What do you require of me?"
Apologies evident in his expression, Ren extended a set of documents before me. "Would you mind taking a look?"
Accepting the bundle, I perused the contents, starting with the first page.
𝘓 𝘈 𝘐 𝘕
Lady Luck seemed to favor me, granting me an unexpectedly fortunate turn of events. A familiar association stirred within me—the Fei family name. Indeed, the Feis were an eminent force in the financial realm, a fact well known to me. Their expansive empire encompassed a myriad of industries, including restaurants, hotels, mining, and oils. But the project at hand intrigued me further.
LAIN was poised to revolutionize software development across devices—computers, tablets, and smartphones. Lucian Fei, bearing the title of a king, held dominion over this enterprise. The notion that this empire was spearheaded by a mere quartet struck me as intriguing.
Upon concluding my examination of the papers, the waiter arrived with my ordered meal. Setting aside the documents, I shifted my attention to the three men at the table.
"Well, and...?" I addressed them, resuming my consumption of the meal.
Ren appeared momentarily perplexed, lost in thought. Kiran, too, seemed contemplative, while Cain simply scratched his head. Their anticipation was palpable.
"Your thoughts?" Lucian's voice cut through the silence, his tone composed. Halting my actions, I met his gaze. Returning my attention to my plate, I proceeded to slice through a portion of my meal. Glimpsing at Cain, then at the trio before me, I voiced my initial impression.
"You hold me in too high regard."A smile tugged at the corners of Kiran's lips, his eyes revealing a playful amusement.
"if by 'high regard' you mean an adolescent multi-millionaire, then yes."I glanced at Cain, who offered me a sheepish smile of apology.
"Lei... may I?" Ren's request held the warmth of an elder brother humoring a younger sibling.
"Please," I replied simply, continuing to savor my meal. Ren's response was a smile, his demeanor reminiscent of someone indulging a child.
"Take your time. Cain didn't provide us extensive details, only mentioning your astute judgment and insights."
"Lady Luck seems to be on my side," I remarked dryly. "As for this project, I cannot afford it."
"Michael Eclair," Lucian interjected in a near-whisper. I paused midway through slicing a sun-fried egg, I decided to sett down my utensils to avert the potential danger of choking. Gathering my composure, I dabbed my lips with a napkin before addressing Lucian's statement.
"Michael Eclair?" I inquired, inviting further explanation. Leaning back in his seat, Lucian's demeanor bore a striking resemblance to Yama.
"Indeed. We are aware. We are extending an invitation for you to join us as a consultant for this project."
"..."
Eying Cain once again, a barrage of creative yet violent retribution scenarios surfaced in my mind—expressions of my mounting frustration and irritation at his machinations. Over the past few months, my proficiency in martial arts had sharpened considerably.
"..."
A contemplative silence lingered before I spoke, addressing the individuals present with a measured gaze.
"Can you afford my services?"Lucian's response was swift, brimming with confidence.
"Name your price."
A sincere smile graced my lips. "Fifteen million as a consultation fee and a 5% share in project oversight. My schedule is tight, adjustments may be required."
Though such a proposition might seem unreasonable to some, it accurately represented my valuation. Turning my attention back to my plate, I resumed my meal, eager to conclude the breakfast arrangement and depart.
"I'll forward the contract shortly," Lucian remarked, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips.
"Agreed." Gratitude for his compliance outweighed any lingering annoyance, signaling a resolution to the impromptu negotiations.
"Is the project worth your involvement?" The inquiry held an overtone that scarcely necessitated an answer. Lucian's confidence, resounding like a cloudless sky, left no doubt that the project would triumph even without my contribution. The unwavering certainty in his tone spoke volumes. Gazing around at the assembled men, a pang of empathy struck me. Lucian, I realized, was not to be underestimated.
Releasing a soft sigh, I met Lucian's gaze squarely, responding candidly.
"The endeavor will prove demanding. Initial development and testing will entail significant exertion, yielding no immediate gains. Precise projections are elusive. I can, however, provide insights, intuition, and informed opinions. Over a period of four years, potential returns could range from twofold to quadruple, contingent upon the software's scope."
Ren leaned back, crossing his legs. "Your speech seems to promise success devoid of concrete substantiation," he commented, an eyebrow raised inquisitively.
Kiran mirrored Ren's pose, his formerly soft countenance replaced by a stern facade. "Do not be concerned about funding. However, intuition alone may not suffice, we seek... more of empirical validation."
Surveying their expressions, I sensed a genuineness in their current demeanor—calculated, shrewd, unyielding. Slouching slightly against the chair's backrest, I mirrored their posture, my mind drifting to familiar territory.
"My intuition alone rarely leads astray. Regarding substantiation, contemplate the current landscape. A staggering 90% of the global population leans on technology—laptops, smartphones—foretelling an imminent future. At this juncture, any software endeavor garners merit."
This is why emissaries exist—to articulate my propositions. While Kiran and Ren's countenances remained inscrutable, their inclinations were apparent. They recognized the validity of my assertions.
"We shall proceed with the project," Lucian announced, his fingertip tracing the rim of his cup. Such a decisive declaration startled even my seasoned sensibilities. Was he not at least somewhat skeptical? After all, my assertions could very well amount to mere nonesense.
The room's attention shifted to him, myriad emotions flickering across their features.
"Kiran, inform Harry to finalize the documentation. I expect it by the weekend. Ren, relay instructions for the proposals to be ready; presentations starts next week. Cain, liaise with Moulin to initiate construction."
Lucian's gaze turned to me, and within those lifeless eyes, a flicker of tenderness emerged. A smile, a rarity, softened the typically hardened countenance.
"You..." His voice, once firm, now adopted a gentle tone. "Complete your meal undisturbed."
"... Thank you." Despite the potential cooling of my meal, I was determined to relish each morsel, waste being a non-option.
As I concluded my breakfast, the trio delved into project discussions, rendering my presence superfluous. With farewells exchanged, I took my leave. Yet, just as I reached the threshold, a thought occurred to me. My gaze settled on Cain as I inquired, "And why are you here?"
"I will start my studies at Eshè University next week. It's in close proximity to yours, we can spend time together."
Such a response was unexpected. Cain, a symbol of technological prowess, appeared to seek a semblance of normalcy.
"Indeed," I replied, acknowledging the proposition.
"Until then." With those parting words, I exited the restaurant. My car retrieved by the valet, I embarked homeward.