Chapter 194: Victory Settlement After the Banquet_2
Recently, his driver has slowly started to learn to be tactful, finally knowing to keep quiet when the boss hasn't spoken, which has saved him a lot of trouble.
Of course, the changes in Punk were just the least noticeable of all his gains tonight; the biggest trophy was naturally the favor of the entire high society of Thunder City and the friendship with the Andes family.
What Baron Ges couldn't achieve in over a month of wearing white silk and posturing, he accomplished in just one dinner party.
Of course, thanks to the "efforts" of his steadfast subordinates.
From tonight on, diamonds will become the new darling of Thunder City's high society and will be sought after by those rural nobles, like Baron Ges, who are eager to squeeze into the upper circle.
The specialties of the Rock Soul Tribe have completely opened up a market in Thunder City.
And not just in Thunder City and the surrounding Baron Territories.
Soon, "Erin's Eye" will become the most dazzling adornment on Grand Duke Edward's crown, and by then, the entire Campbell Duchy and even the Ryan Kingdom will re-evaluate these sparkling treasures, becoming obsessed with the story behind them and the wealth myth of the New Continent.
This matter, if relying on his own grandstanding alone, would not have been possible, but with the help of the people in his mansion, it was more than sufficient.
Especially with the Andes family, who were directly "sharing the spoils" with him.
Next, they will use their influence on the Old Continent to spare no effort in promoting that enduring story and expanding the commercial territory for him.
According to the agreement reached between the two sides, the Andes family will hold a thirty percent stake in Colin Mining Company and will be fully responsible for the company's operations, while Luo Yan will only need to ensure someone watches the books and replenishes the stock in the warehouse according to the diamond mine's output.
The Andes promised him that the annual profit would not be less than one million gold coins, and there would be at least a 10% market share growth each year within ten years.
If these targets were not met, the Colin family could terminate the contract at any time.
In fact, this additional clause was purely redundant, as from start to finish, this diamond mine was always under Luo Yan's control.
He could change partners anytime he wanted since the contract was backed by power, and no contract could constrain power itself.
However, he wouldn't do that.
After all, no one was more suitable for the job than the Andes family, and he had no intention of finding a competitor for his business.
At this time, exclusive management was necessary.
Having two people compete would only disrupt the market and benefit the "consumers".
And the Andes family was naturally aware of this, so they showed a very humble attitude during the contract negotiations.
According to the usual practices, such profit margins, more exaggerated than robbery, would be split fifty-fifty according to pirate rules, yet he proactively gave up twenty percent.
For the Andes family, without the initiative, they needed to use the voluntarily relinquished twenty percent profit to ensure that the Colin family, who could disembark from the bandwagon at any time, remained on board. For Luo Yan, he happened to need to give them thirty percent profit to win over the entire Andes family, as money to him was merely a tool for winning people's hearts.
Thus, both sides hit it off immediately.
Soon, perhaps someone will, driven by interest, set sail to search for that Kao Continent he mentioned.
However, Luo Yan could be sure that even if they found that elven continent in the center of the Vortex Sea, they would inevitably not find his territory.
At that time, however, he had his ways to keep them intrigued, but that was not something to be done now.
Now, he needed to gradually make the entire high society of Thunder City his captives, unwittingly selling their souls to the Demon.
Conquering them equaled conquering Campbell Duchy's wallet.
As for the honorable Princess Campbell.
Perhaps she was also his trophy of the night, but she was not his main target, or rather, his goal had already been achieved in the process.
Watching the Lord Demon King resting with closed eyes, Youyou floated beside him, sighing from the heart.
"As expected of Lord Demon King, truly a sinful Demon."
As the worm in someone's stomach, it didn't know what Luo Yan was thinking but could vaguely sense the emotions.
Very clearly!
This guy was secretly delighted again!
Luo Yan casually glanced at the air beside him and replied in his heart.
"I am indeed a Demon King, but I didn't do anything bad today, did I?"
Youyou: "Huh? Doesn't deceiving the feelings of an innocent young girl count?"
Thinking it would say something different, Luo Yan just smiled faintly, drew a cross on his chest like the disciples of Saint Sith do when praying, and said.
"I simply responded to her inner prayer."
Youyou looked at Luo Yan in surprise, feeling only admiration in its heart.
As expected of Lord Demon King!
The same meaning expressed in two sentences, just phrased differently, felt entirely different!
Suddenly, Luo Yan remembered something and asked.
"Right, Youyou, how much did the Faith Value increase tonight?"
"Let me see... Gasp! Lord Demon King, your daily Faith Value has increased by ten thousand! So powerful... What exactly did you do?! Did you spike something in their champagne?!"
Looking at Luo Yan, Youyou's gaze was filled with admiration, almost wanting to transform into the shape of the Demon King Statue.
Luo Yan was surprised by this number but quickly let it go.
Silver Level and above souls were everywhere, contributing more Faith Value than ordinary people was not surprising; Princess Erin probably contributed quite a bit herself.
Another hundred beta test slots were added.
After all, one must pick the ripest leeks to cut...
...
The carriage stopped downstairs at the Embrace of Dawn Hotel.
After getting off, Luo Yan looked at Punk, who stood respectfully on the side, and said.
"Any thoughts?"
Hearing the boss take the initiative to speak to him, Punk was slightly stunned, thought seriously for a few seconds, and said.
"Sir, I found that the Andes family's ability to dominate this city is not without reason."
Although a waste of a statement, it was a significant progress for him, indicating he was also learning.
Luo Yan smiled and said.
"Then what reason did you see?"
"Every guest, whether noble or not, can get what they want from him, be it money, honor, or something else. Whether it's the prestigious Campbell family, ordinary tycoons of the Queen's District, or other nobles..." Punk cautiously glanced at his master and continued, "Including you."
Luo Yan nodded approvingly.
"Very good, you've improved."
"Thank you, sir." Punk showed a sincere smile, like a big child rewarded with praise.
This recognition made him happier than gold coins.
Of course, it would be better with gold coins.
"No need to thank me, I'm just speaking the truth," Luo Yan said casually, "Although you're still far from the Andes, your current ability is enough to run a small business to support yourself and your family, and maybe make a small fortune. If you work hard and value education, your son or grandson might have the chance to become someone like Andor, but to rise further would need some luck and opportunity."
Hearing these seemingly farewell words, Punk quickly said.
"Sir, please let me continue to serve by your side, I think... serving you is the greatest meaning of my life."
Luo Yan was very satisfied with his expression.
Demons love ambitious people, and at this moment, a fire of unprecedented ambition was burning in his eyes.
Now, it was time to open the third magic box of Roxey Colin for the citizens of Thunder City.
"Very well, then tomorrow I need you to do something for me. In your own name, go to Silver Pine Street next to Queen Street and acquire five storefronts, convert them into tea shops. These stores don't need to be big; spacious, bright, simple yet noble in decoration... You can refer to the style of those banks in the harbor area; as for the signage, keep it simple and memorable. Now's the time to test your learning ability."
Although he couldn't fathom Mr. Colin's intentions, Punk diligently noted down every word, nodded earnestly, and said.
"At your command, Sir."
——
(Happy New Year! Brothers! Another new year has come, I wish you all prosperity and success in the new year! I'm off to spend time with my family, haha.)