ocean-life Chapter 25: The Bold Proposal
Chapter 25: The Bold Proposal
Chapter 25: The Bold Proposal
"Two million florins?!" Mr. Fitzwilliam exclaimed, even Raikes who was behind him had a shocked expression on his face.
"Matthew, I didn't expect that you would propose this much of a money," Raikes said.
"I know that's a huge sum," Matthew agreed, two million florins was like 61 million dollars in today's money.
"I want to hear the justification of this proposal," Mr. Fitzwilliam said with a serious tone.
"Mr. Fitzwilliam, my automobile is a wonderful invention of mine, but that wonderful invention has to have an infrastructure supporting it. First of all, my automobile consumes either petrol or diesel. In order for the automobile to go as far as a thousand kilometers, the country must have a refueling station that offers refueling services to our future customers. Second, I am planning to enter the oil business, using the excess funds to start an oil exploration and extraction company. Then there is also the materials such as rubber which must be sourced from a different country. I plan to start a rubber plantation."
Fitzwilliam's brow furrowed, but his eyes sparkled with curiosity. "You intend to control every aspect of the production chain? From oil extraction to rubber plantations?"
"That is exactly it," Matthew finished.
Mr. Fitzwilliam's expression hardened as he leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers thoughtfully on the armrest. "You do realize, Mr. Hesh, that oil isn't something you simply dig up from the ground like coal. It's elusive, unpredictable. Entire companies have gone bankrupt searching for it in vain. How can you be so confident that you'll find oil reserves?"
Matthew met Fitzwilliam's skeptical gaze head-on, his own eyes burning with determination. "Sir, I understand your hesitation. Oil exploration is a risky venture, but it's also one of the most rewarding if done right. I've done my homework—extensive research on geological surveys, potential drilling sites, and the latest techniques used in oil extraction. I'm not going into this blind."
Of course, those were all made-up. This world after all is very similar to his previous world, and he was certain of it due to the fact that the current companies that have successfully extracted oil were from the same spot it was spotted in his previous world.
Fitzwilliam rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his gaze locked onto Matthew's. "You're willing to take on the initial risk entirely on your own? That includes hiring workers, equipment, and all the logistics of setting up a drilling site?"
"Yes," Matthew affirmed. "I will take care of everything. All I ask is your commitment that if—when—I strike oil, you will then provide the two million florins to scale up operations."
For a moment, Matthew couldn't tell if he was on the verge of being laughed out of the room or if he had just won the man over. Finally, Fitzwilliam let out a deep, rumbling chuckle.
"You certainly have nerve, Mr. Hesh. I'll give you that," Fitzwilliam said, his voice carrying a hint of admiration.
"Very well. I accept your terms."
Matthew's heart leapt. He had done it. He managed to turn Fitzwilliam's skepticism into cautious agreement.
"Then let's exchange hand to seal the deal," Matthew offered a handshake.
Mr. Fitzwilliam stared at Matthew's hand for a moment and then smiled.
"Very well," Fitzwilliam said, his lips curving into a satisfied grin. He stood up and clasped Matthew's outstretched hand with a firm grip. The handshake was strong, almost testing, as if Fitzwilliam wanted to gauge the resolve behind Matthew's bold words.
"It's a deal then," Fitzwilliam declared. "I'll hold you to your word, Mr. Hesh. No oil, no investment, though I would still invest in your automobile enterprise."