Reincarnated With The Degenerate System-Chapter 210: CH:

"Good evening. It’s nice to meet everyone." I made sure to activate my ’Francis Card,’ giving me the extra charm I needed to socialize.

Although my normal personality could handle this kind of situation, using the card helped me hide my true emotions more effectively.

Richard stood and shook my hand. "We’re also glad to meet one of the most promising young billionaires in the city. Securing four S-Ranks in your guild in such a short span is unprecedented."

"I just got lucky," I responded.

"Smart and humble," Richard joked. "If the younger generation had an ounce of your ability, I’m sure our country would have reached even greater heights."

I smiled politely. "You’re too kind, Mr. Richard. Let’s not keep everyone waiting."

Sitting at the table, I picked up a glass of water and made small talk with Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood, easing into the conversation before moving on to more important matters.

After a while, Mr. Jonas Blackwood whispered to his wife, and she guided Lea and the other girls to another table.

They were far enough to give us privacy, but close enough that they could still catch our conversation if they really listened.

David was the one who turned the conversation into a more practical topic. He leaned back slightly in his chair.

"Mr. Mercer. I’m sure you’re aware that fame brings money, and when money comes too fast, it becomes hard to manage."

I kept my expression steady. Even if the offer was exactly what I needed, showing interest now would only weaken my position.

They hadn’t come here out of goodwill. Profit was the only language they understood.

David met my eyes, his look showing confidence, the kind of gaze that belonged to someone accustomed to dealing with high profile individual.

"Do you need funds right now, Mr. Mercer?" he asked.

"Money is never unwelcome, but I’m not struggling." I responded.

"I know you’re rich, Mr. Mercer... we all are." He chuckled, the kind of laugh meant for those with money to burn.

Richard chimed in and said, "Well, I do remember the time when I’m poor."

"When was that?" David asked with a serios tone.

"Never."

The single word landed, and the table erupted into laughter again.

I forced a laugh along with them, keeping my expression neutral.

Although I liked to flaunt my wealth from time to time, my jokes were never serious—just me having fun.

Their jokes? Ninety-five percent mocking, and five percent humor.

I looked at Mr. Blackwood: he, too, wore a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

He gave me a side-eye, reminding me to just bear with it.

It seemed anyone who worked in either finance or banking was born to be an asshole. No wonder I hated their faces. They carried the same smell as that old man, Mr. Sakamoto.

"Getting back to the topic," David began. "Our analysts say your guild is spending faster than it’s earning. One major loss on an expedition could put both your funds—and your guild—at serious risk.

He hit a nerve, but I stayed calm. "So, you looked into my finances ahead of time."

"It’s not out of malice, Mr. Mercer. What we did is just standard procedure. As you know, we are the biggest investment bank in the country so conducting background checks is part of our usual protocol."

David continues.

"Even if you somehow secure additional capital, taxes will eat away at it over time."

"The solution," he leaned forward, "is simple. Turn your guild into a corporation."

"Corporation?" I repeated.

"Yes," David tapped the table. "That way, we can buy shares. Stocks are cleaner, easier to move. On top of that, we’re open to providing low interest loans backed by those shares as collateral. You stay liquid, flexible, and legally sheltered."

His logic wasn’t exactly rocket science—my legal team had advised the same thing.

I hadn’t gone public yet because I knew the value of my guild would soar once I beat a boss even the top guilds couldn’t handle.

But these people wanted to buy the company shares right away. They might offer a premium price, but it would still be peanuts compared to my guild future valuation.

"I have things under control. Thanks for the offer."

The executive’s expression changed. They tried to convince me, but I stayed firm on my decision.

"How about a loan?" David suggested.

"Loan on what?" I inquired.

"We’ll lend you five billion at eight percent per year, as long as all your assets are used as collateral and we get priority when you list your guild. Not a bad deal, right?"

Not a bad deal? That was pure bullshit. Eight percent?

They clearly didn’t see me on the same level as the Blackwoods, who probably pay 1-2% annually.

David sensed my displeasure and said, "Mr. Ace, I know it seems high, but guilds aren’t like normal companies—they carry a lot more risk."

He was right, but I felt insulted. I came in expecting VIP treatment.

Instead, they saw me as a young man who simply got lucky of bagging four S Ranks.

These people were no better than Dark Rock. Just a different name, same attitude.

Just as I was about to bid my farewell, my phone vibrated. I checked the screen. It was Mr. Hans.

A smile crept across my face as I answered the call.

"Mr. Hans William, you call," I made sure everyone heard me.

David, in particular, looked curious.

Hans Williams was a man whose authority and wealth extended far beyond this city, so such a reaction was expected.

"No, I’m not busy at all. I’m done talking business with them, so it’s fine." I gestured, asking if it was alright to take the call elsewhere.

They agreed without much of a protest.

I made my excuse and walked to a corner near a ceiling height window.

Mr. Hans’s call came at the perfect time, and it even made me a little excited—why would he reach out so soon, knowing about my previous arrangement with the Blackwoods.

"Wait, you want me to test your new models?" I almost shouted, stunned by his shocking statement.

(Yes, I heard you’ve been looking for Hammer Tech Body suits. It just so happens that National Motors began developing the same technology this year.)

(We might not have Hammer Tech’s credentials, but I assure you ours is in no way inferior—and it’ll save you money too.)

"I appreciate the goodwill, but isn’t this too much? Even the cheapest body suits cost around ten million per piece."

(Ours actually cost seventy million, and on paper it matches the specs of the Hammer Tech Omega Suit. But it’s new, so we don’t have many customers yet.)

"Are you really just giving it to me?"

(Don’t worry. If my gut feeling is right, National Motors will earn multiples of this in the future. You’re planning an expedition, right? What better way for us to show off than having you use our gear?)

Ah, so that was it. He was betting on me successfully clearing the floor boss, and all he needed was free exposure.

Not bad. The offer felt less suspicious—after all, if there was one thing more expensive than money, it was getting something for free without knowing the true cost.

At least this way, the pros and cons were clear.

"Mr. Hans, your offer is so good that I would be an idiot not to take it. Thank you."

(It’s nothing. We became friends the moment you accepted my request. And if you want, how about we also become your exclusive supplier for weapons and other expedition supplies?)

"That works for me. I’ll have my team contact your company to coordinate what we need."

The call ended on a good note. I got to admit; I liked talking and working with Mr. Hans, because he was not a greedy bastard.

When I returned to the table, David spoke up first.

"Was the person who called you Mr. Hans Williams of National Motors?"

"Yeah, it’s him," I answered with a formal nod.

"I heard he’s in the city right now. To think you know someone of his caliber... you really are full of surprises Mr. Mercer," he complimented, though I could tell he was just trying to lick my shoes.

"Well, you win some, you lose some. And tonight seems to be my night. Mr. Hans just offered me a very good deal, so I won’t be needing any financial help for the time being."

David’s eyebrows went up, though he quickly hid it. The others at the table glanced at each other, with mixed emotions.

At our table, Mr. Blackwood looked proud, while the JP executives seemed lost, unsure where to begin.

"I’ll be heading out early, so please enjoy the night." I stood, and Lea rose with me, signaling that she would walk me out.

I turned to Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood. They nodded, giving us permission.

We walked into the lobby, the chatter from the dining room fading behind us. Lea fell slightly behind, fidgeting with her hands.

"I’m sorry about earlier. My father... he didn’t mean for them to be so hard on you."

I shook my head. "It’s fine. I expected nothing less."

She let out a small sigh, relief softening her features.

"Still... I feel like I should apologize."

I smiled faintly. "Really, you don’t have to—"

She grabbed my shoulder, her eyes earnest.

"Please, give me a chance to make it right. If you want... we can go to another hotel and have dinner. I noticed you ate anything."

I raised an eyebrow. "What about your parents?"

"They won’t mind." she answered, her tone uncertain.