Master the Abyss, starting from an apprentice priest.

Chapter 312: Open and Honest Negotiation (5k1)

Golden Country Bank, inside the vice president's office.

Gonzalo invited Rossouw and Index to the office on the third floor of the bank, and personally took out the treasured red wine from the window.

After sobering up, he took out a glass specially used for drinking red wine from among the many high-end glass wine glasses on the shelf next to his desk and filled it one-third full.

"I heard from Miss Index that Mr. Luo Xiu also loves the red wine produced by the Rocktier Manor."

Gonzalo said this with a smile, and at the same time walked up to Luo Xiu and handed him a glass of wine.

"If you come to the bank again, you can send someone to inform me first. I really don't have any preparations this time. Please forgive me for my poor hospitality."

"Welcome, Mr. Luo Xiu. As always, we look forward to achieving better cooperation with you."

Hearing Gonzalo say this, Luo Xiu also stood up and took the glass of red wine from him.

It exuded a light fruity aroma. Luo Xiu pinched the handle of the glass and shook it gently, allowing the light red wine to hang on the wall of the glass like a thin mist.

Actually, I don't like drinking... Luo Xiu looked at Index and guessed that when she first met Gonzalo, she must have made up some stories to suit the occasion.

He then nodded to Gonzalo, smiled and replied:

"Thank you, Mr. Gonzalo. I can sense that you are more enthusiastic than ever."

"You're joking, Mr. Luo Xiu. Your investments have given the bank a whole new lease of life. You are our most important customer and our most valuable friend."

"Really?" Luo Xiu nodded and took a sip of the red wine in the glass, still smiling. "It's my honor to receive such an evaluation."

……

Before talking about the serious topics, they had a brief but necessary business exchange.

Afterwards, Luo Xiu returned to the guest seat, and Gonzalo also sat in the main seat and asked Luo Xiu:

"May I ask you something, Mr. Luo Xiu?"

He seemed to be hesitant to talk, and Luo Xiu saw it and roughly knew what question he wanted to ask.

"Please ask, Mr. Gonzalo." Luo Xiu responded in a gentle voice.

“This may be a little offensive…”

Gonzalo organized his words and said to Luo Xiu:

"You know, it has been nearly half a year since the outbreak of the 'Trial War'."

"Because the war situation has become increasingly tense, the Empire's control over foreign merchants like us has gradually become stricter... Many of our investment projects have been greatly restricted, including some, um... gray industry things."

"Therefore, the bank headquarters far away in the Golden Country issued us a new policy adjustment some time ago - [All customers who have signed a cooperation contract with the Golden Country Bank opened by the Empire, if they have plans to further deepen cooperation, should, in principle, have an identity certificate of an Empire citizen and have no other cooperative relations with the Dark Principality or the Holy Tower Church]..."

"We have to understand the background of who we are working with so that we can better ensure safety, for both of us."

Gonzalo spoke very tactfully, and he was also observing Luo Xiu's reaction at the same time.

"Yes, I understand." Luo Xiu nodded, "This is a reasonable decision."

After Gonzalo said these words, Luo Xiu already understood what he wanted to ask. Then he heard Gonzalo continue:

"I hope you don't misunderstand me, Mr. Luo Xiu. You are still our important business partner, but we need to have a deeper and more detailed understanding of your background."

"You and Ms. Index are both from the 'Kalos Family'... but it seems that apart from you and Ms. Index, there is no third outstanding elite from the 'Kalos' Family in the Songyuan Territory."

"..."

"'Carlos', that was the name of the director of an orphanage that used to be in Sina City."

When Gonzalo paused, Luo Xiu answered him:

"Index and I grew up there, and later on, we each had our own careers. We were both orphans and didn't know our original names, so we used the name 'Carlos' as our last name."

As Luo Xiu spoke, he took out his Imperial Citizenship Certificate from his arms, and at the same time reached out to Index, took the Citizenship Certificate that Index took out of the soft bag, and handed it to Gonzalo.

Most of what Luo Xiu said was true. When Luo Xiu had gained a certain status and position in the Holy Court system, he had specifically investigated his original experience before becoming a clergyman. The clergy archives of the Dawn Town Church and the Sina City Church recorded the events of the "Carlos Orphanage".

His original purpose was to investigate the relationship between himself and the former bishop of the Sina City Church, Alfonso Durant, but he accidentally learned about other things.

As for the fact that Index also came from the "Carlos Orphanage", that was a pure lie... However, with the power of the "Fallen Angel" Tatia, this level of "deception" would not be discovered or exposed by Gonzalo, who is just an ordinary person.

"So that's how it is..." Gonzalo nodded.

His eyes fell on the two citizenship certificates on the table at the same time. The names, patterns, seals, etc. on them were all real and could indeed prove the identities of the two people.

After confirming that Ross and Index were indeed citizens of the Empire, Gonzalo smiled and said:
"No wonder I felt strange when I first heard the family name 'Carlos'. I didn't know you had such an experience."

"You didn't come from a prominent family, but you have achieved what you have today. This is truly a model of starting from scratch. I admire you from the bottom of my heart!"

"only……"

He hesitated to speak again, and Luo Xiu kept smiling, waiting for him to ask new questions.

The air seemed to suddenly stop. After a while, Gonzalo smiled and shook his head.

"……never mind."

"What I was thinking about just now is a bit too far-fetched."

"Don't be ridiculous, but I heard a while ago that the name of the newly promoted bishop in the church established by the Holy See in the Red Maple City Fortress on the border is also 'Rosius Carlos'..."

"I've always wanted to ask if you and the bishop have any family connection... but since you said that your name 'Carlos' comes from an orphanage, then, well, it should just be a coincidence of having the same name and surname."

"..."

After Gonzalo finished speaking, he looked up at Luo Xiu with an embarrassed expression on his face.

But his expression soon froze.

Because he found that when he said that the name of the bishop of the Red Maple City Church was also "Luo Xiu Carlos", there was no fluctuation on the faces of the two people opposite him, and Luo Xiu even had a subtle smile on the corner of his mouth!

"We do have some connection."

Looking directly into Gonzalo's eyes, Luo Xiu said slowly:
"Mr. Gonzalo. In fact, I did set out from Red Maple City and arrived here this morning."

"..."

--what?

Although Gonzalo did not say anything, the expression on his face revealed his thoughts at the moment.

"You...you..."

He suddenly started to stutter when he spoke, and his originally straight back began to bend unconsciously.

"You really are... you are the one..."

He met Luo Xiu's eyes with a pleading look, eager to get an answer from the distinguished guest opposite him.

He only saw Luo Xiu nodded calmly.

"Well, it is exactly what you think, Mr. Gonzalo."

Luo Xiu said in a gentle voice: "My name is 'Luo Xiu Carlos'. After leaving the orphanage, I was taken in and taught by the church, and since then I have become a clergyman."

While speaking, Luo Xiu no longer suppressed his spirituality, but exuded a faint sacred aura, making Gonzalo feel a burning warmth.

At this point, Gonzalo finally believed it completely - the distinguished guest sitting in front of him, "Rosius Carlos", was really a [Glorious] extraordinary person!
As an ordinary person, Gonzalo could not distinguish the strength, richness or shallowness of spirituality. He only felt a warm air flow gently lifting and surrounding him, making him feel that his body and mind were gradually relaxing.

While stimulating his spirituality, Luo Xiu smiled at Gonzalo and said:
"I wonder if Mr. Alardin has ever told you that the reason I met Mr. Alardin was when I was on my way to Sina City as a 'priest'."

“…When you first wanted to establish cooperation with the bank, we did ask for our opinion.”

Gonzalo sighed, "The young master only told us that he did give you a family emblem, and other than that, he didn't reveal much to us." "Mr. Alardin is really too busy, he may not remember me." Luo Xiu smiled.

As Gonzalo still doubted his identity, Luo Xiu simply confessed his family background to him.

It was bound to happen sooner or later - with the help of the new policy issued by the Golden Country Bank headquarters, Gonzalo's doubts could be dispelled, and the disclosure of his identity as the "Bishop" would help him gain more benefits.

However, "revealing" one's public identity like this is passive to a certain extent, and Luo Xiu needs to take back chips of equal value.

The kind and gentle smile on his face gradually faded.

"I have always been cooperating with you as a 'businessman', Mr. Gonzalo."

Luo Xiu said calmly:

"When I realized that as a 'priest', the name 'Rosius Carlos' was becoming more and more burdensome, I gradually reduced my activities under my real identity and handed over the business affairs to my sister."

"It's just... now that the Golden Country Bank's headquarters has moved out new policies, I also need to think carefully about how we should proceed with the next step of cooperation."

"What do you think, Mr. Gonzalo?"

Hearing what Luo Xiu said, Gonzalo's eyes became cautious and respectful.

"You are right, Luo... No, Your Excellency the Bishop."

Gonzalo said: "Please allow me to use a respectful title for you. Your status deserves this respect."

Gonzalo understood very well how much benefit and advantage would be generated if their "Bank of the Golden Country" could have a deeper cooperation with a "bishop".

Deeper intelligence advantages, more cash flow, broader and higher-level personal connections... the benefits are innumerable, and Gonzalo gradually became excited.

In the past, the bank did have business partnerships with several high-ranking people in the [Supreme] and [Intellectual] positions, but most of those collaborations were superficial and not profound.

Because the rulers of the Nolan Empire - those in high positions with the [Supreme] destiny - actually established the empire's own banking system.

The economic investment activities of the extraordinary people with the three major destinies of "Supreme", "Wisdom" and "Glorious" are mostly carried out in the Imperial Bank. This is essentially a two-way contract - the Empire needs to be "bound" economically with these high-ranking people, and at the same time, provide them with more stable returns.

As for the difference between the "Gold Country Bank" and the "Imperial Bank", it is like "stocks" and "government bonds" - the former has high risks and high returns, while the latter has stable returns but it is difficult to obtain admission qualifications.

In the eyes of the high-ranking officials of the Empire, the Golden Country Bank itself is actually considered an "invasion of foreign capital." If it had not brought considerable profits and vitality to the Empire's economic market, the Empire would not have allowed the Golden Country Bank to develop to this day.

But even so, the situation of the Golden Country Bank is still somewhat difficult - this can be easily seen from the series of controls and restrictions imposed by the Empire on banks.

but.

Now, the person who can help Songyuan City-Golden Country Bank get out of its predicament to a certain extent is sitting in front of Gonzalo!
"I sincerely look forward to establishing a deeper cooperative relationship with you." Gonzalo said respectfully to Luo Xiu.

His attitude, compared to before, has become much more humble... Luo Xiu sensed the subtle changes in Gonzalo, and the smile that had been restrained reappeared, and he said with a smile:
"Don't be nervous, Mr. Gonzalo. Putting aside my identity as the 'bishop', we are still good friends."

"I will continue to cooperate with you, but we do need to have a good chat about the new direction of our cooperation."

He comforted Gonzalo in this way.

After all, the significance of "Bank of the Golden Country" to Luo Xiu is equivalent to the "Swiss Bank" in his previous life... Any good or bad assets can be invested or stored in it, just in case the "Holy Abyss" is exposed and breaks off relations with the Empire, he can still retain this asset to the maximum extent.

Gonzalo nodded, straightened his sitting posture, and asked Luo Xiu respectfully:
"So, Mr. Luo Xiu, what is your proposal?"

"..."

"My deposit in the Golden Country Bank, my identity as a 'bishop', and the first-hand intelligence I obtained, these are my bargaining chips."

Luo Xiu said calmly:

"As 'businessman' Ross Carlos."

"I hope to increase investment in areas such as 'military employment', 'refugee accommodation' and 'general-purpose buildings', and invest all my savings in the bank - two-thirds of the 120,000 gold coins, or 80,000 gold coins - in them."

“And beyond that, I needed financing — lots of financing.”

"Mr. Gonzalo, I am planning to set up a chamber of commerce. It will be registered under the name of the Golden Country Bank and managed by my sister Index. I hope you can help me with site selection and planning."

"That's no problem, my friend." Gonzalo nodded, "I'm happy to do that for you."

"As for other cooperation..."

After a pause, Luo Xiu looked into Gonzalo's eyes and said:
"As 'Bishop' Rosso Carlos."

"I want to get 5% of the profits of Songyuancheng-Golden Country Bank, and as a shareholder, participate in the decision-making and management of the bank."

"If you want to cooperate further with me as the 'bishop', these are the prices I offer-"

"If you agree to my conditions, I will give you the opportunity to establish cooperation with my 'church'."

"..."

Profit from 5% of the shares... Gonzalo's pupils shrank slightly.

That’s a pretty huge amount—even though it’s only 5%, it’s still tens of thousands in profit per month!

As the vice president, Gonzalo actually only holds 10% of the bank's shares. When Luo Xiu made such a proposal, he couldn't help but narrow his eyes.

"Forgive me, I can't make a decision on such a big matter..."

Gonzalo apologized and said, "I am only the 'Vice President'. If the shareholders do not voluntarily donate the shares, a meeting of more than half of the shareholders will be required to make relevant resolutions..."

"I know, Mr. Gonzalo." Luo Xiu nodded and didn't care.

"I understand that you don't have the power to make decisions, Mr. Gonzalo...but the person I want to talk to is not you."

Then, Luo Xiu suddenly raised his head and looked at the white wall behind Gonzalo's seat.

"——President Qiao Dewen, I think we can meet now."

Luo Xiu said loudly:

"I have already confessed my true identity. Will you also be honest with me?"

"......?" When Luo Xiu said this, Gonzalo was stunned.

He heard his teacher's name—heard the name of President "Joe Dewen."

That bishop...that "Rosius Carlos", why did he know the bank president's name?
They had obviously never met each other, and... the teacher was not in this room!

Just as Gonzalo was thinking this.

He followed Luo Xiu's gaze towards the wall, and his eyes suddenly narrowed.

Just on the surface of the wall, a series of gray light and shadows floated, revealing the thin outline of a human being.

"...How did you tell?"

The human figure made a voice belonging to "President Qiao Dewen", "Ha, I thought I hid well enough..."

"Your spirituality is not completely hidden, Mr. President." Luo Xiu smiled, "I noticed you a long time ago. It turns out that you also have a hobby of eavesdropping."

"...Hey, I just don't like heavy lifting, but I enjoy being behind the scenes."

Qiao Dewen's figure became clearer and clearer. Under Gonzalo's stunned gaze, Qiao Dewen said to him:

"You go out first, Gonzalo."

"Remember to close the door."

"Your Excellency the Bishop and I also have some topics we want to discuss."

……

(End of this chapter)