Chapter 1388: What a Trap!/ Conditions
Translator: Exodus Tales Editor: Exodus Tales
Chapter 1531: What a Trap!
“Didn’t you receive the call? You’ve been disqualified from the dealers.h.i.+p.” Old Buffon’s voice was indifferent but filled with unquestionable dignity, which left no room for doubt, “Are the Lancer Family’s servants so inefficient? I instructed someone to make the call! ”
Old Buffon’s words pierced through Thomas’s fragile heart like a sharp sword. He immediately felt a sense of breathlessness, “Family Master Buffon… Are you kidding me…? Was the call really from you?”
Thomas thought about several possibilities and finally determined that the phone call was from w.a.n.g Songshan. However, he had never considered that the call would really be from Old Buffon. It was too difficult to accept.
“It wasn’t from me. ” Old Buffon’s brief sentence finally allowed Thomas to heave a sigh of relief. He thought, It really wasn’t from him. That’s good, that’s good! However, Thomas heard Old Buffon continue before he could catch his breath, “I instructed those beneath me to make the call. Do you have any problem with that?”
“This…” Thomas felt his vision darken with an accompanying urge of a cerebral hemorrhage. How’s this possible? How’s this possible? Thomas couldn’t believe this, “Family Master Buffon, our families have been partnered for decades. Are you kidding me…? Why did you suddenly sever our partners.h.i.+p?”
“Severed by me? It doesn’t seem that way.” Old Buffon said lightly, “It was you who proposed to sever our partners.h.i.+p?”
“Me?” Thomas was on the verge of crying. He thought, Am I stupid? Am I not a fool if I proposed to sever the partners.h.i.+p? That’s definitely crazy. He immediately defended himself, “Family Master Buffon, are you mistaken? Why would I propose it? Our partners.h.i.+p has always been pleasant…”
“Did you not propose it?” Old Buffon snorted coldly, “But I heard that you really want us to reduce your share of the firearms supplies? If so, we might as well sever our partners.h.i.+p to fulfill your desire and make your dream come true!”
Reduce your share of firearms supplies? A dream come true? Why does this sound so familiar? Thomas frowned. Suddenly, he recalled the inexplicable call from w.a.n.g Songshan, as well as Old Buffon saying the word “heard”. He immediately connected these two matters together. Is it because of the b.u.t.terfly Family?
However, Thomas couldn’t believe that the b.u.t.terfly Family had a connection with the Buffon Family! If there’s a connection between the two, why does the b.u.t.terfly Family buy firearms from us? They could’ve just bought it directly from the Buffon Family? Not only is the quant.i.ty sufficient, but the price is cheaper too! Our price is more than double! w.a.n.g Songshan also has to flatter our Lancer Family cautiously in order to win more shares… Would w.a.n.g Songshan still do this if they had a connection with the Buffon Family?
Therefore, Thomas abandoned this absurd idea. He was a little confused about Old Buffon’s words, “Family Master Buffon, what do you mean by this… When did I say such a thing?”
“It doesn’t matter if you don’t admit it. You don’t have to admit it.” Old Buffon wasn’t in the mood to argue with Thomas, “Perhaps you should treat this as a unilateral notice. Your firearms dealers.h.i.+p qualification is aborted anyway. ”
“Could it be the b.u.t.terfly Family?” Thomas finally couldn’t help it. He racked his brain and still couldn’t think of any other family that he had recently spoken such words to.
“Oh?” Old Buffon smiled mockingly after hearing it, “It seems like you’re still self-aware… You know who you’ve offended. If so, I won’t say much.”
“Ah?” Thomas was just asking casually, but he never thought that this was really connected to the b.u.t.terfly Family. But is the b.u.t.terfly Family really connected to the Buffon Family? This seems unlikely?
But this unlikely fact was right before his eyes. Old Buffon had acknowledged it personally and it didn’t matter if he believed it or not. Thomas had an urge to vomit blood as he thought of this!
Even if it was to mess with us, it shouldn’t be like this. Do you feel good being a wolf in sheep’s clothing? What a trap? This is too deceiving. It’s even a loss for you to be doing this!
I must be brain-damaged to provoke you if I know that the b.u.t.terfly Family is related to the Buffon Family. Why would I provoke you when I should have a priority to befriend you?
Besides, does your family have money to burn? You’re buying firearms from a middleman like me instead of buying directly from the Buffon Family when you have a connection with them. Are you mentally ill or are you deliberately setting a trap to mess with me?
Thomas was speechless at this moment. He didn’t know what to say! Had you disclosed yesterday that you are related to the Buffon Family, I wouldn’t be making things difficult for you. Not only would I have let Goode apologize to your family, but I would also supply firearms to you at the cost price!
But… but… w.a.n.g Songshan, you old man, what’s your intention? You humbled yourself before me and let me think that you were a pushover and a good-for-nothing with no backer… But now, you have deceived me so badly.
“Okay, is that all? ” Old Buffon said lightly, “You should look out for yourself. I’m afraid we can’t just ignore this. ”
“Hold on, Family Master Buffon, please don’t hang up…” However, Old Buffon’s call hung up before Thomas could finish speaking. Only the busy signal was left on the phone…
Thomas slumped into the executive chair despondently. His masterful and self-centered att.i.tude had completely vanished. Just a moment ago, he had thought that the b.u.t.terfly Family would inevitably come forward to plead per his will and offer to marry w.a.n.g Xiaoyan to his grandson Goode. But now, not only was this idea completely shattered, but the future of the Lancer Family was also completely ruined!
Firearms sales were the Lancer Family’s largest and only source of wealth. Before the firearms operation, the Lancer family had engaged in a variety of industries. But after connecting with the Buffon Family in the past few decades and seeing the enormous profits of firearms sales, the Lancer Family had simply withdrawn from other industries and focused on the firearms business!
After all, the firearms business was more lucrative than other businesses with the same input of manpower and resources. It was on a totally different level. The Lancer Family had limited resources, so it would be better to input them into the more profitable firearms business.
Therefore, the Lancer family had risked everything despite knowing the danger of doing so. If there was a problem in this industry, the entire Lancer Family’s business chain would collapse.
However, in the face of such enormous profits, the Lancer family still chose to take the risk! As the saying goes, ” a capitalist can risk the guillotine for a profit margin of 300%!” Besides, the profit margin of firearms sales was far more than 300%. Certain special firearms were even sold at a profit of 1,000%. The Lancer family had long been driven crazy by such enormous profits, how could they have fussed about the price that came with it?
Old Buffon cutting off the Lancer Family’s firearms supplies was equivalent to cutting off the only revenue stream of the Lancer family. Thomas’s biggest concern was about what the Lancer Family should do in the future.
The Lancer Family had made sufficient money; they didn’t have to live frugally, they could still spend lavishly for a lifetime. However, Thomas had to consider for the future generations. They couldn’t just use up the entire fortune.
Moreover, the Lancer Family’s status in the upper cla.s.s would decline rapidly once they were disqualified from the firearms dealers.h.i.+p. Without this status, how many would still please the Lancer Family?
It was good enough if these people did not kick a dog when it’s down. The most critical issue was, who had the guts to offend the Buffon Family for the Lancer family? If you had contact with a person whom the Buffon Family wanted to wipe out, you’d be considered to be living too comfortably.
This series of chain reactions were beyond the capabilities of the current Lancer family! Thomas sighed, Only a day later, I have completely switched positions with w.a.n.g Songshan. He was troubled yesterday. I am troubled today…
But, w.a.n.g Songshan was really troubled yesterday, wasn’t he? He wouldn’t he be teasing me intentionally, would he?
Thomas really wanted to yell at w.a.n.g Songshan. But at this moment, he didn’t dare to…
Chapter 1532: Conditions
The phone on the table rang once again while he was complaining. Thomas was startled, thinking that Old Buffon had changed his mind! He hoped that Old Buffon would tell him that everything previously said were lies and jokes when he picked up the phone.
Alas, Thomas answered the phone longingly. He said cautiously, ” Hey, h.e.l.lo…”
“Is this Family Master Thomas? I’m w.a.n.g Songshan! ” w.a.n.g Songshan was perturbed on the inside, as he wasn’t sure if the plan proposed by Yang Ming would work. He didn’t know if the decision of the Buffon Family had been pa.s.sed on to the Lancer Family.
“w.a.n.g… Family Master w.a.n.g, you’ve made me miserable!” Thomas sighed and his voice was a little tearful, “Look, isn’t this just like how the flood dashes against the temple of the Dragon King and the family doesn’t recognize one another [1]?”
Thomas knew w.a.n.g Songshan was Chinese, therefore he specifically quoted a cla.s.sic Chinese idiom to induce w.a.n.g Songshan’s friendliness and sympathy.
w.a.n.g Songshan was stunned for a moment after hearing Thomas’ words. He realized that the message had reached the Lancer Family. Otherwise, Thomas wouldn’t be talking to him in this manner.
w.a.n.g Songshan’s tightened heart was finally relieved. He had an indescribable refreshed feeling. This is rejuvenating! Thomas has such a day too. This is the first time in my life that you’ve spoken to me so lowly!
Meanwhile, w.a.n.g Songshan had questions about and was in awe of Yang Ming’s ability for the first time! Only an important person in the Buffon Family could influence their decision! Otherwise, it would be impossible to have the Buffon Family immediately respond and convey their decision to the Lancer Family in less than ten minutes after Yang Ming hung up the call.
But how does Yang Ming know such people? It is the Buffon Family! The top family in Europe’s upper cla.s.s. It is already good enough to be able to connect and talk to the Buffon Family, let alone being able to change their decision. But now…
w.a.n.g Songshan could clearly hear that although Yang Ming’s voice was very polite, it had an unquestionable and unalterable commanding tone. He was talking to an important person in the Buffon Family! Yang Ming’s indifferent manner of speech had determined this matter within a few sentences. He didn’t even allow the other party to negotiate; he spoke in a completely commanding way. It is way too shocking!
“A family?” w.a.n.g Songshan vented his resentment and spoke more confidently, “Mr. Thomas, I don’t understand what you are saying. I have said many times that my daughter will never be married to Goode. You don’t have to worry about that! ”
“Family Master w.a.n.g… You misunderstood me…” Thomas smiled forcefully. He thought, I wouldn’t dare to have any idea on w.a.n.g Xiaoyan now. If I had known previously, would I be stupid enough to force your daughter to marry my grandson? Thomas was afraid that w.a.n.g Songshan would misunderstand, so he quickly explained, “Family Master w.a.n.g, look, what I meant was that the Lancer Family and the Buffon Family have been friends for a few decades, and the b.u.t.terfly Family definitely has a great friends.h.i.+p with the Buffon Family. So, doesn’t that make us family? ”
” Oh, really? ” w.a.n.g Songshan said lightly, “I don’t think so. The Lancer Family is far beyond my reach. It’s better to interact with you less. I’m calling to tell you that we’ll have nothing to do with each other from now on since you’ve canceled the b.u.t.terfly Family’s firearms supplies. ”
“Please don’t!” Thomas was anxious as soon as he heard those words, “Family Master w.a.n.g, Mr. w.a.n.g, please don’t hang up. I’ve done wrong previously. I really didn’t know that you’re related to the Buffon Family…”
“So if I wasn’t related to the Buffon Family, I could be bullied by you? ” w.a.n.g Songshan replied sneeringly.
“This…” Thomas was speechless immediately. Yes, didn’t I bully the b.u.t.terfly Family recklessly before finding out the relations.h.i.+p between w.a.n.g Songshan and the Buffon Family? Didn’t I think b.u.t.terfly Family would act per my plan?
“It seems like you dare not speak!” w.a.n.g Songshan snorted scornfully, “In that case, we don’t have to talk about it anymore. I’m still occupied with other matters. I’ll hang up now. ”
“Family Master w.a.n.g, Elder Brother w.a.n.g, please hold on…” Thomas was really anxious and started to speak without thinking. w.a.n.g Songshan was technically younger than him, however, he had now called him Elder Brother w.a.n.g. This showed his level of anxiety!
But it was understandable as w.a.n.g Songshan had become Thomas’s last straw to clutch at! Thomas knew that this was all caused by w.a.n.g Songshan and the Buffon Family’s att.i.tude towards him was also completely determined by the b.u.t.terfly Family’s att.i.tude!
It wouldn’t make any difference no matter how he implored the Buffon Family. The Buffon Family would remain resolute if it wasn’t agreed by the b.u.t.terfly Family. Only when the b.u.t.terfly Family let it go, might the Buffon Family no longer pursue it.
The development of the entire matter was entirely dependent on w.a.n.g Songshan’s att.i.tude, therefore, Thomas didn’t mind humbling himself. He didn’t mind discarding his pride as long as he could be forgiven by w.a.n.g Songshan.
“What’s there to hold on?” w.a.n.g Songshan said, “Was it not your wish to reduce the quota of firearms supplies? Now it’s been exceeded. Not only is it reduced, it’s completely severed. You should be happy!”
“… ” Thomas grieved tearlessly. He had to suffer silently when facing w.a.n.g Songshan’s forcefulness, as he had really said such a thing in the past. But, Thomas still forced himself to say, “Brother w.a.n.g, let’s be straightforward. It’s the Lancer Family’s fault this time. Would you please show some leniency and cut me some slack. I thank you in advance. ”
“Do you think this will be over after you’ve done some talking?” w.a.n.g Songshan said contemptuously, “Sorry, my time is tight here. I don’t want to be kept up by you. ”
“w.a.n.g Songshan, what do you want in return for letting the Lancer Family off? Do you really want to drive the Lancer Family to a dead end?” Thomas was really anxious as this decided the family’s future livelihood!
“Drive you to a dead end? ” w.a.n.g Songshan immediately laughed after hearing it, “Thomas, Have you forgotten how you forced me? Why didn’t you show some leniency and give me a chance? Now it’s the other way around and you are blaming me. You shouldn’t have acted this way if you know that it could come to this. ”
“At the start… I didn’t leave you without any chance at the start. I said that we could continue our partners.h.i.+p if w.a.n.g Xiaoyan is married to Goode!” Thomas said hurriedly, “Although I knew this condition is somewhat unreasonable, I didn’t completely cut you off! Now, please at least tell me what should I do to leave the Lancer Family with a way out?”
“Oh?” w.a.n.g Songshan frowned. To be honest, he didn’t mind sparing no one from the Lancer Family as their past doings had pushed his anger to the limit.
But since Thomas had asked, w.a.n.g Songshan decided to give him a chance. As for whether he could seize this opportunity, it was up to him and no one else.
“Well, in that case, I’ll make a request. If you do it, I’ll plead leniency to the Buffon Family on behalf of you. if not, this matter ends here.” w.a.n.g Songshan thought for some time and said.
“As long as I can do it, I’ll be obliged to do whatever you say!” Thomas immediately felt relieved after hearing w.a.n.g Songshan’s words. It’s easy to handle when w.a.n.g Songshan has finally said something. At worst, I can satisfy w.a.n.g Songshan’s vanity and let him enjoy. It’d be better than anything if he could cut me some slack.
“Send Goode’s head to the b.u.t.terfly Family within five days. ”