CHAPTER 159: CHAPTER 159 CUNNING

...which was far from the fast-moving consumer goods sector. The rapid takeover of the Sevan market was also due to Frank Michaelson’s strong business acumen.

"Cheers."

Charles was generous at the table, and so was Frank Michaelson.

After the drink, Charles said, "It’s fate that we met today. I also want to take this opportunity to cooperate with Mr. Michaelson."

Frank Michaelson smiled and said, "Yes, it’s fate. I wonder how Mr. Charles wants to cooperate? However, I must say in advance that cooperation is mutually beneficial. If things don’t work out, please don’t be upset, Mr. Charles."

"Of course, friendship is friendship. Business is business. Let’s talk business. Even if we can’t reach cooperation, our camaraderie still remains," Charles said.

In fact, when the channels were under Frank Michaelson’s control, he had a tight grip on Charles.

To put it bluntly, he had no other choice.

Don’t say that the wine sold well and had high profits.

With a supportive channel, even a miscellaneous brand of wine could sell well.

It was a time when channels ruled supreme.

"That’s good." Frank Michaelson nodded with a smile.

Charles said, "Sevan Old Cellar has a relatively high market share in Sevan, but other high-end liquor brands still firmly hold nearly eighty percent of the Sevan market. I want to entrust Mr. Michaelson’s company with the distribution of a new high-end liquor from Sevan Old Cellar. I can offer a 30 percent profit and a 3-million-dollar annual commission."

I see that Charles wanted to dominate the high-end market.

Indeed, the profits involved were staggering.

If Sevan Old Cellar could dominate the high-end market in Sevan, the profits would be immense. Charles was indeed generous, offering three million dollars plus a thirty percent profit.

Frank Michaelson tapped his fingers on the table, making a sound. "I understand Mr. Charles’ intentions. You are indeed shrewd."

"Actually, ’Sevan’ also approached me, but I didn’t agree. The conditions they offered were similar to Mr. Charles’."

Sevan, a local liquor product, also had a strong advertising presence.

Charles gritted his teeth. "Five million dollars commission, forty percent profit!"

"Alright, I agree to the cooperation."

Frank Michaelson said, "Actually, it offered a 5.5 million commission and split the profit in half. The reason I didn’t agree is simple. I believe the grade is too low to generate a significant buzz."

Split the profit in half?

That was extremely generous. Making money in distribution was truly easy.

Charles raised his glass. "A pleasant cooperation!"

Frank Michaelson also raised his glass. "A pleasant cooperation!"

They settled a project worth over a billion dollars with a clink of glasses.

The atmosphere became even more harmonious afterward, and everyone relaxed completely.

George suggested going out for fun later. I was considering returning to Kristina, but it wouldn’t be beneficial if I left as the intermediary.

Fortunately, Frank Michaelson helped me out. "Mr. Charles, Mr. George, I have an important meeting tomorrow, and I can’t accompany you both. Next time, it’s on me. I’ll treat you both."

George nodded. "Work is important!"

Charles said, "I’ll treat you next time, Mr. Michaelson. Please honor us then."

I said, "How about this? Each of us treats once. That way, it’s fair."

"William is right. Each one treats once!"

"Exactly. William’s idea is reasonable."

The three of them laughed simultaneously. As they exited the private room, I stood by the slightly inebriated Frank Michaelson. "Frank, thank you for today."

Frank Michaelson patted my back with a smile. "We’re like brothers. There’s no need for thanks. It’s all about cooperation, and Sevan Old Cellar has great potential for speculation and high profits."

His voice was low, and with the noise outside, there was no need to worry about Charles or George overhearing.

"That’s good. Just make sure not to harm your own interests."

"Let me tell you a secret."

Frank Michaelson whispered in my ear, and my expression changed instantly. "Damn, is that so?"

Frank Michaelson quickly made a gesture to keep quiet. "Keep it down. Only you and I know about this. Don’t let a third person find out."

I nodded, thinking Frank Michaelson was really cunning. It turned out that Charles had contacted him a while back, but he deliberately avoided meeting him, just to make him anxious.

Frank Michaelson had long set his sights on several big brands. As their agent, the profits were transparent to him. To achieve high profits, one would have to resort to bottling fake liquor or counterfeit products.

But Frank Michaelson won’t do such a thing.

That would be self-destructive. Those with experience have sharp tongues and can tell real from fake with just a sip. If they tasted fake once, your wine would never make it to their table again. If they wouldn’t drink, the underlings would follow suit. There were really no secrets in that circle. Once one person knew, everyone would know.

Frank Michaelson’s original intention was to make Charles anxious, but he didn’t expect that he would come looking for me.

"You can pretend not to know. You’re doing me a favor. He won’t treat you unfairly, understand?"

I swallowed hard. "Isn’t that a bit inappropriate?"

"What’s wrong with that? You’re my brother, and of course you can get a little benefit. If it weren’t for your face, I would have taken fifty percent profit of his profit, and he wouldn’t even think about a commission of less than ten million dollars."

I grinned, "Okay. I understand."

As we descended the stairs, I said to Frank Michaelson, "Frank, I’ll go settle the bill."

"Do you believe that someone has already settled your bill?" Frank Michaelson chuckled.

"No way? Who settled it?"

I was a bit incredulous.

"Go ahead and ask."

I nodded and walked to the counter. "Check out the Azure Dragon Room!"

"Sir, we have settled the bill for the Azure Dragon Room," the beautiful receptionist said with a sweet smile.

What? It’s really settled!

[Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!]