Reborn in 2005, starting with repairing mobile phones

The following evening, at a private club in San Francisco known for its privacy and service.

Lin Dong arrived fifteen minutes early.

He stood in the rest corridor decorated with oriental ink paintings, looking through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows at the meticulously manicured Japanese dry landscape garden in the courtyard outside.

Footsteps came from the other end of the corridor, unhurried and slow.

Lin Dong turned around and happened to see Wu Ming walking over, led by a waiter.

Their eyes met in mid-air, and they both revealed perfectly timed smiles.

"Good evening, Mr. Wu," Lin Dong said first, nodding slightly.

"Brother Xiaolin!"

Wu Ming quickened his pace, extended his hand enthusiastically, and smiled impeccably. "You're right on time! I was thinking of arriving earlier so as not to keep you waiting, but I still ended up a step later than you."

It seems that we older folks need to learn from your efficiency, young people!

Their hands were clasped together, conveying a deliberate sense of closeness.

"Mr. Wu, you're too kind. You are a senior, and it's only right that I wait for you." Lin Dong's tone was humble, but his demeanor was neither servile nor arrogant.

"Come on, let's go in first and chat over drinks." Wu Ming naturally put his arm around Lin Dong's shoulder, as if the two were old friends who had known each other for a long time, and walked side by side toward the reserved private room.

The corridor was covered with a thick carpet, completely absorbing the sound of footsteps, with only the retro wall lamps casting a warm glow.

"Brother Lin, to be honest," Wu Ming said, glancing sideways at Lin Dong as they walked, his tone filled with undisguised admiration, "I've really gotten to know you well these past few days. And what I've learned is quite a surprise! You're a force to be reckoned with, truly a force to be reckoned with!"

Lin Dong maintained a smile as he listened intently.

"In just six months, starting from repairing mobile phones in Huaqiangbei, he accurately seized several market trends, buying low and selling high, and quickly accumulated capital. His vision, his courage, and his execution..."

Wu Ming shook his head, as if filled with emotion, "When I was your age, I was still running errands and doing odd jobs for others. Your keen market sense and decisive actions are truly admirable, even to an old hand like me."

"Mr. Wu, you flatter me."

Lin Dong responded at the right time, his tone sincere, "It was all luck, plus a little bit of cleverness."

Compared to a senior figure like you who has been involved in international bulk commodity trade for decades, my achievements are insignificant.

You are the true master, with a solid foundation and a steady, methodical approach; you are a role model for us who come after you.

There was mutual praise and a harmonious atmosphere.

Wu Ming laughed heartily, clearly pleased with Lin Dong's response: "Modest! Too modest! Brother Lin, you're no ordinary person."

To emerge from the chaotic and chaotic Huaqiangbei market and then precisely establish a presence in both physical and technological sectors... you've played a very strategic game. When I was your age, I certainly didn't have that kind of composure and foresight.

As they spoke, the two had already reached the door of the private room.

The waiter respectfully opened the door.

This is a typical oriental-style private room, spacious and elegantly furnished, with a large mahogany round table in the center, and a rest area and a separate tea table next to it.

Just as the two sat down, there was another gentle knock on the door of the private room, which was then pushed open.

Jamal, a representative of Gulf Capital, entered accompanied by his assistant.

He looked to be in his forties, wearing a well-tailored dark suit, with a calm and reserved demeanor and sharp eyes.

Lin Dong and Wu Ming immediately stood up.

"Mr. Jamal, welcome."

Lin Dong, as the nominal convener, stepped forward first and extended his hand.

Chen Wei'an quietly provided introductions and necessary translation assistance from the side.

"Mr. Lin, I've heard so much about you."

Jamal's gaze swept quickly over Lin Dong, a fleeting sense of assessment crossing his eyes.

"Mr. Wu, we meet again."

Jamal turned to Wu Ming, his tone equally polite, but lacking the deliberate warmth he was expected to show.

"Mr. Jamal, you look well."

Wu Ming responded with a smile, exchanging pleasantries with practiced ease.

The three sat down again, and the waiter served them carefully prepared hot tea and snacks.

The first few minutes passed with routine greetings and polite comments about the club's ambiance and tea, but an invisible tension had already begun to build in the air.

Lin Dong knew it was time to get down to business.

He put down his teacup and glanced at Wu Ming and Jamal.

"Thank you both for taking the time to come tonight. We're both busy, so we won't waste any more time on formalities."

Lin Dong got straight to the point, saying, "Mr. Anderson has authorized me to handle the transaction of that batch of aluminum materials at the port."

The reason I invited you two here today is that I hope to find a solution that allows all three parties—including the Rossi family, who are responsible for ensuring the smooth delivery of the goods—to get what they need and to settle this matter cleanly and efficiently.

Wu Ming picked up his teacup, blew away the foam, and smiled unchanged: "Brother Lin is straightforward. Mingyuan Trading is determined to get that batch of goods, and the price is negotiable. Our relationship with the port has always been smooth, so delivery will not be a problem."

In his words, he emphasized "all" and "the advantages of traditional channels".

Jamal shook his head slightly: "Mr. Wu, we have a strong interest in a specific part of that shipment."

Based on our technical assessment, approximately 35% of the billets possess unique value. We are willing to pay a premium for this, and we need to ensure the absolute security and confidentiality of the delivery process for this portion of the material.

He mentioned "technical assessment" and "absolute security," which directly conflicted with Wu Ming's "all" and "conventional channels."

The atmosphere froze subtly for a moment.

Wu Ming's smile faded slightly: "Mr. Jamal, business is about first come, first served, and also about the overall picture."

Selling them separately creates extra trouble for both cargo owners and port operations.

Furthermore, how can I determine the exact amount of the specific part you're referring to? And what is the standard?

"Standards can be jointly approved by an authoritative organization."

Jamal remained unyielding, stating, "Problems can be solved; the key lies in the willingness and the solutions. Our priority is the end use and safety of the materials, not just tonnage and price."

The two are about to reach a stalemate over "accepting everything" versus "prioritizing splitting up," which is a microcosm of the previous deadlock.

Lin Dong interjected at the opportune moment, speaking calmly:

"What Mr. Wu wants is the commercial value of this shipment and rapid cash flow to solidify your market position and cash flow."

Mr. Jamal is pursuing the core technological value and supply chain security, for which he is willing to accept higher costs and more complex arrangements.

The Rossi family, however, wanted long-term authority and stable profits in this port, not a one-time toll.

He paused, and seeing that both of them were focused on him, he continued:

"Your needs are not entirely conflicting in nature, but they are squeezed into the same transaction framework."

Forcing one side to make complete concessions will only lead to another deadlock in the deal, or even its collapse.

Mr. Anderson can't wait, and our time costs are also increasing.

Wu Ming narrowed his eyes: "What brilliant idea does Brother Lin have?"