Chapter 1128: Difficulties

Chapter 1128: Difficulties

Preston once again spoke, expressing his intentions while also pointing

out operational loopholes in many businesses. However, he only briefly

mentioned Simpson Group and Ward Group, avoiding the heavy topics.

Their eyes met, and Mario calmly said, "Instead of making enemies

with the entire business community in Hance City, why wouldn't I

choose to cooperate with Simpson Group? With Simpson Group as a

protective umbrella, my path in Hance City will be smoother. Therefore,

I don't think your approach suits me, and I don't see the need for us to

collaborate.”

Upon hearing Mario leaning toward Ayan, Preston's expression turned

unpleasant. He spoke with a heavy tone, "Mr. King, relying on Ayan and

Simpson Group is not a good strategy. Once you collaborate with

Simpson Group, you'll be stuck with them. You won't be able to stand

on your own in Hance City."

“I never intended to stand on my own in Hance City. I just want to

expand my projects here. So, Mr. Walker, don't worry about me. Take

care of your own affairs. As far as I know, you hold the position of

director at Armstrong Corp now. Focus on your job. If Ayan finds out

about today's conversation, I'm concerned Mr. Walker might have

trouble at Armstrong Corp!"

Mario stood up, his gaze warm and faint as he looked at Preston. His

eyes revealed clear disdain.

Preston, still seated, felt like he'd been slapped in the face, humiliated.

Mario had left for quite some time, but Preston remained in his seat,

unmoving. His face was dark and cold like ice.

Staring at Mario leaving, an intense anger and determination against

Mario welled up within Preston. Unable to contain himself, he muttered,

“Ignorant fool.”

In the car, Mario's secretary, familiar with Mario's temper, whispered,

"Mr. King, rejecting Preston's invitation, won't it provoke him?"

Mario replied, "He's not important. Even if he's provoked, so what? Men

who rely on women like him are not worth my attention. Besides, he's

just looking for a stepping stone. Do you think he genuinely wants to

collaborate with me? He only wants to benefit from my connections.”

Mario snorted, a particularly cold and icy glint in his eyes.

This was one of the reasons why he despised Preston. He wouldn't let

Preston use him as a stepping stone to climb higher.

He wouldn't be manipulated.

As the car moved along the road, after the topic of Preston ended, the

secretary spoke again, "Mr. King, should we go to Simpson Group

now? Did Ayan agree to cooperate with us?"

"Not so fast," Mario replied casually, looking out the window with an

especially cold expression. He said, "Ayan suggesting we go to

Simpson Group probably indicates an intention to cooperate, but the

terms haven't been discussed. He won't sign a contract so easily."

"Could he take advantage of the situation to make unreasonable

demands?"

"No matter. As long as it's not too excessive, we can meet his

requests.”

"Mr. King, my main concern is that Ayan will team up with Rex to go

against you," the secretary whispered his worries. Given the strong

relationship between Ayan and Rex, and their families being close, if

they joined forces against Mario, it would be challenging for him to

establish himself in Hance City.

Mario didn't respond to the secretary's concerns. His deep eyes

squinted slightly, and emotions brewed thickly in their depths, leaving

everyone guessing what he was thinking.

After a roughly forty-minute drive, Mario, accompanied by his secretary,

arrived at the Simpson Group headquarters.

As they had arranged beforehand, Ayan's assistant was waiting

downstairs.

Upon seeing Mario, the assistant immediately approached, ushering

Mario into the elevator.

The assistant said, "Mr. King, Mr. Simpson is in a meeting. It will end in

about twenty minutes. I'll take you for tea and a brief rest in the

meantime."

Mario nodded, following the assistant into the reception room next to

Ayan's office. Tea was poured, accompanied by snacks and fruits. The

assistant then excused himself.

Now alone in the reception room with his secretary, Mario's secretary

said in a hushed tone, "Mr. King, was this intentional on Ayan's part?

He didn't even arrange for his secretary to receive you. Just a random

assistant. It seems like he's not taking us seriously!"

The secretary was indignant, but Mario remained nonchalant.

He said calmly, "Whether he's genuinely busy or pretending to be, it

doesn't matter. First, let's not lose our composure. As for how others

behave, that's their problem. If my reputation can be tarnished just

because of his actions, then the issue lies with me."

Mario believed that face and dignity were bestowed by oneself. Only by

being strong could one avoid being looked down upon.

Moreover, Mario didn't think Ayan would directly disrespect him. So, he

decided to address everything after the meeting.

Mario waited in the reception room for over twenty minutes. During this

time, he kept his emotions stable, not losing control. He could manage

his direct emotions, not easily revealing his true feelings, considering it

a way to maintain his real bottom line and thoughts.

After twenty minutes, a knock on the door echoed in the reception

room. The door opened, and the assistant brought Ayan in.

Ayan's voice followed, "Mr. King, sorry to keep you waiting!"

Mario immediately stood up, extending his hand towards Ayan. They

shook hands, their eyes colliding in the air. Mario spoke, "Mr. Simpson,

I hope my sudden visit didn't disturb your work?"

“It's alright. Just finished an urgent meeting," Ayan replied, sitting down

and instructing the assistant to pour tea.

Mario subtly observed the assistant, confirming that he was the same

one who had brought them up. He casually asked, "I remember Mr.

Simpson's secretary is not this person?"

"Kian is on a business trip for me, temporarily absent from the

company.”

"I see."

Their eyes met briefly, carrying a sense of testing, yet both maintained

a basic, polite smile.

Ayan took the initiative, "Mr. King, did you come today to discuss a

collaboration with me?"

Mario nodded and said, "Yes, I'd like to talk with Mr. Simpson in detail.

Do you have the same intention?"

"Sure." Ayan smiled slightly, quietly listening to Mario's thoughts and

proposals.

King Group's investment sector was more mature than Simpson

Group's, having more experience. Many of their projects involved

collaborations with major financial companies, precisely what Simpson

Group needed.

Ayan fell into a brief silence after Mario's speech. Then, he calmly said,

"Mr. King, your ideas are good, but King Group is already quite mature

in this field. Why would you choose to cooperate with me?"

"Because Simpson Group is excellent in every aspect, especially Mr.

Simpson's leadership, which is unparalleled. More importantly, I've

known Cami for many years, and her husband is undoubtedly

outstanding.”

By bringing Camille into the conversation, Mario wanted to convey to

Ayan that he had a good relationship with Camille, providing a positive

start to their collaboration.

Upon hearing about Camille, Ayan's lips curled into a faint smile. He

looked at Mario and said, "I'll take that as a compliment.”

Mario smiled as well, then suggested, "I wonder if Mr. Simpson has

time tonight? If you don't have other plans, how about inviting Cami?

Let's have dinner together. We were too busy at the gathering

yesterday, so I didn't get a chance to chat with Mr. Simpson and Cami.”