Chapter 115: Not Famous Enough?
Half a year had passed, and Harvey had evolved to his 504th iteration, his hearing remarkably sharp. He could catch every whisper of the wind and rustle of grass within a fifty-mile radius. Naturally, he overheard Sonia currently going around, asking for contact details of influential figures.
However, Harvey understood that everyone had their own way of handling matters. Though Sonia hadn’t yet received a response, it was still early, so he paid it no mind. Besides, Sonia’s efficiency had always impressed him; this time should be no different.
Soon after, Harvey went directly to Tony’s villa. Since Tony had completed his research on the gravity device and found a reliable sales channel, he had taken a few days off for himself.
“It’s rare—not me coming to visit you, but you coming to visit me,” Tony said with a smile.
“To celebrate the success of the research, I’m planning to host a banquet tomorrow for members of the Void Cult,” Harvey replied. “Care to join me for a drink now?”
Tony was surfing the net while sipping his drink. Feeling a subtle vibration in the air behind him, he immediately knew who had arrived. Turning around, he smiled at Harvey.
He had come to understand the universe more clearly now and knew that his invention would soon bring in vast wealth. Although Harvey had invested over 800 million in development costs this time, Tony was far from worried.
Eight hundred million was nothing. If on Blue Star, he could easily pull out ten or twenty billion. Though new to the cosmos and with pockets not yet deep, once his gravity device hit the market, he’d repay the debt within a year and bring continuous wealth to himself and the Void Cult.
“All right, let’s have a drink,” Harvey said, noticing Tony’s cheerful demeanor. He took a seat on the sofa beside Tony.
“You look a bit down,” Tony remarked, surprised that Harvey had taken the time to hang out and drink with him. Harvey was clad in armor with a golden mask, his face hidden, but they had known each other long enough to understand each other’s moods without many words. Despite not seeing his expression, Tony sensed something was off.
He asked because he knew Harvey wasn’t particularly fond of alcohol; the effects of alcohol simply didn’t affect him. Naturally, Harvey preferred various flavorful drinks and beverages.
“Not exactly down. I’m just wondering if my reputation isn’t quite loud enough yet,” Harvey said after a pause.
“Come on, your reputation is renowned across the galaxy. How much louder could you want it?” Tony laughed, clapping his hands and spreading them wide.
The universe was rife with rumors about the name Kassadin — the first-ever Level 3 bounty hunter, seen by some as a god, by others as a monster or even a calamity. Yet the most widespread and accepted image was that of the Void God Kassadin.
No matter the version, all spoke of his immense power.
Tony felt that if one day he could reach Harvey’s level, he would consider himself truly strong.
By the way, Tony had also looked up information on the God King Odin and the Supreme Mage Go-ichi. Harvey had not lied—both were legendary figures in the universe, their fame echoing through the galaxy, enough to deter demons and monsters from causing trouble on Blue Star.
But Tony quickly realized that Harvey’s sudden concern must have a reason.
“What happened?” Tony asked, standing up to pour a drink after his curiosity piqued.
“It’s about the sales channel. I told Sonia to just mention my name,” Harvey explained. “But she didn’t. Instead, she’s been going around, humbly negotiating with people.”
“So that’s it. Don’t doubt it—your reputation is loud enough. But it’s normal for people to think and act differently,” Tony said.
“You should know better than I do how capable Sonia is. She always completes every task flawlessly.”
“Your reputation is vast, but mine is not. My invention is still new; there’s no production line or widespread promotion yet.”
“To sign a big deal quickly and start making money, and to avoid the risk of unsold inventory tying up funds, you’ve got to lower your stance and negotiate.”
“Only after confirming the supply and demand can you ensure smooth cash flow and big profits.”
“And this humble approach to negotiations will only be necessary the first time.”
“Once a major deal succeeds, my reputation will naturally grow.”
“From the gravity device to future inventions, people will come to me willingly, no need to beg.”
Tony was somewhat speechless upon hearing Harvey’s words.
He and Sonia mostly communicated via cosmic transmitters, and as long as it wasn’t the middle of the night, Sonia would almost instantly answer calls between six in the morning and midnight.
Whatever Tony needed, Sonia would get it done swiftly and without complaint, making Tony wonder what kind of life she had led before.
Her capability and efficiency even surpassed Pepper’s, which explained why Harvey had chosen her as his housekeeper in the first place.
“That makes sense,” Harvey said thoughtfully, no longer fretting.
“As long as you understand,” Tony replied, taking a sip. “The reason Sonia didn’t drop your name is that she sees this as a small matter, one that can be resolved directly without invoking your name.”
Harvey’s strength was immense, so “humbly negotiating” might not even be a phrase in his vocabulary.
But for most who sought wealth, when you’re the buyer, you naturally have to find ways to get things done.
Once your reputation is established, and others come begging to buy, the tables turn.
——— End of side note ———
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