Inheritance of Two Trillion Chapter 2410 - 1802: Face-to-Face Discussion
Previously on Inheritance of Two Trillion...
Following a restful night's sleep, Bai Xiaosheng initiated a call to Mr. Brown's private number after his morning meal the subsequent day.
His call had two primary objectives. Firstly, he aimed to elucidate and confer with Mr. Brown regarding the recent investigation into the five companies situated in the African region, thereby seeking to preempt any lingering displeasure between their respective parties. Secondly, Bai Xiaosheng intended to broach the subject of potential cooperation between enterprises from Huaxia and a company known as "Xuanjin."
Bai Xiaosheng recognized that bypassing direct communication and resorting to his official status to approach the company would be improper, undignified, and likely detrimental to the objective. Despite holding the esteemed positions of Executive President for the Greater China Region of Zhenbei Group and Deputy Head of the Headquarters Inspection Department, Mr. Brown was a seasoned figure within the group, rumored to have nearly attained the Vice Chairman position. Such a standing meant he could easily disregard Bai Xiaosheng.
More critically, Bai Xiaosheng considered the potential repercussions. If subsequent high-level decisions within the group were swayed by these events, particularly if Mr. Brown aligned himself with Vice Chairman Morgan and Caroline, the situation could become disadvantageous.
When initiating this inaugural call, Bai Xiaosheng harbored minimal expectations of immediate success, mentally preparing to either attempt another call later or seek assistance from another contact if this attempt proved futile.
To Bai Xiaosheng's considerable surprise, however, the call was answered after only a few rings.
"Hello." A voice, bearing the marks of age yet resonating with a rich, commanding, and distinctly unemotional tone, immediately put Bai Xiaosheng on high alert.
He surmised that the speaker must be Mr. Brown, the esteemed President of the group's African Region!
"Mr. Brown, this is..." Bai Xiaosheng swiftly regained his composure, intending to formally introduce himself.
However, before he could complete his self-introduction, the voice on the other end interjected, identifying him precisely: "Executive President of the Asian Region and Deputy Head of the Group Headquarters Inspection Department, Mr. Bai Xiaosheng!"
Bai Xiaosheng briefly paused, taken aback.
A soft chuckle emanated from the other end. "Mr. Bai, if you possess the means to obtain my contact number, it is hardly surprising that I am aware of yours."
A simple yet undeniable truth was spoken.
"Indeed," Bai Xiaosheng replied with a light laugh, before continuing with deliberate calm, "Mr. Brown, I am calling to offer an explanation regarding the recent matter concerning those five companies under your purview. At that time, I..."
"I understand, you were merely fulfilling your duties," Mr. Brown responded, his voice carrying a clear, affirmative tone.
Fortunately, the other party appeared to be quite understanding, Bai Xiaosheng thought.
Yet, Bai Xiaosheng, renowned not only for his skill in analyzing microexpressions but also for his exceptional perceptiveness of vocal nuances, sensed something more.
Mr. Brown's actual sentiments likely diverged significantly from his spoken words...
"Mr. Brown, I should have ideally conferred with you beforehand on this matter. However, the prevailing circumstances at the time did not permit it. I was compelled to act first and report later. For this, I extend my sincere apologies."
Bai Xiaosheng took the initiative to offer his apologies.
"That is unnecessary. If an apology is due, it should come from me. After all, it was the malfeasance within enterprises under my jurisdiction that escaped my notice, necessitating the intervention of knowledgeable individuals such as yourselves. Therefore, I, not you, should be the one offering apologies to the inspection leader."
Mr. Brown's words were laced with undeniable sarcasm. Bai Xiaosheng noted that, despite his reputation as a seasoned veteran of the business world, the elder statesman seemed to make little effort to mask his displeasure. It was evident that, were he younger, his temperament would likely be quite fiery...
Bai Xiaosheng considered offering further explanations and apologies but decided against it. If the issue could be resolved with mere words, the situation would be far simpler. This matter, he surmised, was unlikely to be settled so easily.
"Mr. Bai, is there anything else? Surely you did not initiate this call solely to discuss this particular matter?" Mr. Brown inquired, his tone subtly probing.
Bai Xiaosheng collected his thoughts and stated calmly, "Mr. Brown, I do indeed have other reasons for calling. Our Huaxia Business Group's enterprises are keen to explore cooperation opportunities regarding rare earths with a company under your supervision, named 'Xuanjin.'"
A brief silence followed from the other end, prompting Bai Xiaosheng to elaborate. "This initiative is strongly supported by the Xisuli Government. Currently, three state-owned enterprises are on the verge of signing agreements. As I am affiliated with the group, the leadership expressed a desire for me to communicate with you directly on this matter."
To ensure his involvement did not negatively impact the potential cooperation, Bai Xiaosheng quickly added, "Regarding this proposed collaboration, companies operating under my purview within the Greater China Region are not involved. My role is strictly that of an intermediary, a messenger. I have no personal stake in this venture, so please rest assured. You are undoubtedly aware of Huaxia's significant strengths in the rare earth sector. Such cooperation would undoubtedly yield mutual benefits for all parties concerned, including our group. What are your thoughts on this?"
Bai Xiaosheng conveyed his message with genuine sincerity.
This collaboration offered immense advantages for both Mr. Brown's African domain and the Huaxia corporations, poised to ignite widespread partnerships and significantly elevate the African region's achievements under Mr. Brown's leadership.
Bai Xiaosheng was confident that, even from a purely logical standpoint, if Mr. Brown failed to appreciate his efforts in facilitating this cooperation, he would at least recognize the future prosperity this partnership promised.
"Finished?" On the other end of the line, Mr. Brown's voice resonated, slow and unhurried.
Bai Xiaosheng was briefly taken aback before replying, "Yes, it is done."
As Bai Xiaosheng spoke, his mouth feeling parched, Mr. Brown's response was delivered with an air of nonchalance.
Based on the intonation and the underlying message, Mr. Brown appeared to be indifferent?