SWNOVELXO Chapter 1: ch-1
Chapter 1: Acquisition of a Loss-Making Clothing Factory
"Mr. Carter, based on the inspection of the clothing factory and the evaluation of its equipment, a purchase price of $400,000 seems a bit high."
"There are also profitability concerns. The factory has been operating at a loss for months. I think you should reconsider this deal carefully."
In a high-end café in Greenville,
Lauren Taylor sipped her coffee and glanced at the young man across from her.
The man, in his early twenties, was dressed in casual sportswear, exuding a relaxed and sunny charm. However, Lauren was baffled by his intent to purchase a failing factory.
"Thank you, Ms. Taylor. I've already made up my mind. It's just $400,000, and negotiating further feels like a hassle," Andrew Carter replied with a calm smile, dismissing her concerns.
Andrew wasn't just any young man—he was a time traveler. More accurately, he had been reborn in a parallel world with memories of his previous life.
This world mirrored his original one in history but deviated in certain modern developments. Familiar songs, popular movies, games, and other cultural works didn't exist here.
Many might think this was an opportunity to plagiarize and profit, but Andrew found it wasn't as simple as it seemed. While he remembered the general plots of movies or lyrics of songs, recreating them was a different challenge.
Growing up, Andrew's only advantage was being academically ahead due to his memories. Throughout school, he was celebrated as a genius by his peers and teachers. However, after graduating from college three days ago, his life took an unexpected turn.
The system appeared.
Andrew's consciousness shifted momentarily to the virtual system panel in his mind:
---
[System Panel]
Host: Andrew Carter
System Funds: $1,000,000
Personal Assets: $3,527
Settlement Cycle: One week (Countdown: 2 days, 2 hours, 56 minutes, 49 seconds)
---
The rules were clear. To convert the system funds into personal assets, Andrew had two options:
1. Full Conversion: Spend all but a fraction of the system funds (less than $1,000) before the cycle ends.
2. Partial Conversion: If more than $1,000 remains unspent, only a small percentage of the spent funds are converted into personal assets.
Andrew's goal was straightforward: acquire a company, spend the funds wisely, and ensure minimal remaining system balance for a full conversion.
But time was running out, with barely two days left in the cycle.
"Mr. Carter," Lauren interrupted his thoughts, pulling him back to reality.
"Yes?" Andrew blinked, meeting her gaze.
Lauren hesitated, then said, "I suspect the factory might have unpaid employee wages. I strongly recommend clarifying this before finalizing the deal."
Andrew smiled. "Wages? That's no issue. Money isn't a problem."
Lauren sighed internally. She had done her job by advising him, but his indifference was frustrating.
Soon, a balding middle-aged man in a formal suit entered the café. Scanning the room, he spotted Andrew and Lauren and approached with a polite smile.
"Mr. Carter, Ms. Taylor, sorry to keep you waiting."
"Mr. Green," Andrew greeted with equal politeness. "Please, have a seat. Would you like some coffee?"
"No need," Henry Green replied. "Let's get straight to the contract."
Andrew nodded. "Agreed."
Lauren, observing their interaction, felt puzzled. She understood Mr. Green's eagerness to sell the failing factory but couldn't comprehend why Andrew, the buyer, was equally hurried. Surely, he could have negotiated a better price.
Still, her professionalism prevailed as she pulled out two contracts, guiding both parties through the signing process.
Moments later, Lauren declared, "The contracts are signed. Congratulations, Mr. Carter. You're now the owner of the factory."
Relief washed over Henry Green's face. For months, the factory had been a financial burden, but now, it was finally off his hands.
"Mr. Carter, now that the paperwork is complete, may I know when the payment will be transferred?" Henry asked, his voice laced with anticipation.