NOVEL NEXT 45 Fine Dining Part 1
December 21th, 2023. "Oh..back to my go-to place," Michael muttered under his breath as he looked out of the window, seeing the main entrance of the Newport Resorts Manila. It was six o'clock in the evening and the lights from the ceilings and the skyscrapers illuminated the surroundings, casting a warm glow over the bustling streets. The Christmas decorations added to the festive atmosphere, with colorful lights and ornaments adorning the trees and buildings. As he stepped out of the car, the cool December air hit him, truly, Christmas was drawing near.
The guards of the establishment gave him a nod of acknowledgment. He had been a patron to their casino and so they easily recognized them. He walked towards the entrance and the guard asked.
"You are going to the casino sir?"
Michael shook his head. "I'm heading to the second floor, where the restaurant is, I have a meeting."
"Oh—I see…If you don't mind me saying, I think I recognized you from the news sir, are you the student that challenged this CEO?" Michael chuckled, even though they recognized huh? "It's me, well the truth will come up soon, so we'll see how that goes," Michael replied, maintaining a composed demeanor despite the attention his recent actions had garnered.
The guard nodded, showing a mix of respect and curiosity. "Good luck, sir. I hope everything turns out well for you."
With a brief thank you, Michael proceeded inside, heading directly to the second floor. The opulence of the resort never failed to impress him, with its luxurious decor and the air of exclusivity that pervaded the atmosphere. However, his mind was focused on the upcoming meeting with Bridget.
Like, why would she invite him to dinner all of a sudden? And what would they discuss? Reaching the second floor of the Newport Mall was the main square, lining around the sides of the square were luxurious restaurants ranging from Japanese, Korean, Italian, Spanish, American, and many others. He checked his phone and looked through his message with Bridget.
[Meet me in the Wolfgang Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener, it's on the west side of the square.]
Michael pocketed his phone and scanned the area. The square was alive with the chatter of diners and the clinking of cutlery against plates. Each restaurant front was elegantly designed, with welcoming hosts at the door and menus displayed in polished glass cases. He walked past a sushi bar where chefs were meticulously preparing rolls in view of the guests, an Italian trattoria with the aroma of garlic and tomatoes wafting into the square, and a Spanish tapas bar where laughter and the sound of flamenco music spilled out into the night.
He continued, navigating through groups of people, some in casual attire while others donned suits and cocktail dresses, all there to enjoy an evening of fine dining and good company. Finally, Michael spotted the bold, gold lettering of "Wolfgang Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener" on the west side of the square. The steakhouse boasted a classic, refined exterior with large windows revealing a dimly lit interior, polished wood finishes, and tables set with crisp, white linens. A host stood by the entrance, a welcoming smile on her face as he greeted guests.
Michael approached. "I'm meeting someone here," he told the host, who promptly eyed him from top to bottom.
Michael tilted his head to the side, wondering why she was doing that. Well, Michael was on his casual clothes, he didn't bring his suit. He didn't expect the restaurant they were going to meet to be this exquisite to the point the guest must also be exquisite.
But nevertheless, the host asked a question.
"What's your name and who you are meeting?"
"Michael Reyes, I'm here to meet Bridget von Reimann," Michael answered, his gaze shifting towards the entrance as he noticed Bridget stepping out. She caught his eye immediately, her presence commanding attention in a glamorous pink cocktail dress that highlighted her beautiful frame. Bridget spotted Michael and approached with a warm smile. "Michael…I got out as soon as I saw you from the inside. This is the man I have been waiting for."
"Is that so ma'am? In that case," the host returned her gaze back to Michael. "Please follow us inside."
As they entered the restaurant, the ambient lighting and the gentle murmur of conversations created an intimate atmosphere. The host led them to a private booth tucked away in a quieter section of the steakhouse, ensuring privacy for their meeting.
Once seated, Bridget wasted no time in getting to the point. "So, you are challenging the top solar panel company in the Philippines, and prove that your technology is legitimate. Because if it's legitimate, well I don't have to say how it will change the paradigm in the solar panel industry not only in the Philippines but around the world." "And you see an opportunity," Michael guessed. "I am…and in this kind of battle, Michael, you are going to need an ally. You won't win against a corporation with tons of money and the possibility of bribing the evaluator. If you have me by your side, then I'll be the one to pull the strings, what I mean by that is that I'll send top engineers from Europe and do the evaluation instead. But don't misunderstand, they are going to evaluate your solar panel objectively." "In exchange for what?" Michael asked.
"In exchange, you will allow me to help you, build your business from the ground up in exchange for a measly 10 percent equity," Bridget revealed. "Why are you so eager to partner with a nobody like me?" "Nobody? Do you think I'll speak, let alone dine with a man that is nobody?" Bridget said. "I see something in you that I haven't seen to someone else. You are an ambitious individual with unlimited potential. How was I able to say that? Well, that is because I have my analyst analyze the crypto market, and their remarks are the same as yours, the crypto market is going to crash. I won't let this opportunity of having you as my partner slip by so I'm offering it to you now. I'm going to lend you the other 300 million dollars for the monthly premiums and then I'm going to invest in your company that is still on the drawing table, you'll name that price."
Michael hummed aloud, pondering for the moment before responding. "That's a generous offer, Bridget. But why such confidence in me and my project? You're talking about a significant investment and support without much to go on other than my word and the technology I claim to have."
Bridget leaned back, her expression confident yet sincere. "Michael, in the world of business and innovation, sometimes you have to take calculated risks. Your technology has the potential to disrupt the energy sector, and I want to be part of that revolution. Plus, my due diligence has shown me that you're not just talking. You have the drive and the intellect to make this happen. I'm willing to bet on that."
Michael was moved by her words, she was genuine, and if that was fake, he would have noticed it immediately. He had read psychological and behavioral books that helped him read a person's face. Plus she is only asking for ten percent equity! If he is going to choose an investor, he would prefer it to be someone from a foreign country who has lots of connections. Bridget marks all of that. But before he could answer, the waiter arrived at their table.
"Excuse me, are you ready to order?"
Michael and Bridget glanced up at the waiter, and they nodded. "Yes."