Chapter 1574 Reaping What You Sow
In Seldonia, which was not far from Selaestan, Michael had just checked into the hotel when his secretary handed him a series of schedules. "Professor Cooper Hart has agreed to meet us at 3 PM."
"That's good," Michael nodded, "Prepare the relevant materials. We also have a meeting with the president of VelvetDream Cosmetics tonight. We must secure the contract for VelvetDream Cosmetics' processing during this trip to Seldonia."
The secretary hesitated, "The president of VelvetDream Cosmetics said he was not available at the last minute."
Michael paused, his eyes cold as he looked at him. "Didn't we've already finalized everything?"
"I don't know why he changed his mind at the last minute," the secretary said, frightened by his stare.
"Why are you still standing here? Go find out!" Michael scolded, his face darkening.
"Sorry, I'll go right away." The secretary quickly left.
Michael kicked over the stool in front of him in frustration. With his hands on his hips, he felt an indescribable irritation. Recently, the issues with Laura and Megan had been suffocating him, and the performance of the Ocean Blue group had rapidly declined over the past two months. Several high-level executives and research staff had resigned and joined other companies. He needed to shift his strategic focus.
He had already had a plan. Since the Ocean Blue group's reputation had taken a hit, he could collaborate with high-end foreign brands and seek out top medical professors abroad to improve product quality and solidify the Ocean Blue group's foundation.
Therefore, this trip to Seldonia was crucial.
In the afternoon, Michael finally met with Cooper from Seldonia's renowned biomedical beauty research center at a café.
"Professor Hart, as you can see from our company's detailed profile, the Ocean Blue group has a production base of over 100,000 square feet. Our products have already been available through all sales channels, not just in Madison but also in surrounding countries. If you collaborate with us, I'm willing to offer you a salary of $300 million for two years. If you bring your team, the salary can be increased further."
Cooper took a sip of coffee and nodded, "That's indeed a very tempting offer."
"It's the top offer in the industry, and it's three times your current salary here," Michael said with a smile. "I believe that no company in the world can offer a higher price than ours."
"But as far as I know, your company's reputation in Madison isn't very good," Cooper said with a faint smile.
Michael added, "I have already made a plan to address that. On this trip to Seldonia, I intend to secure the processing contract with VelvetDream Cosmetics. VelvetDream Cosmetics' sales in Madison have been steadily increasing over the past two years, but they don't have a production base there. I previously spoke with their CEO, and they are very interested in collaborating with us."
Cooper suddenly smiled. "So you don't know yet."
Michael was taken aback. "What?"
Professor Hart put down his coffee cup and said with a faint smile. "I received news this morning, VelvetDream Cosmetics signed a processing contract with DreamDazzle Beauty Co. from Madison."
"Is that true?" Michael's heart skipped a beat. Even someone as experienced as him couldn't help but show a grim expression.
"The medical beauty circle in Seldonia is quite small. I had collaborated with VelvetDream Cosmetics in the past, so I was among the first to hear the news," Cooper spoke frankly, "Michael, if you had come to me with this offer two years ago, I would have definitely collaborated with you. The Ocean Blue group was once the largest brand in Madison, with top-notch equipment and instruments. But at my level, reputation sometimes matters more than salary. If I collaborate with you and the product doesn't sell well, it would damage my own reputation. I can provide you with excellent products, but you may not be able to offer me the best platform."
Michael quickly calmed down. "Professor Hart, every company has its ups and downs. DreamDazzle Beauty Co. has only been around for a few months, and they have very few products. They are no match for the Ocean Blue group."
"But the current market in Madison clearly shows that DreamDazzle Beauty Co. and other brands are working together to push the Ocean Blue group out," Cooper raised his hand to interrupt him and said regretfully, "Moreover, the Ocean Blue group's reputation has been declining since the end of last year. Julia has been unable to restore it, which shows that your network in Madison's public relations is not as strong as it used to be. Although you are the president's nephew and backed by the Jude Group, I heard that none of the Jude family members attended your recent wedding."
At that moment, Michael became nervous.
Michael never expected that the grand wedding, which none of the Jude family members attended, would become a point of criticism in the business world.
In fact, Michael should have anticipated this.
Michael had agreed to Megan's request to fulfill her wish, but he had forgotten the consequences.
Michael quickly explained, "Professor Hart, my family didn't attend because they don't like my new wife."
"If your family doesn't like her, why did you insist on marrying her?" Cooper shook his head. "To achieve great things, one must have a long-term vision. This shows that you are prone to emotional decisions. While being emotional can sometimes be a good thing, in the highly competitive global market, being too emotional can become a vulnerability. I'm sorry, but I have to decline your offer."
With that, Cooper stood up.
Michael quickly stood up as well. "Previously, on the phone, you expressed interest in collaborating with us. Now, isn't it a bit hasty to completely dismiss the Ocean Blue group just because DreamDazzle Beauty Co. and VelvetDream Cosmetics have signed a processing contract?"
"Michael, you are behind on the news," Cooper said, "There's one more thing. Not long ago, Selaestan's Mirage Beauty Emporium also entered into a new collaboration with DreamDazzle Beauty Co. As far as I know, DreamDazzle Beauty Co. sent two experts to Mirage Beauty Emporium's research center for a two-month training. You must be well aware of Mirage Beauty Emporium's status in the international beauty industry. It gathers top experts in beauty, biology, and other fields from around the world. Any one of them is better than me."
Michael was shocked. He certainly knew the status of Mirage Beauty Emporium. He had also considered collaborating with them before, but given Mirage Beauty Emporium's global status, they never needed to collaborate with any cosmetics company. How could they now collaborate with a small company like DreamDazzle Beauty Co.?
"Surprised, aren't you?" Cooper smiled, "Although DreamDazzle Beauty Co. is a new company, its ability to collaborate with Mirage Beauty Emporium and sign a processing contract with VelvetDream Cosmetics shows that it has strong backing and connections. Its rise is inevitable."
With that, Cooper left.
Michael coldly drank his coffee in one gulp, the intense bitterness spreading through his throat.
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