Otherwise, what else do you want? If you ask me, calling it quits now, licking our wounds, is the best outcome. Your recent medical expenses must be quite a burden, right? Harmony brings wealth, you know. I imagine your business has been significantly impacted during this time?"
While O'Neil's head remained held high, his tone had softened considerably.
Sensing this shift, Carter breathed a silent sigh of relief.
He had been worried that these individuals would get too hot-headed, not even fearing the National Guard, and continue to escalate the situation. It seemed that these gangsters weren't as thickheaded as he had feared.
"We've had some setbacks, but it's not a big deal. They'll come back sooner or later."
Despite his frustration, O'Neil had to admit that Carter was right. Their ongoing conflict had deterred many customers from buying leaves, though he wasn't worried in the long run. However, in the present moment, their gang's income had indeed sharply declined.
"Yes, I understand. How about this: I'm also a member of Douglas, and a stable environment would be beneficial for my business. I'll personally subsidize you a bit. Over by Highway 23, I've set up a new commercial area. You know about it, right?"
Bringing up the idea of harmony and prosperity, Carter's mind began to churn with new ideas.
"I know. Are you suggesting that we handle the sale of leaves in that area? But how many people are we talking about?"
"What are you thinking? You know I don't touch that stuff. Similarly, on my turf, you won't be selling leaves. But there are other businesses we can engage in!"
Carter's expression darkened slightly, questioning whether his earlier assessment of O'Neil's lack of stupidity was accurate.
"I can offer you a plot of land rent-free for a year. You can establish a repair station or perhaps, for the repair station, we'll give that to Cui Fali's side. They're a group of motorcycle enthusiasts; fixing bikes shouldn't be a problem. You could run a supermarket, convenience store, or even a restaurant. Of course, if you have the funds, opening a gas station would be the best!"
"We definitely don't have the money for a gas station, and the profit margins for other businesses are too low. I know you want to cater to passing drivers, but how many are there? Right now, there's only your family's restaurant over there, and it probably doesn't attract many people to stop."
O'Neil shook his head disdainfully. Although Carter waived the land rent, having just a plot of land was of little use. They would still have to build their own structures on it and incur costs to stock goods. Considering the investment, O'Neil's expectations for the profits from these small businesses were not optimistic.
"If it's just our restaurant, it might be difficult to attract people. But what if there are multiple complementary businesses? With restaurants, cafes, convenience stores, and even a future gas station, won't this area attract people?"
This was Carter's aim: to attract businesses. Appealing to O'Neil was crucial, particularly since their restaurant's opening had been less than successful.
If it wasn't for the clean exterior and interior of the restaurant, one might mistake it for an abandoned establishment. Relying solely on KFC to attract passing vehicles was proving to be a failing plan.
With a new commercial area, Carter believed he could turn things around. And O'Neil was his first target. He valued O'Neil highly because, for the average merchant, offering rent-free space would not suffice, especially when there was nothing but empty land available. Before the plan to attract merchants was announced, offering a year's rent-free land was tangible. Once acquired, O'Neil couldn't just let it sit idle, right? Allowing it to be idle would mean no compensation at all.
Therefore, leveraging the gambler's psychology of sunk costs, Carter believed O'Neil was one of the best targets to convince—ahem, persuade.
"O'Neil, selling leaves is a business. Every business involves risk. Now, it's up to you whether you're willing to take this risk and gamble with me!"
"This commercial area's popularity will grow, and we'll make money together. Even if it ends up being a loss, I, Carter, will bear the brunt of it. If you don't decide now, and if Cui Fali agrees later, it will be much harder for you to join when the area becomes popular."
"A gas station! The core of highway businesses is a gas station. Without one, relying solely on restaurants to attract people will be difficult. If you agree to include a gas station in the plan, or if you can find someone else to build one, I'll agree!"
After some thought, O'Neil suddenly said decisively. Clearly, he wasn't swayed by the anxiety Carter had manufactured. He understood that the heart of highway commerce was a gas station; everything else was just auxiliary.
"As long as there's a gas station, I agree to your terms. I won't cause trouble for Cui Fali anymore!"
"No, O'Neil, you're wrong! These terms are mine to offer, understand? This is a business between us, unrelated to whether you want to cause trouble for Cui Fali or not. If you're brave enough, you're welcome to continue causing chaos! After all, I won't be in any danger, nor will my family. Why would I give you such favorable treatment just for him?"
Carter raised an eyebrow. If he was going to wade into this murky water, he needed to ensure he got enough in return. While he did need to attract merchants, that didn't mean he couldn't capitalize on personal connections.
Though not quite as arrogant as to consider himself a scion of wealth, Carter believed in the principle of reciprocity. While it was true that he was selling favors from the police department, O'Neil's favors were also valuable. Why couldn't he serve two masters? Let's call it a Double Sale!
"As for the gas station you mentioned, I understand its importance. I'll try to make it happen. I'll speak with Mr. Jones and see if I can persuade him to join in. I can only give you this answer for now; I can't guarantee there will definitely be a gas station. Will you agree now? Trust me, even if there's no gas station right away, it will come in the future."
"Furthermore, auto repairs, mobile tire service, convenience stores, supermarkets, parking lots, rest areas—paired with restaurants and cafes, it already has considerable appeal. Joining us won't be a loss!"