Chapter 452: Overbearing Aura Exposed! Asking for Trouble! |
"Hello, we are the business negotiation team from CloudPower Group of the United States, and this is our Vice President, Mr. Charlie Betang."
Wednesday.
Neon Osaka.
Phoenix Engine Development Co., Ltd.
The blond, blue-eyed secretary spoke fluent Japanese to the receptionist at the front desk:
"We had an appointment with Vice President Nagashima last Friday to meet today."
Business negotiation, scheduled in advance, everything followed proper procedures.
Normally, for a team like the CloudPower business delegation that could conduct business discussions with the president, the front desk should treat them politely and immediately notify the president to arrange their reception.
But today, for some reason.
"Um... oh... oh... I see..."
The receptionist forced a slightly stiff smile onto her face,
Not only hesitant, but even somewhat embarrassed.
"Is there a problem?"
Seeing this, Betang slightly frowned.
Thinking to himself, what kind of quality is this receptionist?
This is a normal business procedure, why does she seem so unwilling?
The secretary and translator beside him translated Betang's question,
"Ah... ah! No, no!"
Hearing this, the cherry blossom girl in charge of reception quickly waved her hands and repeatedly bowed:
"Shimi Masai! Shimi Masai! I'm sorry for causing you confusion, I'm truly sorry!"
"It's like this, President Nagashima is currently in a meeting, please follow me to the VIP room to wait for a moment!"
Hah—
Hearing the receptionist's explanation, Betang secretly rolled his eyes.
So it's just because of a temporary meeting causing a delay, why so nervous?
Business negotiations being delayed due to temporary matters is very normal.
Although prestigious as CloudPower's vice president, Betang rarely experienced waiting like this; usually others waited for him.
But considering that Phoenix isn't part of the Vivendi group, and doesn't rely solely on their CloudPower company for business, this ordinary attitude seemed normal.
Then just wait!
Although Betang felt somewhat uncomfortable, he didn't say anything,
But unexpectedly!
Their wait lasted a full three and a half hours!
From 8 AM all the way until 11:30 AM!
First hour, Betang slightly frowned, feeling somewhat dissatisfied.
Second hour, Betang paced anxiously, his inquiries filled with resentment, even slightly angry.
Third hour, Betang even directly called Konik, bluntly saying Phoenix had gone too far, wanting to cancel the originally scheduled cooperation negotiation, but was stopped by Konik with the reason "the new project is important."
Until 11:30!
When the receptionist brought them tea!
Betang finally couldn't take it anymore!!
Slamming the table fiercely, Betang stood up directly, face full of rage:
"I'm asking one last time! Does your president even remember our business negotiation with CloudPower today?!"
This is fucking bullying!
You say wait five minutes, temporary matter, fine.
You say wait ten minutes, meeting not finished, also fine.
Even wait half an hour, troublesome matter, I could barely tolerate that!
Three and a half hours!
Who the fuck waits three and a half hours for business negotiations?!
At first he thought Phoenix just treated CloudPower as ordinary business colleagues on equal footing.
Now it seems.
Phoenix fucking doesn't treat them as human beings?!
Do they think we're fools if we don't get angry?!
"Um—this—Shimi Masai! Shimi Masai!!!"
What explanation could the receptionist offer?
The pitiful, weak, and helpless cherry blossom girl could only repeatedly bow and apologize, trying to calm Betang and the others.
And just at this moment!
Knock knock knock—
Hearing sudden knocking at the VIP room door.
Turning to look.
They saw a woman around forty years old, with ear-length short hair, wearing a pearl-white suit, standing at the doorway:
"Sorry to disturb, may I ask...?"
Seeing the woman suddenly appear at the door.
Betang and the others were momentarily stunned, while the previously scolded and embarrassed receptionist seemed to see a savior, quickly coming before the woman and slightly nodding:
"President Midori, these are the business delegation from CloudPower Group of the United States, they had an appointment with President Nagashima for business negotiations, but..."
"Oh, okay, you may go,"
Understanding the situation in a few words, this middle-aged woman called 'President Midori' took a few steps into the VIP room and extended her hand to Betang:
"Hello, Mr. Betang, I am the Vice President of Phoenix Engine Development Co., Ltd., Nagashima Midori."
Nagashima Midori!
The second-in-command at Phoenix Engine Company, the biological younger sister of President Nagashima Hiroki.
"President Nagashima's meeting is running a bit long, sorry to keep you waiting,"
Saying this, Nagashima Midori walked to the reception sofa and sat down, then gestured:
"Please sit, Mr. Betang."
It must be said!
Nagashima Midori's presence was very strong!
Her every movement exuded the aura of a host, clearly not viewing CloudPower as someone requiring particular respect, even her apology sounded light and casual.
And!
What made Betang most furious was—she didn't even have any intention of inviting them to the conference room!
As if planning to deal with them right here in this temporary reception lounge!
"I've long heard Phoenix Engine has abundant capabilities, seeing it today confirms it."
There wasn't a trace of smile on Betang's face, his words carrying barbs.
But Nagashima Midori didn't take the bait at all, instead nodding: "Thank you for the praise, Mr. Betang, let's discuss the main matter."
I fucking—!!!
Betang almost flew up into the air like Director Zheng with a jetpack in The Little Mermaid, furious beyond measure.
"So, President Midori plans to discuss engine licensing matters with CloudPower here?"
Seeing Nagashima Midori showed no intention of being polite, Betang simply stopped holding back, directly asking an overbearing question!
Directly bringing out CloudPower's big reputation!
Not exaggerating at all, at this moment, them sitting here represented half of the world gaming circle!
And this is Phoenix's attitude?
The tiger doesn't show its power, so you think I'm a sick cat?!
After speaking, the corners of Betang's mouth sank slightly, his gaze containing three parts threatening anger!
The atmosphere instantly froze for two seconds!
Then, they heard Nagashima Midori open her mouth and say:
"Not exactly, Mr. Betang, I didn't plan to handle engine licensing matters with you in this reception room."
Hmph!
Hearing this, Betang secretly snorted, his sinking mouth corners slightly relaxing.
They finally understood their place,
One moment ago it was like needle against wheat awn, but now that CloudPower's name was brought out, they immediately softened?
Laughing inwardly, Betang arrogantly rolled his eyes and raised his hand:
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go to the conference room to discuss in detail..."
However!
Before he could finish speaking!
They saw Nagashima Midori reveal a polite fake smile, slightly nodding:
"Mr. Betang misunderstood, what I mean is we don't need to negotiate further, because—"
"In the just-concluded meeting, we decided we will no longer provide any engine licensing services to your company from now on."
As these words were spoken.
The entire reception room instantly fell into complete silence.
Betang didn't even react at first, his eyes completely blank,
It took a full ten seconds!
His eyes gradually transformed from blank confusion into uncontrollable fury!
"What the fvk are you talking about?"
What the fuck are you saying?
Do you fucking know what you're saying?!
At this moment, Betang's patience finally reached its breaking point, his anger erupting like a volcano!
A full three and a half hours of waiting!
The entire morning, they were left hanging in this reception room!
Phoenix's meeting seemed endless, going on and on!
And now, finally having a breathing high-level executive to receive them, only to be met with "we will no longer provide any engine licensing services to your company from now on"?
Are you fucking messing with us?!
And!
"President Midori, I think I need to remind you to take responsibility for your words,"
At this moment, Betang's expression had become somewhat distorted, he forcibly suppressed the urge to curse loudly, using a tone filled with blatant threat, 'reminding' the opposing Nagashima Midori:
Exactly!
This was the crux of the current problem!
The three and a half hour wait and Nagashima Midori's attitude were certainly infuriating.
But more important than these was Phoenix's current blockade ban against CloudPower!
Betang never expected.
In today's world gaming circle, there would actually be someone daring to actively blockade CloudPower?!
Yes, you could say Golden Engine previously announced implementing a technical blacklist against their Vivendi system?
That's because they were the first to implement blockades against Golden Wind and a series of Huaguo manufacturers, and besides, holding Illusion Engine, they fundamentally looked down on Golden Engine.
As one of the engine developers with market share second only to Illusion Engine, Phoenix's technical capabilities and reputation are among the world's top!
A company of this level, without past grievances or recent conflicts, suddenly announcing a blockade against CloudPower!
Are you fucking serious?!
Facing Betang's aggressive questioning from shame turning to anger!
"I'm very certain, Mr. Betang, effective immediately, Phoenix will refuse all engine service requests from your company."
Exactly blockading you!
If you didn't hear clearly, I'll tell you again!
Hearing this!
The shamefully angry Betang finally couldn't hold back, bang! slamming the table and standing up fiercely!
"Get your president out here to explain! We waited nearly four hours, not to wait for your lighthearted blockade decision!"
"I need a reasonable explanation!"
And just at this tense moment of confrontation, with Betang completely losing face and erupting in rage!
Suddenly!
They heard a clear female voice at the reception room doorway:
"A blockade is a blockade, what kind of thing are you that needs an explanation?"
Overbearing aura exposed!
Asking for trouble!
As these words were spoken, the CloudPower business delegation members all shuddered!
The leading Betang even raised angry eyebrows, turning to glare furiously toward the doorway!
But the next second!
When he clearly saw the person standing at the doorway, his entire body couldn't help but instantly freeze, stiffening in place—
Golden Wind Game Company Chairman!
MiaShen! Shen Miaomiao!
"You—?!"
For a moment, Betang directly froze in place!
Pig brain overload.
He truly couldn't understand why, at this time, this location, Shen Miaomiao would appear in this place.
You need to know!
One is an internationally renowned Neon well-known commercial engine developer.
Admittedly, theoretically speaking, these two companies indeed belong to the same industry, having intersections is normal,
He had never heard of Golden Wind having any deep cooperative relationship with Phoenix!
The two are merely nodding acquaintances, at most having normal licensing cooperation in previous works like "Silent Hill PT" and "Escape"!
With just this level of relationship...
It couldn't possibly become the reason for Phoenix to vent anger for Golden Wind and counter-blockade me, right?!
"Director Shen meddles too widely, doesn't she? I'm asking Phoenix's decision-maker, not you."
As he spoke.
Betang turned again to look at the expressionless Nagashima Midori, coldly snorting:
"And I also suggest President Midori minimize contact and cooperation with enterprises that arbitrarily stir up trouble, be careful of borrowing power to do evil, trouble comes from the mouth."
These words were very cutting, the meaning of sowing discord couldn't be more heavy,
But judging from the current situation, Betang could easily analyze that Phoenix's current blockade against CloudPower absolutely couldn't be separated from that jinx Shen Miaomiao of Golden Wind.
It seemed today's talks were destined to have no good outcome.
Since that's the case, then I might as well disgust you all
Look quickly, Nagashima Midori, you're a vice president still standing here, yet she Shen Miaomiao dares to speak so disrespectfully to CloudPower right in front of you, who exactly is the host, who is the guest here?
Moreover, cooperating with such a trouble-stirring enterprise, aren't you afraid they might someday use Phoenix's banner to provoke people they shouldn't provoke?
After speaking.
Betang swept his gaze over Nagashima Midori and Shen Miaomiao's faces, hoping to see some embarrassment and discomfort on their faces.
However.
Things went contrary to wishes.
Hearing this, instead of showing unnatural expressions, the two women looked at each other as if watching a comedy, both revealing inexplicable smiles.
Shen Miaomiao looked at Betang up and down for a long moment as if viewing an idiot, making Betang feel uncomfortable, then finally shook her head slowly with a chuckle, saying:
"Mr. Betang, in terms of language, I'm afraid you still need to study more,"
"You just said I 'Borrowing power to do evil',"
"Meaning a weak party borrows powerful strength to achieve their own evil intentions,"
"Let's not discuss whether counter-sanctions against a hegemonism organization like yours in the gaming circle is just,"
"As the second largest shareholder of Phoenix Engine Development Co., Ltd.—"
"Which family's fox am I, and whose power am I borrowing?"
Betang guessed correctly—
Shen Miaomiao indeed didn't have enough connections to influence Phoenix Engine's attitude!
She had enough money to influence Phoenix Engine's equity organizational structure!
23.22% equity!
The Shen Miaomiao standing before Betang now doesn't represent Golden Wind!
But represents one of the world's top game engine developers, Phoenix's second largest shareholder, speaking with you!
"Those coming may not be friendly?"
Light footsteps sounded as Shen Miaomiao walked into the reception room, picked up the briefcase on the table and handed it to Betang, issuing an order to leave:
"You are the one coming..."