As a Magnate, I Started Checking in at a Convenience Store

Chapter 584: Didn’t Expect Them to Be All Old Acquaintance! (2)

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

When Archie saw Wang Lao standing beside Zhou Chao, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. He never expected to see Wang Lao here, and he was even more surprised to see Wang Lao not standing in the forefront but seemingly standing behind Zhou Chao, implying that Zhou Chao was the main figure. Zhou Chao seemed even more mysterious to him.

Wang, didn’t expect to see you here. It’s been a while since we last met!”

Being someone who had seen many ups and downs, Archie quickly suppressed his surprise. Although he was curious about why Wang Lao was here, he didn’t ask directly. He vaguely understood something in his heart.

“Haha, it’s quite a coincidence. When Xiao Chao told me about this, I didn’t believe it at first. So, I came over here to check it out.” Wang Lao laughed. Hearing this, Archie smiled and asked, “I wonder what your relationship is with Mr. Zhou. Having you make a personal trip suggests that your relationship is quite close.”

Zhou Chao remained calm, silently mocking in his heart, “The old fox is indeed different. Even at this point, he doesn’t forget to inquire about his own background. Luckily, I discussed with Wang Lao last night and had him come forward as an elder. After all, if Wang Lao had approached this matter in his original capacity, it would have had a different significance.”

“Oh, you don’t know. Xiao Chao’s grandfather is an old friend of mine. Since I have more experience in this area, I volunteered to oversee it!” Wang Lao said with a smile, without a trace of flaw on his face, appearing completely natural. “I see. I thought Mr. Zhou would be your white glove!” Archie chuckled.

“If only Xiao Chao were.” Wang Lao sighed with feigned emotion.

Although Archie didn’t fully understand Zhou Chao’s background, it didn’t matter anymore. Since Wang Lao appeared here, he knew that this negotiation wouldn t be as simple as before. After all, everyone knew each other well!

“Shall we sit down and chat? If you keep standing, others might think I’m not a good host!” Zhou Chao smiled faintly at the two.

“You’re right. Mr. Archie, please lead the way,” Wang Lao said, leading Archie towards the arranged venue on the open ground.

Watching Wang Lao and Archie chatting and heading towards the venue, Zhou Chao turned to Abdullah beside him and smiled, “What’s wrong? You look a bit down. Did you get scolded?”

Abdullah shook his head lightly. “Do I look like someone who would be scolded? I’m just a little frustrated. The good opportunity I finally encountered was taken away by someone else.”

“You didn’t consider the owner of this opportunity standing right next to you when you said that.” Zhou Chao chuckled.

“I knowyou’re a man of your word and won’t go back on your promise, so I’m not worried. Besides, I know what your intention is, so I’m not afraid you’ll change your mind and refuse to sell the gold mine to us,” Abdullah said with a proud smile. He knew what Zhou Chao’s goal was, so he wasn’t afraid of Zhou Chao backing out of the deal.

“By the way, why haven’t Ibia and the others arrived yet? Could it be they want to make a grand entrance?” Zhou Chao glanced meaningfully at Abdullah. He knew that these two families must have had some contact behind the scenes, and they must be aware of each other’s schedules.

There they are!” Abdullah nodded towards the direction of the ranch gate. Sure enough, Zhou Chao turned his head and saw Dmitry leading the Libyan group walking in.

“Mr. Dmitry, welcome back!” Zhou Chao greeted proactively.

“Haha, sorry for the delay on the way. Thank you for waiting!” Dmitry laughed, seeming determined for today’s negotiations.

“We’ve just arrived!” Abdullah courteously responded.

“Mr. Dmitry, this way please!”

“Thankyou!” Dmitry nodded and followed Zhou Chao towards the venue.

Just a few steps away, they saw two people chatting on the chairs. Archie was one of them, and the other person made Dmitry frown slightly. “Who is this person? Is he the helper Zhou Chao invited? They seem to be getting along well, so Archie must know him.”

Dmitry casually glanced at Zhou Chao beside him, who remained calm, and withdrew his gaze without a trace.

The two seated individuals also noticed Dmitry and his group’s arrival. Archie smiled and said, “Dmitry, you’re a bit late!”

“Sorry, got delayed on the way,” Dmitry said with his mouth, but his gaze was fixed on the man with gray hair next to Archie.

At this moment, Wang Lao also turned around, wearing a smile. “Dmitry, long time no see!”

Seeing the face of the speaker, Dmitry’s heart skipped a beat, and he instantly became nervous. Although his face remained calm, his mind was racing, pondering why this person was here, what relationship he had with Zhou Chao, and whether there was any influence from China behind him. His thoughts were in turmoil for a moment.

“Wang, it’s you. What are you doing here?” Dmitry’s surprise could be heard in his words as he spoke.

Wang Lao repeated what he had just said to Archie, once again, for Dmitry’s benefit.

Although Dmitry didn’t fully believe Wang Lao’s words, the situation was already like this, and he couldn’t say much more. He could only hope that during the negotiations later, the other party would take their relationship into consideration and not be too harsh.

Everyone found their seats and sat down. Lin Wu and Chen Nan, acting as waiters, had prepared a cup of tea for each person, brewed from the fine tea leaves Zhou Chao had in his collection.

After the three parties took their seats at the long table, there was a moment of silence as they looked at each other, waiting for someone to speak first.

Finally, Archie and the others turned their attention to Zhou Chao. Seeing this, Zhou Chao felt a bit helpless. It seemed he had to initiate the conversation himself.

“Ahem, everyone knows the purpose of today. Let’s not waste time and get straight to the point. Oh, and today, Wang Lao, an old acquaintance of yours, will be in charge of the negotiations with you. After all, you are all familiar with each other, making discussions easier.”

Hearing this, Archie and Dmitry couldn’t help but curse inwardly, “what a cunning fox. Having Wang Lao represent them has shattered our little schemes!”

With a smile on their faces but curses in their hearts, Archie and Dmitry’s current situation couldn’t be more accurately described.

Wang Lao also chuckled inwardly, noting the slight changes in the two men’s demeanor. “Let’s begin, shall we?”

Archie and Dmitry exchanged a glance, both sensing the helplessness in each other’s eyes. Nevertheless, they nodded, indicating that the negotiation could officially commence.

“I suppose you two are well aware of the situation regarding the gold mine.

Zhou Chao is willing to give up two-thirds of the shares. The question is, what price are you willing to pay?” Wang Lao went straight to the point without hesitation, taking a sip of his tea after speaking.

The two men glanced at each other, and Dmitry spoke first, “As you know, mining a gold mine is not something that can be completed in a short time.

We’ve estimated that it will take nearly 10 years to fully exploit this mine.”

“The costs involved are not insignificant. As Zhou mentioned earlier, while he only needs to count money behind the scenes, we have to provide the technical equipment and cover all expenses related to mining rights. If we were to calculate based on the estimated value of the gold mine, we would be at a disadvantage.”

Archie also chimed in, “You also know that the benefits of this gold mine are long-term. There won’t be significant returns in the short term. If we invest too much upfront, we won’t be able to recoup the costs in the short term. It would put tremendous pressure on us.”

Listening to their words, Zhou Chao couldn’t help but inwardly curse, “They’re already trying to play hardball right from the start.”

Although he understood that their arguments were reasonable to some extent, gold is the most stable asset, and the mining technology for bears and camels was relatively simple, with costs not being excessively high; it just required a bit more time.

Wang Lao, pretending to hesitate, glanced at the two men. “What you’re saying

seems to make some sense, but…”