Chapter 3

"Is this young man the business director, or are you?" Alyssa asked impatiently.

"I can represent his standpoint!" Jonathan answered before continuing: "As I've said before, Madam Steven's request is not unreasonable. We cannot just fulfill it".

"I'm sure you, Madam Steven, understand why Director Miller chose to sign the supply agreement with the Summon store!"

Hearing Jonathan's words, Alyssa immediately recognized him as the cavalry that Gregory had summoned.

What could a cunning fellow like this possibly accomplish?

With a dismissive tone, Alyssa responded: "I've heard it was because Director Miller had no choice but to respect the person involved."

Jonathan nodded, honestly replying: "The owner of the Summon store in Fairies is well-connected, and his purpose for wanting the supply agreement was nothing more than to increase his profits. Director Miller couldn't afford to offend the store's owner! I believe even you, Madam Steven, wouldn't want to upset him either!"

Indeed, this was the truth!

Gregory was no fool. Why would he break the rules, sign a supply agreement with the Summon store and dig his grave?

It all boiled down to one point - he could not offend that person!

Alyssa responded indifferently: "How does that concern me? The fact is Director Miller broke the rules. If I am dissatisfied, I can complain to Orchid's headquarters to reclaim my rights! Whatever happens to Director Miller afterward is none of my concern."

She even mentioned his possible fate. Surely it would be dismissal!

Large companies always hold signed contracts in high regard.

Gregory made a mistake. It's impossible to overlook.

With anxiety burning in his heart, Gregory feared that Jonathan might ruin the negotiation.

"But what gain would there be for you, Madam Steven?" Jonathan countered.

A cutting question, striking at the heart of the matter!

Alyssa scrutinized Jonathan, her guard now up!

After a brief silence, she responded: "To reclaim my rights, ensuring that no one interferes arbitrarily in Fairies' business matters ever again! It also allows me to protect the market!"

Alyssa was unwavering and committed to seeing it through to the end!

"Madam Steven, you've touched on the crux of the matter. You distribute all of Orchid's products in the Fairies region. It's not a huge deal even if we miss one Summon store."

"Steven's proprietor cares for one thing above all else: market preservation. Once the market descends into chaos, no one will profit!"

"I have a proposition that could be beneficial for both parties. Would you, Miss Steven, care to hear it?" Alyssa finally ventured into the heart of the matter after Jonathan had asserted his stance.

Upon hearing Jonathan's confident proclamation, Alyssa was intrigued: "Do tell me, what is this harmonious resolution you speak of?"

Throughout their conversation, Daisy had remained silent, her beautiful eyes glued to Jonathan. She was amazed by his undeniable charm. She hadn't expected that she had stumbled upon such a gem by helping him find a job at the warehouse.

His negotiation skills were confident and discreet, commanding the situation as effectively as a seasoned negotiator. However, his ability to perform was yet to be proven by persuading Alyssa of a mutually beneficial resolution.

At that point, Jonathan stated: "Firstly, the contract for the Summon store has been relocated and can't be retrieved. However, we can assure Miss Steven that the price of Orchid's products at Summon's store will match or exceed the market price. Moreover, any operational changes will be first reported to Miss Steven, enabling a cooperative approach to increase consumption."

Alyssa nodded, acknowledging the importance of this agreement, her interest piqued. But she didn't immediately concede: "What's in it for me? You must understand that the owner of Summon holds sway, but I'm not necessarily intimidated."

In other words, Alyssa didn't regard the store owner with deference.

Jonathan smiled, responding lightly: "Miss Steven, you do not want contacts or capital in Crimson Ridge. Naturally, you would not fear Summon. But the focus should be on the benefits!"

"Everyone in the world is driven by benefit. As business people, we need to be pragmatic, to consider the profit."

"Miss Steven, as long as you agree not to let Summon's products surpass your conditions, our Director Miller will express his goodwill. This year, we'll provide you with the most substantial discount on our new Orchid products and the same for other items, meeting all your demands. Regarding the price, Director Miller holds the highest authority."

"That should compensate you several times over for any losses incurred."

"Of course, this conversation is strictly between us. It wouldn't do to let the word out!"

At this, Alyssa's eyes lit up. If Jonathan was true to his word, her profits this year could increase by at least threefold, which was no small number.

However, one can always be satisfied.

In truth, Jonathan's compensation proposal was already quite enticing, but she wanted more.

Therefore, she tried to play hard to get, not seeming too willing as she spoke: "I trust in Director Miller's goodwill, but one year is a tad too short. If it were three years, then I might consider."

Jonathan laughed: "Ms. Steven, it's not guaranteed that Director Miller will remain in his position for three years, so your terms are slightly excessive."

One year is sufficient. Whether we continue to cooperate in the future will depend on the situation. Why rush?"

Having said this much, and with Alyssa already benefiting greatly, she gave up her persistence, hesitated momentarily, and then said: "In that case, let's proceed. Director Miller, what do you think?"

In the short term, at least for the next year, she had secured benefits from Orchid.

As for the future, as Jonathan had already explained, as long as their cooperation remained pleasant and Gregory maintained his current position, they could certainly continue to collaborate.

"Ah... I have no objections!"

After hesitating for a while, Gregory agreed.

"Well then, let's order. How often do we get the chance to make Director Miller treat us? It's on me!" Having changed her attitude, Alyssa proactively picked up the menu and declared generously.