Chapter 160: Unsuccessful Negotiation

“I don’t have much money, and part of it needs to go toward preliminary construction of the apartments…”

Hart didn’t lie or exaggerate his situation. Whether good or bad, he spoke honestly: he had no money, and that was the truth.

“But the land you hold is very important to me!” He was sincere, almost unusually so for a businessman, especially a real estate developer, who rarely admit the truth so openly.

During negotiations, such people often act indifferent or unreasonable.

He kept looking Lynch in the eye, not avoiding his gaze, as if that proved his current situation.

“I’ve prepared two proposals. Interested in hearing them?”

Lynch nodded. “Of course. Otherwise, why would I be here?”

Hart visibly relaxed and began explaining his plans.

“The first proposal: I can pay you about…” He thought a moment, “around 600,000 in cash. The rest of the payment can be converted into shares of the project. We will conduct a detailed evaluation later, and after assessing total investment, you will receive a proportional stake.”

This was a common cooperation method—basically like a technical equity investment.

When others can’t ignore your key asset, you fold its value into total investment to gain a proportional share. It’s a widespread approach.

Lynch said nothing immediately. After giving him time to consider, Hart presented the second proposal.

“The second is simpler: I offer shares in my company in exchange for your land.”

This is common, especially in large corporate mergers, where companies face cash flow pressures but have acquisition needs. This method eases financial strain.

Hart believed this was a good deal. As the project progressed, his company’s value would rise noticeably, so Lynch would profit twice from his land.

Speaking proudly of his company, Hart looked expectantly at Lynch, convinced he would choose the second plan, which had successfully won over many investors before.

But Lynch didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he asked, “Is my land really that important to you and your company? You could choose cheaper, more remote land with lower development costs.”

Hart was stunned by the unrelated question and realized his two proposals might be rejected.

Out of sincerity, he explained the advantages of Lynch’s land.

“It’s right next to the city center. By a rough straight-line measure, it’s basically the city center!”

Hart, Lynch, and George laughed—that was developers’ favorite line: straight-line distance.

It’s easy to overlook that actual travel along roads could be much longer, like two riverbanks dozens of meters apart but requiring a long detour without a bridge.

“There’s commercial and residential areas nearby. This location better meets people’s housing needs. I know land outside the city is cheap, but people would rather live in a park than outside town.”

“Living environment and proximity affect occupancy rates and how easily apartments sell after completion. The closer to downtown, the easier these issues are, and subsidies are higher!”

Hart revealed core facts openly. George nodded often, and Lynch saw no problem.

If the project were built on undeveloped land outside the city, the government might even grant free land use, but who wants to live half a city away? If those houses don’t sell afterward, they risk losses.

The real profit comes at the end, when all apartments are sold. Everyone with common sense knows downtown apartments sell for more and attract more buyers than suburban ones.

Everything seemed fine. Lynch pondered briefly, glanced at George’s house with a large gesture. Hart kept watching him.

George fulfilled his role quietly, not interfering, just sipping his drink.

After a while, Lynch withdrew his gaze from the house and calmly proposed another deal.

“I’m not interested in investing in real estate right now, but I am interested in houses.”

“You know, I’m just an ordinary person. Ordinary people tend to be somewhat obsessively fond of houses. I like this place. Maybe we can use these houses as payment.”

He looked at George. “Manager, what do you think these villas are worth now?”

George was surprised. He had leaned toward the second proposal but hadn’t expected Lynch to choose this method. After thinking, he gave a reasonable price since both were friends:

“About 70,000 to 100,000, depending on specifications.”

Hart nodded in agreement but had a different view.

“George, Lynch, you’ve overlooked something. These completed villas will appreciate once the economy recovers.”

“Four years ago, any house here was worth over 200,000, even the smallest. Also…” He paused. “I’ve heard from city hall there’s a high chance this area will be designated a municipal drinking water source. Large projects won’t be allowed nearby in the future.”

Currently, Sabin City’s water source comes from a more distant artificial lake.

As the population grows, water demand increases. City hall has planned this for some time but hasn’t implemented concrete steps. It’s just a plan, but making it happen isn’t difficult—something capitalists excel at.

Lynch interrupted without hesitation.

“My land will also appreciate. We all know Sabin is close to one million residents. The metropolitan area will expand further, and soon that land won’t just be ‘near downtown’—it will be the downtown.”

When it comes to exaggeration, Lynch was no stranger—it was mostly talk, but not inaccurate.

Hart looked disappointed.

“Mr. Lynch, I can’t accept your terms. We all know things look bleak now, but they will improve, like society facing its troubles.”

“Maybe in five or ten years, every house here will sell for 300,000 or 400,000 or more. I can’t accept your proposal.”

Lynch showed no strong displeasure, only smiled and nodded.

“Understandable, Mr. Hart. Business is like that. Only when both sides agree can a deal proceed.”

Hart was still uneasy; it differed from his original expectation.

“Won’t you reconsider?”

Lynch shook his head.

“If you followed recent trends, you’d know my company was just valued at seventy million. Investors are lining up to fund me. If not for Mr. George being a good friend, I wouldn’t even consider selling this land.”

“I agree with much of what you said—the economy can’t stay sluggish forever. In three to five years, things will improve. Our federal foundation is stronger than others, so recovery will be faster.”

“Now you think the land is worth 1.5 to 2 million, but I guarantee in ten years, even adding a zero, you won’t get a tenth of its true value.”

Lynch stood and extended his hand.

“Though we didn’t reach a deal, it’s been a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Hart.”

He showed he didn’t want to continue the discussion, and Hart couldn’t persuade him. Trying to hold him back now would be like handing a knife to the other person and lying down on the chopping block voluntarily. It seemed they would have to wait for another time.

“Likewise, Mr. Lynch.”

Lynch exchanged polite farewells, said goodbye to George, and left.

Hart was still trying to process everything. After Lynch left, he finally asked, “What’s valued at seventy million?”

George sighed, a bit melancholic. “His Interstellar Trading Company—the one that does secondhand goods auctions.”

Hart looked shocked, then confused. “A company like that… valued so high?”

George, sensing his disappointment, patted Hart on the shoulder. “He’s better at seizing opportunities than you are.”