That evening.
At Kyle's residence.
"Kyle, there's no need to stress. Just because you can't negotiate doesn't mean others can't. Why not look for someone else?" John, the elderly neighbour across from Kyle, said with a grin.
"Find someone else?"
Kyle chuckled and retorted: "If I can't handle it, do you think you can?"
"I wasn't referring to myself. I meant someone else!"
John replied with an air of mystery.
Upon hearing this, Kyle became intrigued: "Go on."
"A few months back, while selling health products door-to-door, I unexpectedly came across a fellow named Brandon. He used to work as a representative for the Dabell Negotiation Company and was quite a top negotiator. He's from the same firm as Max Lee, whom I mentioned earlier," John explained.
Brandon?
Top negotiator?
"Uh... that must come with a hefty price tag."
"If the cost is too high, I might as well just do it myself!"
Kyle's immediate reaction was more about Brandon's fees than his capabilities.
"Haha, on the contrary. Rumour has it that Brandon was let go during a business negotiation due to a false claim from a competitor within the same company. He also served three months in jail because of it. Now, he's struggled to find his footing in this industry again. However, I can assure you that his skills are quite impressive. The best part is his fee isn't steep; it's probably around 2,000 US dollars."
John erupted into laughter, his face radiating joy.
.....
10:00 am.
Heddam Street (a low-income neighbourhood in Los Angeles).
Kyle was behind the wheel, navigating the streets under John's direction, passing through an area populated by residents with limited financial means. Given Kyle's current condition, his vehicle was not the best; it was an old, used Ford he had purchased for only $3,000.
"Come on, John, why haven't we reached our destination yet? Didn't you say it was nearby?" Kyle complained.
"Hey, take it easy, man. It's not that it's far; your car is just so beat-up and doesn't even have air conditioning. The heat and humidity make everything feel worse, prolonging the trip," John replied, raising his hands in exasperation.
Kyle, however, seemed unbothered by this comment.
To be honest.
Saving money was important at the time.
This life is all about hard work and simplicity!
"Just be quiet!"
"If the Brandon you find for me turns out to be unreliable or charges more than two thousand dollars, I will deduct five hundred dollars from your future salary and also your bonus."
Kyle was not generous and took the opportunity to lay down the law.
After all, when Kyle made his offer, John quickly agreed to work at the upcoming movie-related chain store.
"Oh no, man, please don't take money from me, just promise! I'll make sure to serve you well tonight," John quickly pretended to plead in a playful tone.
Honey?
Kyle nearly felt nauseated!
Kyle wasn't shocked when John accepted the job.
John Smith, at 24 years old, a Black man, had been expelled from high school. Despite having some intelligence, he struggled to secure a decent job in America.
Moreover, with his father having passed away early, he found himself responsible for a paralysed mother and a 9-year-old sister. This was the reason he often skipped classes to earn money and resorted to selling marijuana at school, ultimately leading to his expulsion.
You might wonder, with Kyle offering him a well-paying job, could he turn it down?
This was also Kyle's way of helping out!
Before long.
Kyle and John finally arrived at the home of the former ace negotiator, Brandon.
The two-story, 150-square-meter building was filled with the stench of decay and alcohol, littered with beer bottles and trash.
The odour was so overwhelming that it nearly made me gag, despite being a single man.
The mixed fragrance resembled manure that had been sealed for three months and was now making its reappearance in the world.
It was truly beyond description!
"Hi, John, my dear friend, I assume you're here to bring me business again, right? Is this handsome gentleman your guest? Please take a seat, don't stand!"
A middle-aged Caucasian man with messy hair, a scruffy beard, and dressed in dirty pyjamas, warmly greeted everyone and hastily pushed the beer and fruit peel mess from the couch onto the floor.
"Could it be that the person behind the scenes is too good to show up?" Kyle wondered.
Kyle examined the couch after the fruit debris was cleared away. There were obvious signs of vomit on it. He really couldn't continue!
"No need to sit down. You must be tired from driving. Let's get straight to why we're here," Kyle said calmly.
John quickly added, "Yes, yes, my boss's matters take precedence."
Then, Kyle and John detailed the licensing of "Toy Story" merchandise and the negotiations with expert Max Lee, covering the issues and requirements involved.
"Uh… that's it? Don't worry, it's a minor issue. I can sort it out for you in three days. I promise you'll be pleased."
When discussing his professional capabilities, Brandon seemed very self-assured.
Upon hearing this, Kyle expressed his scepticism, "Are you confident you can complete it in three days?"
"I, Brandon Edward, am a top negotiator. Max Lee is nothing to me.
He wasn't even worthy to polish my shoes back then. Three days? Honestly, I believe that's too long." Brandon said nonchalantly.
Three days?
And you think that's excessive?
Haha, you don't know who Kyle is!
John had also noticed Kyle's recent attitude changes and couldn't help but give Brandon a look that said "Good luck with that."
"Alright, you have two days. If you manage to get it done, I'll pay you $1,500."
Kyle stated promptly, being quite generous.
"Puff! Puff! Puff!" Brandon spat out the beer he was drinking. He was taken aback. He had never encountered anyone so bold as Kyle. Brother, I mentioned three days to demonstrate my professionalism. You don't have to take advantage of me like this; it's quite embarrassing for me, you know?
"Well, well, while two days is feasible, you'll need to increase the payment!"
Brandon initially felt embarrassed, but he quickly displayed a sense of determination, which surprised Kyle a bit.
Upon hearing this, Kyle replied generously, "You want more money, right? No problem. I'll throw in an extra $500!"
Puff puff puff!
Brandon almost choked on his drink when he saw Kyle with an "I'm so generous" expression.
Shameless!
I've never encountered such a miserly person!
After all that talk, you add only five hundred dollars.
I would refuse your offer if I had another option!
I won't take your job next time, no matter what!
Not only Brandon, but even John was taken aback by Kyle's audacity. Seeing someone else's struggles, you genuinely aim to cut costs as much as possible!