36: Here we are!

Seeing Lu Fan relent, Yamamoto Yushin let out a long sigh of relief.

"Mr. Louis, I wonder what the global diamond production capacity is like now?"

Momota Shizuka, seeing the situation ease up, appeared to humbly seek advice but was actually changing the subject to continue probing.

Lu Fan politely offered a cigarette to both of them.

He knew this was Momota Shizuka deliberately testing him.

Well then, I'll satisfy you—I'm a pro at reciting data, so he faced the question head-on and spoke eloquently.

"Based on current mining levels, the global annual diamond production is at most 20 tons.

Of that, generously estimating, 20% reach gemstone quality, so about 4 tons a year.

Among these, sizes vary, and those over 5 carats probably won't even reach 10%, meaning at most 400 kilograms.

After processing, diamonds of 5-carat quality get a 30% discount.

So, 400 kilograms of finished goods a year is the absolute limit.

Finally, considering clarity of VVS grade or above, flawless ones are at most 5 million carats.

Plus, with the deliberate market control by the Yage Consortium, what appears on the market each year is reduced by another third.

Otherwise, diamonds wouldn't be the top luxury item they are today, with prices staying sky-high."

Seemingly educational, Lu Fan was actually showcasing his expertise in a roundabout way.

To con the Japan long-term, the groundwork had to be thorough.

Hearing Lu Fan's explanation, Yamamoto Yushin looked genuinely convinced.

As an industry insider, the data from Lu Fan's mouth was not only accurate but also more detailed.

At this moment, he no longer had the slightest doubt about Lu Fan's identity as a diamond merchant.

His mind was filled with how to secure a big deal.

On the other side, Momota Shizuka, as a Tokkō intelligence officer, hadn't delved deeply into diamonds.

But just hearing the professional jargon allowed him to gauge his opponent's caliber.

The effortlessly cited data and composed explanation convinced him that Lu Fan was a seasoned professional.

He quickly flattered: "Viscount Louis truly lives up to being a professional; our higher-ups don't understand the intricacies.

Their perspective is limited, leading to a big blunder that made you laugh."

"Hmph~~ I really don't know what your higher-ups are doing; brains are for daily use, not for display like vases.

It's just that I have a good temper—if it were someone else, they'd have left long ago.

One ton of diamonds—do you have any concept of that?

Probably didn't shake their brains well when placing the order!"

Since he couldn't leave, he seized the chance to sarcastically mock, pretending to vent accumulated resentment.

"Yes, yes~~ Those above are narrow-minded and clueless; you must find it amusing."

Seeing Lu Fan relent, Yamamoto Yushin pointed at the contract and probed: "Mr. Louis, since this clause isn't suitable,

then let's revise it. What quantity do you think is appropriate for us?"

Lu Fan raised his eyes slightly and gently tapped the table.

The other side had handed over the speaking rights to him, clearly having passed the test.

These japanese really are the direct descendants of those who aren't comfortable without a lesson.

Since they've been thoroughly subdued by him, everything would proceed according to the original plan.

"This time I brought 1,000 carats of diamonds to Shanghai; there's still some stock at home, roughly around 130,000 carats.

Overall, I can supply about 380,000 carats per year."

Lu Fan casually revealed a baseline; not yet clear on the other side's specific intentions, he had to sell while observing.

Hearing this, Yamamoto Yushin felt a bit disappointed—the quantity really wasn't large, and he guessed Lu Fan was intentionally holding back.

The purpose was simple: he was unhappy!

So he cautiously probed: "Mr. Louis, this amount is a bit underwhelming in the international market.

It's not even enough for the Eagle market alone. Could you provide a bit more in terms of supply?"

These little devils aren't big in stature but have huge appetites.

Lu Fan's lips curled slightly, with a half-smile: "Aren't you pursuing profit? This isn't little.

Diamonds aren't a necessity; if too many are released, the market will inevitably be impacted, and consumers will become hesitant.

By then, your profits could take a big hit."

Yamamoto Yushin heard the underlying meaning—seemingly considering them, but actually not having high hopes for them.

He quickly argued back, trying to salvage the situation: "You're right, there would be some impact.

But your goal is to compete with the Yage Consortium for market share!

With just this amount, it's hard to shake their position, and you might even get counterattacked by them.

Then it's not a question of whether we make a profit.

But how much we lose."

As he spoke, Yamamoto Yushin subtly gestured to Momota, seeking cooperation.

Momota Shizuka, nearby, received the signal and immediately chimed in: "Exactly, the higher-ups ordering a ton was completely misguided.

But 380,000 carats a year is only 76 kilograms.

With this amount, it's hard for us to effectively compete with the Yage Consortium,

and it might even let them trace back and target you directly."

"Oh?

Then tell me, how much supply should I provide to ensure your company can compete head-on with Yage?"

Lu Fan saw through their intent at a glance—clever, using Yage to counterbalance him.

But he still had to play along; they were begging to increase production, eagerly offering money, so no reason to refuse.

Yamamoto and Momota exchanged glances: "At least 150 kilograms a year, 800,000 carats."

Momota Shizuka quickly added: "The initial rollout requires a huge amount; best to provide 200,000 carats within three months."

The quantity they asked for was really not small; they really dared to ask.

At the agreed 70,000 per carat, 200,000 carats would be 2 small targets in USD.

800,000 carats a year would be five or six small targets.

Daring to be so greedy, their ambitions must be huge.

"Forget it; you think diamonds are cabbages.

You're asking for 5-carat large goods—where am I supposed to get them?"

Lu Fan retreated to advance, putting on a helpless look.

Hearing this, Momota Shizuka's eyes shifted as he probed: "Smaller ones are fine too; they don't necessarily have to be over 5 carats."

Yamamoto Yushin caught on and quickly pushed: "Over 1 carat, as long as the price is right, we'll take them too."

"Should've said so earlier! In that case, it might be possible."

Such a request, Lu Fan had to agree—they were practically begging on their knees.

Yamamoto Yushin was overjoyed and thanked repeatedly: "Thank you~~"

"What for? Business is about profit; I should thank you for helping me dispose of the small diamonds."

Lu Fan shifted the topic with a friendly reminder: "Eagle's money is easy to earn but hard to take.

Selling diamonds involves significant cash flow; don't be too high-profile, or you might attract their Financial Regulators.

Eagle won't allow so much USD to be withdrawn from the country at once.

Don't end up losing more than you gain."

"Thank you for the reminder, Viscount; your economic sense is indeed sharp."

Hearing Lu Fan's words, Yamamoto Yushin showed no worry at all, instead looking confident.

"Don't worry, we already have a plan for this.

As long as we don't take cash out, Eagle's Financial Regulators can't do anything to us."

Yamamoto Yushin lowered his voice, but his smugness was impossible to suppress.

Heaven's arrogance brings rain; man's arrogance brings disaster.

Here it comes!

Lu Fan's eyes lit up; now he finally understood the little devils' scheme.