Chapter 262: The High-handed Poor Man

Whether it was a polite refusal or hearing a clear response, Toyota Akio would not be surprised.

But to his surprise, what he heard was a counter-question:

"Japanese?"

Toyota Akio and Matsumoto Takashi were stunned. Were these Georgians toxic?! Each one sharper than the next?!

"Yes! Sir, how did you know?"

Amidst his shock, Toyota Akio gave a slight bow, showing respect, and engaged in conversation.

"That's not important, but I'm curious. Aren't you interested in building a factory here?"

"Mr. Maclin, sorry to interrupt. Based on our survey results, it may not be very profitable for the highway to pass through here directly to Pearson. There are quite a few houses that need to be demolished along the way. However, if it goes from the west, bypasses Pearson, and builds a secondary road, connecting to the main highway, the actual construction length is about the same. Compared to going through Pearson, it can reduce a lot of demolition expenses, and the cost should be lower!"

Compared to the accounting personnel who manage a company's finances, these frontline road and bridge engineers are obviously much easier to recruit. After all, frontline cannon fodder is much more important than those who manage their black accounts, isn't it?

Rarely finding a decent job, Bruno Ladner's mind was full of thoughts on how to build this highway. The reason he followed Maclin to Agyle was simply to help out of goodwill.

In case there were problems with investment in Agyle, unemployed people could be temporarily transferred to emergency projects. To prepare for this possibility, survey data needed to be collected in advance. But this wasn't their core task, was it?

Anxious about losing his job, Bruno, who hastily completed the basic survey, had no patience to stay any longer. Interrupting the conversation between Maclin and the others, he briefly reported on the work and then took his leave.

Bruno's words were brief but his departure was smooth. However, in those few words, it piqued the interest of Toyota Akio's ears:

"Mr. Maclin, did that gentleman just say you're planning to build a highway here?"

"It can only be said to be nearby. The highway doesn't directly pass through Agyle. But it will pass through Douglas to the south and Pearson to the north, threading between the two cities. Are you planning to invest and build a factory? If so, this is good news for you! When the highway is completed, it will only take less than twenty minutes from here to get on the highway. Whether it's transferring onto Interstate 75 north-south or going to the port of Savannah for sea transport, it can all be done on this highway!"

As they bid farewell to Bruno, Maclin also mentally prepared himself. Angry at being deceived by this group of Japanese in New York was one thing, but seeing the situation now...

What's the point of being angry? Can anger solve the problem?!

Now, besides the Japanese, he couldn't think of anyone else who would come to build a factory.

"Yes, Mr. Maclin! We have the idea of ​​establishing a car factory here, but this is still just an idea. I cannot guarantee whether it will be successful or not. We are just here for research. Here is my business card! May I ask who you are?"

"I am the speaker of Agyle. Toyota Motors?"

Taking Matsumoto Takashi's business card, Maclin didn't seem casual, but he didn't seem excited either. After glancing at it twice, he waved to signal the others to follow.

"Research is no problem. You know the situation in the United States now. This is a good time! And our environment here is also good. After passing the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains, we are already in the Southern Plains area. The terrain is flat, which is very advantageous for building large factories!"

"As for transportation, we are the most advantageous region in the Central and Southern United States, as well as the Southeast! We have the largest deep-water port on the East Coast, four north-south highways, and developed railway networks reaching Macon and Atlanta. It can definitely meet your product logistics needs. In addition, Atlanta is also the largest city in the Southeastern United States, without exception!"

"Whether it's recruiting talents or selling products, this is the best choice!"

As they walked along the road into the city, Maclin introduced them. After listing the macro advantages, Maclin pointed to both sides of the road:

"Look! Here, and here! How lush and flat the land is! Surrounded by forests and streams, if you build the factory here, it will be a garden-style factory. Workers breathing fresh air will certainly enjoy working here!"

"Work is anti-human nature, so even a slight increase in the happiness of work can increase employees' work efficiency. What do you think?"

"You're right! This place is indeed very good!"

Without knowing that a highway was about to connect here, Toyota Akio already considered this place a good location for Toyota to establish a factory in the United States. With the highway and the vast green plains in front of him...

Toyota Akio was almost convinced of this place!

Close to the consumer market, close to the supply of raw materials, convenient transportation, low labor costs, and a very suitable environment.

Not only Toyota Akio, but even Matsumoto Takashi, who was in charge of sales, couldn't find any fault with the idea of ​​setting the factory address here.

"However, Mr. Maclin! We are just employees after all, and we cannot give you a definite answer. I hope you can give us some time to take a closer look here, collect some information, so that our president can make the right decision! I think, when the president sees photos and information about this place from Japan, he should have the same idea as us!"

With the words of praise already out of the bag from Toyota Akinomaru, Matsumoto Takashi could only reluctantly follow suit with flattery.

Despite the agreement beforehand to maintain a high stance and negotiate advantageous terms, upon arriving in Georgia, especially in this central southern region, Matsumoto Takashi found that these 'poor folks' seemed to carry themselves with more pride than he did! And even the usually astute Toyota Akinomaru seemed somehow bewitched, not quite himself.

"Well, I understand. You can take your time to look around, take measurements, take photos, whatever you need. I'll send a guide over later, so if you need any assistance, just communicate directly with them!"

"Thank you for your help!"

After seeing Maclin off, while Matsumoto Takashi mentally acknowledged the situation, he quickly approached Toyota Akinomaru, who seemed to be in a state of contemplation, as if contemplating a Feng Shui treasure trove:

"Mr. Toyota! You shouldn't have directly praised this place like that! Showing your eagerness from the start isn't conducive to our negotiations!"

"I know, I know, but it really is nice here, isn't it?"

Toyota Akinomaru chuckled nonchalantly, understanding what Matsumoto was worried about. Yet...

"Also, look at Mr. Maclin's attitude. Does he seem enthusiastic? Perhaps Sanri will have already negotiated almost everything by now. We might be just one too many or one too few. Posturing like this at this point will only let opportunities slip through our fingers!"