Chapter 1097
For businessmen like these, profit was always the top priority. In the few months Joseph had spent in the company, he had already seen through many people’s true nature. These were not people who valued sentiment–they only cared about benefits.
“So, what exactly are you thinking?” Joseph cut straight to the point, not wanting to waste time on polite pretense.
Working with someone like Daniel might bring in big money, but it also required extra caution–his mind was far too calculating. He considered far more angles than most people, and Joseph knew he had to be careful with his words. Otherwise, one careless remark could drop him right into one of Daniel’s traps. So now, he was very deliberate in how he spoke to him, always leaving himself room and keeping a careful balance.
Daniel laughed heartily, clearly enjoying Joseph’s straightforwardness. Since he had been seen through, there was no point hiding it.
“Since you’re being so forthright, Joseph, I won’t keep it from you,” Daniel said. Glancing at the contract they had previously drafted, he casually added a few more terms. “Joseph, we’re both businessmen, so I won’t say too much.
“As a businessman, I naturally want to earn more. I’m not interested in scraps and petty profit.” Daniel spoke lazily. “Wasting time is one thing, but not making money on top of it–that’s not worth it.”
Hearing this, Joseph cursed him inwardly, “What a scheming man.” The meaning behind those words couldn’t have been clearer–he wanted more money. And those added conditions were clearly either to drive up the price or to get more ‘goods.‘
After spending this much time dealing with him, Joseph had a fair grasp of Daniel’s temperament. There was no point pretending otherwise anymore.
“Mr. Lewis, if you have something to say, just say it,” Joseph said with a cold snort. “All this beating around the bush will only hurt whatever rapport we have.”
Daniel only smiled, scoffing inwardly. What rapport? Between the two of them, it was nothing but profit. Talking about “feelings” was laughable. “Alright then, Joseph, since you’re a straightforward man, I won’t dance around it anymore.” He sat up straight, his tone firm. “It all depends on how much you’re willing to give me.”
Joseph fell silent for a moment, surprised at just how greedy Daniel was. He had already sent him so much yet hadn’t even gotten a word of gratitude in return. The thought soured his expression.
“I’ve given you all I can,” Joseph said, on the verge of losing his temper. But the thought of Aurora made him rein himself in. “Still, if you’re serious about working with us, we can discuss it.”
His tone softened, and Daniel understood immediately–this clearly meant he was willing to make concessions for Walton Corporation’s sake.
Daniel chuckled. “Of course, Joseph. I’m only thinking of a win–win for both our companies. My request isn’t too much. Just raise the profit margin in our original contract by another five percent.” Joseph’s eyes widened.
Sure enough, Daniel wanted more than he had expected. He had thought it might be one or two percent at most–he hadn’t expected him to jump straight to five, far beyond what he’d imagined.