NOVEL NEXT 44 Benico's Offer
Michael scanned the interior of the vehicle. It was stylish and comfortably appointed. The leather seats felt cool and soft under him and the smell was nice. It was his first time sitting inside a luxury car. "What is the brand and model of this car? If you don't mind me asking," Michael asked. Benico, who was driving paused for a moment before answering, "It's a Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the latest model. We use it for company executives and important meetings." He glanced briefly at Michael through the rearview mirror, a small smile on his face, indicating pride in the company's choice of vehicle.
Michael nodded, impressed but quickly refocused on the matter at hand. "Let's get straight to the point, Engineer Benico. What exactly does Solar Dynamics want from me?"
Benico took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "Michael, your solar panel technology has the potential to disrupt the market significantly. Solar Dynamics recognizes that. We want to explore a partnership with you, one where your invention can be developed further and brought to market effectively."
"Wait…so it was a lie all along? You faked the technical report." Benico nodded regretfully. "I have no choice, it was an order from the top brass." "Hmm…so you didn't throw my solar panel right? Instead, you were studying it so you can figure out how to reverse engineer it." Benico remained silent, but the answer was written all over his face, that they were doing exactly that.
"Unbelievable. So this shit happens huh?" Michael mused.
"Look, Michael, your technology is impressive but you won't be able to market it by yourself," Benico said, trying to change the topic.
Michael shook his head. "I think I'll manage." Benico sighed as he realized his first plan of approach failed, so he decided to shift his strategy. "Michael, let's be realistic here. The solar energy market is competitive and complex. Solar Dynamics has the infrastructure, the resources, and the network to get your technology out there on a global scale. Without that kind of support, it's challenging to make a significant impact."
"Don't worry about how I'll run my company," Michael said flatly.
"Hmm…if the partnership is not going to work, Michael, then how about we offer you money in exchange for the solar panel and the technology required to manufacture one? Ten million dollars," Benico finally stated, watching Michael closely for any reaction.
Michael was unfazed at the reveal of the price. "The fact that you can offer me that kind of money means that the value of the solar panel is higher than what you're offering. I know the worth of my invention and there's no way I'm going to—"
"50 million? Come on just state the price you think you can offer me, stop with the dramatic increase." "That's the highest price the Solar Dynamics Corporation can offer you. We will also retract our statement that your invention is a fake," Benico proposed.
Michael scoffed softly. "50 million? That's still low, I think my company would be worth billions of dollars as soon as the solar panels are released to the market. It would be stupid of me to agree to this offer. So no thank you, sir. And if there is nothing more, I enjoyed the ride and please, bring me back home."
"Is there really nothing we can do to change your mind?" Benico asked, the hint of desperation creeping into his voice as he navigated the car through the streets.
Michael crossed his arms, looking out the window as the city lights blurred by. "I'm not interested in selling out. But I have a favor, please, just retract your statement about my product being fake, that'll save us both time and money paying the evaluators." "The company's dignity is at stake, we have stated your solar panel is fake and it would be very damaging to the company's image should we retract our statement."
"That's not my problem. This wouldn't have happened if your company had been honest and truthful about the test. Now you reap what you sow. Look, I feel that you are quite sincere and genuine here, sir, it felt to me that you don't want this to happen and you were just being ordered to."
Benico was speechless for a moment, caught off guard by Michael's insight. After a brief pause, he nodded slowly. "You're right, Michael. I was just following orders, but it doesn't excuse what happened. Your invention deserves recognition, not dismissal or deceit."
Michael softened slightly, recognizing the difficult position Benico was in. "Then help me clear my name. Retract the statement, and let's move on from there. It's the least Solar Dynamics can do after all this."
Benico sighed, knowing the young inventor was right. "I'll talk to the board. I can't promise anything, but I'll push for it. Your technology... it's too important to be buried over corporate politics."
"Thank you, Engineer Benico. That's all I'm asking for now," Michael said, a hint of gratitude in his voice. "Well, if you get fired in the process, you can just simply join my company," He added jokingly.
Benico chuckled. "You'll be the first man that I'll approach if that were to happen."
With that, Benico returned to Michael's home. "I'll send you a text about the company's decision on the statement, but don't get your hopes up. They will do anything just to preserve their image."
"It's fine, if they won't retract then the test of the independent evaluators would speak for themselves," Michael said as he closed the door. The car roared and accelerated away from Michael's home. After seeing the car disappear into the distance, Michael went back to his house.
"So…what did you two talk about?" Myra asked.
"Nothing that will cause you concern, ma," Michael replied. "Anyways, I'm going back to my room, I have some work that needs to be done."
"Okay, I'll cook for dinner," Myra said, going to the kitchen.
Michael entered his bedroom and opened his laptop. He opened his brokerage account which was now at 65 million pesos, thanks to the boost of capital from the winnings in the casino. Due to that, there were countless emails from the trading platform, asking for his audience. But Michael refused to do any of it. There's no need to mingle with them as he already possessed the cheating tool for stock trading.
He cracked his knuckles as he prepared to work. But before he could even begin buying stocks, his phone rang.
Michael glanced at the screen to see who the caller was, and it was Bridget. He answered the call. "This is Michael, how can I help you, Bridget."
"I just saw you on my feed, very interesting, taking on the biggest solar panel company in the Philippines," Bridget commented. "So that's the technology that you have been talking about huh?" "Yeah…So why did you reach out to me? Something happened?" "Nothing, I just want to check up on you, see if you are doing okay." "I'm doing very well, thank you for your concern." "I see…ehem…Michael…I want to invite you to dinner tomorrow, can you come?" "Why does everyone want to talk to me?" Michael mumbled under his breath.