"In negotiation and competition, there's a concept known as 'the golden time of maximizing interests with the right of initiation'. Simply put, in a negotiation or a competition, the time in which you can maximize interests by seizing the initiative, is limited."
"You must seize your right of initiation within this time to maximize your benefits. If you miss this period, hesitate and dawdle during the time when your interests could be maximized, you've essentially failed the negotiation."
In the cabin outside the woods, Bruce doodled on the table with his fingers and explained to the two using the simplest possible language why he suggested Hal to ask for the universe.
"If two parties are discussing prices, the moment you throw out your most advantageous chip is often the time when you have the most initiative. The other party will be tempted by your chip. That's more of an emotional judgment. However, as time passes, rationality gradually takes over."
"Take advantage of the other party's moment of temptation and propose the terms most advantageous to you before their rationality returns. Even if they haggle later, the final result will surely be in your favor."
"Now, the new interest group wants to shake the position of the old military-industrial complex, so they want to cooperate with you. European countries are not willing to continue being harvested and feel pessimistic about the future where they can't divide the Soviet Union. Right now, their emotions are running high, and no matter how greedy your demands are, there is room for negotiation."
Bruce's analysis was clear, and the examples he provided were easy to understand. Hal nodded, feeling that he made sense. Bruce added,
"The CIA has fostered many agents abroad. Many of them are aware of the consequences of acting as compradors or outright traitors. Hence, they'll try to secure benefits for themselves when America needs them. Everyone is quite familiar with this."
"The rescuers don't know Oliver's true identity and probably think he's a local in Mexico. If Oliver shows a greedy face, interested only in amassing wealth for himself, he can put the other party at ease and amass a substantial amount of wealth in a short period."
"Those who act as agents, only store this wealth in banks or convert it into luxury cars and houses for enjoyment, not knowing that this money will ultimately flow back into the hands of those capitalists. They're still working for nothing, still being harvested, and are no different from the fools they see in their countrymen."
"But if Oliver is willing to invest this money in construction, it is naturally beneficial to what he wants to do." Bruce sighed: "The reason why the military-industrial complex and Congress use this tactic to their advantage is that they think no one can remain unmoved under such vast interests. Indeed, honorable people are always a minority. As long as one person wavers, it will end up full of loopholes."
"However, regardless, the benefits they offer are real. As long as those willing to do real things can quickly convert this wealth into permanent assets, and give confidence to others, then we can reduce their chances of wavering and create a virtuous cycle."
Hal was increasingly convinced. He was eager to go back and tell Oliver. He stood up, shook hands with Bruce, and said: "The situation is urgent. I won't say anything unnecessary. I'll contact you if there's any problem."
Bruce nodded without saying anything. As Hal rushed off, Clark and Bruce were on their way back. When they reached the door, they saw Diana looking up at the sky.
Clark frowned, seemingly asking Bruce's opinion. Bruce took the initiative and said, "Princess, I assume you're a Demigod from the Olympus Gods?"
Even though it was a question, the tone was affirmative. Bruce rarely spoke with such a Batman-like tone.
Diana focused her gaze on Bruce's face, but she didn't show any surprise. The people of Amazon have special abilities, and it's no secret to the international community's upper echelons. As a tiny country, Amazon's societal status is reliant on this.
However, Diana hadn't expected Bruce to mention the Olympus Gods explicitly. Bruce shook his head and said, "That day, when I said the gemstone on your bracelet would change color, I was lying. I wasn't trying to trick you; I only wanted you to show your bracelet. The patterns on it have a Greek and Aegean style, and it naturally made me think of the Olympus Gods."
"You're a good detective," Diana replied, a hint of reminiscence on her face.
Clark stepped forward and said, "As you've probably noticed, my friend who just came to see me and I possess some unusual abilities. We're doing some secret things, but please believe us, they're not bad deeds. So, kindly, don't share this with anyone."
"Something to do with Mexico, right?" Diana looked into Clark's eyes. She took a couple of steps to stand beside Clark, looking at his profile, "It's not hard to guess, actually. The emerging democratic movement in Jalisco is far from normal. They've won too many battles they're not supposed to. Clearly, there's a non-worldly power assisting them."