Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 148: Coaxing

[Congratulations on completing the mission: Build your own Office!]

[Rewards: 100,000 System Points]

Michael received a notification from the system, and the holographic interface was hovering before his eyes. He waved his hand dismissively, prompting those interfaces to disappear.

So far, his balance of System Points is at 135,175 System Points]

At this point, he could buy futuristic technology from the system, make a business out of it, and get rich. However, he knew the importance of interval. The public would definitely get suspicious of his actions, where a Mechanical Engineering student consistently has been able to invent new technologies that are decades away in technology, design, and innovation.

There'd be a probe from the private companies or worse, the government about how he is doing that when he was not that of an academic achiever prior to getting the system.

So for now, he'll stay at his current enterprise, the solar panels and the transportation company. And in a year or two, that's when he'll jump to another enterprise, which is the one that he had been thinking of doing after meeting his father again.

Pharmaceutical Industry.

***

It was March 3rd, 2026.

Brian Chow was on a private jet, bound for Manila, he was reviewing some documents regarding his new project, the Golden Topper, to be built for the company SolaraTech Corporation owned by Michael Reyes. And while reviewing it, he received a call from an acquaintance.

He grabbed the phone and wedged it between his ears and his shoulder.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Mr. Chow," said a familiar voice from the other end of the line. "Thank you for picking up this call despite its sudden nature."

"No problem," Brian replied, adjusting the phone for a more comfortable conversation as he continued to skim through the documents. "What can I do for you? Mr. Wei."

"I've been hearing quite a buzz about your latest project with SolaraTech Corporation. Are you really working for them?"

"Yeah…and it seems they are desperate to have that new office building," Chow replied, while his hand hovered over the keyboards of his laptop.

"Well, you know, SolaraTech Corporation is like an emerging rival to my business."

"I know, both of your companies are in the photovoltaic industry, and their solar panels, as I have researched, are quite advanced than what's currently available commercially."

"Now that you know, perhaps you can help a former client here," Wei asked in a hopeful tone.

"What kind of help do you require?" Brian inquired, sensing the direction of the conversation but wanting Wei to state his intentions explicitly.

Wei hesitated briefly before speaking. "I want you to sabotage the SolaraTech building project. Nothing too obvious, just slow it down and create some problems here and there. Make it difficult for them to complete on time."

Brian was taken aback by the request. "Sabotage? That's a serious accusation and a dangerous game, Mr. Wei. You're talking about jeopardizing my reputation and potentially facing legal consequences."

"I know, but think about the benefits. I can make it worth your while, financially and business-wise. We've had good dealings in the past, haven't we?" Wei's voice was coaxing, trying to appeal to their history of successful collaborations.

Brian pondered for a moment. "Mr. Wei, I respect our past work together, but I am a professional. I take pride in my work, and my integrity isn't for sale. Sabotaging a project goes against everything I stand for as an architect."

Wei's tone hardened. "Think carefully, Brian. This could be very beneficial for you. You wouldn't want to make an enemy of someone in my position."

Brian straightened up, his decision clear. "My answer is no, Mr. Wei. I will not compromise my principles. I hope you can respect that."

"You are going to help that man, from the Philippines, instead of your comrades here in China?"

"I don't think you know the term called business. I have a business to run Mr. Wei. And you are a businessman, I'm sure when you are in my position you would do the same," Brian asserted.

"Whatever Mr. Reyes is offering you, I can triple it."

"I can get triple the number I am being offered by SolaraTech by engaging future clients, so no thank you, Mr. Wei," Chow said. "Why are you so focused on SolaraTech anyway? They don't even have a market share in China for solar panels."

Wei paused, collecting his thoughts. "It's not just about the market share today, Brian. It's about the potential threat they represent. Their technology is advanced, and if they decide to enter the Chinese market, it could disrupt our business significantly."

"I see your point, Mr. Wei, but my role is to build, not to get involved in corporate rivalries. I suggest focusing on innovating and improving your products to stay competitive."

"It's not that easy, Mr. Chow. If it was, we wouldn't be having this conversation," Wei said.

"It sounds like you are completely misjudging the situation," Brian replied calmly. "Competition is a part of business. It pushes us to improve and innovate. If SolaraTech enters the Chinese market, it should be seen as an opportunity to elevate your standards, not a threat to be sabotaged."

"I hate it when you sound so idealistic, Mr. Chow," Wei scoffed softly. "Well, you're lost, I have friends here who are also looking to commission new headquarters, but since we didn't get into an agreement, I'll look elsewhere."

"That's your prerogative, Mr. Wei," Brian responded evenly. "I wish you luck in finding a suitable partner for your projects. As for me, I will continue to work with clients who value integrity and quality."

"I'm so disappointed in you, Mr. Wei, I thought I could get you on board with this. I expected wrong," Wei said bitterly.

"Goodbye, Mr. Wei," Brian concluded, ending the call with a firm press of the button. He set the phone down and exhaled deeply, feeling the weight of the conversation dissipate.

Shaking off the tension, Brian refocused on the task at hand. He was en route to Manila to finalize the plans for the Golden Topper, a project that could define the next stage of his career. It was just supposed to be a concept skyscraper in the center of BGC, but now to actually build it was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.

His vision must be realized!