Chapter 9 (1/2)
Huang Xuan had breakfast with his mom in an amicable atmosphere. In the past three days, he had behaved himself. Although unable to stop his mom from supervising his bank card, he managed to get an allowance of 5,000 bucks, which wasn't even enough to pay the diesel bill. He had to owe his cousin for the electricity, hoping that he wouldn't remember it too early. The problem remained that the four generators only produced 20,000 kWh or more each day. Although the electricity stock of the construction site was huge, it could be transferred only during non-working hours, which was just a drop in the bucket, compared to Rolin's needs. At last, out of choices, Huang Xuan suggested using home electricity to Rolin, which was rejected sternly.
In Rolin's opinion, as long as the electricity bill was paid, the authority wouldn't care much about its flow; unless it had been stolen, in which case, both the authority and individuals would show major concern. Also, the abrupt increase in electricity consumption would definitely draw the butler's attention. Thus, just to be safe, he refused to steal it from his home. At this point, Huang Xuan slapped his own head and felt he had slim chance to complete the task.
He was in a bad mood when his cellphone rang. He answered it in an aggressive tone. ”What?!”
”Is it Huang Xuan? This is your Uncle Deng.” This Mr. Deng was a master of chumming up with people. However, Huang Xuan was unhappy at the time and thus, was no longer as polite as he was the day before. He asked bluntly: ”What do you want?”
It seemed Deng Liwei didn't notice the difference between Huang Xuan's tones. He said in a little rush: ”Do you still have the program you sent me yesterday? There is a company which is interested. Would you like to come and have a meeting with them?”
Huang Xuan paused the game he was playing, held the phone in between his neck and shoulder, and asked: ”Who are they and how much are they willing to pay?”
Mr. Deng was astonished to hear Huang Xuan mention the price immediately. He thought that as the son of general manager Zhang, Huang Xuan would have shown more concern about the programs. Despite his confusion, he said in an amiable manner: ”It's Lianyou Company, which is doing well and has developed several office systems for us. They said the price was negotiable.”
Entering Sharing Sky Website, Huang Xuan saw spa.r.s.e download and application records of his programs, Code I and Code II.
He unpaused his game and said: ”I am occupied right now. If it's OK with them, I can talk with them over the phone.”
”OK.” Mr. Deng asked: ”What are your terms?”
”F-” Huang Xuan was about to say 500,000 yuan when he shut up, prolonged his voice, and said: ”F...rom our talk yesterday, you can see I don't know this stuff. What terms do you think I should offer?”
Deng Liwei remained silent for a long moment, then replied: ”They said they wanted to meet with you and the terms were negotiable.”
”I am grounded by my mom.” Huang Xuan started using his mom as an excuse, and said while playing the game: ”You tell them to cut to the chase and put forward their offer directly.”
Deng Liwei was silent again. After two minutes, Huang Xuan got impatient. Sensing this, Deng Liwei finally said: ”I've talked to them. They made an offer of 1.2 million for the entire copyright.”
That was more than twice the price Huang Xuan had expected. Of course, he was glad to agree to it, but thinking that Rolin had brought it from a more advanced s.p.a.ce and time, to avoid future trouble, he added: ”1.2 million is OK, but just for this edition. The revision of the editions should be approved by me.” He thought for a while and continued: ”Uncle Deng, I know little about this stuff. You tell them that they can't reprogram it or use it for other purposes.”
Deng Liwei hesitated, then covered the receiver. Huang Xuan wasn't in the mood to play anymore, so he closed the game and started to wait. Very soon, Deng Liwei went back to the phone and said: ”They have agreed to your terms. When would you like to sign the contract?”
”This noon,” Huang Xuan said hastily, reluctant to wait any longer.
”Good,” Mr. Deng agreed instantly. Huang Xuan stood there and was in thought. Then he put down the phone and went back to his computer.
The formal signing took place in the cafe near Huang Xuan's home. The other party was astonished to find out he was such a young boy. Afterward, Huang Xuan signed the contract gloatingly while receiving floods of compliments and a pre-tax sum of two million.