Originally, Mr. Gage thought that someone like Alan, who was just a cook, wouldn't understand much. Also, judging from Alan's demeanor, it seemed like he was in a hurry to find a shop. So, Mr. Gage was confident that he could make a good deal with Alan. However, he didn't expect that the actual buyer for the shop wasn't Alan, but someone else entirely. Moreover, this person seemed to have caught onto the intricacies of the situation.
"So, Mr. Jake, what price are you willing to offer?" Mr. Gage asked, his tone not as forceful as before, his confidence shaken.
How much to offer? Of course, Jake wanted the lowest price possible. However, he also knew that offering too low a price might not be agreeable to Mr. Gage. It could even potentially anger him, jeopardizing the deal.
Jake was indeed satisfied with the shop, and he really wanted to make this deal. As for competing with Kailomen, others might lack confidence, but Jake had it.
"Mr. Jake should know that I need funds for turnover recently, so I don't want to rent this place. I only want to sell it!" Mr. Gage spoke before Jake had a chance to say anything.
Selling only, not renting? Originally, Jake was thinking of renting it first, as directly purchasing it would be too expensive. Now, from Mr. Gage's words, it seemed like he didn't want to rent at all, only to sell. This put Jake in a bit of a predicament.
"Selling it, how about 25 million?" Jake said.
"25 million? Mr. Jake is quite the shrewd negotiator. You're reducing the price by 5 million all at once. This price won't work!" Mr. Gage said, somewhat angry.
"Mr. Gage, this price is already fair," Jake said. "However, given Mr. Gage's relatively good relationship with Alan, I can consider adding a bit more."
Both Mr. Gage and Jake understood that the small connection between Mr. Gage and Alan had little influence on the final price. Their words were simply excuses. One wanted to sell, the other wanted to buy, so there was room for negotiation in this deal.
In the end, the price for the shop was settled at 26.5 million. Both Jake and Mr. Gage seemed somewhat dissatisfied with this price, as if they felt they were losing out, but in reality, they could both accept this price.
"Alan should have told Mr. Jake that the payment for this shop must be made in a lump sum," Mr. Gage said.
"A lump sum payment is no problem," Jake said. "However, it's not a small amount of money, and I need some time to prepare."
"How long do you need?" Mr. Gage asked.
"About a month," Jake said.
"No, a month is too long. I can't wait that long," Mr. Gage refused. "At most two weeks, and you'll need to provide a deposit. I can wait for two weeks, and if you haven't prepared the money by then, I'll sell the shop to someone else, and the deposit won't be refunded."
Jake wanted to negotiate on this issue, but Mr. Gage's attitude was firm. He absolutely wouldn't agree to give Jake more time. It was clear that he urgently needed funds for turnover, and he wasn't willing to make any concessions on this matter.
In the end, Jake could only reluctantly agree and paid a deposit of $500,000. After all, he was quite satisfied with the shop. Of course, the deposit money was advanced by Alan. Jake couldn't come up with that much money himself.
Two weeks to raise $26.5 million was a significant pressure for Jake. In the past, he wouldn't even dare to consider it, as he certainly couldn't afford it. However, now Jake dared to promise it, even surprising himself with his audacity.
"Master, you're amazing. You returned over 3 million so quickly," Alan said, full of admiration for Jake after leaving the shop.
During the negotiation between Jake and Mr. Gage, Alan had been watching in a daze. He had initially thought that due to his relationship with Mr. Gage, he might be able to intervene and lower the price. However, when he got there, he realized he couldn't say a word, and his connection with Mr. Gage seemed to be of no use.
Alan was usually obsessed with cooking and didn't pay much attention to other matters. If he had to negotiate prices, he probably wouldn't be able to get even a cent off. Therefore, he was very impressed by Jake. His master not only excelled in culinary skills but also had a knack for bargaining.
"Three million down, still 26 million to go. I don't even know if I can raise it," Jake said with a wry smile.
"Master, I have a few million here. If you need it, you can take it," Alan said to Jake.
Alan genuinely respected Jake as his master, and since he didn't value money much himself, he was willing to offer his entire savings if Jake needed it.
"Thank you," Jake said gratefully. He realized that even though he hadn't taught Alan much so far, Alan was going all out for him. Alan was busy with his matters and even invested his own money. This made Jake feel a bit guilty.
However, several million wasn't much help for Jake at the moment; the shortfall was still significant.
Jake even prepared himself for not being able to raise the money in two weeks. In reality, he could accept it. Worst case, he'd have to look for another shop. As for the $500,000 deposit paid by Alan, he'd have to repay him later.
Of course, as long as there was a chance and time hadn't run out, Jake wouldn't give up. After all, he was quite satisfied with that shop, and besides, he had fought hard to bring the price down by 3 million. How could he easily give up?
Was there any way to make money quickly? Jake started brainstorming for solutions. If he were still in the game world's Hermit Village, he could chop some wood and sell it. There would be some risk of exposure, but it would be a way.
Unfortunately, Jake was in Pergamon County in the game world, and he was leaving for a more distant place tomorrow. He likely wouldn't be able to return to Hermit Village in the short term, so he'd have to think of other ways.
What else could he do? Jake thought about his abilities and talents, trying to see if there was anything that could help him solve his current problem. However, before he could come up with a solution, he received a call from Dirk. Dirk invited Jake to have dinner together that evening.
Jake had a good impression of Dirk, so he didn't refuse the invitation, even though he didn't know why Dirk wanted to meet.
The two of them had dinner at Kailomen again. This time, as Jake entered Kailomen, he had a different mindset. Since he was about to get into the food business and would likely be directly competing with Kailomen just across the street, Jake naturally paid close attention to the situation here.
Jake noticed that although Alan had left Kailomen, the business hadn't been greatly affected. The place was still bustling, with the entire hall fully occupied and no empty tables. Jake and Dirk had obviously chosen to dine in a private room upstairs. There, Jake saw Dirk again.
"Come sit." When Jake entered, Dirk waved him over to sit beside him. In the private room, it was just Jake and Dirk once again. It was clear that Dirk had specially invited Jake for this meal.
"What does Dirk need from me?" Jake asked after taking his seat.
"Can't I invite you to dinner without a reason?" Dirk chuckled. "It's been a year since you graduated, right? You should know that networking is crucial in society. When you have free time, connect with people more. It'll be beneficial for you."
"Thank you for the reminder," Jake said. "But I have to set up my food stall tonight."
Jake's mind was preoccupied with the matter of raising over 26 million. While a barbecue stall wouldn't make much money and was only a drop in the bucket compared to the amount he needed, every little bit helped. He didn't want to miss any opportunity to earn money.
"How much can you earn in one night at your barbecue stall? I'll cover the money you need. You don't have to set up tonight," Dirk said.
"It's not appropriate," Jake replied.
"To be honest, I think you're different from other people. I have a feeling you won't have an ordinary future," Dirk said.
"Thank you for the compliment," Jake said.
"It's not just a compliment," Dirk said. "How many people would dare to stand up against Carlton? How many could injure his bodyguard?"
"You found out?" Jake asked.
"Heard some news," Dirk said. "Carlton's bodyguard, Wade, has been sent back to the capital for treatment. I'm quite curious, who are you really? How could you injure Carlton's bodyguard? It's not something ordinary people can do. So, after hearing this news, I couldn't help but invite you out for dinner."
"It's nothing, I just happen to be quite strong," Jake said casually.
"Strong? How strong?" Dirk asked, curious.
Jake glanced around the private room and saw a small marble table beside a larger one. He walked over to it and said, "If I were to break this table, would I have to pay for it?"
Dirk understood Jake's intention. "Go ahead and try it. If you break it, I'll cover the cost."
Jake fell silent and went to the edge of the table, squatting down. He raised his right hand and gently brought it down, palm landing on the table.
Dirk watched curiously as Jake performed this action. He could guess that Jake intended to showcase his strength using the table. However, what did that gentle pat mean?
Before Dirk could inquire, a "crash" sounded, and the thick and solid marble table suddenly split into pieces, stones falling all over the ground with a clattering noise.
Seeing this scene, Dirk's mouth fell open in shock. He alternated his gaze between the shattered marble and Jake.
"You said I wouldn't be responsible for it," Jake said as he returned to his seat beside Dirk.
Dirk stared at Jake for a while before saying, "Terrifying."
Now Dirk finally understood why Carlton's bodyguard had been defeated by Jake. Jake's terrifying strength wasn't something ordinary people, let alone someone like Wade who had achieved some level of cultivation, could match.
"Do you practice martial arts?" Dirk couldn't help asking. Clearly, he was aware of the circles that were beyond the reach of ordinary people.
"Martial arts? No," Jake shook his head.
Indeed, Jake hadn't practiced martial arts. He had merely leveled up in another world. This form of advancement was simpler than martial arts, yet more fearsome.
"No?" Dirk looked at Jake suspiciously. To possess such strength without practicing martial arts, could he be naturally gifted? Dirk recalled the information he had investigated about Jake before. He seemed to have come from an ordinary background, and it was indeed unlikely for someone from that background to have knowledge of martial arts. Nevertheless, having such terrifying strength without undergoing any training was truly remarkable.
"Uh-huh," Jake nodded.
Before Jake had even made his move, he had anticipated Dirk's current expression. This was exactly the effect Jake wanted to achieve.
Dirk's current attitude towards him was favorable, but it seemed more like looking after a subordinate or valuing talent rather than an equal interaction between friends.
Jake wasn't surprised by this. Given their unequal statuses, Dirk's thoughts were normal. Therefore, Jake intended to reveal some of his strength to increase his value in Dirk's eyes.
As Dirk had mentioned earlier, networking was crucial. Having spent a year in society, Jake naturally understood this principle. He also had a positive impression of Dirk, and if they were to establish a deeper relationship, there needed to be a relatively equal footing. Otherwise, why would Dirk regard him highly?
"No wonder you were able to defeat Wade. With this level of terrifying strength, not many people can withstand it," Dirk remarked. Jake chuckled; under the influence of various enhancements, there weren't many people who could match him in terms of strength.
"However, you can't be complacent," Dirk said. "Based on what I know about Carlton, he won't just swallow his losses. He'll definitely have follow-up actions."
Jake's thoughts were accurate. After witnessing Jake's terrifying strength, Dirk now held him in higher regard and realized his exceptional nature.
"I know," Jake nodded. "I'll be careful."
"Okay," Dirk said. "Let's eat first, and after the meal, I'll take you somewhere to have some fun."
Initially, Dirk had planned to leave after dinner. However, upon realizing Jake's exceptional qualities, he began to value Jake more and thought about spending more time with him to strengthen their relationship.
It was evident that Jake's recent actions had indeed been effective.
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