Chapter 148: Coaxing

[Congratulations on completing the mission: Build your own Office!]

[Rewards: 100,000 System Points]

Michael received a notification from the system, and the holographic interface was hovering before his eyes. He waved his hand dismissively, prompting those interfaces to disappear.

So far, his balance of System Points is at 135,175 System Points]

At this point, he could buy futuristic technology from the system, make a business out of it, and get rich. However, he knew the importance of interval. The public would definitely get suspicious of his actions, where a Mechanical Engineering student consistently has been able to invent new technologies that are decades away in technology, design, and innovation.

There'd be a probe from the private companies or worse, the government about how he is doing that when he was not that of an academic achiever prior to getting the system.

So for now, he'll stay at his current enterprise, the solar panels and the transportation company. And in a year or two, that's when he'll jump to another enterprise, which is the one that he had been thinking of doing after meeting his father again.

Pharmaceutical Industry.

***

It was March 3rd, 2026.

Brian Chow was on a private jet, bound for Manila, he was reviewing some documents regarding his new project, the Golden Topper, to be built for the company SolaraTech Corporation owned by Michael Reyes. And while reviewing it, he received a call from an acquaintance.

He grabbed the phone and wedged it between his ears and his shoulder.

"Hello?"

"You are going to help that man, from the Philippines, instead of your comrades here in China?"

"I don't think you know the term called business. I have a business to run Mr. Wei. And you are a businessman, I'm sure when you are in my position you would do the same," Brian asserted.

"Whatever Mr. Reyes is offering you, I can triple it."

"I can get triple the number I am being offered by SolaraTech by engaging future clients, so no thank you, Mr. Wei," Chow said. "Why are you so focused on SolaraTech anyway? They don't even have a market share in China for solar panels."

Wei paused, collecting his thoughts. "It's not just about the market share today, Brian. It's about the potential threat they represent. Their technology is advanced, and if they decide to enter the Chinese market, it could disrupt our business significantly."

"I see your point, Mr. Wei, but my role is to build, not to get involved in corporate rivalries. I suggest focusing on innovating and improving your products to stay competitive."

"It's not that easy, Mr. Chow. If it was, we wouldn't be having this conversation," Wei said.

"It sounds like you are completely misjudging the situation," Brian replied calmly. "Competition is a part of business. It pushes us to improve and innovate. If SolaraTech enters the Chinese market, it should be seen as an opportunity to elevate your standards, not a threat to be sabotaged."

"I hate it when you sound so idealistic, Mr. Chow," Wei scoffed softly. "Well, you're lost, I have friends here who are also looking to commission new headquarters, but since we didn't get into an agreement, I'll look elsewhere."

"That's your prerogative, Mr. Wei," Brian responded evenly. "I wish you luck in finding a suitable partner for your projects. As for me, I will continue to work with clients who value integrity and quality."

"I'm so disappointed in you, Mr. Wei, I thought I could get you on board with this. I expected wrong," Wei said bitterly.

"Goodbye, Mr. Wei," Brian concluded, ending the call with a firm press of the button. He set the phone down and exhaled deeply, feeling the weight of the conversation dissipate.

Shaking off the tension, Brian refocused on the task at hand. He was en route to Manila to finalize the plans for the Golden Topper, a project that could define the next stage of his career. It was just supposed to be a concept skyscraper in the center of BGC, but now to actually build it was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.

His vision must be realized!