Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 291: A Visitor from an Esteemed Company

July 31st, 2028. After a long day of interviews and meetings at the old Citi Mall Philcoa site, Michael Reyes returned to his office. He felt excitement and a bit of exhaustion as he settled into his chair. The day had been a busy day, but the real work was just beginning.

He knew that this project was more than just a business venture; it was a chance to honor his mother's efforts and to complete his mission.

Michael glanced at the clock. It was early evening, and he decided it was the perfect time to call his mother, Myra. He picked up his phone and dialed her number. After a few rings, Myra answered.

"Hi, Ma. Did you watch the news today?" Michael asked.

"Yes, Michael, I did," Myra replied. "I saw the interviews and the coverage of the mall project. You looked very confident and well-prepared. I'm so proud of you."

Michael smiled, feeling a wave of relief. "Thanks, Ma. It's been a hectic day, but I'm glad everything went smoothly. I wanted to talk to you about the timeline for the mall."

"Of course, Michael. What's the plan?" Myra asked, her tone curious and supportive.

"It's going to take at least two years before the mall is fully built," Michael said. "We have a lot of work ahead of us, starting with the demolition of the old structure. Then we need to address any environmental issues and get all the necessary permits. After that, we can begin the construction of the new mall."

"That sounds like a big project," Myra remarked. "But I know you can handle it. You've always been determined and capable."

Michael nodded, even though she couldn't see him. "Yes, it is a big project, but I have a great team working with me. We're going to create something amazing, something that the community can be proud of."

"I'm sure you will, Michael. You've always had a vision for things like this," Myra said warmly. "What are the next steps?"

"Well, we need to finalize the designs with the architects and get the initial permits sorted out. Then we'll start the demolition and prepare the site for construction. Bridget is coordinating with the architects and engineers, and Juliet is working on the marketing and branding strategy. We want to keep the community engaged and informed throughout the process."

"That sounds like a solid plan," Myra said. "It's important to keep everyone involved and excited about the new mall. It will be a great addition to the area."

Michael felt a surge of motivation. "Yes, Ma. We want to make it a place where people can spend an entire day enjoying different activities. We'll have a mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, and community spaces. It's going to be more than just a mall; it will be a new destination similar to SM Malls."

"I can't wait to see it when it's done," Myra said proudly. "You're doing a wonderful job, Michael. Just remember to take care of yourself, too. Don't burn out."

"I will, Ma. I promise," Michael replied. "I'll make sure to balance work and rest. And I'll keep you updated on our progress."

"Good. I'm always here for you, Michael," Myra said. "If you need anything, just let me know."

"Thanks, Ma. Your support means everything to me," Michael said, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. "I'll talk to you soon."

"Take care, Michael. I love you," Myra said softly.

"I love you too, Ma," Michael replied before ending the call.

When he was about to dive into some more work Juliet knocked on his office door and entered.

"Michael, you have a visitor," Juliet said, stepping closer to his desk.

"A visitor? At this hour?" Michael asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, it's one of the executives from SM Prime. He says it's urgent and he'd like to speak with you," Juliet explained.

"SM Prime? Why would an executive from SM Prime want to visit me? I don't get it…" Michael murmured, more to himself than to Juliet.

"You will find out soon enough," Juliet said with a small smile. "Shall I send him in?"

"Yes, please do."

Juliet stepped out of the office, and a moment later, she returned with a tall, well-dressed man in his early forties. His demeanor was composed, but there was a sense of urgency in his eyes.

"Mr. Reyes, thank you for seeing me on such short notice," the man said, extending his hand. "I'm Richard Lim, Senior Vice President at SM Prime Holdings."

Michael stood up and shook Richard's hand firmly. "Mr. Lim, it's a pleasure to meet you. Please, have a seat. What brings you here to my office?"

Richard took a seat, his expression serious. "Thank you, Mr. Reyes. I'll get straight to the point. As you know, SM Prime Holdings is the leading mall developer and operator in the country. We've been closely monitoring your recent acquisition of the old Citi Mall Philcoa and your plans to redevelop it into a state-of-the-art mall."

Michael leaned back in his chair, maintaining a neutral expression. "I see. And what does SM Prime think about our plans?"

Richard nodded thoughtfully before speaking. "We recognize the potential of the site and the ambitious nature of your project. We also know that Reyes Corporation has a strong track record of innovation and successful ventures across various industries. SM Prime is interested in exploring potential synergies and collaboration opportunities with your company."

With that alone, Michael knew that SM Prime wanted to control the mall enterprise Michael was going to start before it became a headache for them. But he'd want to hear what they have to offer.

Richard adjusted his posture, clearly prepared for this line of questioning. "Of course. SM Prime has extensive experience in mall development and operations. We believe that by combining our expertise with your innovative approach, we can create a landmark destination that sets new standards in the retail industry."

Michael nodded, still maintaining his neutral expression. "And how exactly do you envision this collaboration working?"

Richard smiled, sensing that he had Michael's attention. "There are several avenues we could explore. Firstly, we could co-develop the mall, sharing resources and expertise to ensure the project is completed on time and within budget. This would involve joint planning and design, leveraging our established relationships with top retail brands to secure a strong tenant mix from the outset."

Michael considered this. "Co-development could indeed provide some advantages, but it also means sharing control. What else?"

"Alternatively," Richard continued, "we could engage in a joint marketing initiative. SM Prime's extensive marketing network and loyal customer base could be a significant asset in promoting the new mall, attracting not just local visitors but also tourists. We could collaborate on advertising campaigns, special events, and community engagement activities."

Not going to lie, the perks and benefits it will bring to Michael's mall is significant. And since this was just a gift to his mother, he'd started to consider their offer.

"Okay…I'm interested."