"Mr. Guo, what do you think of this place?" Chek asked.
"It's good. The overall terrain is quite full. If we were to use the principles of metaphysics from our side, this is a treasure land.
However, as you said earlier, if they demand fifty million for exploration fees, it's a bit much.
If they package it for us, fifty million is something we can consider.
After all, going through all these procedures costs quite a bit of money." Guo Xuyang spoke his mind.
"Are you saying fifty million isn't worth it?"
"If you calculate the entire sum, fifty million can be profitable, but it would only be hard-earned money.
If it's just for exploration fees, it's quite demanding. I don't think it's worth taking on."
"Should I just refuse him then?"
"Can you arrange for him to come and take a look?
If possible, it would be best to meet him.
I need to know what gives him the confidence to demand this fifty million."
"Are you free tonight? Shall we get together this evening?" Chek quickly asked.
"Sure. I also wanted to ask, who owns this place?"
"It's unclaimed territory, public property."
"What about over there?" Guo Xuyang pointed to the distant hillside.
"This is all unclaimed territory, and in the strictest sense, public property.
You know, we have so much land here, no one pays attention to these details."
"You mean we can claim this mountain ourselves?"
"Yes. Of course, someone has gotten ahead of us, so this matter is a bit complicated." Chek was being cautious.
"Do you think you can negotiate for this land at thirty million?
If you can secure it for thirty million, you'll make a profit.
Otherwise, this land is really not worth it."
"Are you saying this land isn't worth fifty million?"
"To each his own. If it were me, I wouldn't fork out fifty million for this."
Guo Xuyang's words were diplomatic, but he didn't deny the land's potential value.
"I'll go and talk to this person. If we can get it for thirty million, we'll take it. If it's over fifty million, then forget it."
"Yes, your idea is good. But if you agree to negotiate with them, I doubt you can get it for less than fifty million."
Seeing Guo Xuyang's response, Chek knew he must have a plan.
"What is your opinion?"
"Be straightforward with them. Tell them the estimated reserves here are only worth about a hundred million US dollars. If they are insistent on excavating, we'll have to withdraw.
Of course, if they think negotiating is worthwhile, we'll show them our hand."
Guo Xuyang directly stated his approach.
"Isn't that a bit risky?"
"What risk? The risk is for us to excavate.
If they don't let us excavate, we have no risk whatsoever. At worst, we don't take this deal."
Guo Xuyang responded to Chek's concern.
He knew Chek was eager to close this deal to pave the way for his future endeavors.
However, the scale of this venture was far beyond his comfort zone, which is why he wanted Guo Xuyang to take a look.
"You can't have your cake and eat it too. If you've heard this saying, you should understand what you truly want," Guo Xuyang stated frankly.
Indeed, Guo Xuyang intentionally said this to Chek.
Chek had a good idea: if the gold reserves here were substantial, he could mobilize resources to acquire this territory.
This place would become his domain, unassailable by anyone in the future.
But what was Guo Xuyang doing?
He was merely portraying the place as more obscure, making the other party feel it was a white elephant – tasteless to consume and a waste to discard.
They were in a battle of wits, and naturally, Guo Xuyang was superior.
"They just said that if they don't participate in the excavation, they won't negotiate below forty million," Chek said after hanging up the phone.
"Just tell them thirty million. If it's more than thirty million, we're not discussing it.
If they don't agree, we'll head back this afternoon," Guo Xuyang advised.
"Okay, I trust you won't deceive us."
Chek made another call. About an hour later, the other party seemed to have compromised.
"Mr. Guo, they want to come and talk to you in person," Chek said.
"Certainly. As a shareholder, I'm duty-bound," Guo Xuyang said with a smile.
He knew the other party was now unsure of their strategy and likely wanted to assess Guo Xuyang's situation.
"This is Mr. Guo, and this is Etina." Chek introduced them to each other.
Guo Xuyang was surprised that the other party was a young woman. He extended his hand for a handshake.
Unfortunately, she didn't reciprocate his politeness, not even extending her hand.
"To briefly introduce the situation, our side estimates the gold reserves below this area to be close to two hundred tons.
However, the geological conditions are quite complex. Based on my work experience, I suggest a buyout for this place.
This way, the excavating party will also see some profit."
"I don't agree with that viewpoint. I believe this is a very rich piece of land.
But obtaining the permits will be troublesome. If you can sort out these permits, I'm willing to give you a twenty percent stake."
Guo Xuyang was preparing his next move.
"You're underestimating me too much. I know the situation at my base.
Do you think we exploration personnel are just eating dry rice?"
"No. I never said that," Guo Xuyang replied.
"Etina, since Mr. Guo has spoken, you should accompany him to take a look," Chek said from the side.
"Forget it, I've already seen enough. Shall we discuss whether this business is feasible now?" Guo Xuyang said.
"I'll await your news. Prepare all the necessary documents and submit them, and we will proceed with the transfer procedures," Etina said.
Guo Xuyang hadn't expected the negotiation to be so simple, and the other party hadn't said much more.
He was feeling a bit elated, perhaps a little too much.
"Miss Etina, it's not too late yet. Shall we find a place to relax?"
"Mr. Guo, right? I understand you see these situations very clearly.
However, we have our reasons for not excavating.
You should know that the geology below is complex, and most people cannot bear such losses," Etina remarked.
"What you're saying makes sense.
However, our technology is already very mature.
We don't need people to go down anymore; instead, we use detectors to gather data and analyze various conditions.
From this, we derive the best conclusions," Guo Xuyang explained.
"The issue of labor is pressing now. We must continuously innovate to come up with various ideas.
What you cannot think of, we can. What you cannot do, we can."
[Author's Aside]: This book will have three updates today. Please continue to follow along, esteemed readers. Cast your free silver votes and let's all have a blast.