Chapter 714: Mainly Want to Talk to You
Xu Yang and Wang Xiaocong entered Columbia University, first taking a tour before seeking out Richard in his office.
Since they had come all this way, it was only right to take a look around.
Xu Yang didn't feel much of anything in particular.
To him, compared to an ordinary college, a prestigious university differs only in its architecture, the level of its teachers, the caliber of its students, and the competence of its administrators.
Without interacting with the people inside the school and attentively experiencing the atmosphere of its various settings, one can hardly discern any difference.
It was merely a matter of observing what the buildings looked like.
Upon reaching the doorway of Richard's office, they found Richard's assistant standing there.
"You must be Mr. Xu Yang and Mr. Wang Xiaocong, hello, I am Professor Richard's assistant," the assistant said.
"Is Professor Richard available?" Wang Xiaocong asked.
Within the school, they simply referred to him as "Professor."
It was only in a corporate setting that other titles might be used.
"The professor is waiting for you, please come in."
The assistant opened the door and gestured for Xu Yang and Wang Xiaocong to enter.
"Thank you."
The two walked in, the assistant closed the door behind them and stood outside to prevent any interruptions.
Richard had informed her that Xu Yang and Wang Xiaocong were very important guests.
Once they arrived, she should ensure that no one disturbed their conversation.
There were not many who could be considered important guests by Richard.
Undoubtedly, this was to be a very significant conversation.
As an assistant, it was natural for her to perform her duties well.
Richard was now sixty-five years old.
At this age, in any country, he would be counted among the elderly.
However, Richard was in excellent spirits, appearing to be a middle-aged man in his fifties, a good fifteen years younger than his actual age.
This was the vitality of a super wealthy individual.
"Professor Richard, hello," they greeted him.
Xu Yang and Wang Xiaocong entered and saw Richard, who was sitting behind his desk with his eyes closed, resting.
"Mr. Xu, Mr. Wang, you have arrived, please take a seat," Richard said.
Upon seeing Xu Yang and Wang Xiaocong, Richard opened his eyes, smiled, stood up to invite them to sit on the sofa nearby, then poured them a cup of water and sat opposite them.
Pouring water was the assistant's job.
Richard didn't ask the assistant to do it but did it himself instead.
Such treatment was indicative of Richard's high regard.
This habit of his was well known to others.
If one met with Richard and he did not pour water personally, it signified that the person hadn't yet reached a level of importance to Richard.
In that case, any discussed collaboration was essentially doomed to fail.
If Richard did pour water personally, it generally meant there were no issues.
Xu Yang and Wang Xiaocong were also aware of this habit.
After all, when Xu Yang researched Richard's background, he had been quite thorough.
And since Richard had agreed to meet with them and had even taken such an action, it implied that everything was in order.
This boosted Xu Yang and Wang Xiaocong's confidence significantly.
"Mr. Xu, Mr. Wang, what brings you to see me?" Richard asked directly, taking Xu Yang and Wang Xiaocong by surprise.
They had originally planned to exchange pleasantries.
After all, it was their first meeting, and it would have been appropriate to become acquainted first.
Unexpectedly, Richard cut straight to the chase, and did so by asking directly.
Typically, such meetings would not begin with direct questioning.
Because asking outright indicates an urgent attitude.
During negotiations, this is a passive position.
Yet Richard was exactly this forthright, taking the initiative to ask.
What did this imply?
As a major shareholder of a super consortium, and the one with the most influence, Richard surely knew better than to place himself in a passive position.
It could only mean that Richard preferred this style of conversation, didn't want to waste time, and had absolute confidence in himself—whether he was the one asking or it was Xu Yang and Wang Xiaocong initiating, he held the initiative.
Xu Yang and Wang Xiaocong exchanged a glance, and Wang Xiaocong said, "Professor Richard, we've uncovered some activities of the Brook Family..."
He relayed the Brook Family's kidnappings, murders, and their organ trafficking operations.
After finishing, Wang Xiaocong continued, "Professor Richard, we believe there's no need for such a depraved family to exist anymore. Your Burton Consortium has significant conflicts with the Brook Family. According to the information we've gathered, you were duped by them in a project two years ago, resulting in significant losses for the consortium.
Moreover, the downfall of the Brook Family will open up a lot of opportunities for your consortium to fill the void. What are your thoughts, Professor Richard?"
Richard listened with an ever-calm demeanor, as if the Brook Family's slaughter of over a thousand people did not evoke even a ripple of emotion in him.
In fact, this was the case; he could indeed describe such actions as depraved.
But he had seen his share of such deeds, especially among the large families, powers, and consortia.
Of course, he would not be greatly perturbed internally.
Richard spoke coolly, "The Brook Family is indeed depraved, but toppling them won't be easy, and as for our Burton Consortium's conflict with the Brook Family, that is secondary. After all, such decisions aren't solely based on conflict."
Xu Yang spoke up, "It won't be easy, but someone has to do it. Rest assured, besides you, we've also reached out to the Carson and Locke Families."
Richard's gaze flickered: "If both families agree, then it's certainly worth considering. But have you managed to get their agreement?"
If both families agreed, along with the Burton Consortium, then indeed there was a good chance of eradicating the Brook Family. It could be done.
Xu Yang said, "We have secured their agreement. Our partners visited both families this morning, and they have consented. If you don't believe me, you can call their Family Heads to confirm, I believe you have their contact details."
Among these major consortia and families, whether friends or foes, they all could be reached.
And in the business world, there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests.
Today, friends can become foes, and tomorrow, foes can become friends.
"Fine, I'll make a call to check."
Richard immediately picked up his phone to contact the Family Heads of the two big families.
He did it right in front of Xu Yang and Wang Xiaocong, without any hesitation.
Someone like Richard, a person of great status, had reached a point where he could do as he pleased.
Whatever felt comfortable for him.
A few minutes later, Richard put down the phone and then said, "The Carson and Locke Families have indeed agreed with you, and they even mentioned that you have granted each of them the agency rights for artificial intelligence companions in two states."
Xu Yang said, "We will also offer two states' agency rights to the Burton Consortium."
Richard shook his head, "That's still not enough."
Xu Yang's eyes flashed, "Then what do you want, Professor Richard?"
Richard smiled faintly, "Mr. Xu, the truth is, I agreed to meet with you today mainly to discuss something with you."
Xu Yang raised an eyebrow questioningly, "And what is it you wish to discuss with me?" Your next chapter awaits on My Virtual Library Empire
Surely it wasn't the agency for the artificial intelligence companions.
If it were about the agency, there would be no need for a special conversation with him.
It was only their first meeting, and he really couldn't fathom what this old man wanted to talk about.