Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 269: The President Sudden Visitation

April 11th, 2028

"Sir…there's an emergency!" Juliet barged into Michael's office, panting heavily.

Michael rose to his feet, visibly alert. "What is it, Juliet?"

"The President is heading to the Golden Topper right now. He plans to visit you," Juliet informed, catching her breath.

Michael's eyes widened. "The President? Here? Did he say why?"

Juliet shook her head. "No, sir. But given the urgency, it must be something critical."

Michael took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "Alright, let's prepare for his arrival. Make sure security is tight and inform the team. We need to be ready for whatever he needs."

Juliet nodded. "Yes, sir. I'll get on it right away." She turned and quickly left the office, leaving Michael to process the sudden development.

Michael sat back down, his mind racing. The President's unexpected visit could mean many things, but it was likely related to the escalating situation with China or the potential deal with the United States.

A few minutes later, Juliet returned. "Security is in place, and the team is ready. The President's convoy is just a few minutes away."

"Good," Michael replied, standing up again. "Let's head to the lobby to greet him."

As they made their way to the lobby, Michael couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Well, of course, this is the first time the President came into his office. It was supposed to be the other way around.

Moments later, the President's convoy arrived, and the President stepped out, flanked by his security detail. Michael approached him, extending his hand.

"Mr. President, welcome to the Golden Topper," Michael greeted, maintaining a composed demeanor. "It's too sudden for me to prepare a proper welcome, but we're honored to have you here."

"Thank you, Mr. Reyes. We have much to discuss," the President said, emphasizing the word "discuss". It must be a serious one as the President personally went to visit him in the office.

Reyes gulped a mouthful of saliva before smiling at the President courteously. "Very well…Mr. President."

He turned sideways and extended his arms toward the main entrance of the Golden Topper.

"This way, please," Michael said, leading the President and his security detail into the Golden Topper main entrance, to the elevator, and down the hall.

Once inside the conference room, Michael closed the door behind them and motioned for the President to take a seat. Juliet quickly arranged for refreshments, then stepped out, leaving the two men to their discussion.

The President leaned forward with a serious expression etching his face. Michael wondered what made him have that look.

"You…see…Mr. Reyes, the reason why I came here is to personally inform you of the news about your offer to the United States of selling your Aerospace Defense Systems Enterprise."

Michael sighed inwardly. Thankful that it wasn't about them nabbing two CIA agents.

"And how did they respond?"

The President smiled. "They are willing to buy your company, and are offering you 20 billion dollars for it."

"Twenty billion dollars?" Michael repeated as his eyes blinked at the amount. "They are generous. I was thinking of selling it to them for 12 billion dollars because that's what we have valued it at," he admitted, a slight smile crossing his face.

"Well, they see the strategic value and potential in your technology," President Valdez replied. "However, there's one condition. The acquisition will be handled by Raytheon. They are one of the largest defense contractors in the United States and have the capability to integrate your systems effectively."

Michael nodded thoughtfully. "Raytheon is a reputable company. This could work out well for both parties. However, we need to ensure that the transition is smooth and that our existing commitments are honored. One commitment is a continuous supply of missiles to the Armed Forces of the Philippines."

The President chuckled. "Absolutely, Mr. Reyes. Your missiles have proven their worth. The Armed Forces of the Philippines will definitely need a steady supply. Raytheon is aware of this requirement and is prepared to honor it."

Michael leaned back in his chair, contemplating the situation. "Alright, Mr. President. I will proceed with the negotiations. I'll make sure my team is prepared, and we'll work closely with Raytheon to ensure a smooth transition."

"Thank you, Mr. Reyes. Your sacrifices to your country will not be forgotten."

"But I also have a condition," Michael said, leaning forward as well with a serious expression.

"Oh…" The President mused. "What might that be?"

"Well, it has been known that the Philippines will be forever grateful for my move, then I shall have a request from the government for my benefit, which will also be a benefit of this country."

"I'm listening, Mr. Reyes. What do you want? If it's within my bounds, I will honor it," the President said, his curiosity piqued.

"I want to build a shipbuilding enterprise here in the Philippines. One that will focus on constructing warships for our Navy. The goal is to make our country more self-reliant in terms of naval defense capabilities," Michael said earnestly.

The President raised an eyebrow. "That's a significant undertaking, Michael. But there's a challenge you must be aware of. For the Philippine Navy to acquire warships from a domestic builder, the builder must have a history of constructing warships. It's a catch-22 situation because we haven't been buying from domestic shipbuilders."

Michael nodded. "Exactly. That's why I want to revive this industry. I propose that any future naval acquisitions be exclusive to my company."

"I don't think I can do that," the President said.

"Oh, I think you can, Mr. President. Come on, you can propose a bill that mandates future naval acquisitions to come from my shipbuilding company once it's established. This will help build the necessary history and ensure that our Navy gets the warships it needs from a reliable, local source," Michael suggested, his tone firm but respectful.

"Okay, how do we trust that your shipbuilding company is as good as foreign counterparts?"

Michael scoffed softly at the question. "Mr. President, the proof is already here. The United States wants to buy my Aerospace Defense Systems Enterprise for a reason. They see the potential and capability of our technology. If we apply the same innovation and dedication to shipbuilding, we can achieve similar success," he asserted confidently.

The President considered that, nodding slowly. "You make a compelling argument, Mr. Reyes. But we need to ensure that the quality and standards of the warships meet our defense requirements."

"We will adhere to the highest standards, Mr. President. So do we have a deal?"

The President was silent for a moment and then spoke. "Okay, you have a deal. I'll contact one of my people in the Congress."

Michael smiled. "Thank you, Mr. President."

With that, the two of them shook hands, sealing the deal.