THE BUSINESS DEAL

Mr. Corner Junior is attending a board meeting at the Corner and Sons company. He is the fourth member of the round table. The company is named for its founders, Mr. Corner Senior and Mr. Corner Junior's father. Li Yang is a foreign investor who has come to negotiate a business deal with Mr. Corner Senior.

I would like to negotiate a business deal with you, Mr. Corner Senior. What are you willing to give me in return? Please do not misunderstand me. I am not asking for charity. I am asking for a fair exchange of value for value. If you are willing to make a deal, I am willing to listen.

Mr. Corner Senior announced that a van carrying 30 billion pounds of gold was en route to the bank. He estimated that it would arrive in approximately 30 minutes. "What is your position on this matter?" Li Yang asked Mr. Corner. "I require your men to steal a shipment of gold that is en route to the bank. It is a sizable shipment, and it will require a great deal of effort to pull this off. But I know that you are capable. You have done it before, and you have always delivered. What is your answer? Can you do it again?"

Li Yang confirmed that he could perform the task again but inquired about the benefits to him. A thick silence filled the room, broken only by the ticking of a clock. The tension was palpable, with only Li Yang and Mr. Corner Snr present. Li Yang knew that Mr. Corner Snr was a man of few words, and he awaited Mr. Corner Snr's response.

Mr. Corner Snr finally spoke. "Eighty percent for me, twenty percent for you," he stated. Li Yang laughed sarcastically. "Eighty-twenty?" he asked. "That is not how it works. I am the one who will do all the work. You will merely sit back and watch it happen."

Mr. Corner, Sr. was determined to prevent Li Yang from taking advantage of him. He had heard rumors of Li Yang's dishonesty, and he was convinced that Li Yang was attempting to exploit him. Mr. Corner, Sr. was a cautious man, and he had much at stake in this transaction. He was not going to allow Li Yang to take advantage of him.

"Seventy-thirty," Mr. Corner stated. "Are you attempting to swindle me?" Li Yang inquired. "What do you mean?" Mr. Corner asked, feigning ignorance. "You are attempting to take advantage of me," Li Yang stated. "I will not fall for it." "What do you mean?" Mr. Corner asked again. "I mean that you are attempting to take advantage of me by offering me a seventy-thirty split," Li Yang explained. "I will not fall for it."

Mr. Corner stood there stammering, "We-We," as Li Yang patiently waited for him to utter the words he knew were coming. Mr. Corner had heard rumors of Li Yang's dishonesty, and he was convinced that Li Yang was attempting to exploit him. Mr. Corner, Sr. was a cautious man, and he had much at stake in this transaction. He was not going to allow Li Yang to take advantage of him. But he knew that if he did not say the words, Li Yang would walk away, and Mr. Corner would lose everything.

Li Yang awaited Mr. Corner Snr.'s answer with trepidation. He knew that the odds were equal, but he did not want to lose. Finally, Mr. Corner Snr. spoke. "Fifty-fifty," he said. A look of jubilation spread across Li Yang's face. He had won!

After the deal was concluded, the two men shook hands and Li Yang exited the room. However, both men were unhappy with the outcome of the transaction. The deal was a disaster for both parties. Li Yang had paid too much for the property, and the other party had paid too little. Both men knew that the deal would not succeed, but neither had any other choice.

Suddenly Mr. Corner's son Corner who is popularly known as Andrew walks into the office. He has his sit opposite his father's. He is 21 years of age as of 3 months ago. 'Dad' he started then continued 'I just saw Li Yang leaving your office on my way here, what did he come here to do?' Andrew asked.

'Let's just say a normal business deal' Mr. Corner replied immediately his son attacked him 'Father you and I know that there is nothing normal about striking a business deal with Li Yang, a green snake in a rain forest?' Andrew said raising his voice.

'If you will come here to insult me then you better leave my office because you will not like the outcome' Mr. Corner replied. There was a thick silence in the office as Mr. Corner stared into the eyes of his son knowing that he wanted more.

'Name your price' Mr. Corner said to his son who was constantly rubbing his chin. 'three million dollars' Andrew replied. 'You are daydreaming boy' Mr. Corner replied. 'What? How much do you think it takes to ship cars, different ones of new brands?' Andrew asked his father. "Vacate my office at once!" Mr. Corner shouted at his son. "And do not return until you have cleaned up your mess!"

Sir, do you not believe that your son was telling the truth? Joanne asked, her voice quavering. "He was very convincing." She looked at the man, her eyes pleading. "Please, sir, do you not agree?" Mr. Corner's eyes narrowed as he glared at Joanne. "If you utter another word, you will lose your employment," he declared. "Do you comprehend?" Joanne nodded slowly, her gaze downcast. She understood that Mr. Corner was serious and she did not wish to lose her employment.

I apologize, sir. I assure you that this incident will not recur," Joanne replied, her voice a mixture of contrition and determination. She acknowledged that she had made an error and was determined to learn from it and not repeat it. Mr. Corner responded to Joanne, "I am pleased to hear that you are enjoying this special place. I am delighted that you like it."