Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 124: The Goliath vs David
”Mr. Reyes...Mr. Wei has arrived and is on the elevator as we speak,” Juliet informed, prompting Michael to rise to his feet and straighten his suit. He took a deep breath, steadying his nerves for the crucial meeting ahead. His gaze swept across the room, ensuring everything was in place for a productive discussion.

The table was set with Filipino cuisine that would welcome the guests with a taste of local hospitality. An assortment of Filipino snacks was spread across the table, including puto (steamed rice cakes), bibingka (coconut rice cake), and ensaymada (soft, buttery pastries topped with cheese).

There were also bowls of kutsinta (sticky rice cakes), and alongside these, a platter of ripe mangoes, sliced and arranged artfully, added a vibrant splash of color to the array.

Michael had insisted on this touch of Filipino culture to set a warm, inviting tone for the meeting. He believed in the power of food to bring people together, soften the initial formalities, and ease into discussions with a more congenial atmosphere.

As Wei entered the room, his eyes briefly scanned the array of snacks before settling on Michael. The sight of the Filipino delicacies brought a slight, appreciative smile to his face, an acknowledgment of the gesture of hospitality.

”Mr. Wei, welcome,” Michael greeted again, motioning towards the table. ”I hope you’ll enjoy some of our local snacks before we get down to business. It’s a small token of our respect and hospitality.”

Wei nodded, expressing his gratitude. ”Thank you, Mr. Reyes. It’s a thoughtful gesture. This is going to be my first time trying out some Filipino cuisine.”

”Well, we could have opted for some Chinese food but knowing that you tasted it in your home country, I thought it would be a nice change of pace to offer you a taste of the Philippines,” Michael continued, maintaining a light tone to keep the atmosphere relaxed and welcoming. ”Please, feel free to help yourself.”

As Wei sampled a piece of puto, his expression revealed a pleasant surprise. ”This is quite delightful,” he remarked, breaking the ice further between them.

Michael smiled, pleased at the positive reception. ”I’m glad you think so. It’s just one of the many ways we like to show our guests the warmth of Filipino hospitality.”

With the ice broken, both men took their seats at the negotiation table, surrounded by the remaining snacks. The informal start seemed to have set a positive tone for the meeting, with both parties appearing more at ease.

Michael initiated the discussion. ”Now, we both know that your company has engaged in an illegal act to break into our IT system.”

Your proposal, while interesting, seems more like a fantasy.”

Michael leaned forward, folding his hands on the table. ”Fantasy or not, I believe in making the impossible possible. That’s what SolaraTech has been doing since its inception. However, I didn’t invite you here to argue about hypothetical acquisitions. Let’s focus on resolving our current dispute in a way that benefits both parties without undermining either’s value or potential.

How about this, you’ll pay us a settlement and promise us to never engage in any illegal activities against our company again.”

”You want us to pay you?” Wei asked, wanting clarification.

Michael simply nodded.

”What if I refuse?”

”Then all your illegal activities will be made public. You know how much damage it will cause to your company’s reputation and how it will affect your standing in the market. Not to mention, legal actions that will follow,” Michael stated plainly, his tone firm yet calm.

”Oh yeah...I don’t think I’m scared to the point I will pay you for anything.”

”Oh you will,” Michael said, glancing at Juliet who was standing behind him. They exchanged a meaningful glance with one another and later, Juliet excused herself for a moment.

Moments later, she returned with another person.

Wei glanced over his shoulder and saw a familiar figure, his eyes widening in shock.

”It seems that I was signaled to enter,” Bridget entered elegantly into the room, glancing at Wei.