of the agreement reached but also due to the opportunity to get to know Mr Philip better.

Mr Philip stood and, with a broad smile reflecting satisfaction and enthusiasm, extended his hand to me. "I'm very pleased to have met you, Mr Constantine. I hope we can work well together in the future and achieve much success."

I returned his smile with respect and warmth. Extending my hand for a handshake, I said, "I am also pleased, Mr Philip. Doing business with you is a great honour for me. I am confident that this partnership will bring significant benefits to both parties and open many new opportunities."

As our hands shook, there was a strong connection, as if we had built a solid bridge for future cooperation. Philip nodded in agreement, and our gazes shared a sense of optimism and trust.

-Philip Boreas Greyrat-

I rarely meet a young man like this, and his identity remains a mystery to me. Although his business offer is very lucrative, there is something strange and perplexing about his sudden arrival like a storm in the middle of the market.

His attire is also very striking; elegant and reminiscent of a different era, as if he comes from a noble background far from here. As a noble, I felt slightly intimidated by his luxurious and graceful appearance. I began to suspect that he might be of high noble descent from another kingdom who happens to be here for business.

I watched Ash Constantine's back from my office window. Even though I saw him from the second floor, he seemed to possess sharp senses. He even turned and gave me a friendly smile, as if he knew I was observing him.

Surprised, I waved from the window before he turned away. After he disappeared from my view, I sighed deeply, feeling tired and curious about the mystery behind his figure.

Soon after, a guard approached me with calm steps. "Sorry, Sir. I only managed to gather a little information about him," he said with a slightly anxious tone.

"Go ahead," I replied, focusing my full attention on him.

The guard seemed hesitant for a moment before continuing, "There is no clear information regarding his identity, physical features, or his unusual surname. However, I obtained information that might be relevant."

I looked at him attentively. "What did you find?"

The guard continued, "Yesterday, a small group of traders entered the capital. The name they mentioned is similar to Mr Constantine's name. And interestingly, the traders were beastmen."

Upon hearing this information, I became even more intrigued by Ash Constantine. "So, he might be disguising himself to make a good impression on us," I said contemplatively.

My guard looked at me attentively, then asked, "Should I investigate further?"

I shook my head gently. "No need. Besides, the business offer he proposed seems very genuine and promising. Considering that his target market is high-class women, it's clear he has intelligence and strategy for his young age. There's no need to rush. We each have our own interests, and the products he offers could be very profitable."

I smiled with satisfaction. "Moreover, the products he gifted might be very much appreciated by my wife. Their quality seems very high, and I am sure she will like them. So, let's let time speak for itself and see how this business develops. We can make further decisions based on the results later."