"How much?!"
Mario's eyes widened in shock as he stared, "A hundred million US Dollars? Are you insane? Mr. Duvall came here with sincerity to negotiate, and you respond with such an insincere figure to Mr. Duvall's kindness?"
Link, stop joking, let's be serious and show some sincerity. It's said that Mr. Duvall manages contracts for over ten Boxers, and he is quite busy."
"A hundred million US Dollars?"
Even West and Reggie, drowsy from the sun, opened their eyes and listened intently to their negotiation.
So it's said money is a good thing; it's quite energizing.
"Link, a hundred million US Dollars?"
Franco Duvall's smile turned into a wry smile as if Link's words had hit a sore spot, and even his smile was bitter.
If any of Franco Duvall's fans saw his smile sour, they would certainly blame Link's recklessness.
Link glanced at Mario, who stood without a backbone, that scoundrel trying to get Franco Duvall to take him in by discarding even his basic dignity.
But he didn't consider, with his capabilities, he'd be rejected as a sparring partner for any Boxer for not being tough enough. What use would he be to a major event company?
Link smiled slightly and leisurely wiped the corners of his mouth and fingers with a napkin, "Mr. Duvall, do you think a hundred million US Dollars is a lot? Or do you think I'm not worth that amount?"
"Isn't that obvious, Link? Look at yourself. Even if you have won some matches now, these are amateur matches. You, a newcomer without even a Boxer title, dare to ask for such an exorbitant price?"
Franco spoke indignantly for Mario.
It's as if asking Franco Duvall for a hundred million US Dollars was such an outrageous act, and his mouth's indignation seemed to be executing a heavenly decree.
Link looked at Franco Duvall and said with a smile, "Mr. Duvall, do you also think so?"
"Isn't it obvi—"
"Shut your mouth!!"
Link looked coldly at Mario.
"Mario, go sit over there! This isn't your concern!" West scolded with a dark face.
Mario pursed his lips, smiled sycophantically at Franco Duvall, and moved to a seat across the aisle. Yet, he stretched his neck so long it was as if he hadn't moved at all.
Link smiled at Franco Duvall, "Mr. Duvall, do you also think the same?"
When Franco Duvall pondered, he liked to slightly lower his head, causing a vertical crease to form between his brows, which disappeared when he looked up.
He said, "Link, you're strong, beautiful, and have significant business value, but you're still a newcomer. A hundred million US Dollars, even Holyfield in his fifth year after getting the WBA Golden Belt wouldn't have offered such a huge clause to my father."
When Link heard him mention his father, Lou Duvall, he paused, showing a respectful expression, and smiled, "Mr. Duvall, you are willing to meet with me and want to sign me even before I become a Champion. You see my potential the same way Wall Street traders buy shares in those small companies with potential before they go public.
As an investor, if in 1980 you were offered to bid a hundred million US Dollars for 20% of Microsoft Corporation, would you do it?
In 1985, if you had the opportunity to invest a billion to acquire 80% of Apple Inc., would you do it?
If you were asked in 2003 to invest a hundred million dollars for 30% of Google, would you do it? Now I'm asking you to invest a hundred million in my event promotion contract, but you're unwilling, why is that?"
Mario and Reggie listened, astounded, as Link asked Franco Duvall if he, having the money in the past, would have bought large shares of Microsoft, Apple, or Google.
They also thought, if they had the money and opportunity, whether they would invest in several internet giants.
The conclusion was, of course, they would. Investing a hundred million to earn back a hundred billion, only a fool would refuse.
But then Link changed the subject, asking Franco why he was unwilling to spend a hundred million US Dollars on his contract?
Isn't that obvious?
Previously discussed were multinational corporations worth billions or trillions, but you are just one Boxer—how could you compare with corporations worth hundreds of billions or even trillions?
Mario rolled his eyes, thinking Link's brain might have been soaked too long in seawater, making it damp.
Franco Duvall was stunned for a moment, a bitter smile crept back on his face, and he spread his hands gracefully, "Link, your business value is great, but a hundred million US Dollars indeed exceeds our budget. How does ten million sound?"
"Ten million?! Link is worth ten million?"
Mario's eyes widened at Franco Duvall, as if asking the respected President Duvall if, due to being too close to Link, he had accidentally caught some madness from him.
When West and Reggie heard Franco Duvall offer a ten-million contract, they also looked at Link in surprise, curious about his reaction. Shock? Excitement or joy?
Link merely waved his hand dismissively, "If it were 1980, on this train, sitting opposite you, Bill Gates wanted to sell you 20% of Microsoft stocks for a hundred million, with no knowledge of the future, you would definitely refuse;
In 1985, after those fools at Apple kicked Jobs out and nearly ran the company into the ground, preparing to sell it to you for a billion US Dollars, you would definitely refuse;
In 2003, when Google's founders sought investors for a new project, offering 30% of their shares to you, you would still refuse."