"I would like to purchase the sandalwood in your possession, Mr. Jake. I wonder at what price you're willing to sell it," Amy asked.
Since it was confirmed that Jake had genuine sandalwood and Amy indeed needed a batch of it, she wanted to buy the sandalwood from Jake.
"I'm not sure, Amy. What price are you offering?" Jake didn't quote a price himself But asked Amy.
After considering it for a while, Amy said, "Jake, your batch of sandalwood is top-grade, so I can't offer a too low price. How about $1.4 million per ton?"
Upon hearing Amy's price, even though he had mentally prepared himself, Jake's heart skipped a beat. $1.4 million per ton! Frankly speaking, Jake had never seen that much money in his life, let alone the fact that it was just the price for one ton! Although Jake didn't weigh the sandalwood he brought, he estimated that he had several tons, which would amount to millions or even tens of millions of dollars! Did he suddenly become a millionaire just by selling a few pieces of wood?
Jake felt a sense of unreality. Everything seemed like a dream. Seeing Jake remain silent, Amy thought he might be dissatisfied with the price and spoke up, "Jake, if you're not satisfied with the price, it's only my offer. You can propose your own price, and we can negotiate further."
"No, I..." Jake didn't expect his stunned expression to be misunderstood by Amy.
"I'll offer $1.5 million!" an abrupt voice rang in their ears. Both of them turned their heads to find a middle-aged man stepping into the shop. It was evident that he was the one who had just spoken.
"I'll pay $1.5 million per ton to purchase the sandalwood in this gentleman's possession," the middle-aged man declared upon entering. Jake didn't recognize this man and was speculating about his identity. However, Amy's expression changed upon seeing him. The smile that was once directed at Jake vanished, replaced by an icy coldness.
"Eric, this place is not welcoming you. Please leave," Amy ordered.
"Amy, we're neighbors at the very least. There's no need to be so cold and heartless," the middle-aged man said with a smile. "Besides, I've known your father for many years. We've been good friends for a long time. How can you, as a younger generation, be so disrespectful?"
"Friends? You're not worthy!" The man's words made Amy's face grow darker. Her delicate eyebrows furrowed together. "The biggest mistake my father made in his life was befriending you!"
"Niece, that's going too far," the middle-aged man's smile also faded. "Your father's failure in business and decision-making is his own problem. What does it have to do with me?"
"Don't think we don't know about the despicable things you've done," Amy said. "You will face retribution sooner or later."
"Niece, you're now a person in charge. Speaking and acting so impulsively is unacceptable," the middle-aged man said. "Moreover, I suspect that your shop won't last much longer. How about selling it to me? Considering my long-standing acquaintance with your father, I will give you a good price."
"No way!" Amy exclaimed angrily.
The middle-aged man ignored Amy and turned to Jake, saying, "Sir, are you satisfied with my offer? If you agree, we can proceed with the transaction right now, "
Eric spoke confidently, believing that Jake would not refuse his higher offer. After all, his price was higher than Amy's, and who would have a problem with money?
"I have already agreed to sell this batch of purple sandalwood to Amy," Jake said.
"You have only verbally negotiated; the transaction is not complete," Eric insisted. "Such negotiations can be canceled at any time. My offer is higher than hers, so selling to me would be more advantageous for you."
"Jake, we agreed on it yesterday!" Amy pleaded. "And we can negotiate the price further."
"Agreed yesterday?" Eric chuckled. "Niece, do you think this is still a school? This is the marketplace! Verbal agreements have no binding force. Don't be so naive. Sir, as long as you agree to sell the wood to me, I guarantee a higher price than what she's offering!"
Eric was confident that he could snatch this deal from Amy's hands. Even if it meant incurring greater costs, he was certain he could make up for it through other means.
Even if there was some loss, Eric didn't mind. As long as he could take away this business from Amy, it would be worth it. However, Jake's next words instantly wiped the confident smile off Eric's face.
"I'm sorry, no matter what price you offer, I won't sell the wood to you," Jake said calmly.
"Why?" Eric was stunned. He hadn't expected this outcome. Could it be that someone in this world didn't like money? Was there really someone who would refuse money?
"Because I don't particularly like bosses like you; you give me the feeling of being a dishonest businessman," Jake explained.
However, both Eric and Amy thought Jake was talking nonsense. Who would care about the identity of the other party when doing business? Isn't the price the only criterion?
"You may not know, but Amy doesn't have cash on hand!" Eric persisted. "If you sell the wood to her, you won't receive cash. As for how long you have to wait, that's uncertain. Maybe you'll never receive it!"
Jake looked at Amy in confusion. He truly didn't know about this situation. Amy felt a bit embarrassed under Jake's gaze. "It's true that I don't have cash on hand, but don't worry, Jake. I will settle the payment within two months, and we can sign a contract."
Two months? That meant his dream of becoming a millionaire would be temporarily delayed. He would still have to work in the barbecue restaurant?
"Two months? Haha," Eric laughed. "Whether this store still exists after two months is a question!"
"As long as I'm here, this store will not collapse!" Amy declared firmly.
"You? Just a little kid who just entered the marketplace. What can you do?" Eric taunted.