MTLNOVEL Chapter 126: Negotiation
Mayor Daniel gave a sycophant smile,
"Before that, I would like to know if you are running this errand for someone or if you are the business owner. I don't want to waste my time talking with a subordinate. After all, I still have many buyers who want to buy the land."
Ivy schooled her expression into a neutral one before nodding,
"Well, Mayor Daniel is still the wise one. Indeed, I am acting on behalf of my boss. He wants to keep his identity a secret. However, I assure you, if we reach a deal, you will have the payment by the next meeting."
While saying so, Ivy unconsciously swept her gaze. Mayor Daniel's house was empty. Other than a few chairs and a few cups on the table, as well as a leaking ceiling, nothing else was there.
Of course, Ivy understood that Mayor Daniel might have a few trump cards hidden inside the house, waiting for an opportunity to strike…
A thoughtful look appeared on Mayor Daniel's face as he continued to probe,
"Oh? If that is the case, then you must be very close to your boss. In an apocalypse to have such trust in another person… the relationship between you and your boss must be very special."
Ivy chuckled, her eyes crashed into Mayor Daniel's,
"If you are planning to kidnap me and ask for food in return from my boss while saving your land… You are destined to be disappointed."
The smile on Mayor Daniel's face vanished. His heart skipped a beat, but his calm face hardly let anything out.
"You are overthinking, Miss Ivy. We live in a civil world."
"We are not, " Ivy smirked,
"Mayor Daniel, I understand you. If you can gain something for free, you will never pay for it. Let alone this huge piece of land that you had bought with the mindset that when the redevelopment plan comes, you can profit hundreds of times."
Mayor Daniel's expression turned grim, and he re-evaluated the young lady in front of him. She was sharp, witty… and seemed to possess mind-reading ability.
Otherwise, how would she know his next move?
"I know your bodyguards inside must be waiting for you to signal. I know they will attack me at the drop of a hat. But what you don't know…" Ivy smiled,
"I can deal with all of them. So let's not waste our time on a meaningless feud. It would be better if you quote a price."
Mayor Daniel's entire body turned cold. He refused to admit it, but Ivy's current stare… scared him.
The pressure and tension in the atmosphere were suffocating until a smile bloomed on Ivy's face.
"Then, Mayor Daniel, shall we begin?"
All the thoughts in Mayor Daniel's mind vanished like air, and he stated seriously,
"You see, this plot is almost 25 square kilometers. It is one of the prime locations for business."
"So the price is?" Ivy didn't beat around the bush.
She was known for dealing with greedy people like Mayor Daniel; one needs to be straightforward; otherwise, he will use many different facts and eventually sell garbage for $4 million.
"I will sell 1 square kilometer for 100,000 kg of rice." Mayor Daniel announced, he felt defeated in his heart.
This young lady was too difficult to fool; might as well quote high and see whether he could reach a good deal.
"10,000 kg of rice for 1 square kilometer, I will give you 5 fish per square kilometer." Ivy quoted. She watched with interest as Mayor Daniel's expression slowly turned gloomy.
Mayor Daniel's face turned red when he heard Ivy's offer. He slammed his hand lightly on the table and leaned forward.
"Miss Ivy, do you think I am a fool? Ten thousand kilograms of rice for one square kilometer? That is robbery."
Ivy didn't flinch. She calmly placed her hands on her lap and tilted her head.
"Robbery? No, Mayor Daniel. It is called reality. You know better than anyone that land is worth nothing if you cannot protect it or use it. Right now, your land is sitting empty, and in the middle of an apocalypse, land does not feed people. Rice does."
Her words made Mayor Daniel's jaw tighten. He wanted to argue, but Ivy continued before he could interrupt.
"Think carefully. One hundred thousand kilograms of rice for one square kilometer is impossible. Even if someone has that much rice, they would rather use it to feed people and gain loyalty. Not waste it on dirt and broken concrete. You set a price that no one can pay. So your land will rot in your hands until you become desperate."
The mayor's eyes flickered. Ivy's calm, confident voice was pressing on him like a weight.
She leaned forward slightly, her pink hair brushing her cheek.
"But I am giving you a chance. Ten thousand kilograms of rice is not a small number. You can keep some, trade some, and use it to build back your power."
Mayor Daniel frowned deeply, but his hands were shaking under the table. He knew she was right. Still, he tried to argue,
"Even if I agree, it is not enough for the value of this land. This place is prime. In the old world, it would be worth billions."
Ivy's smile turned colder.
"Mayor Daniel, this is not the old world. Money has no meaning here. Land has no meaning if you cannot protect it. Food is the only real currency now. Ask yourself, what will save you from hunger tonight? A billion dollars or one bowl of rice?"
Mayor Daniel opened his mouth, but no words came out.
Ivy leaned forward, her voice soft but firm.
"Take the offer. Ten thousand kilograms of rice and five fish per square kilometer. If you accept, you survive. If you refuse, I will walk away, and your so-called land will mean nothing when you die from hunger."
The room was quiet except for the faint dripping sound from the leaking ceiling. Mayor Daniel's face twisted as he struggled with pride and fear.