In the center of the Ginkgo Leaf Trading Company, located at the trade station, a receptionist holding a form was also sizing up Ronald in front of her.
"Your purpose for being here."
"Are you hoping to commission our company to acquire a meteorite for you?"
Ronald nodded naturally:
"Yes, that is my purpose for coming here today."
"I had cooperated with Mr. Everton from your company when I was in Greenwich, which is why I chose to come here for help."
Upon hearing the name Everton, the receptionist’s gaze stabilized from confusion.
She then placed the form in her folder.
She nodded slightly, then continued to inquire of Ronald:
"If that’s the case, how would you like to pay for the goods?"
"We indeed have meteorites in stock."
"But you should know that this is quite a rare and scarce item."
Ronald thought about his fairly substantial savings, looked at the receptionist, and finally decided to ask tentatively:
"Do you have a rough estimate of the cost?"
The receptionist smiled and stretched out four fingers:
"The price won’t be too high, forty Grets is enough~"
Ronald’s original confidence was shattered.
While he understood the fundamental reality that businessmen prioritize profit,
but... that was excessively exploitative!
Although he could afford forty Grets, the result of paying that much would shrink Ronald’s assets to the point where he would need to consider cost-effectiveness even for breakfast.
For one meteorite, paying such a price.
Was it really worth it...
Struggling to control his expression, Ronald squeezed out a smile and continued:
"For the meteorite, even a very small piece would be enough."
"Even the size of a fingertip would not be a problem."
As soon as he spoke, the receptionist at the front desk immediately grasped the situation from Ronald’s words.
Thus, the receptionist showed a sweet smile:
"Sir, I truly regret."
"But for an item like a meteorite, we generally do not do retail sales."
Next, Ronald and the receptionist faced each other.
The two gazed in silent confrontation for a few seconds, and in the end, Ronald shook his head with a forced smile:
"If it’s convenient, I hope you can pass on a message."
"With the abilities I possess, there should still be an opportunity for cooperation."
The receptionist’s smile remained:
"The trading company looks forward to your cooperation."
With a resigned look, Ronald slowly walked out from Ginkgo Leaf’s trade shop.
He bought a type of lunch similar to a burrito from a nearby street vendor and while experiencing the food of Springs, Ronald was also still pondering his activities for the day.
The company’s asking price was too high.
He could think of ways to make money; confident that he could buy the meteorite in a month if he focused solely on making money.
However, for him, being involved in business activities for over a month for a spell.
That was indeed somewhat hard to accept.
Perhaps he could try his luck at the "Scriptorium Study Group?"
After all, an organization based at Wis University, they might have access to such items as a meteorite?
Moreover, Ronald’s relationship with the "Scriptorium Study Group" was much closer.
If he really took that route, various issues might be easier to handle.
Thinking this, Ronald finished his burrito and also reached the end of the street.
But just as he was about to leave by car,
a familiar voice came from behind Ronald Adler on the street:
"Mr. Ronald, please wait a moment!"
—it was the receptionist from before.
While calling out Ronald’s name loudly, the receptionist hurriedly ran towards Ronald.
Even because she was in such a rush, she accidentally twisted her ankle.
That was really unfortunate.
It is known that receptionists have to wear high heels.
Such a twist would definitely be painful for anyone.
And for her to chase after him now, Ronald could probably guess why.
It was likely that someone from the mystical side within the Ginkgo Leaf Trading Company had heard about Ronald’s visit and the earlier conversation.
That’s why they immediately sent the receptionist after him.
Seeing her pitiful condition, Ronald immediately turned around and approached her.
While supporting the trembling receptionist, he asked in a gentle tone,
"What is the matter?"
Looking up at Ronald in front of her,
the receptionist, enduring the pain, forced a smile and said shakily,
"Our manager heard about your needs and thinks this is a great opportunity for cooperation, so he specially asked you to come back to discuss it."
"Of course, if you’re busy, we can make an appointment first."
"Our sincerity here is very genuine."
Seeing the receptionist’s difficult smile, Ronald instantly remembered his own experience during his first job.
When he first started working, he too tried to do everything he was capable of, including forcing himself at times.
This receptionist’s condition.
Almost looked exactly like his own back then...
With that slight sentiment in mind, Ronald scooped up the receptionist with one arm.
As her body lifted off the ground, the receptionist immediately exclaimed in embarrassment,
"Sir, what are you doing—"
"This... this is too much, please don’t!"
Ronald smiled generously at her and said,
"It’s alright, I’m heading this way anyway."
"It’s better to rest a bit since you’ve twisted your ankle."
Seeing Ronald’s smile,
the receptionist, who was about to argue strenuously a moment ago, quieted down.
Keeping her head down to avoid being seen by others on the street, she obediently allowed Ronald to carry her back to the trading company’s lobby.
Only at the reception desk did Ronald whisper,
"Is it alright to put you down here?"
Still hiding her head, the receptionist silently nodded.
Ronald carefully set the receptionist back on the ground, and then turned to face a man who looked to be in his thirties.
Ever since Ronald had re-entered the trading company,
the man, dressed in a suit and wearing a monocular glasses clip, had been watching him.
This man must be the manager the receptionist had mentioned.
Thinking this, Ronald, once he had settled the receptionist, naturally greeted him:
The man indeed nodded in response:
"I am Asor Hot, the person in charge here."
"I apologize for the inconvenience our employee caused you."