Chapter Sixty-One: The Art of Persuasion in Business (2)

The sixty-first chapter: The Art of Business Persuasion (2)

Business negotiations are all about uncovering as much of the opponent’s cards as possible while keeping your own hidden—only then can you secure the greatest advantage and benefit.

“These matters, you probably understand very well, but what I want to say is somewhat different. There are things best left unsaid, as they touch upon several international affairs involving multiple nations… heh… heh… But I can tell you this: if I invest, it will be in the most powerful mercenary group, the largest one.”

Xiao Tianci carefully watched Qinglong’s expression. At the mention of “largest,” a gleam lit up in Qinglong’s eyes—a longing, a yearning.

“The largest and strongest mercenary group possesses powers incomparable to the current ones, and naturally, their operations differ as well. You know, there are many matters where, despite the support from various countries, direct involvement isn’t always convenient. So at times like these…”

Xiao Tianci’s words were deliberately vague, enticing endless speculation but offering little concrete substance. As expected, Qinglong nodded in understanding. Xiao Tianci saw him following the path he’d laid out and smiled as he continued, “No need to say it—you know the stance of the Xiao family. While profit matters, every year we donate vast sums of money. The most important aspect, you know without me saying: every year, we ensure that the developed nations can no longer reap huge profits from the developing world by selling outdated technology. That’s the true big business, the real gains.”

From mercenary matters, the conversation shifted to business, tinged with a sense of implication. What exactly was implied depended on Qinglong’s imagination.

“Making money is one thing, but there are other aspects too, as you well know. It’s just like the Xiao family’s ethos: giving back to society. Before I knew I was a Xiao, since my school days, I understood how great the work of Mei Hua was. Helping one or two people is a small kindness; Mei Hua, however, enables countless people—including our own—in many third-world countries to escape technological oppression and exploitation by the developed nations. It elevates the nation’s technology and its people, bringing real benefit. That is a truly grand undertaking for the country and its people.”

Distract the opponent, elevate the conversation. Watching Qinglong’s face, Xiao Tianci silently congratulated himself. Business negotiations are a form of deception; to excel, professionalism is essential. This requires preparation—research and understanding in advance. Now, he was improvising, so he avoided delving into substantive issues.

Instead, he raised the discussion to a lofty, abstract level. Most crucially, his opponent was not a typical business adversary. Xiao Tianci’s speech felt logical to Qinglong, yet remained somewhat elusive, as if cloaked in profundity.

In the distance…

Clothes torn, eyes swollen, nose bleeding, bruises blooming across the face…

“Well now… The Xiao kid can really talk, just like a street vendor…”

“Hmph… Not bad. Look at him, knowing nothing yet babbling away. I think he’s doing well. Hey… oof… You bastard, you really went rough.”

“You’re worse! You pulled my beard. I tell you, buy me two portions later or it’s not over.”

“Hmph… Sure, I’ll buy. But who can grab your scruffy beard anyway? You keep dreaming.”

“I’m your elder brother. Daring to talk to me like this? Watch how I settle the score, avenge my beard. You can hit me, but don’t touch my beard.”

“Hmph… Hmph… Bah! I’d pluck it if I could find it, otherwise…”

“Today I’ll teach you a lesson for talking back to your brother…”

“Hmph… Just because you were born a minute earlier, you think you can lord it over me for life? I’m not afraid—bring it on…”

The sea below was calm, but atop the tall tower the wind howled, whipping hair and clothes into motion. Xiao Tianci didn’t pause, for a person is like a vessel: only when the mind is filled to overflowing will it spill forth and act. He continued to pour his words into Qinglong.

Xiao Tianci’s approach, at its core, matched Qinglong’s ideals—the greatest aspiration, the dream of founding the most powerful mercenary group. But in the past year, Qinglong had suffered much: expanding the group brought new problems, and it was no longer the loyal brotherhood of a few dozen men. Formal management required massive funds for development, and since entering the top ten mercenary groups, they’d faced suppression and exclusion.

Experiencing defeat for the first time, Qinglong’s mood had grown heavy, his thoughts colored gray, his ideas easily disturbed.

Finally, seeing that his message had sunk in, Xiao Tianci switched tactics and, in a brotherly manner, patted Qinglong’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’d never force you. This benefits us both. In business terms, you’re now a family enterprise—if you want to expand, you need capital. I’m sure your concerns are the same as many family business owners: afraid of outsiders interfering, losing sole authority, turning into a company with shares, a public corporation—those fears. I think that’s it. But the international trend is such: without alliances, without listing, it’s hard to grow big. Besides, I feel we really get along—business aside, our personal relationship makes this a promising venture. Give it some serious thought.”

He glanced at his watch with deliberate exaggeration. “Oh… Look at me, talking with you so happily I forgot the time—I’m late for another appointment.” He cast a look at King Kong and Chief Steward Lin Jian. “Since you don’t want to come over, let’s leave it at that. I’m sure we’ll meet again. Think carefully about what I said. And please offer my apologies again to Miss Fire Phoenix.”

With that, Xiao Tianci shook Qinglong’s hand—who was still a bit dazed by the conversation—and strode away. The wind lifted his hair and tossed his coat, making him appear composed, confident, and dignified. He walked with firm steps, as if all decision-making was left entirely to Qinglong.

Qinglong watched Xiao Tianci, who never looked back as he boarded the helicopter. The others followed swiftly. When King Kong passed by Xiao Tianci, he returned to his usual state; boarding the helicopter, he looked his everyday self, though clad only in underwear, his muscles gleaming in the wind.

The three helicopters rose and quickly vanished from sight, leaving Qinglong alone, standing amid the gusts.