The executive director of Google, a true power player, someone who could certainly influence matters in the internet industry, made Zhang Tianxing wonder what he wanted.
"Google is a fine company, a titan in the internet industry. I'm curious why you've summoned me?" Zhang Tianxing preferred to get straight to the point.
Jim burst into laughter. "A young man to be reckoned with! I've heard about the stock market genius from Harvard, the 'Bear King' Zhang Tianxing. Your shorting of the Nasdaq was a stroke of genius."
"Thank you for your praise. May I know what matter requires my assistance, senior?" Zhang Tianxing adopted a humble posture. This wasn't just because of Jim's position at Google, but because he was a classmate of his teacher, John.
Seeing Zhang Tianxing's respectful demeanor, Jim became quite pleased. It seemed this matter was all but settled.
"Zhang Tianxing, there's no need for such formality. John and I have a very deep friendship. I won't mistreat you; I'll offer you a cooperation opportunity," Jim declared, feeling as though his life was reaching its zenith. It seemed that being complimented felt truly good. Zhang Tianxing appeared to be quite sensible and understanding.
"Zhang Tianxing, it's like this. I've heard that the Chinese Pinyin domain name for Google is in your possession," Jim inquired.
"Indeed, it is currently with me, and I was planning to sell it," Zhang Tianxing thought to himself. So that's what it was about; business had come to his doorstep, though he felt a touch of anticlimax.
"Tell you what, Zhang Tianxing, for the sake of your close relationship with John, I'll give you a favor. I'll sort out the Federal Bureau of Investigation for you if you hand over the domain name to our company. How about that? Only we Americans have the final say," Jim stated loudly, exuding an air of supreme confidence.
"I'm sorry, but that's not a negotiation; that's an act of extortion," Zhang Tianxing replied indignantly. There was no sincerity in the offer. If it weren't for the fact that Jim was John's classmate, Zhang Tianxing would have shown him a thing or two. If this old fellow didn't know his place, Zhang Tianxing had ideas about making his face as red as a monkey's backside.
Jim chuckled at Zhang Tianxing's outright rejection. It seemed he would have to cough up some money after all. This Oriental youth, with his pleasant smile, was proving to be quite unyielding, still focused on money.
"How about this: ten thousand dollars, plus I'll handle the FBI. What do you say?" Jim increased his offer.
Zhang Tianxing shook his head. "Director Jim, if you're serious, please name a reasonable price. An offer like this is not worth discussing. As for the FBI, they can do as they please. Lawyer Jimmy will teach them a lesson they'll never forget."
John, who had been observing, couldn't stand it any longer. He glared at Jim, his beard bristling. "Old classmate, you're clearly trying to bully Zhang Tianxing. Let me tell you, if you continue like this, I won't recognize you as my classmate anymore."
Seeing John's expression, Jim threw his hands up. "Alright, I'll make an offer: five hundred thousand dollars. Do I have your sincerity now?"
Zhang Tianxing shook his head. "That figure is far too low. I demand fifty million dollars."
Upon hearing the figure Zhang Tianxing quoted, everyone present was stunned. Fifty million dollars! Zhang Tianxing's asking price was astronomical. Jim's expression turned extremely grim. Fifty million? How was that possible? His initial budget was around ten million. He hadn't expected the price to skyrocket so drastically.
"Zhang Tianxing, give me a realistic price. How many domain names can you buy for fifty million? Do you honestly think a single domain name is worth that much?" Jim asked, his face darkening. He had anticipated Zhang Tianxing being difficult, but he hadn't foreseen such a massive disparity in their expectations on the very first day, a hundredfold difference, making negotiation seem impossible.
"Mr. Jim, if you fail to acquire this domain name, Google's expansion in Asia will be severely hampered. The only way to achieve immediate and impactful results is through this domain name," Zhang Tianxing said with a smile. "Little fellow, you think you can contend with me? Not so easily."
John's eyes widened. This news had a profound impact on him. Five hundred thousand dollars was nothing, but fifty million dollars was beyond his means. Could this domain name truly be worth that much? However, when John saw Jim's expression, his heart sank. "It seems the price can still be driven up, or Jim wouldn't look like that."
Jim's face was a canvas of shifting emotions. He hadn't expected Zhang Tianxing to be so tenacious. He had clearly underestimated the situation. He glanced at John, hoping he would intercede on his behalf.
"Old classmate, you don't need to look at me. This is a matter between you two, and it has nothing to do with me. Whether Zhang Tianxing sells you the domain name, and at what price, is entirely his prerogative. Rarity breeds value; you are free to walk away," John teased. He considered himself a mere scholar caught between two shrewd negotiators, an old fox and a young one. He resolved to be a witness, with no stake in the outcome.
"Senior, please think it over. I'll be waiting," Zhang Tianxing said with a smile. The fish had taken the bait. The final price would depend on how desperately Google wanted to enter the market.
"Zhang Tianxing, your achievements today are no accident. I will offer you the highest price I am authorized to give: ten million. I have no more authority than that," Jim said with a wry smile. Damn it, the negotiation had barely begun, and he had already revealed his bottom line. Now, it was up to the other party to decide if it was acceptable.
"That price is still too low. I'll give you a base price: thirty million dollars. You can go and get approval from your superiors. I'll be leaving now. Teacher John, I need to go and prepare some legal documents," Zhang Tianxing stated.
Thirty million dollars! This figure made John feel a bit ashamed. He didn't even have thirty million himself. It seemed the gap between him and his student was widening, truly a case of the younger generation surpassing the old.
After speaking, Zhang Tianxing rose and left John's office.
"John, you've taught him well. Please, put in a good word for me. Thirty million dollars is indeed a lot, especially with the current internet bubble and the company's tight finances," Jim said, resorting to emotional appeals when he realized his initial approach had failed. He hoped to soften Zhang Tianxing's demands and save some money. Thirty million dollars was a substantial sum.
John spread his hands. "Old classmate, I've already made myself clear. This is a negotiation between the two of you, and the outcome has nothing to do with me." Who would be foolish enough to get involved in their dealings? Regardless of the result, one would be satisfied, and the other disappointed. It was a thankless task, and he wouldn't undertake it. Let them negotiate; all deals were made through negotiation, and eventually, one party would make a concession.