Working as a police officer in Mexico-Chapter 1725 - 774: I Want to Host the Olympics
Capítulo 1725: Chapter 774: I Want to Host the Olympics
The relaxed atmosphere of the luncheon suddenly froze after Victor casually raised a question.
The clinking of knives and forks against porcelain plates stopped, and the sound of the waiter pouring water seemed out of place.
The smiles on the capitalists’ faces stiffened, their chewing slowed, and the looks they exchanged were filled with astonishment and rapid calculations.
They had anticipated many possibilities: bargaining, policy discussions, even subtle threats, but never anything so direct.
This is a bit…
Not gentlemanly at all.
Victor, however, seemed oblivious to the change in atmosphere. He picked up a napkin to wipe his mouth, leaned back slightly, and calmly scanned the subtly expressive faces, as if waiting for their response.
The hell with being a gentleman.
Who am I?
Who are you?
Do you think the strong need to give face to the weak?
The first to break the silence was John Larson, the former CEO of the precision instruments company.
He took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice steady, and even added a touch of deliberate ease, “Leader, we have great confidence in Mexico’s future. CPMS, my team, is willing to invest… well, approximately five million US Dollars in the initial phase for setting up an experimental production line and a local technology training center in Belize and Mexico’s preliminary cooperation project.”
He mentioned a relatively conservative figure, testing the waters.
Victor nodded, with no expression on his face, simply responding, “Five million. Very good, Mr. Larson is a straightforward person.”
Bald Henry Foster spoke up next, engaged in the energy sector and more accustomed to large figures, “Leader, the green technology field requires infrastructure investment. We are willing to commit to leading the investment of twenty million US Dollars in the first large-scale solar-storage integrated demonstration project approved by the Mexican Government, and to introduce our core optimization technology.” He especially emphasized “leading” and “core technology,” attempting to highlight value rather than merely money.
Victor nodded again, this time with a faint hint of a smile, “Twenty million, along with technology—Mr. Foster sees the long term.”
The pressure then shifted to Charles Whitman, an investment fund partner, representing not a tangible industry but more cautious capital.
He pondered for a few seconds, choosing his words very carefully, “Leader, as investors, we prefer to see a mature framework and return expectations for specific projects before proceeding with matching investments. However, to show sincerity and support, we can establish a ‘Mexico and Belize Strategic Opportunities Fund’ with a value of 10 million US Dollars, dedicated to evaluating and investing in early-stage projects that align with the principles you just mentioned.”
Ten million, yet it’s a “fund” that requires evaluation and is for “early-stage projects.”
The most conditions, the softest actual commitment.
Because, it’s useless, you need to evaluate?
Victor’s face finally showed a change in expression.
He barely frowned. This subtle facial change made Whitman’s heart sink abruptly.
Victor didn’t speak, just looked at Whitman.
The other capitalists held their breath, even the waiter sensed something unusual and stood afar, not daring to approach.
Whitman felt a fine sheen of cold sweat on his forehead.
“Of course,”
Whitman’s voice involuntarily rose a bit and his pace quickened, “this is just an initial intention. Based on our strong recognition of you, Leader, and the immense potential Mexico has shown, this fund’s value can be increased to 25 million US Dollars! And we can accelerate the evaluation process, prioritizing fields you are personally interested in.”
In the seconds of Victor’s frown, he almost doubled his offer and added a “priority consideration” promise.
Victor’s frown smoothed out, and a faint smile reappeared on his face. “Mr. Whitman.”
He spoke slowly, his tone returning to its previous calmness, even with a hint of praise, “I appreciate your flexibility and foresight. A 25 million US Dollar special fund—this will provide very timely support for the cutting-edge fields we favor. You and your partners are very… patriotic.”
The word “patriotic” coming from him applied to the American capitalists who fled to Belize to avoid risks, was somewhat amusing.
But what can you do?
“Patriotic, yes, we love this land and the new opportunities it represents,” Larson hurriedly added.
“I heard from my parents that my great-grandfather even had Mexican blood.”
What a shameless thing to say!
Shit!
Where is your integrity?
But Victor was very pleased to hear it, nodding with a smile.
He took a bite of the Belizean specialty pineapple, as if suddenly remembering something, and said in a casual tone, “By the way, Mexico is undergoing deep transformation and reconstruction, and many of our departments, like the newly established ‘Strategic Resource Coordination Committee,’ ‘Industrial Upgrade Guidance Bureau,’ and the ‘National Reconstruction Fund’ Committee responsible for major projects, really need internationally-minded, professional, and talented individuals. I see that many of your children have received top-notch education and are looking for platforms to showcase their talents? Perhaps, there might be very suitable positions in these departments for them to directly contribute to Mexico’s future. This reflects a family’s commitment to this land more than just a business investment, doesn’t it?”
