Inheritance of Two Trillion Chapter 2779 - 1968: The Bewitching Tongue (Part 2)

The others also came over one after another to greet Bai Xiaosheng warmly and shake his hand.

From the moment they learned who Bai Xiaosheng really was, they’d been full of expectations.

Kustiel and the surrounding island nations couldn’t live without spices, and right now the spice market was tight on inventory and badly needed replenishment.

On their first round of replenishing by sea, they’d poured in massive investments, hoping to further monopolize the market, but they hadn’t expected that damned typhoon to come out of nowhere halfway and swallow their cargo ship again.

This left these spice tycoons taking heavy hits one after another, and their capital chain has now shrunk drastically.

If they don’t bring in goods, the business can’t go on; if they do, the risks get even bigger.

They also have to guard against the person sitting next to them, in case someone stabs them in the back.

In short, they’re stuck both ways and suffering badly.

The tycoons in this room have to cooperate while guarding against each other, and after several meetings they still haven’t achieved anything.

On what looks like the only way out—turning to external capital for help—they’ve all been extremely cautious.

Capital is ruthless; if it finds out there’s such a big opportunity here, it might even swallow them whole.

With no other way out, they had Mr. Leifer, their point man, look for a reliable capital partner.

Being able to find Bai Xiaosheng actually left everyone very satisfied.

The more they thought about it, the more fitting it seemed.

First of all, all the spices Kustiel and the surrounding island nations needed could be sourced in Huaxia. In the past, local production and sales already yielded a surplus, and they mostly did export business, but when it came to a supply base, everyone agreed Huaxia was the best choice!

Secondly, the capital strength of Huaxia’s business world is hefty, and the business environment has been excellent in recent years, practically making it a top-tier partner.

On top of that, Huaxia’s sea and air transport are both highly developed, with costs far better than in other regions, and it has a strong and affordable deep-processing industry. They themselves are looking to diversify spice-related products and sell them worldwide.

Adding in Bai Xiaosheng’s identity, background, and strength, he really is the optimal choice.

So every spice tycoon present couldn’t help but light up with delight.

Leifer saw all this from the side, coughed twice, and thought to himself, "You gentlemen probably don’t know yet, this Mr. Bai is not what you think. He’s not just looking to be a supplier—he wants to re-divide the market with you all!"

Seeing that Leifer seemed to have something to say, the spice tycoons immediately put a temporary stop to their eager chatting with Bai Xiaosheng and turned to look at Leifer.

"Well, gentlemen..." Leifer organized his words and said, "I’ve already told Mr. Bai Xiaosheng in advance about the original intention behind our cooperation."

Of course he had; they had to at least let the man know what kind of cooperation they were after.

No one in the room found that surprising; they all wore polite smiles.

Bai Xiaosheng also listened with a faint smile.

"However, Mr. Bai Xiaosheng has said he doesn’t want to just be a place-of-origin supplier." Leifer said mildly.

Everyone’s gaze froze.

Some people caught the implication and couldn’t help looking over at Bai Xiaosheng.

"He wants to start a new company with us, integrate the surrounding markets, and grow and strengthen the spice business."

This last line from Leifer made everyone’s faces in the room change abruptly.

They’d thought they were bringing in a supplier so everyone could make money together in peace.

Who knew this young man was a wolf, eyeing their big, juicy piece of meat!

They were inviting a wolf into the house!

The atmosphere in the lounge changed in an instant.

Mr. Auston was the first to shake his head and said firmly to Bai Xiaosheng, "Mr. Bai, I’m afraid that won’t do!"

Everyone present would love to see one or two fewer tycoons in this circle so they could free up market share to feed their ever-growing appetites. How could they possibly let another player in, and one who wants to split the market with all of them?

This was clearly trying to snatch the meat and soup right off their plates; absolutely unacceptable!

"Mr. Bai, I think this idea of yours is somewhat inappropriate."

"As long as you can ensure sufficient supply and make sure our deep-processing goes smoothly, you’ll still be able to make money hand over fist."

"You’re negotiating with all of us—the major spice tycoons of the surrounding island nations. It’s better not to show such a big appetite right from the start. We can take a long-term view."

Some spoke euphemistically, others more bluntly.

But their attitude was unanimous—they were unwilling.

Bai Xiaosheng listened with a smile. He had long anticipated this scene today and wasn’t surprised at all.

Who would be willing to hand over their own turf?

However, once you mix hard and soft tactics, the result might be different.

This method is called "carrot and stick" in the West, and in the East it’s "a slap followed by a sweet date"...

Leifer looked over at Bai Xiaosheng with a helpless smile, but whether he was sneering inwardly, gloating over others’ misfortune, no one could tell.

Facing the crowd’s agitation, Bai Xiaosheng raised both hands slightly, pressing down in the air, and said in a mild tone, "Everyone, will you allow me to say a few words?"

Hearing that Bai Xiaosheng wanted to speak, the crowd also paused.

Giving someone a chance to speak—at their level as industry tycoons—they at least had that bit of cultivation and courtesy.

Seeing they had fallen silent, Bai Xiaosheng spoke slowly, "First of all, I’ve already contacted the companies under my control in Huaxia. By now, the spices needed by Kustiel and the surrounding countries should already be loaded onto the ships."

The crowd was all taken aback.

No one had expected Bai Xiaosheng to act with such boldness—he’d already loaded the cargo?

Even Leifer was somewhat surprised.

"The volume of goods is greater than the total of everything you currently have in hand, and this is only the first batch." Bai Xiaosheng said with a smile. "The quality is better, and the price... cheaper!"

Not a single word in that sentence was an explicit threat, yet it was drenched in killing intent, sending a chill down everyone’s spine.

"Second, my attitude toward establishing a company here is very firm. It will not waver in the slightest." Bai Xiaosheng stated his position.

"Mr. Bai, you’re oversimplifying this. Kustiel alone will protect its related industries." Auston said, focusing his gaze.

If outsiders try to come in and snatch business, they will never agree. They’ll jointly speak up and push the authorities to step in.

Bai Xiaosheng glanced at Leifer with a smile, then looked at Auston. "Didn’t Mr. Leifer tell you all in advance?"

"Our group is currently in a honeymoon phase with Kustiel. Besides the port construction project, we also have a series of cooperations including tidal power plants and more."

"As for customs clearance procedures, company registration procedures, all of that will go through the most favorable channels. Do you really think Kustiel will refuse us because of some protests? Our investment here will create more economic benefits than yours, solve more jobs. Add to that a broad, in-depth cooperation covering all aspects—do you truly believe your influence can outweigh ours?"

Their expressions changed abruptly.

On this point, Mr. Leifer really hadn’t mentioned anything to them.

Because even Leifer himself was startled by what he was hearing.

What Bai Xiaosheng said had some exaggeration in it, half true and half false—but how were these people supposed to verify it?

"Once the company is set up, if you aren’t our partners, then you can only become our competitors." Bai Xiaosheng’s words carried a tinge of regret, yet were laced with deadly resolve. "We have a steady stream of high-quality goods, well-developed and ample ocean shipping, and virtually unlimited capital. In a business war, we don’t fear a prolonged battle with any of you. We’d gladly see a scenario of killing a thousand enemies at the cost of eight hundred of our own!"

These words struck straight at their hearts. None of the families present could withstand that kind of attrition!

Even Mr. Leifer couldn’t help swallowing, feeling the chill of slaughter.

Bai Xiaosheng took in their unease and restlessness, and his voice softened, earnestly coaxing and persuading.

"If you join hands with us to set up a company, you won’t have to worry about raw materials. Deep processing will be higher quality than before, at lower cost. Transportation will drastically cut expenses, with almost zero risk. It truly is all profit and no downside."

"And besides, are you really content to just do business within these few island nations in the vicinity?"

"All of you bear the title of ’tycoon’, but you must be clear in your hearts how far you still are from those big-shot merchants in Europe and America."

"Let’s join forces and grow the business bigger and stronger, push it across the globe, so that your title of ’tycoon’ genuinely matches reality and your families flourish for generations. Wouldn’t that be a good thing?"

"When you look back in the future, you’ll definitely sigh, ’Fortunately we made that decision back then—our vision used to be so narrow.’"

Bai Xiaosheng smiled and said, "We’re building a port in Lares, Kustiel, and it’ll be completed soon. We have usage rights for fifty years, and if you cooperate with us, it will be open for your use as well."

"Of course, as for our business rivals..."

Bai Xiaosheng didn’t say how he would treat competitors, leaving them ample space for imagination.

Everyone present had complicated looks in their eyes, their tangled feelings written all over their faces.

Even Leifer was swallowed up by Bai Xiaosheng’s words, literally swallowing his saliva.

Weighing pros and cons is something anyone can do.

Choosing between survival and ruin isn’t exactly a difficult question.

"In the initial phase of cooperation, I’ll also guarantee that your current level of profit won’t be cut by a single cent. Only the incremental gains will count as mine. Later, when we expand into overseas markets, we’ll redistribute according to our respective investments. How does that sound?"

Bai Xiaosheng smiled. "Do you need time to discuss among yourselves? Or should I step outside now and let you think it over properly?"