3: The fish took the bait

Inside the VIP room, the president of Showa Jewelry arrived late.

The smile on his face, which featured a signature mustache, was exceptionally bright.

He had already been fully briefed on the situation.

Upon receiving the diamond, he personally inspected it.

Relying on his experience, he quickly determined that not only was the diamond genuine,

but it was also an absolute top-tier piece.

In particular, the absolute quality of the diamond under the light—enough to blind his 24K titanium alloy dog eyes—ignited a determination in him to obtain it at all costs.

At the same time, his desire to get something for nothing was beginning to stir.

“I'm sorry to have kept you waiting! I am Yamamoto Yushin, the manager of this humble shop.

May I ask how to address you, sir?”

Yamamoto's standard Japan-style etiquette was impeccable.

Having dealt with foreign businessmen for years, Lu Fan returned the gesture with standard European etiquette.

“My name is Louis Fan.”

It was impossible for him to use his real name; the little devil didn't deserve to know his real name.

After a simple handshake, Yamamoto Yushin's heart tightened.

The man before him had a powerful presence yet displayed the air of a perfect gentleman.

Although the style of the suit he wore was slightly different from current trends,

the material was superb, and it was slim-fitting and sharp—clearly a high-end custom piece from the British aristocracy.

“Mr. Louis, have you just returned from overseas?”

Yamamoto Yushin asked calmly while offering a cigarette.

“Mr. Louis, try the Empire's latest eight-star filter-tipped cigarette.”

Lu Fan did not respond, nor did he have any intention of taking the cigarette.

Hearing Yamamoto deliberately emphasize the word 'filter-tip,' he smiled faintly.

Little guy, trying to show off in front of me? Can you even pull it off?

With a flick of his wrist, he produced a Liqun Golden Cudgel: “President Yamamoto, I only smoke Leisurely Clouds. Anything else makes me cough. Want one?”

Yamamoto Yushin showed obvious displeasure when his cigarette was rejected.

However, as soon as he glimpsed the other man's cigarette, his temper immediately vanished.

Just looking at the purple and gold packaging of the cigarette, he was instantly humbled.

The golden part was brilliant and shimmering, with patterns like rippling water, exuding an air of nobility.

It was leagues ahead of the stuff in his own hand.

After taking the cigarette and examining it closely, Yamamoto Yushin was even more amazed.

This wasn't just a cigarette; it was a complete work of art.

He lit it with a hint of reluctance, and after taking a careful puff, he was instantly frozen in place.

The taste was fragrant, mellow, elegant, and smooth, with a lingering sweet aftertaste.

It completely outclassed the products of his own Empire.

“An aristocrat? No! This man is definitely an aristocrat among aristocrats.”

In an instant, Yamamoto Yushin redefined the man before him.

In his heart, he only hoped that the man was merely impressive on the outside so that he could drive a hard bargain in the upcoming transaction.

Yamamoto Yushin looked like a wild boar eating fine bran.

Lu Fan took it all in, calmly smoking his cigarette with a composed expression.

Using the top-tier goods from my rich Zhejiang to crush you, little devil—you should be laughing in secret!

The two of them smoked and began to exchange pleasantries about everything under the sun.

Until Yamamoto Ichiro brought the diamond and the test results to the VIP room.

“Mr. Louis, there's nothing wrong with the diamond. I wonder how much you're looking to sell it for?”

Yamamoto Yushin flipped through the report and got straight to the point.

“D color, 5 carats, VVS clarity!”

“In addition, this diamond uses the latest developed 'Hearts and Arrows' cutting technology.”

“Mr. Yamamoto, you are an expert. What do you think it's worth?”

Lu Fan, who was well-versed in the essentials of negotiation, did not answer but instead asked a question in a slow, deliberate manner.

His very authentic London accent intentionally or unintentionally hinted at his status.

“An expert, an absolute master of the trade.”

As Yamamoto Yushin heard the string of professional terms, the last bit of his covetousness vanished.

Now, he only hoped to use the size of the diamond as an excuse

to acquire this precious diamond at market price.

“Mr. Louis, your diamond is perfect in terms of both quality and cutting craftsmanship.”

“The only slight flaw is its size of five carats.”

“It's not quite enough to be top-tier, but better than the average.”

“It hasn't quite reached the collection standard yet.”

“As for the price, how about a flat rate of 70,000 USD? What do you think?”

Lu Fan maintained his calm and casually handed Yamamoto Yushin another cigarette.

To be honest, buying it for seven thousand and selling it for seventy thousand USD,

he was making a bloody profit of sixty-nine thousand.

And in USD, no less.

However, Lu Fan, who had spent years in the business world, had come prepared.

As a top luxury item of this era,

seventy thousand USD was not the limit.

If he couldn't squeeze more USD out of the devil, it would be his own lack of ability.

“Mr. Yamamoto, five carats is indeed not large.”

“But you are also an old veteran. The value of a diamond is reflected in its scarcity.”

“However, what makes it top-tier jewelry is the cutting craftsmanship.”

“I can tell you with full responsibility,”

“this cut is the only one of its kind in the world, with no other like it!”

Lu Fan picked up the diamond and displayed it under the light.

The size wasn't extraordinary, but the cutting technology was a product of the 21st century—a total dimensional strike.

Yamamoto Yushin looked at the report and saw the section on cutting craftsmanship.

One hundred and twenty-eight facets, zero error.

Fire value of 91.2.

These figures shocked him immensely.

This was already 15 points higher than the top products from the De Beers Company.

In the face of facts, even if he didn't want to admit it, this craftsmanship truly outclassed the entire world.

In an instant, he grasped the key point. If he could firmly hold onto this lead... In his contemplation, Yamamoto's breathing quickened, and his eyes lit up; the opportunity to serve the Empire was right before him.

“Mr. Louis, I am willing to offer 150,000 USD for this diamond!”

One hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Lu Fan was also startled when he heard this.

He knew the devils were notoriously crazy, but he hadn't expected them to buy it at a premium of over 50%.

“But I have one condition: I need the exclusive agency for your company's products.”

Yamamoto Yushin shifted the conversation and stated his condition.

Well, well, good heavens!

This devil's true intention wasn't the wine.

This little devil clearly wanted to use a borrowed hen to lay eggs, acting as a middleman to profit from the situation.

Moving goods from the left hand to the right hand and earning the price difference—it was a highly lucrative business.

He was certainly calculating things very loudly.

Since you've become greedy, don't blame me for dumping products on you.

After all, if you can sell wholesale, who would bother with retail?

Lu Fan stubbed out his cigarette, gave a cold laugh, and began to clap.

“Mr. Yamamoto, spending a fortune to buy a horse—what a clever calculation!”

Seeing his wishful thinking exposed in a single word, Yamamoto could only give an awkward laugh to cover it up.

He began to regret his exorbitant demand.

He knew that based on the quality of this diamond alone, he could sell it for double the price.

If he annoyed the man in front of him,

the whole deal would fall through, and it really wouldn't be worth it.

Thinking of this, cold sweat began to break out on Yamamoto Yushin's forehead.

Seeing that his warning had taken effect, Lu Fan's tone immediately took a 180-degree turn.

“However, I still appreciate your boldness, Mr. Yamamoto.”

“It's not impossible to give you the agency rights; I can even allocate all markets except for China to you.”

“But does your company have the courage to go head-to-head with those old scoundrels at De Beers?”

At this point, Yamamoto Yushin also instantly understood.

The man before him had come with a plan.

He was interested in his own power and the power of the Empire behind him.

He wanted to use that influence to compete with the Yage Consortium, which currently controlled the diamond market.

To fight for dominance in the diamond market.

Yamamoto, believing he had uncovered the truth, was instantly filled with confidence.

“Mr. Louis, no need to provoke me. I admit your open scheme is flawless.”

“But you don't need to question the strength of my Showa Consortium either.”

“Jacob is just a bunch of vagrants with some money.”

“I have the support of the Empire behind me; why should he be able to fight me?”

“We, Showa Jewelry, are definitely taking this business.”

Yamamoto's bold words were full of momentum.

Lu Fan frowned as if lost in thought, but in his heart, he was already laughing his head off.

A high-end hunter always appears in the form of prey.

The fish has taken the bait!