"If I'm given a Divine chance... a Heavenly opportunity... how could I pass it up?"
At this point, Valentine's Rizz switched into another gear, fuelled by [Zone State]!!!
"B-B-Baka, what are you saying?!?!?!"
Lucy thought this in her head, having been corrupted into watching too much Animu thanks to Ukan Trustmi always putting it on for her as a kid.
Outwardly, though, she maintained her composure, since her Anti-Rizz Index, whilst not as high as Ice Queen Sally's of course, (no one's was) nevertheless was still considerable.
"Opportunity? What would that be?" She asked cooly.
Valentine was also cool, but the sunglasses-wearing, condensation and moisture-inducing kind.
"To work together. As partners." His eyes showed a genuine warmth, his posture was relaxed, neutral and yet attentive, giving Lucy the feeling that she had known him for years, and not just a few weeks.
"What do you mean by... partners?" Lucy wanted clarification!!!
"You would have my complete trust. I would trust you to help me, and hopefully, you would trust me to help you...
Except... That said, how exactly *can* I help you? What exactly can the "Future of Humanity" Project provide for you? Perhaps, you may not even need my help at all."
Indeed, this might appear to be the classic Rizzian tactic of retreating after demonstrating their excellence. But the further one treaded along the path of Rizz, the more they would realize that the seeming 'tactics' were in fact an extension of [Intention] - in other words, it seemed effortless because it *was* effortless.
There was no memorization, no following of a 'formula' or plan. It was all an Extension of Awareness, Internalised Mastery, and [Intention], as natural as breathing.
Imagine a doctor. In an ideal world, a good doctor's [Intention] would not be to just try to give you medicine when you do not need it. His first role would be to diagnose. In other words, to diagnose before attempting to treat.
So it is with Rizzmasters.
There is a common misunderstanding, likely perpetrated by the doings of the Dark Rizzards, that Rizzmasters are out to 'get something' from someone, or to push an agenda.
In truth, especially in a business environment, what they are actually doing is more similar to a doctor assessing the situation, to see whether intervention would be even needed, and only then, if it was necessary, what the treatment might entail. There was no point trying to help someone who didn't need it.
Rizz was not only the ability to build rapport, but also the awareness as to when or if it would even be necessary.
In other words, over the course of this meeting, whilst Lucy was trying to test Valentine, Valentine was like a doctor who was trying to assess whether the collaboration was necessary in the first place, and like a doctor talking to a potential patient, he knew that it was full trust, and not manipulation, that was the key to meaningful discussion.
It was a huge surprise. Lucy had been expecting careful hedging, she was used to guarded discussions, where each person held their cards close to the chest, trying to probe the intentions of the other. Yet, instead, she was met with complete confidence and trust!
Ironically, this completely bypassed, or indeed, surpassed, Lucy's expectations and calculations!!!
Lucy hesitated, unsure how to continue. "We wanted to see if your project was worth investing in…"
The truth was, they were investing because her father Scroogeux had realised that despite his wealth, money didn't last forever and was just a means to an end.
He recognized the significance of what Valentine was proposing and wanted to be a part of it… but only if it was legit.
"Well… everything seems to be in order… "
"We can provide funding and support to better make the "Future of Humanity" Project a reality.
"In exchange, we just want a share in the project's natural growth, technology, shares, a say in its expansion. It's not about money, but being part of something meaningful and that would make a difference… "
Valentine took in the information thoughtfully, again channeling his doctor energy.
"I see. What's stopping you from making a difference on your own? Why this project?"
In truth, with the [Eyes of Rizz], Valentine could tell that Lucy was in fact responding very favourably and that the meeting was going well. But the same couldn't be said for him. He needed to know more.
Lucy thought, but actually she wasn't entirely sure, since her father Scroogeux, for obvious reasons, hadn't revealed his thought that he hoped Valentine might… take a liking to his daughter, thus ticking the boxes for furthering his own legacy. So she just shared what he had told her.
"Legacy. Our family's businesses essentially make money by… helping others make money. So we have money and lots of it. But as you know, this is not something we can take with us. So we would like to diversify, and use money, which we have, to invest in something we don't - new ideas, promising visions, dreams, Projects that might make the World a better place for everyone."
"I see." Valentine could see that Lucy was definitely passionate about making a difference. But he also had to be honest as well.
"Then I have to be upfront, Ms Overson. I've just told you that in the end, I intend to entrust the Project to Humanity itself. It's a project that's ultimately bigger than even my vision. Are you okay with that?"
"Thanks for letting me know about that. I'll have to let my Father know. Perhaps you could talk to him…"
Lucy herself had managed to finally bring up the main aim - a plausible excuse for her Father to chat with Valentine!!!
Valentine, as an extension of Bob, was, as always, thinking of win-win situations.
There was no harm in him exploring the possibility of partnership with Scroogeux.
There was an opportunity to learn more about the world of business, perhaps a powerful ally, or at least a good relationship, leaving the door open for future possibilities down the road, regardless of the outcome!!!
He also needed to avoid taking on responsibilities that weren't aligned with his main plan - to achieve success and immortality via genetic or increasingly, mimetic, or means that went beyond the straightforward spreading of his DNA.
"Done." Valentine immediately understood what the wily old man was up to.
"Unbelievable..." He shook his head. "Were all old grandpas full of such wisdom?
There was only one way to find out.