"What happened, Wil?" Scarlet asked him, pretending to not knowing anything that Storm talked about on the phone. "Your face doesn't look good."
"Nothing, there seems to be an issue over land buying for our HQ. I need to get back to the company." After assuring her that he will pick up Mia in the evening, Wil dropped her and left for the office.
She was a little bit disappointed but she understood the severity of the situation. After all, Wil publicly told her and Miyazaki's family about his ambitious ten billion dollar project for new Headquarters.
"Hmm, he might not come to lunch. So…" After thinking for a while, she proceeded to enter the building.
An hour later, Wil reached the branch office where Storm and the other staff members are waiting for him. It was the first time he was visiting there.
The Branch manager welcomed him and took him to the office. While Wil sat in his seat, the branch manager kept standing along with Storm.
Wil gestured them to sit down.
Taking his seat, Storm started to explain the issue, "it looks like there's a new regulation passed by the Federation regarding the land purchases just over six months ago. Now, any individual or private organization cannot own land over 600,000 sq. meters in size. It's around 148 acres. And those who already own must acquire special grants from the Ministry of Lands and Housing within a year."
The Branch manager continued, "Young master, we have eyed a place that's suitable for our needs. It's located only 18 kilometers from our city. Originally, the 286-acre land belongs to GK Group of constructions more than fifteen years ago but the company went bankrupt within five years. Now, it is in the hands of DRS Bank."
"286 acres, huh. Enough land to build even an artificial lake and manmade forest along with the township…" Wil pondered over it before he realized he wasn't told how much it will cost him. Looking at Storm, he asked, "What's the price?"
Storm answered, "Right now, their value cost only 9.2 Yuan per sq. ft. So, it'll cost over 114.6 million Eastern Yuan (57.3 million dollars or 573 million credits).
I talked to their Chairman. He already discussed this with the board of directors. We can proceed with the deal once we bring a special grant issued by the Ministry of the Lands, Housing, and Urban Development. But, Minister Song is a pro-Alder. He might try to stop us. So, it's best if we go the alternative way which is probably safer."
"Alternative way?" Wil asked him to explain it.
Storm informed him of how the special grant can be acquired if one can get a permit from the nearest City's Mayor and the Provincial Governor. It is well known that Mayors and Governors are usually susceptible to bribes. Moreover, with the elections on the way, Storm was confident in getting the work done.
To convince Wil more, Storm further stated, "I also contacted a realtor I know from the past. He was an old acquaintance of Lord Philip and the one that showed us the land where our Headquarters has been built. According to his analysis, once we finished the construction and make the Federation extend the city perimeter, the value will be increased exponentially. In my opinion, this is the best deal we can acquire."
"Rather than buying in the city, buy nearby and extend the city perimeter, Eh!" Wil mumbled to himself, going into deep thoughts. Storm and Branch manager Yu were waiting in silence.
After a minute of silence, Wil gave a nod, "Okay, let's buy it. Storm, arrange a meeting with the Mayor. Meanwhile, do background verification on him. We might need some leverage.
Branch Manager Yu, I need you to prepare a list of the twenty best construction companies along with their history like what projects they have taken, how much they have succeeded and how much they have failed, everything. I need a presentation by evening. Contact the Headquarters and take the help as much as you can."
"Um… Young Master, can I say something, if you don't mind?" The branch Manager then suggested that instead of going through all of this nonsense, he can just purchase in the name of other people like his close friends or family members separately.
The names will be on them but will be operated by Scarlet Group. It's pretty much of a known loophole rich people use these days.
However, Wil rejected the idea and asked him a question, "Do you know why Scarlet Group hasn't gone public?"
As Branch Manager Yu shook his head, Wil answered in a serious tone, "Whether it's my father or me, we like hegemony over sharing the power. I don't want anyone else to object to my decision. My company, my rules. It's my philosophy."
Storm's eyes flickered in surprise as he saw the silhouette of the old mafia boss, Wil's grandfather. "My gang, my rules…" These words echoed in his ears as he went down on memory for a moment.
Returning to the reality, Storm bowed, "As you wish, Young Master."
Two hours later, Wil and Storm were seen sitting before the City Mayor at the latter's office.
Taking a sip of coffee, Wil spoke, "so, this entire process takes two months of time. You are a man of principles and you refuse to do a favor for us. Is that what you are saying?"
"I don't care what kind of reputation Scarlet Group has in the Ares city or with the city police department but everyone must follow the rules and regulations set by the Federation." The New City Mayor replied in a stern tone as if he doesn't care about the people sitting before him.
A frown appeared on Storm. "You… Do you know…" just as he was about to say something that's in the line of threatening, Wil grabbed his hand while calmly taking another sip, "don't need to be so serious, Mr. Mayor. We're gentlemen. We follow the rules. That's why we are here to sincerely request you to do a favor for us and thereby, your federation too. Once our company moves here, other big companies will be thinking of developing branches. The city develops, thereby, providing more jobs to the public and more tax to Federation."
The Mayor just stared at Wil as if he was pondering the possibility.
After a brief silence, he once again rejected Wil's request to which the latter let out a deep sigh and stood up from the seat, "very well. We will follow the rules as you asked."
Mayor Kim was taken aback by Wil's attitude. He expected threats or bribes but this billionaire young master just accepted it. But then, his eyes fell on the CCTV that was installed in the office. He thought Wil might be cautious and was sure that he will receive threats later. But, he didn't care. "Okay, once I received the application, we will survey the land, get in touch with the bank, and then, an auditor will visit your company. If everything is okay, it will be passed without any issues. Thank you."
Suddenly, Wil smiled and put forth his hand, "I hope you stay like this, being a man of principles without bending for any power even in the future. See you, Mr. Mayor."
For a moment, the Mayor was confused whether this was an act or whether he was mistaken about the young man.
"What happened, Wil?" Scarlet asked him, pretending to not knowing anything that Storm talked about on the phone. "Your face doesn't look good."
"Nothing, there seems to be an issue over land buying for our HQ. I need to get back to the company." After assuring her that he will pick up Mia in the evening, Wil dropped her and left for the office.
She was a little bit disappointed but she understood the severity of the situation. After all, Wil publicly told her and Miyazaki's family about his ambitious ten billion dollar project for new Headquarters.
"Hmm, he might not come to lunch. So…" After thinking for a while, she proceeded to enter the building.
An hour later, Wil reached the branch office where Storm and the other staff members are waiting for him. It was the first time he was visiting there.
The Branch manager welcomed him and took him to the office. While Wil sat in his seat, the branch manager kept standing along with Storm.
Wil gestured them to sit down.
Taking his seat, Storm started to explain the issue, "it looks like there's a new regulation passed by the Federation regarding the land purchases just over six months ago. Now, any individual or private organization cannot own land over 600,000 sq. meters in size. It's around 148 acres. And those who already own must acquire special grants from the Ministry of Lands and Housing within a year."
The Branch manager continued, "Young master, we have eyed a place that's suitable for our needs. It's located only 18 kilometers from our city. Originally, the 286-acre land belongs to GK Group of constructions more than fifteen years ago but the company went bankrupt within five years. Now, it is in the hands of DRS Bank."
"286 acres, huh. Enough land to build even an artificial lake and manmade forest along with the township…" Wil pondered over it before he realized he wasn't told how much it will cost him. Looking at Storm, he asked, "What's the price?"
Storm answered, "Right now, their value cost only 9.2 Yuan per sq. ft. So, it'll cost over 114.6 million Eastern Yuan (57.3 million dollars or 573 million credits).
I talked to their Chairman. He already discussed this with the board of directors. We can proceed with the deal once we bring a special grant issued by the Ministry of the Lands, Housing, and Urban Development. But, Minister Song is a pro-Alder. He might try to stop us. So, it's best if we go the alternative way which is probably safer."
"Alternative way?" Wil asked him to explain it.
Storm informed him of how the special grant can be acquired if one can get a permit from the nearest City's Mayor and the Provincial Governor. It is well known that Mayors and Governors are usually susceptible to bribes. Moreover, with the elections on the way, Storm was confident in getting the work done.
To convince Wil more, Storm further stated, "I also contacted a realtor I know from the past. He was an old acquaintance of Lord Philip and the one that showed us the land where our Headquarters has been built. According to his analysis, once we finished the construction and make the Federation extend the city perimeter, the value will be increased exponentially. In my opinion, this is the best deal we can acquire."
"Rather than buying in the city, buy nearby and extend the city perimeter, Eh!" Wil mumbled to himself, going into deep thoughts. Storm and Branch manager Yu were waiting in silence.
After a minute of silence, Wil gave a nod, "Okay, let's buy it. Storm, arrange a meeting with the Mayor. Meanwhile, do background verification on him. We might need some leverage.
Branch Manager Yu, I need you to prepare a list of the twenty best construction companies along with their history like what projects they have taken, how much they have succeeded and how much they have failed, everything. I need a presentation by evening. Contact the Headquarters and take the help as much as you can."
"Um… Young Master, can I say something, if you don't mind?" The branch Manager then suggested that instead of going through all of this nonsense, he can just purchase in the name of other people like his close friends or family members separately.
The names will be on them but will be operated by Scarlet Group. It's pretty much of a known loophole rich people use these days.
However, Wil rejected the idea and asked him a question, "Do you know why Scarlet Group hasn't gone public?"
As Branch Manager Yu shook his head, Wil answered in a serious tone, "Whether it's my father or me, we like hegemony over sharing the power. I don't want anyone else to object to my decision. My company, my rules. It's my philosophy."
Storm's eyes flickered in surprise as he saw the silhouette of the old mafia boss, Wil's grandfather. "My gang, my rules…" These words echoed in his ears as he went down on memory for a moment.
Returning to the reality, Storm bowed, "As you wish, Young Master."
Two hours later, Wil and Storm were seen sitting before the City Mayor at the latter's office.
Taking a sip of coffee, Wil spoke, "so, this entire process takes two months of time. You are a man of principles and you refuse to do a favor for us. Is that what you are saying?"
"I don't care what kind of reputation Scarlet Group has in the Ares city or with the city police department but everyone must follow the rules and regulations set by the Federation." The New City Mayor replied in a stern tone as if he doesn't care about the people sitting before him.
A frown appeared on Storm. "You… Do you know…" just as he was about to say something that's in the line of threatening, Wil grabbed his hand while calmly taking another sip, "don't need to be so serious, Mr. Mayor. We're gentlemen. We follow the rules. That's why we are here to sincerely request you to do a favor for us and thereby, your federation too. Once our company moves here, other big companies will be thinking of developing branches. The city develops, thereby, providing more jobs to the public and more tax to Federation."
The Mayor just stared at Wil as if he was pondering the possibility.
After a brief silence, he once again rejected Wil's request to which the latter let out a deep sigh and stood up from the seat, "very well. We will follow the rules as you asked."
Mayor Kim was taken aback by Wil's attitude. He expected threats or bribes but this billionaire young master just accepted it. But then, his eyes fell on the CCTV that was installed in the office. He thought Wil might be cautious and was sure that he will receive threats later. But, he didn't care. "Okay, once I received the application, we will survey the land, get in touch with the bank, and then, an auditor will visit your company. If everything is okay, it will be passed without any issues. Thank you."
Suddenly, Wil smiled and put forth his hand, "I hope you stay like this, being a man of principles without bending for any power even in the future. See you, Mr. Mayor."
For a moment, the Mayor was confused whether this was an act or whether he was mistaken about the young man.
