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Lord of Entertainment C15 Business offer
🕑 Added 2024-08-20 15:37:18 +0000 UTCThe bustling streets of Saint Angeles gave way to the sleek, modern facade of the Orlando company building.
My decision to come here wasn't about accepting a job, but rather to engage in a business discussion with Gerald.
My brief time in the city had made one thing clear: relying solely on street performances and the generosity of passersby wasn't going to cut it.
If I wanted to make real progress, I needed resources, connections, and a steady income.
I approached the receptionist's desk.
I said, trying to project confidence, "I'm here to take on the job Mr. Gerald Orlando offered me," I stated, the half-truth rolling easily off my tongue.
The receptionist raised an eyebrow, skepticism clear in her voice. "You were offered a job by Mr. Orlando? Can I see proof of this offer?"
I smiled, reaching into my pocket for the card Gerald had given me two days ago. "Here you go."
She examined the card carefully before picking up her phone and dialing. "Hello, is the CEO available?" There was a pause as she listened to the response. "Yes, yes." She looked at me, mouthing, "What is your name?"
"Arthur Whitlock," I replied simply.
"He says his name is Arthur Whitlock," she relayed into the phone. After a moment, she nodded and turned back to me, her tone now tinged with respect. "Come with me, sir."
We rode the elevator up to the CEO's office.
The elevator doors opened, revealing a plush corridor leading to Gerald's office.
The receptionist knocked on the imposing oak door. "Mr. Orlando? Arthur Whitlock is here to see you."
"Send him in," came Gerald's muffled reply.
As I entered Gerald's office, I was struck by the unique layout. Everything was scaled to dwarf proportions – a small chair behind a small desk – yet the room itself was surprisingly spacious. It was a stark reminder of the diverse nature of Saint Angeles society.
"Young Arthur!" Gerald's face lit up with a welcoming smile. "Have you finally decided to accept my offer?"
I chose my words carefully. "Actually, I wanted to take the opportunity to earn money on the side."
Gerald's laughter filled the room. "Hahaha, you wouldn't regret working here."
Quickly, I clarified my position. "Actually, I'm not here to take on your job offer. When I mentioned earning money on the side, I meant something different."
Gerald's bushy eyebrows rose in curiosity. "What exactly do you mean by that?"
I smiled, sensing the pivotal moment. "I'm actually here to have a business discussion with you. I have a business offer to make."
Surprise flickered across Gerald's face. "A business offer?"
I nodded, maintaining my composure.
Gerald chuckled, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "My boy, I took you for a genius craftsman and mechanic – but I didn't realize you were a businessman as well. Well, let's hear it." He gestured to a chair. "But first, let's sit, and you can present your idea."
I nodded, carefully setting the piano I'd brought along to the side before taking a seat. Once settled, Gerald leaned forward, his eyes twinkling with interest. "Go on, then."
Taking a deep breath, I laid out my proposal. "I actually want your company to manufacture the products I'll present. If they turn a profit, I'd earn a share."
Gerald chuckled again, but this time with a hint of admiration. "I had a feeling you might suggest something along those lines." His eyes darted to the piano I'd brought. "But what products can you offer my company besides that guitar you invented?"
I smiled, reaching for the bag I'd brought with me. "I figured you might say that, so I brought another invention of mine that's just as interesting as the electric guitar."
Gerald's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Oh? What's that?"
I unzipped the bag, carefully extracting my latest creation.
"Is that... a piano?" Gerald raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled.
I nodded, suppressing a grin.
"Really? It looks so small..." Gerald leaned forward, his interest piqued despite his skepticism.
"Just listen," I said, positioning my fingers over the keys. I began to play, and the rich, full sound of a traditional piano filled the room.
Gerald stroked his beard as he listened, but his expression remained unconvinced. "So? What I see is still a piano, just more portable. Many would probably still prefer the original."
I smiled, knowing I had him right where I wanted him. "But can the original piano do this?" With a push of a button, I changed the instrument's tone dramatically.
Gerald's eyes widened as the new sound washed over him.
"And that's not the only style this piano can produce," I continued, changing the settings again. "This is what I call the jazz piano." I played a quick riff, then switched to yet another setting. "And this is the pop piano style. See... can a regular piano do that?"
Gerald looked at me with newfound respect and interest. "Young Arthur, you are indeed a genius talent."
Sensing my moment, I pressed forward. "So... what do you think of my offer?"
Gerald stroked his beard thoughtfully. "You've made an interesting proposal, young Arthur. I'm inclined to accept your offer, but... are you really going to waste your talent?"
I sighed, recognizing the familiar argument. "I have a dream, Gerald."
"Young Arthur, dreams can change," Gerald said, his tone fatherly. "I'm willing to teach you craftsmanship and mechanics. Just think about it."
"Well... maybe if I change my mind later," I conceded, not wanting to close any doors. But I was eager to move forward with my current plan. "So... how about we discuss the offer I made?"
Gerald nodded, his business acumen taking over. "Well, let's get right into it."
We settled in for negotiations.
"First things first," Gerald began, his tone becoming more formal. "Let's discuss production costs and potential market demand. Do you have any projections?"
I nodded, pulling out some rough calculations I'd prepared. I laid them out for Gerald.
Here I was, a demon prince in disguise, negotiating a business deal with a dwarf CEO over inventions inspired by my knowledge from another life.
But this was exactly the kind of opportunity I'd been hoping for. If I could pull this off, it would be a significant step towards establishing myself in this world. The electric guitar and the versatile piano could be just the beginning.
As Gerald and I delved into the nitty-gritty of production costs, profit sharing, and marketing strategies, I kept one eye on the bigger picture. This partnership, if successful, could provide me with the resources and connections I needed to pursue my larger goals.
The negotiations with Gerald had stretched on longer than I'd anticipated. By the time I bid farewell to the dwarf CEO and stepped out of the Orlando company building, the sun was already dipping below the skyline of Saint Angeles. Two hours had passed in what felt like the blink of an eye, a testament to the intensity of our discussion.
Exhausted but satisfied, I returned to my hotel room, my mind still buzzing with the potential of the partnership we'd begun to forge. As I drifted off to sleep, visions of electric guitars and versatile pianos danced in my head, intermingling with dreams of packed theatres and adoring fans.
