Chapter 168: Thirty Million
Xiu met Professor Oak's skeptical gaze, understanding the unspoken demand for justification. A slight, calculating grin touched his lips. "Well, Professor," he began, smoothly shifting the narrative, "it relates to that friend of mine who arrived yesterday..."
He proceeded to outline the situation, framing it from Xiaoyuan's perspective as a visiting businesswoman who had identified a significant market anomaly – the artificially inflated food prices in Viridian City.
He then explained their plan: to leverage this disruption. By securing sufficient capital, they could bypass the established, manipulative retailers, source goods directly from the struggling farmers (like Fushun), and flood the Viridian market with reasonably priced food, effectively undercutting the price-gougers and stabilizing the market, while also turning a tidy profit.
He carefully omitted any mention of Team Rocket or his deeper suspicions about intentional chaos, presenting it purely as an opportunistic, albeit large-scale, commercial venture aimed at correcting a market imbalance.
"...and to achieve this," Xiu concluded, "to secure enough inventory and manage the logistics effectively, requires significant upfront capital. A lot of it."
Oak listened intently, his expression unreadable. When Xiu finished, Oak's first question wasn't about the plan's viability or the risks involved. Instead, he leaned forward slightly, his eyes sharp. "This 'friend' you mentioned... it's the young woman who was in your room last night?"
Xiu suppressed a flicker of surprise. "Professor," he countered dryly, "would I normally give my room over to a complete stranger? Of course, it's her." He quickly steered the conversation back. "She's highly capable, Professor, an excellent manager. With adequate funding, this plan is solid. The potential return is significant..."
Oak waved a hand dismissively, cutting off the sales pitch. He regarded Xiu with that faint, unreadable smile that always made Xiu uneasy. "And how much capital, precisely, are we talking about?"
"Initially," Xiu stated calmly, holding up three fingers, "at least this much." He paused for effect. "Though, naturally, if you feel inclined to offer more, we certainly wouldn't object."
Oak squinted at Xiu's hand. "Three million Poké Dollars? A sizable sum, but perhaps manageable..."
"No, no, Professor," Xiu interrupted quickly, shaking his head and holding up his three fingers again, enunciating clearly. "Not three. Thirty. Thirty million."
"What?!" The Professor's leisurely facade finally cracked. He leaned forward sharply, staring at Xiu in disbelief. "Thirty million? Are you completely mad, boy? Do I look like the Kanto Central Bank?"
Xiu maintained his composure, though inwardly he acknowledged the audacity of the figure. He explained, "Professor, the funds my associate currently has available are insufficient. Less than two million liquid. Enough for minor operations, perhaps, but not enough to make a meaningful impact on the Viridian market or counteract the scale of the current market." Not enough to truly capitalize on this opportunity.
"To secure bulk purchasing agreements, cover transport, warehousing, distribution, potential spoilage losses, and have enough operating cash flow to sustain the pressure until the market corrects... thirty million is a conservative estimate."
He'd spent hours running the numbers last night after visiting the warehouses. This wasn't a random figure. Seven to ten million was the original 'safe' target, manageable risk. But then, the necklace had fallen into his hands.
The 'Heart of the Galaxy'— an unexpected, high-value collateral. That changed the risk calculation entirely. Now, he could afford to aim higher. Thirty million. If Oak offers more, I'll take it. Worst case scenario, if the plan fails, I fence the necklace to cover the debt. Having such a valuable asset tucked away provided a powerful, if unspoken, safety net.
Professor Oak, however, knew nothing of the stolen necklace. He only saw the seemingly reckless request for an astronomical sum. He fell silent, studying Xiu intently, the playful demeanor gone, replaced by shrewd calculation. "Thirty million," he repeated slowly. "Why should I lend you such an amount? If the opportunity is as straightforward as you claim, why wouldn't I simply undertake it myself?"
"Because, Professor," Xiu countered smoothly, "while thirty million might be substantial, it's likely not a truly significant sum relative to your overall resources."
He has deep pockets, I'm sure of it.
"More importantly, are you willing to personally manage the day-to-day grind? Deal with suppliers, logistics, staffing, potential sabotage from the retailers we'd be undercutting? Are you willing to invest the time and deal with the inevitable headaches and risks involved?"
"Lending the money to you also involves risk, does it not?" Oak pointed out coolly.
"It does," Xiu conceded. "But I offer something beyond just potential financial return." He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping, becoming earnest. "I can guarantee one thing, Professor. With this capital, I will stabilize the food prices in Viridian City. I will ensure the ordinary people, the ones being squeezed by this manipulation, have access to affordable necessities."
Oak chuckled softly, though the sound lacked humour. "You should be making that pitch to the League Council, Xiu, not me. I'm leaving Viridian tomorrow."
"With all due respect, Professor," Xiu replied, a hint of cynicism creeping into his voice, "the League Council cares as much about the daily struggles of 'common weeds' as... well, perhaps even less than you do." He let that hang for a moment, then added pointedly, "Besides, don't forget your own family ties, your own history in Viridian City. And Pallet Town isn't far. Chaos here... it could easily spill over."
That final remark seemed to strike a chord. Oak fell silent again, his gaze distant, unfocused. A flicker of something – weariness, perhaps, or resignation – crossed his features. After a long moment, he sighed softly. "Alright, Xiu." He looked back, his expression resolved. "I can provide the capital. But on one condition."
"Name it, Professor." Xiu couldn't suppress the surge of triumph, keeping his smile internal. Got him.
"No interest required," Oak stated surprising Xiu slightly. "However, you will manage this situation effectively. Control the fallout. Do not expect me to bail you out if things go sideways. This is entirely on you."
No interest? No collateral mentioned? He doesn't even seem concerned about repayment? Xiu processed the terms, further solidifying his assessment of Oak's immense wealth and perhaps, his detached view of such sums. The world of the truly rich is indeed different. "Understood, Professor. Absolutely."
With the agreement reached, Oak informed Xiu of the transfer details and added that Xiu would be expected to attend the tournament's award ceremony later that afternoon alongside him. Knowing refusal wasn't an option, Xiu readily agreed.
Leaving Oak's suite, Xiu felt a surge of adrenaline. Phase one secured. He went back to his room to find Xiaoyuan awake and already packing her bag.
"What are you doing?" Xiu asked, surprised.
"There's too much work piling up back in Fuchsia City," Xiaoyuan explained, looking stressed again. "I need to get back and handle things. And figure out where we can possibly scrape together more operating funds..."
"Unpack," Xiu ordered gently but firmly. "I've told you before, delegate more. You can't micromanage everything, especially as we expand. Your job is oversight, coordination, and strategy. Train your subordinates."
"It's not that simple!" Xiaoyuan retorted, frustrated. "The company grew too fast! Finding trustworthy, competent help takes time! I don't have..."
"You're not leaving yet," Xiu interrupted. "The Viridian plan is already in motion. I need you here. You'll be the official face of the company, making contacts, negotiating with suppliers. Your role is critical."
Xiaoyuan stared at him suspiciously. "And what about you? What 'critical role' will you be playing? Planning another disappearing act?"
Xiu rolled his eyes. He sat down at the computer terminal, quickly logging into their financial accounts and bringing up the transaction history. "Just watch," he said dryly.
Curiosity overriding her suspicion, Xiaoyuan leaned over his shoulder to look at the screen. Her eyes scanned the lines of text, then widened. She blinked, leaned closer, counted the zeroes multiple times, disbelief warring with shock. "Where...?" she stammered, pointing a trembling finger at the largest incoming transfer. "Where did you get... that?"
Xiu smirked, leaning back in the chair. "Relax. It's just twenty million." Oak decided on twenty million upfront, with the possibility of the remaining ten later, depending on progress.
"JUST TWENTY MILLION?!" Xiaoyuan practically shrieked, her earlier stress forgotten, replaced by sheer, overwhelming shock. "Xiu! We haven't cleared twenty million in total net profit since we started! What do you mean 'just'?!"
She paced back and forth, agitated, running her hands through her hair. "With this much capital... we can actually do it! We can implement the entire plan!" Her eyes shone with manic energy. "Whatever you need, Xiu, tell me! I can handle it!"
Xiu chuckled at her sudden, complete reversal. "Alright, calm down. First thing's first. This is a loan. A substantial one. We need to use it wisely. Now, let's go over the immediate next steps..."