Atrophy of Love: Mr. Harris, Stop Fooling Around! novel Chapter 322

“There are two most important aspects in business: number one, strategy; number two, information. I wouldn’t dare leave any one of these aspects out," James said.

Charles leaned forward, his straight legs folded together, raising his eyebrows slightly at his words. "I, on the other hand, think that money is the most important thing."

James let out a hearty laugh. "Yes. It will only be easier if the funds are in place!"

He led the conversation back on track. "Harris Corporation and Jones Group have partnered up in the electrical appliances business. This time, Master Harris plans to deal Jones Group with a heavy blow and he will only end up wounding himself, which isn’t going to be worth it."

Charles smiled faintly. He could already guess his intentions.

However, he made no reply.

James had no choice but to go on saying, "The White Industries may be lagging behind Jones Group, but we have entered the electrical appliances market more than twenty years ago, hence we have a certain advantage in this respect.

"As the chairman and president of White Industries, I am more than willing to work for Master Harris."

The main point was in the last sentence.

Charles sighed. "I understand what you mean, Mr. White, but I’m sure you know that my grandfather has never liked me very much to start with. Moreover, he isn’t very pleased with the White family as well as you."

"You’re too humble, Charles." James laughed. "I’m sure Master Harris will agree as long as you discuss this with him."

Charles looked at him and smiled without answering.

James knew that he was waiting for him to add some incentive, hence he gritted his teeth and said, "If you are willing to be our go-between and match us up successfully, then I will give Harris Corporation a ten percent profit for three consecutive years."

He would be making far less money after surrendering a part of the profit to Harris Corporation, but it was way better than making no profit at all.

"I’m sure you are aware that I don't own any Harris Corporation shares now, Mr. White?" Charles asked slowly.

James replied readily, "Transferring the remittance into a private account won’t be nice to see nor will it be easy to handle. Why don’t we do this, you can be our company’s nominal consultant and I will transfer parts of the profit to your account in the name of labor remuneration. Plus, I’ll also tell you an exclusive trade secret, how’s that?"

James was doing it partly out of selfish motives when he gave the suggestion. Charles was a walking reputation in the business world. It would benefit White Industries greatly if he became White Industries’ nominal consultant.

"It’s too ostentatious this way. I'm afraid my grandfather will not be happy about it." Charles tapped his finger on the table a few times. "Sophia is now the assistant financial officer of White Industries. Give her the title as a consultant then transfer the remittance to her account."

James wanted to take advantage of his reputation, hence he said, "This isn’t a small sum of money, Charles. Let’s go with my suggestion. I’m sure Master Harris won’t make things difficult for you. After all, this will also benefit Harris Corporation."

"No, Sophia is my woman. It's safe to leave my money with her," Charles said without hesitation.

James had no choice but to agree. "Soph must have sheer pure dumb luck to be able to meet a good man like you."

"That’s not something that I enjoy listening to, Mr. White. Sophia is a very outstanding woman. She deserves a good man," Charles said.

James could not tell whether he was praising Sophia for being outstanding or praising himself for being a good man.

He changed the subject and did not continue on with this topic.

"They agreed, but they also wanted William to renew his marriage contract with the Sommer family. William has also agreed to it." James said, "Charles, I just received the news this afternoon and honestly, I told you about it straight away. You—"

"Rest assured, Mr. White. What you have proposed is beneficial to both Harris Corporation and White Industries. I believe that Grandpa will agree to it." Charles took the initiative to answer him.

After obtaining his assurance, James smiled, feeling completely relieved.

*

Sophia knocked on the door. After entering the room, she found her mother standing in front of the window again, not knowing what she was looking at.

"You're here, Soph." Jenny turned around when she heard movements and wiped the corners of his eyes in a hurry, looking at her in an uneasy manner. "Would you like to eat some fruit? Should I ask the servants to cut some?"

She was like a wind-up toy that had been twisted to the limit. Every single fiber of her body was taut, making it uneasy for anyone to look at.

"I'm full from the meal earlier. I’ll pass." Sophia walked to her side. "Are you feeling down, Mom?"

She looked out the window but could not see anything apart from the trees and the sky. She had no idea what her mother was staring at standing here all day.

"I’m not feeling down, really. I just feel like I can’t do anything right. Even though I mean well, the things I do will only end up irritating others."

"Then there’s also the Lenyess Corporation you guys were talking about, as well as the contracts, projects, and whatnot, I don’t even know a thing about them… Soph, am I just like what your dad said I am? That I can’t do anything right other than cry all day?" Jenny looked extremely depressed.

Sophia opened her mouth. For a moment, she did not know what to say.