I'm a Master in India

Chapter 265: One-Way Transparency

“Explosives?” Kamal re-examined the pot-bellied, bald businessman in front of him.

“Where are you planning to blow up?” he asked.

“The television set.”

“What?”

“The television set. I mean, make it explode in a small burst of sparks,” Dute explained cautiously.

“I’ve never taken on this kind of business before,” Kamal said, intrigued. “Tell me more.”

Dute explained his plan. He knew this could only be done by a gang; no one else was suitable.

“Are you talking about Suer TV?” Kamal confirmed again.

“Yes, I’ve dismantled that television set before, and there’s enough space to put gunpowder inside.”

“A television set from Sur Electrical Appliances?”

“Exactly, the one everyone can afford.”

“Ron Sur?” Kamal’s expression became strange.

“Wh-what’s wrong?” Dute finally realized something was amiss.

“Sorry, we’re not taking this business.”

“Why?” Dute asked subconsciously.

“The Dawood Gang doesn’t need a reason for what business it does or doesn’t do,” Kamal looked at him.

“Uh, I mean, I can pay more.”

“Brother, you might as well find someone else,” Kamal directly showed him out.

Two burly men, arms crossed, walked forward and stared at Dute. Under their piercing gaze, he could only slink away from the call service.

Watching him leave, Kamal smiled, then picked up the phone.

Dute got back into his car, panting as he wiped away sweat, his expression puzzled.

He couldn’t understand why the Dawood Gang wouldn’t take such an easy money-making business.

It wasn’t like they were being asked to kidnap or extort, nor was it a drive-by shooting. What was so difficult about it?

And they call themselves Mumbai’s number one gang? Dute felt like spitting.

It didn’t matter; in this city, anything could be accomplished with money. There were Slums nearby, and those poor people would do anything for a rupee.

However, this time Dute wasn’t planning to find herdsmen; he still felt that Hindus were more reliable.

As expected, his subordinates found suitable candidates in just a few hours.

They were employees from a firecracker factory; they dealt with gunpowder every day and were very familiar with this kind of work.

Dute gave each of them a few hundred rupees, covering the modification of the television set and acting as promotional staff, all in one go.

These people from Bihar were all illiterate. When they heard about the few hundred rupees in compensation, they even skipped work.

Excellent, Dute needed this kind of reckless person.

After running around busy for half a day, he finally had time to sit down at Sapphire.

Dute wanted to be alone with Mona Lisa after Sapphire closed, every single day.

As soon as he sat down, Mona Lisa gracefully approached, using her break time.

“Shall we go to Khandala for a vacation this weekend?” he eagerly suggested.

Khandala is a mountainous area in western Maharashtra, with excellent scenery, famous for its sunsets and waterfalls.

Perhaps because he was about to do something big, Dute’s adrenaline was surging at this moment.

“No, no, I like you, but I’m not that kind of casual girl. I’m different from the others on stage.”

“Then how about next week, we’ll taste the fruits of victory together.”

“What good news? You don’t know how anxious I was waiting for you,” Mona Lisa sounded like she was about to cry. “You said you’d come in the afternoon, but it was dark and I still didn’t see you. I was worried sick!”

“Oh, I just went to meet a big boss,” Dute boasted.

“However big he is, is he bigger than you?” Mona Lisa said coquettishly.

Dute laughed, but still secretly whispered a few words in her ear.

“Oh, that’s too dangerous! Don’t ever do that again, do you hear me? If you can’t come at night, you must, absolutely must call me in advance, otherwise I’ll stare at the door of Sapphire all night, hoping you’ll walk in the next second. My dance partners noticed, and they laughed at me: ‘Oh dear, where has your little lion cub gone?’”

“Alright, alright, whatever you say,” Dute’s mouth was watering with delight.

Mona Lisa played along, and under her guidance, Dute almost spilled everything that happened that afternoon.

She had become his dream goddess; he felt that the way she looked at him at Sapphire was different from how she looked at others.

She performed for others merely to earn money, but when she turned to him and came to his table, it was clear she was truly dancing for him.

Dute wanted to tell her those exciting stories, often embellishing them to make himself seem as impressive as possible.

He needed her approval, and that focused gaze was the best praise.

He greatly anticipated, anticipated the day she would be completely naked.

This process had to be savored slowly, just like savoring the upcoming fruits of victory.

“Elco Arcade? Good, I understand,” Ron smiled as he hung up the phone.

It was Luca again. Whatever Dute said at Sapphire the previous night would be reported to him first thing the next morning.

The enemy was completely transparent to him, with no secrets to speak of.

Where Videocon planned to cause trouble, who they invited, and what subsequent moves they had, all were clearly explained.

This was like their radar having detected the enemy’s troop deployment, while the other side remained completely unaware, still making small moves in secret.

The feeling of seeing everything clearly was not bad, Ron liked it.

In fact, it wasn’t just Sapphire; yesterday afternoon, he also received a call from the Dawood Gang.

The matter wasn’t about kidnapping or extortion, nor was it a threat or warning, but rather a tip-off.

Yes, Ron knew everything about Dute’s visit to the call service within ten minutes.

That Kamal hung up after mentioning the matter, without hinting at any benefits or favors.

Ron knew what he meant: previous conflicts were misunderstandings, and everyone could coexist harmoniously. See, today’s event was proof; the Dawood Gang would help him at a crucial moment.

Hmm, it was so magical; bars and street gangs had all become Ron’s informants.

Alas, this business war was too boring. How could he lose when he was so far ahead?

Ron wanted to call Mary; Elco Arcade was near their apartment.

But before he could dial, Mr. Tian came again.

“Mr. Sur, is your company planning to abandon the cooperation with NEC?”

“Why do you say that?” Ron feigned surprise.

“Two months have passed, and there are no signs of work on the debugged production line.”

“Oh, our people are rushing to complete the acceptance inspection.”

“That guy is a complete idiot!” Mr. Tian couldn’t hold back.

It was fine not to mention it, but as soon as the acceptance inspection was brought up, he completely lost control of his emotions.

NEC employees meticulously explained every detail of the production line, and that genius acceptance inspector listened with a smile and nodding head throughout.

Afterward, the NEC people asked him if he had any questions, and he actually pointed to the English on the acceptance form and asked how to read it.

“Your people don’t understand anything; that’s a complete waste of time!”

“But we are studying diligently. Precisely because we are backward, India needs Japan’s advanced technology.”

“Mr. Sur, let’s speak frankly,” Mr. Tian didn’t want to waste any more time. “Can the joint venture company continue to operate?”

“Of course.”

“What are the conditions?”

“The import price of core components is too high; it’s unreasonable.”

“So…”

“The unit price of the color picture tube drops to 120 dollars, and the circuit board to 25 dollars.”

“Impossible!” Mr. Tian immediately jumped up. “This price can’t even cover our processing costs.”

The unit price Ron offered was almost two-thirds off NEC’s last quoted price.

You don’t haggle like that; it’s even more ruthless than halving the price.

“Mr. Tian, NEC’s quotation lacks sincerity. 400 dollars is more than three times higher than the international market price, which clearly violates market rules.”

“We price according to the India market, and it’s reasonable compared to similar imported color televisions. Besides, your country’s tariffs are the root cause.”

“We’ll handle the tariffs, but don’t forget, we are a joint venture company. Localized products and imported goods are two completely different concepts.”

“No matter what, this price is too low.”

The unit price for importing color picture tubes internationally is around 140 dollars, so 120 dollars was truly hitting NEC’s main artery.

Finally, after several rounds of back and forth, both sides reluctantly reached a consensus. The unit price of the color picture tube dropped to 150 dollars, and the circuit board to 30 dollars.

It was slightly higher than the international price, but still significantly reduced compared to the last time.

Mr. Tian finally accepted; he had no choice but to.

News came from Japan that JVC and Onida in India had reached an agreement to export a complete production line, including color picture tubes.

People from Toshiba were also negotiating with Videocon and might sign a contract soon.

With two competitors entering the market consecutively, NEC was naturally anxious. If they dragged on any longer, NEC wouldn’t even get a share of the profits.

Unfortunately, they couldn’t secure the ultra-high profit of 400 dollars. Mr. Tian didn’t expect that Ron would just keep stalling like this since the last negotiation, not showing any urgency at all.

As the main investor, providing both money and effort, they actually slacked off.

Seeing that there would be more and more competitors in the India market, Mr. Tian could only take the initiative to approach them.

Well, 150 dollars wasn’t without profit; it was just a little less profit.

“Mr. Sur, since we’ve settled, what about the final payment for the equipment?”

“Oh, the joint venture company’s production line is about to start, and money is needed everywhere. Wait a moment, just wait a moment, okay?”

“In that case, let’s discuss the parts procurement issue again. How many sets is Mr. Sur planning to order in the first batch?”

“Ten thousand sets, what do you think, Mr. Tian?”

“No problem, where’s the money?”

“Hmm?”

“1.8 million dollars, you have to pay a deposit, right? No, not a deposit, the full amount!”

“Mr. Tian, why so, we are a joint venture company,” Ron sighed, feeling that trust between people was just gone.

“It’s rare that Mr. Sur still remembers we are a joint venture company,” Mr. Tian sneered inwardly, “but cash on delivery is the most basic rule of transaction.”

“The company hasn’t sold a single product yet, so finances are indeed a bit tight, but I have a very good suggestion,” Ron looked at him.

“What do you mean?” Mr. Tian was a little curious.

“You’ve seen how hot the India television market is. We can fully produce at full capacity first. Then, after the profits come back, we can repay the previous final payment for the equipment, and the money for purchasing components.”

“Nani?” Mr. Tian was stunned. “You mean credit?”

“It’s highly feasible, isn’t it?” Ron smiled.

“That’s absolutely impossible!”

“Don’t rush, listen to me first. Sur Electrical Appliances’ reputation in the television market has been recognized. Our color televisions are simply not hard to sell; this is an excellent opportunity.”

Mr. Tian was a little tempted; he had even heard about Sur Electrical Appliances’ appeal in the television market.

Sales exceeding 100,000 units in two months would be a major hit in Japan.

“We can try it first; it’s not uncommon in international trade for goods to be held up for several months.”

“We must write these into the contract.”

“No problem.”

Mr. Tian was ultimately tempted; he also believed that now was a good time to expand market share.

Su'er Television was selling too well; it would be a waste not to ride this eastern wind.