Chapter 111
In Miguel''s forty years of life, never had he partaken such a frustrating and awkward meal.
Conversely, there wasn''t a hint of embarrassment on Sophia''s face despite being the reason for him
feeling such a way. Instead, she rather enjoyed the meal.
As Miguel stole a nce at the woman who was wiping her mouth, his expression darkened even
further.
She looks pleasing to the eyes, but why is it that she has an unforgiving mouth?
Only after Sophia had taken a sip of coffee did shenguidly turn her gaze to the two people across
from her who had long since finished eating. “The food is pretty good, Mr. Johnson.”
The corners of his mouth twitched, but still, he held his temper in check. “Have you finished eating, Ms.
Yarrow?”
“Yes.” shing them a smile, Sophia continued, “I''m sorry, but I''m a bit slow at eating. Let''s start
discussing business now.”
While speaking, she took the document from Yvonne''s hand beside her and handed it to Miguel. “Mr.
Johnson, I''ve done my research about Rhapsody''s situation. In recent years, toy stores have
mushroomed, and thepetition in this industry is growing increasingly intense. However,
Rhapsody''s productsck innovation as well as research and development. That is also the reason
yourpany''s sales have been dropping in the past two years. And as far as we know, Rhapsody
suffered a cataclysmic plummet in salesst year because an educational toy brand was sessfully
listed within the country. The brand is known as Little Savant. I think you should understand the
situation. All of Little Savant''s toys are self-innovated and developed. Bluntly put, thepetitiveness
of Little Savant in this market is far above that of yourpany. Of course, yourpany has been
established for eight years after all, so it still has a certain reputation in the toy industry. In view of that,
this is the price we offer.”
Having said that, she lifted her hand and put out three fingers twice.
“Three billion?”
It was clear as day that Miguel hadn''t expected Sunshine Group to offer that much.
Sophia''s remarks were downright unpleasant, but he had to admit that Rhapsody''s current situation
was as she said.
In the early years, when the domestic toy industry was unbnced, Rhapsody once monopolized the
entire market for a year or two. Almost all the toys on the market were produced by Rhapsody. But as
increasingly more people entered the industry in the past few years, Rhapsody could no longer rest on
itsurels.
Back when he founded Rhapsody, he poured a lot of money into it from Prosperity Enterprise.
Regardless of whether Charles had been turning a blind eye or wholly ignorant of it all, he had to sell
off Rhapsody as soon as possible. Otherwise, he and Richard would have been working for Charles in
vain all these years once thetter intervened.
Yvonne was likewise stunned when she saw Sophia''s offer. Truthfully, three billion was indeed too
much.
Unexpectedly, Sophia abruptly chuckled. “You''ve misunderstood, Mr. Johnson. I meant one billion three
hundred million.”
“Sophia Yarrow, did you mistake me for you? One billion three hundred million? Are you taking me for a
beggar?”
“If it were a beggar, thirteen bucks would have sufficed. You hold yourself in too low a regard, Mr.
Johnson.”
Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.
Miguel was so livid that his face flushed bright red. His lowest price was one billion eight hundred
million, while his ideal price was two billion five hundred million.
However, Sophia offered one billion three hundred million. That was an utter insult to him.
His blood boiling, he sprang to his feet to leave. Despite that, Sophia remained seated without coaxing
him to stay. Instead, she even poured herself a cup of cappino and sipped at it.
Not bad. It''s quite fragrant.
“Consider carefully, Mr. Johnson. Sunshine Group awaits you with open arms, but I''m afraid Rhapsody
hasn''t the time to waste in this matter. Considering its condition now, we might not even be able to offer
this price after some time. Besides, the fact that you met with us today might have reached Charles''
ears.”
The footsteps of Miguel, who had just stepped out of the door, faltered. Beside him, an anxious Caiden
reminded in a low voice, “Mr. Johnson, thepany''s debt is snowballing. Ms. Yarrow is right. The
debt of three hundred million might be four or five hundred million if we drag our feet for a few
more days. At the end of the day, you''d be the one to bear these losses.”
Hearing that, Miguel almost blew his top. “Didn''t you hear the price she was offering?”
Caiden knew that the price was low, but the situation of thepany then meant extra losses with
every single passing day. That would be meaningless as well.
If Miguel and Richard were willing to fork out three hundred million to fill the hole, Miguel wouldn''t have
come over that day and endured such humiliation.
“But are you and Mr. Richard going to settle the three-hundred-million debt first?”
That remark gave Miguel pause. This is obviously a bottomless pit. I can afford to take out three
hundred million, but the problem is, it''s not merely that amountter on. The situation will repeat itself
again and again.
Despite being furious, he could still put up with it at the thought of the money.
Beside him, Caiden continued persuading, “Mr. Johnson, Ms. Yarrow has only offered a price once.
Let''s go back and discuss this further. We might be able to negotiate for the price you want.”
Miguel was startled for a moment, realizing that he had been too hasty.
However, he found it too mortifying to turn around and head back.
Caiden knew the man best, so he added, “Mr. Johnson, considering the exorbitant amount of money
involved, just endure it for a bit.”
He''s right. That''s a king''s ransom there, so what if I give in slightly?
Ultimately, Miguel turned around and returned to the table. His face was still flushed with rage, but his
words were distinctly more amicable. “One billion three hundred million is indeed too low. Please offer a
more reasonable price.”
Sophia nced at Yvonne beforenguidly turning to look at the man. “Don''t worry, Mr. Johnson. We''re
here today with full sincerity. But you also know Rhapsody''s situation. It''s a definite gain for you, but for
us, we have to deal with Rhapsody''s debt and the subsequent transformations.”
A definite gain?
Miguel almost burst a blood vessel upon hearing that. If it weren''t for Caiden holding him back at the
side, he would have even gotten physical.
“So, you''re saying that you''re not going topromise on this price?”
“Not exactly. Suny told me beforehand that she knew you''d find it exceedingly difficult to ept the
price of one billion three hundred million, Mr. Johnson. Unfortunately, thepany can only offer this
much. If you''re really sincere, she can add another two hundred million privately. However, she has a
request.”
Miguel''s mind was fully upied by thoughts of the two hundred million. “What''s the request?”
“You''re acquainted with Ms. Elise Gardner, yes?”
Miguel was momentarily taken aback. “What has this got to do with her?”
In response, Sophia''s lips curved into a smile. “I''m not sure about this. I only know that she seems to
be rathercking in her words and deeds, having offended someone she shouldn''t have offended. Well,
she even dared to make a move against a bigshot like Suny. Suny has nothing but money. Since Ms.
Elise doesn''t know how to behave, she''d like to teach her a life lesson. But she heard that Ms. Elise is
seemingly your close friend, Mr. Johnson. Out of consideration for you, she hasn''t made a move
against her.”
Since she had said as much, Miguel would be a fool if he still didn''t understand.
His expression changed imperceptibly. He was pretty fond of Elise, but when money was involved, he
could still make a clear distinction about his priorities.
Furthermore, the woman was only a mistress he kept outside. People like her abounded in the
entertainment industry, so he could simply find someone else if he couldn''t have her.
Contrarily, it was advisable to be on good terms with someone like Suny instead of the other way
round.
“You can go back and tell Suny that she doesn''t need to consider me.”
“In that case, it''s a deal, Mr. Johnson?”
Staring at Sophia, Miguel gritted his teeth. “It''s a deal.”