Steven knocked on a very simple, old-looking door. "Dad, Aoki is here."
"Come in," a voice replied from inside.
Aoki and Steven walked in together.
Upon entering, they found it was a study, characterized by one thing: an immense number of books.
The bookshelf behind Mr. Stone was enormous, packed tightly with countless books.
The bookshelf reached all the way to the ceiling, though the very top shelf was still empty, while the lower ones were completely crammed.
The current head of the Stone family and the current chairman of Devon Corporation, was a permanent member of the Hoenn League's highest council, representing the vast populace of the Hoenn region.
He was a legendary figure, who once contended with the current League President, Adams, for the championship and the presidency itself. However, due to various reasons, he withdrew from the competition and helped Adams manage the entire Hoenn region meticulously.
Mr. Stone's strength was unknown, but Aoki guessed he was at least as strong as Elite Four Drake.
After all, he had the vast Stone family as his backing, and according to Aoki's teacher, the potential Mr. Stone showed in his youth was not much weaker than Steven's current potential, so his strength was undoubtedly formidable.
"Mr. Stone," Aoki respectfully greeted him.
They had exchanged a few words in previous meetings, and since Aoki's teacher, was also a good friend of Mr. Stone, Aoki didn't feel unfamiliar meeting him.
"Haha, Aoki, you're here." Mr. Stone stood up from his seat, showing no airs of a grand family head.
He welcomed Aoki and Steven in, and upon seeing Aoki, he paused, "Aoki, did you put on makeup? You seem to have changed a bit?"
Hearing this, Aoki was embarrassed and scratched his head. This father and son, they really are...
"No, I'm just going through a growth spurt recently, so I've gotten handsomer."
"Hahahaha, good, handsomer is good, handsomer is good, hahahaha!" But for some reason, Mr. Stone seemed even happier when he heard this explanation.
The three sat down at Mr. Stone's desk. A specialized attendant brought three cups of tea, placed them in front of them, and then left, closing the door behind them.
"Aoki, I heard you want to discuss a partnership with our Stone family. What is it about?" Mr. Stone asked.
Aoki didn't hesitate and went straight to the point, "It's like this: I know the Stone family started with mining, including many very valuable minerals. Recently, by chance, I obtained a batch of very high-quality diamonds, and I hope to use your channels to sell them."
Hearing Aoki's words, Mr. Stone and Steven exchanged glances, both seeing amusement in each other's eyes.
They had thought it was something major; it turned out to be just selling some diamonds.
"So that's it. That's simple. Our Stone family will buy all your diamonds at market price," Mr. Stone said with a smile.
In his view, how large of a diamond mine could Aoki, as an individual, possibly discover? Their Stone family didn't care about that much money. Even if they didn't profit from this acquisition, it could be seen as a gesture of goodwill towards Aoki.
Moreover, as Steven's best friend, acquiring some diamonds was not a big deal.
Aoki understood Mr. Stone's meaning, but given the current development speed of his Carbink kingdom, the diamond output was clearly not just a small amount. If the quantity wasn't large, Aoki could completely let Tyranitar and Aggron consume them.
"Uh, I'm afraid that won't work, because the quantity is a bit too much," Aoki said.
A hint of surprise flashed in Mr. Stone's eyes.
"A lot? Several tons?"
Aoki held up one finger.
"One ton? That's no problem. Although it's a bit much, we can handle it." Mr. Stone was still somewhat surprised; the value of one ton of diamonds was already quite high.
Aoki shook his head.
"Ten tons? That would indeed be troublesome." Mr. Stone felt a hint of shock.
Aoki just shook his head again, "Conservatively estimated, over one hundred tons!"
Pfft—
Steven, who was leisurely drinking water beside them, spit out all the water he had just taken in.
"How much? One hundred tons?" Steven looked at Aoki with shocked eyes.
He saw that Aoki was serious and not joking.
One hundred tons! This quantity, for diamonds, was quite terrifying.
Mr. Stone was also stunned.
How could this be a poor commoner? This was a diamond magnate, right?
One hundred tons of diamonds—for the vast enterprise of the Stone family, it might not even be a drop in the ocean of their fixed assets. In terms of liquid capital, they could certainly afford to acquire one hundred tons of diamonds, but there was a high probability of a disruption in their capital chain.
Actually, Aoki could also have the Sky Team sell these diamonds, but the Sky Team's channels were not yet sufficient. Moreover, diamonds are a type of mineral, and wouldn't that be competing with the Stone family's business? The current Sky Team is not yet strong enough to contend with the Stone family.
However, one hundred tons of diamonds would certainly have a huge impact on the diamond market. At that time, the Sky Team could follow the trail and gradually establish their own channels, giving Aoki two lines, overt and covert, to sell diamonds, which would more than double his resource income speed.
"Cough, cough, one hundred tons or even more, that is indeed a substantial business. I was originally thinking of giving you, little Aoki, some benefits, but I didn't expect you to be bringing benefits to our Stone family now. How about this: we will help you sell these diamonds, and take a ten percent cut as our return. After all, your teacher and I are good friends, and you and Steven are also good friends." Mr. Stone felt slightly awkward.
Aoki, however, shook his head again.
When Steven was about to explain the market situation to him, Aoki said directly, "Mr. Stone, our relationship is so good, you don't need to always think about leaving benefits for me. Selling diamonds, all the various channels, advertising, promotion, human and material resources, these are all a huge amount of support.
"Taking a ten percent cut is too little. I've also inquired, the market rate is a thirty percent cut, but I'm sure you wouldn't agree, so I'll make the decision myself: let's take twenty-five percent.
And don't even think about refusing. This is me, a poor boy, latching onto the Stone family's big leg; I'm the one getting the better deal."
Steven Stone and Steven listened to Aoki's words, completely stunned.
Was there really such a way to haggle?
This was truly a masterful negotiation.
But in an instant, Mr. Stone and Steven's favorability towards Aoki soared.
Although Steven's favorability was already maxed out, he now almost wanted to burn yellow paper and become sworn brothers with Aoki.
"Hahahaha—Good! Good! Since that's the case, I won't say more. Our Stone family is indebted to you.
How about this: our Stone family will provide the capital, and you provide the goods. You and Steven can open a company together. However, I know your hearts aren't in this right now.
You can start it first, hire people to manage it for you, and then take over later. It can be considered an additional venture." Mr. Stone said with a hearty laugh, clearly in a very good mood.
Aoki and Steven exchanged glances, nodded, and said in unison, "Good!"