Miles Gu's people quickly made contact with Wallace Kofi.
When Wallace Kofi heard that Miles Gu was worried about him, his spirits lifted immediately and he came over excitedly.
"Gu, are you really leaving?" Wallace asked anxiously. "Can you stay a bit longer?"
Miles Gu put on a troubled expression and said, "Wallace, we're friends, so I'll be straight with you. Honestly, we messed up this time, and my father is really disappointed in us. Who knows, we might even get scolded when we go back!"
"Then just get things done before you go! Gu, I'm not good with fancy words, but if I say I can make the decision to sign the contract and sell the mine to you, could you reconsider for the sake of our friendship?" Wallace was genuinely desperate.
A single mine could sell for a whole ton of gold!
A ton!
That's a huge fortune!
It's enough for the Kofi Family to really establish themselves in GJ!
Even for him, the amount he'd get would be substantial!
Wallace acted quickly.
On the third day, news arrived: he had secured enough votes of support, and the Kofi Family decided to let Wallace represent them in negotiations and signing with the Yin Family.
It was clear the Kofi Family was truly desperate.
Especially yesterday, when the Yin Family's plane arrived, they realized the Yin Family was really pulling out this time.
Once the people left, there really would be no chance for cooperation.
So when Wallace said he could use his friendship with Miles Gu to continue cooperation with the Yin Family at a third of the previously discussed price, everyone quickly agreed.
Not even the patriarch could stop them.
Now, whoever cut off their money, they'd break that person's legs.
Not even the patriarch was exempt.
So, Wallace excitedly brought his people to continue negotiations with Ethan Yin.
Ethan Yin said very reservedly, "To be honest, this mine is no longer essential for our family. But for Miles Gu’s sake, my father said we could consider it."
Miles Gu also replied reservedly, "Father has given me such great authority, I’m truly grateful!"
After speaking, Miles Gu turned to Wallace and said, "Wallace, my friend, I originally wanted to negotiate the price with my father, but he was very firm. The mine there has already been signed, and half the gold has already been allocated, so I really can’t do anything. Yesterday, Ethan and I scraped together all our assets just to collect this sum. If you mind, then let’s forget it."
"We don’t mind, we don’t mind," the Kofi Family members all shook their heads. "If the Yin Family is willing to mine, that’s our greatest wish!"
It’s not that the Kofi Family didn’t have people secretly contacting outsiders.
But those families who originally wanted to buy, upon hearing it was a mine in GJ, all offered prices even lower than a third.
In comparison, the Yin Family’s price was still higher!
So the Kofi Family all thought Wallace was impressive, managing to befriend Miles Gu and get such a good price!
They definitely couldn’t miss the chance to cling to someone so powerful!
Ethan Yin and Miles Gu exchanged a glance, hiding their smiles and achievements deep within.
How could the Kofi Family’s contacts with outsiders escape their notice?
They had already tipped off the other families to deliberately lower their bids, drive the price down, and in other ways, they would express their gratitude and offer compensation.
Those families didn’t have to buy anyway, so naturally they gave Ethan Yin face.
So the prices kept getting lower and lower, until the Kofi Family had no fight left in them, and didn’t dare ask for sky-high prices anymore!
Wallace said eagerly, "We’ve already discussed this price, and we think it’s acceptable."
Miles Gu nodded reservedly, "That’s good. As a friend, I don’t want you to suffer, Wallace."
With just one sentence, Wallace was moved to tears, wishing he could hug this good friend right there!
Ethan Yin said, "Since everyone agrees, let’s sign as soon as possible! We’re in a hurry to get going."
"Alright, alright, alright," the Kofi Family members nodded frantically, afraid the gold would sprout legs and run away.
Ethan Yin signaled to Quentin Sheng, who quickly brought over the contract and placed it on the table, saying, "This is our draft contract. Please review it carefully. If there are no issues, you can sign now! I’ve already instructed our people to transfer gold from various locations. Within three days of the contract taking effect, we’ll deliver all the gold. Also, given the instability in GJ, we require a garrison to protect our property. Please be aware of this, Mr. Kofi."
"Garrison?" The Kofi Family members looked at each other, surprise flashing in their eyes.
"Yes," Quentin Sheng said with a smile. "You know, GJ has only just been founded and has little contact with the outside world. There are all sorts of mixed forces here. While we trust the Kofi Family will support GJ, we are outsiders and some things are inconvenient. But don’t worry, we won’t bring too many people—just hire some retired personnel to guard the mine. We won’t go elsewhere except the mine area."
Wallace was still a bit doubtful.
Miles Gu winked at Wallace.
Wallace, still confused, followed Miles Gu away from the negotiation table to the garden outside.
"Miles, what does this mean?" Wallace asked, puzzled. "You never said you’d station troops here!"
Miles Gu sighed and said, "Wallace, you still don’t understand?"
"What?"
"I’m doing this for your own good," Miles Gu sighed deeply. "Do you really think a small mine is worth us spending so much to station people here? Do you know how much it costs to hire mercenaries? It’s one-tenth the price of buying the mine! I’m doing this all for you!"
"Huh?" Wallace was even more confused.
To be honest, both Ethan and I think you’re actually more suited to be the patriarch of the Kofi Family. If you become patriarch, our cooperation could go even further, because we trust you more! Right now we’re only cooperating on mineral resources, but in the future we could expand to grain, oil, medicine—you name it, the Yin Family’s business covers everything!
"Ah!" Wallace exclaimed in awe. "Your family is truly remarkable."
"Yes. I’m hoping that in the future, our cooperation will be with you directly, not just the Kofi Family. That’s why I’m using the mine as an excuse to send some people over. Officially, they’re here to protect the mine, but really, they’re here to protect you! Wallace, my friend, I’m deeply worried for your safety. I hope you’ll be safe and sound as the patriarch of the Kofi Family. But I also worry that during your bid for leadership, someone might try to harm or murder you. If I leave, who will protect you?" Miles Gu said with a smile.
Wallace was deeply shocked!
He couldn’t believe such things could happen!
If I leave some people here, you won’t have to worry. When I’m not around, they’ll protect you. That way, I can be at ease," Miles Gu said with concern. "GJ’s foundation is still so weak, with so many forces—who knows when trouble will arise? And you’re so outstanding, now one of the most important people in the Kofi Family. If someone tries to overthrow GJ, wouldn’t they target you?"
Miles Gu’s words struck Wallace like a bolt of lightning!
Wallace was moved to tears!
What a wonderful friend!
Always thinking of him!
Wallace hugged Miles Gu tightly, tears streaming down his face. "Miles, my good friend, you’re wonderful! Oh, this is my greatest fortune! Because of you, I am who I am today! Say no more, I’ll listen to you! I know you’ll never hurt me! Miles, let’s be friends forever—let’s never part!"
Miles Gu smiled and replied, "Of course. I value our friendship very much!"