Chapter 415: You’ve Got To Be Kidding
However, they had an appointment with another major client in Rheinsville City lined up next. They expected the next client to ask for similar terms of compensation. If they agreed to Bruce’s proposal, they would not have any bargaining chip with the next client.
"Please give us a few minutes," Wendy said as she stood up.
Bruce nodded. Rosa followed Wendy towards a corner of the meeting lounge.
When they were at a safe distance from Bruce, Wendy whispered to Rosa, "I expected him to make such a proposal. What do you think, Mrs. Woods?"
"Actually, his request is quite reasonable. The thing is, we have to meet with another client next. We can’t agree to all his terms now. Otherwise, it would be tantamount to giving up on the other client," Rosa replied.
Wendy nodded. "My sentiments exactly. I think we can offer Bruce a compensation of thirty percent. But, instead of exclusive priority rights to supply, we will guarantee that priority rights to supply will not be given to more than two companies in the next three years."
"Let’s try to negotiate for this," Rosa said as she nodded.
"Alright, you can pretend to give Mr. Woods a call," said Wendy. Rosa took out her cellphone and started calling her husband.
Wendy returned to her seat and said to Bruce, "We’ve just had a discussion, and we can offer a compensation of thirty percent.
"Additionally, we can guarantee that in the next three years, priority rights to our supply will not be given to more than two companies in Rheinsville City. Your company will be one of them."
"I can already guess the other company you’re thinking of," Bruce smiled and shook his head. "Ms. Swift, you really are shrewd, devising multiple backup plans for HG even at a time like this. However, that other company has been a long-time competitor of ours.
"Since you approached us for the compensation negotiation first, we thought of taking this opportunity to seek exclusive priority rights so that we can seize the market share of that bloke Kyle."
"I’m doing this because I’m confident that HG can overcome this difficulty.
Moreover, both of you are clients of HG Enterprise. No matter which party gets exclusive priority rights to our supplies, it will be unfair to the other. I hope you can understand our position," Wendy repeatedly emphasized that HG could definitely tide over this crisis.
Actually, her plan was to instill a sense of urgency in Bruce, hinting that they might not be able to collaborate in the future if he does not do them this favor now. After all, they both knew what HG was capable of achieving.
"Make it five years then. I can agree to the other terms, but three years is way too short. I want the priority rights to supply for the next five years," said Bruce.
Wendy smiled and shook her head. One must be clear and stand by their decision during negotiations. They must not give in unless it is the last resort. Otherwise, the other party will feel that they are pushovers, and that there is still room for more demands.
"We are still seeking approval for these terms, and there is no guarantee that they will be approved. Mr. Adams, how about you consider if you would be able to accept this compensation clause.
"Perhaps you would like to discuss further with your board of directors?" Wendy suggested. Bruce Adams can actually call the shots, but Wendy had deliberately said this as a signal that she would offer no further concessions.
Rosa saw that Wendy was almost done with the negotiation and walked over with her cellphone. Looking as if she had been put in a difficult position, Rosa said to Bruce, "Mr. Woods was rather unhappy. He gave me a scolding, saying that we’ve exceeded the budget way too much. However, he values you as our partner and agreed to your requests after all. He hopes that we can have more collaborations in the future."
...
Against The Middle Bruce Adams smiled and shook his head in resignation.
Wendy knew that he had accepted the terms reluctantly. She quickly turned to her assistant and said, "Draft up a contract according to the conditions that we’ve agreed on."
Her assistant got to it immediately. Bruce did not make any further comments, tacitly acquiescing to the offer of compensation.
Soon, Wendy’s assistant returned with the physical copy of the contract. On behalf of HG Enterprise, Wendy signed the contract with Bruce.
Wendy and Rosa stood up and said, "We can’t have a meal today, but we will definitely make it up to you another day."
"I understand, you guys go ahead," Bruce nodded and said.
Wendy and Rosa returned to their car after parting ways with Bruce Adams. They could only have some snacks in the car as they did not have time for a full meal. The drive to their next appointment would take around two to three hours.
Rosa heaved a sigh of relief. With a smile on her face, she said, "We have gotten past the first hurdle. Speaking of which, this is my first time attending a business meeting with you. Your negotiation skills are even better than I thought. You didn’t even use up our budget."
"You are too kind with your words, Mrs. Woods. It was solely because Mr. Adams had plans to continue collaborating with HG." Wendy then deliberately pre-empted Rosa, "The two clients in Rheinsville City are relatively easy to negotiate with.
"However, for clients in other countries, we can’t even be certain if they will turn up.
You have to be mentally prepared, Mrs. Woods." Her words made the smile on Rosa’s face fade a little.
Wendy lowered her head in contemplation. She could have negotiated for even cheaper compensation terms. However, she did not want to do so.
Moreover, she had left a pitfall for HG. In times of emergency such as this, Timothy Woods would not be able to notice such details, which was what Wendy could take advantage of. The show would only get better from here.
Wendy took a short nap after finishing her snack. The negotiation with the next client was a success as well. It went even smoother than the one they had with Bruce Adams. Because they were competitors, Kyle Davis could not say no to the priority rights to supplies, which was also offered to Bruce Adams.
If he had turned down Wendy’s offer, he would not get the rights to supplies for HG Enterprise’s new launches after they get past this crisis. Then, Bruce Adams would definitely seize the opportunity to increase his market share and hold Kyle in check.
Playing both ends against the middle. Michael was the one who taught her this trick.
She was not responsible for work related matters back when she was an assistant to Michael. But she had worked alongside him for three years, and had unwittingly picked up some business strategies and tactics from him.
Wendy’s expression softened involuntarily at the thought of Michael. She believed they would soon be able to bring HG down.
Then, Wendy boarded an international plane with her team. It was already nighttime when they arrived at their destination. They were unable to reach an agreement with this client even after three hours of negotiation. Wendy and Rosa decided to give up on this client after an internal discussion.
They had no time for rest as they had to make their way to the next destination for their following appointments.
Wendy shut her eyes and went through the timeline mentally. By now, Michael should have made the necessary arrangements.
...
At this time, Michael Lucas had already alighted from the plane.
His destination was Havenview City, where Wendy was going to meet her next client. He had to get ahead of her and quickly sign a deal with this client.
According to the schedule that she gave him, Wendy should still be on the plane at the moment. It was about two hours to her appointed meeting time with Teigen.
Michael was confident about closing the deal with Teigen within two hours. His confidence, for the most part, was not from himself but from the letter that Wendy handed to him.
He could have sent his staff to handle this matter, but he was afraid that something might go wrong. At times like this, he could not risk any chance of failure. Moreover, Teigen’s company was the largest clothing retailer in Havenview with a significant market share in the industry.
Michael was afraid that Teigen would not care for the appointment if he merely sent his subordinates to pitch an offer. The situation would be tricky if his subordinates arrived and Teigen refused to turn up. So Michael had to come in person.
Moreover, he did not dare to hand the letter from Wendy to someone else. It would put Wendy in a dangerous situation should it be seen by moles planted by Christian Lucas.
It was a good thing that Michael personally handled this matter. Teigen had no plans to show up otherwise. After all, the man behind the top fashion retailer in the country would not agree to meeting just anyone.
Upon alighting from the plane, Michael headed straight to the meeting point with Mr.
York. Teigen had yet to arrive when they reached the appointed meeting place.
However, Teigen was punctual, and he did not keep them waiting for long.
It was not the first time Michael met Teigen. However, they only had brief exchanges at business receptions prior to this. Unlike Michael, who was an acquaintance to Teigen at best, Wendy shared a close friendship with Teigen. This was the reason Wendy arranged for Teigen to be Michael’s first appointment.
"Mr. Teigen," Michael walked towards Teigen with a smile, offering a handshake.
Teigen shook hands with Michael politely, his gaze stopping at Michael’s left hand, which was still wrapped in bandages. He frowned and asked out of courtesy, "What happened to you, Mr. Lucas?"
"Just a small injury, nothing to worry about," Michael smiled and shook his head. He stretched his hand out and said, "Mr. Teigen, please."
"It seems you have something really important to discuss with me. Otherwise, you wouldn’t come all this way to meet me despite your injury," Teigen deliberately checked the time and said, "But I’m afraid I can only spare you an hour because I have another important appointment later."
"One hour would suffice," Michael sat opposite Teigen and said with a smile, "let’s not beat around the bush. I know who you’re meeting next. It’s Corrine Swift of HG Enterprise, am I right?"
"You’re indeed well informed," Teigen was both doubtful and a little wary. After all, he was hardly acquainted with Michael, who had came all the way to Havenview.
Although he did not know what Michael planned to do, Michael had obviously came prepared.
"If I don’t know anything at all, I would not have the courage to meet you," Michael said in a friendly tone.
"Mr. Lucas, let’s just get to the point. I don’t think there’s a need for us to catch up anyway," Teigen’s tone was harsher than before. Michael could understand Teigen’s vigilance since he too was a businessman.
Michael was straightforward about his intentions. "I hope you can take this opportunity to terminate the contract with HG, and demand that they compensate in accordance with the contract."
...
"Mr. Lucas, you’ve got to be kidding me." Teigen looked genuinely puzzled. "I’m hardly acquainted with you, neither do I have any dealings with your company. On the contrary, I have been working with HG Enterprise for a long time. Yet, your first request is that I terminate my contract with HG? Don’t you think it’s ridiculous?"
"I merely stated the agenda for our meeting because I don’t wish to waste your time, Mr. Teigen," Michael said without missing a beat. "I will explain why I made this request."
Without a word, Teigen gestured for Michael to continue.
"HG made a severe mistake this time round. It indicates the presence of a fundamental problem. It’s hard to say if they can recover and make their way to the top again," Michael analyzed the situation rationally. "For years, your company has achieved the highest sales among major apparel retailers in Havenview City.
"Your company’s reputation has already taken a hit this time round for carrying HG’s tainted goods. It’ll be best to cut ties with HG to show your company’s position on this matter. This is to prevent being implicated by HG."
"This isn’t news. Everyone knows this," said Teigen. "We will take this into consideration. There’s no need for you to worry on our behalf."
"If you terminate your contract with HG, I can offer you of priority rights to our supplies in Havenview for three years," said Michael.
Teigen let out a smile while shaking his head, saying, "Mr. Lucas, I know MC Enterprise is a powerful conglomerate. But, if I’m not wrong, MC’s main line of business is real estate, followed by suitcases and jewelry. At best, your clothing line is ranked third in terms of your business priority.
"Of course, your clothing line is still renowned on a global scale. However, I think you’re also aware that there’s still some sort of... disparity... between MC and HG in this aspect."
"But HG is currently facing a crisis." Michael appeared to be more serious now. He continued, "But sales of my clothing line has been on a consistent upward trend in recent years. I am confident that in the next few years, our clothing line will be able to achieve greater heights."
"Mr. Lucas, it’s not that I don’t believe you." Teigen pursed his lips and lowered his head slightly in contemplation before continuing, "You came to Havenview in such a hurry to see me in person despite your injuries. I can see your sincerity.
"I won’t beat around the bush. To put it bluntly, I have a good personal relationship with Corrine Swift from HG Enterprise. It is true that HG is facing some difficulties now, but our company has generated significant revenue off the apparels designed by Corrine in the past few years.
"At a time like this, I think I should still offer some moral support and give HG a chance to redeem themselves. To be honest, Corrine is coming to Havenview soon to discuss the terms for compensation. If their terms are reasonable, I plan to give them a chance, or even provide support.
"Mr. Lucas, we’re both businessmen, so you should know why I’m doing this. On top of our connections, HG had raked in lots of revenue in global sales, and had never caused any problems prior to this. By helping HG now, I’m selling them a favor and paving a much brighter future for myself. After all, our company still needs HG’s continuous supply in the future. Therefore, I can only thank you for your offer."
"Mr. Teigen, don’t be so quick to turn me down." Michael paused. After some hesitation, he took out the letter that Wendy left him.
