CHAPTER 18: PRS 18

"Coincidentally, the landowner is on business in the rainy city, and he’ll probably be here soon," said Uncle Gusta, the caretaker of Isabella Clark’s 3,000-hectare plot, which was donated by Phoenix Systems.

Just as Uncle Gusta finished speaking, a brand-new Mercedes-Benz approached. Its shiny black paint reflected the sunlight, making everyone around him fall silent.

Seeing a young girl get out of the car, everyone fell silent again. She was incredibly beautiful, graceful, and dignified. Her charm was truly captivating. Even an elderly man wearing a black peci (cap), whom Isabella believed to be Uncle Gusta, was momentarily stunned with his mouth wide open.

Isabella stepped gracefully and politely greeted the elderly man.

"Uncle Gusta, who are these?" she asked softly.

Uncle Gusta, still in awe, quickly answered.

"It’s Miss... someone from the Luluss Corporation is looking for land. They happened to see your land and were interested, so they stopped by to survey it."

Hearing this explanation, Isabella turned to the three men standing in a neat row. One of them stepped forward and extended his hand.

"Let me introduce myself. I’m Alexo, a representative from Lulass Corporation. These are my two colleagues, Mr. Ema and Mr. Koko. We’re interested in the land Miss Isabella owns and intend to purchase it."

Isabella accepted the outstretched hand with a graceful smile.

"Nice to meet you all. Have you surveyed the location?" she asked politely.

Mr. Koko nodded. "We’ve taken a quick look. The location is very strategic."

Isabella smiled slightly. "Then, I think discussing such important matters in an open space is a bit uncomfortable. How about we chat at the traditional hut restaurant over there?" she said, pointing to a simple restaurant not far from the location.

The sun was getting hotter and it was lunchtime. The three Lulass Corporation representatives accepted the invitation.

Isabella had a good reason for inviting them there. From the traditional restaurant, he could clearly see access to the new toll gate, which would open at the end of this month, as well as the main road leading to the integrated government office, which would begin construction next month. All of these could be important bargaining chips in negotiations.

The Negotiating Table

As soon as they sat down and ordered their food, Alexo immediately spoke up.

"Let’s get straight to the point, Miss Isabella. What’s your asking price for this land?" he asked bluntly.

Isabella smiled faintly, then took out a proposal she had prepared and handed it to Alexo.

"I have no intention of selling it, sir. I’d like to collaborate with your company."

Alexo’s brow furrowed slightly, but before he could speak, Isabella continued.

"I own 3,000 hectares of land in this rainy city. The land’s location is very strategic. If this collaboration goes well, we can continue it in the Student City. I also have land there."

She handed him another document: a photocopy of her land certificate in the Student City.

"Please study it, sir. I don’t think Lulass Corporation would pass up a great opportunity like this, do you?" Isabella said confidently.

Alexo opened the proposal slowly. The more he read, the more his eyes lit up. As the personal assistant to Alesio Xander, CEO of Lulass Corporation, he was used to seeing various collaboration offers. But this was the first time he had been truly impressed by the foresight of a 22-year-old young woman.

"I never thought Miss Isabella would have such a deep business mind," Alexo said in awe.

Isabella smiled calmly. "There’s a big, delicious cake right in front of me, why should I miss it? Wouldn’t it be better if we sit down and enjoy it together?"

That statement made Alexo chuckle. Ema and Koko, sitting next to him, also exchanged glances, impressed by Isabella’s way of speaking.

A Lunch That Paved the Way

When the food arrived, they began to eat while chatting casually. Isabella cleverly interjected discussions about new road access, development plans, and future investment opportunities.

"If this partnership is established, the benefits can be realized much more quickly," Isabella said, looking at Alexo confidently.

"I can help with the certification and permits. Lulass Corporation will only need to handle the construction and marketing. It will save time and effort."

Alexo nodded slowly. "What you say makes perfect sense. We are indeed looking for a local partner who can simplify the entire process."

Isabella gave him a sharp but smiling look. "I’m sure you understand that sometimes local relationships are more important than large capital. I can bridge the gap."

Ema, who had been mostly silent until now, finally spoke up.

"Miss Isabella, what makes you so sure our company will be interested in this offer?"

Isabella looked at Ema with a confident gaze.

"Because I know Lulass Corporation isn’t just looking for land, but also long-term opportunities. I’m not just a landowner. I want to be a partner who can grow together."

That answer made the atmosphere at the table more serious. Alexo concluded the proposal and sighed.

"Honestly, I’m impressed. Young girls your age are usually only busy with personal pleasures. But you... are different. You look far ahead."

Isabella smiled faintly. "I had no choice but to be independent, Mr. Alexo. I lived in an orphanage since I was little. I learned to survive, even in the fourth grade when I had to leave the orphanage because they could no longer support my expenses. That’s how I learned to work hard."

Uncle Gusta, who was sitting at the next table, listened and nodded proudly.

Isabella continued her story in a calm tone. "I used to run a small printing business in City XX. From a simple photocopying machine, it grew to three branches near campuses. That was my initial capital. Now, I want to go bigger."

Alexo paused for a moment, then smiled. "I’m increasingly confident that your proposal will be acceptable to Mr. Alesio Xander. He might even approve it immediately."

Isabella gave him a meaningful look. "I hope so. Because if we work together, this land won’t just be our project, but also future opportunities."

Phoenix System Whisper

As the conversation grew more serious, the Phoenix System’s gentle voice suddenly appeared in Isabella’s head.

[The lobbying skills I’ve given you are really useful, aren’t they?]

Isabella smiled faintly, pretending to take a sip of her water.

"Do you think this collaboration will be approved or not?" she asked herself.

[85 percent approval.]

That answer made Isabella even more confident. She looked at Alexo and his colleagues with an optimistic look.

"Mr. Alexo," she said, leaning slightly, "I’m confident this collaboration will be mutually beneficial. I hope you can convey my intentions to Mr. Alexo as soon as possible."

Alexo nodded firmly. "Of course. I’ll report it immediately. Trust me, Miss Isabella, we won’t pass up an opportunity like this."

Isabella smiled with satisfaction. Deep down, she knew her first steps in the real estate business were off to a good start.

If this worked, she would use it as a stepping stone to even greater success. She would soar higher, not only with her wealth, but also with the power granted by the Phoenix System.