Chapter 407: Compared to Money, What's Integrity Worth?
As Rhodes Island's head of logistics, the Sarkaz girl before him probably understood the organization's internal situation even better than Kal'tsit herself. And judging from that embarrassed yet utterly serious expression on her face, she definitely didn't look like she was lying.
"Rhodes Island doesn't look like it needs a handout from an outsider like me, right? Aren't you guys doing pretty well these days?"
Steven rubbed his chin, puzzled, as he stood beside Closure. To him, Rhodes Island looked nothing like a company on the verge of collapse. Whether it was the operators moving about or the patients being treated, everything seemed lively and full of energy.
"It's not a handout. Think of it as me trying to pull in a little investment from the Block Consortium. Let's just say… Rhodes Island's situation isn't quite as glamorous as what you're seeing on the surface."
Closure's expression tightened with a mix of frustration and helplessness. It was obvious—she wouldn't have resorted to asking if she had any other choice.
"No way. Medical companies are supposed to be some of the most profitable businesses around, right? And you all must be developing tons of stuff. Why would you need me to back you up?"
Steven's curiosity only grew. Closure's attitude really didn't line up with his expectations. Medical industries were notorious for how much money they could pull in—selling patents, drugs, treating wealthy clients—any of those could be a fountain of profit.
If Rhodes Island were truly just a mercenary group, then going bankrupt would at least make sense. But judging from the professional competence of Kal'tsit and Warfarin, there was no way they should've been driven into this situation.
"You make it sound simple. But do you know what Kal'tsit has been doing all these years? She's thrown nearly the entire medical department's efforts into researching a cure for Oripathy. That so-called 'profit' doesn't even begin to cover the costs she burns through."
"And forget that—Rhodes Island shelters a massive number of infected. Just maintaining their bodies and slowing the erosion from Oripathy is a bottomless pit for resources."
Closure's voice grew downright pitiful as she complained, clutching Steven's sleeve as though unburdening all the troubles she'd faced over the years.
"Sometimes Kal'tsit calls me stingy or a greedy merchant, but does she ever stop to think? If I weren't the one managing the logistics, she would've bankrupted Rhodes Island ages ago!"
Bringing up the culprit behind it all made Closure's expression twist even further. Sure, without Kal'tsit's support, the founding of Rhodes Island would've been nothing but a fantasy. But the decisions she'd made over the years… well, they definitely weren't what you'd expect from someone in a leadership position.
At least in terms of operations, Kal'tsit's performance could only be described as… a steaming pile of disaster.
"She did say recently that she wanted to bring in someone professional to handle this stuff, but right now Rhodes Island is seriously about to run out of food to put on the table."
"And the trade deal we negotiated with the Kazimierz Chamber of Commerce? Thanks to that trouble you stirred up, we can't sell anything for the time being. If I don't come beg you, what else am I supposed to do?"
Her delicate little face drooped, and Closure's wilted, defeated expression made Steven want to laugh despite himself. It was hard not to when she looked that pitiful.
Still… if things really were as she said, then coming to him was indeed the fastest and most convenient solution. After all, the power of the Block Consortium was no joke.
"So, how'd you find out who I am? Did Kal'tsit tell you?"
Steven didn't bother denying anything. Instead, he shifted to another question. As the hidden owner of the Block Consortium, there were only a handful of people in Rhodes Island who should've known. Don't tell him Kal'tsit was actually a gossip who couldn't keep secrets?
"Well~ Kal'tsit only figured it out after gathering info from several elite operators, right? And you do know about the relationship between me, you, and those elites~"
Closure stuck out her tongue and said no more. But that was plenty for Steven to guess what happened.
"Tch. I wanted to get along with you guys as a normal person, you know? Before I even had a chance to keep some distance, everything got exposed… fine, whatever. Yes, I'm rich. The entire Block Consortium is mine at the moment. I don't mind having some business partners."
He scratched his head, then added:
"But the problem is—why should I work with Rhodes Island, an organization you yourself said has no future and bleeds money nonstop? What benefit is there for me?"
"Merchants pursue profit. You should know that better than anyone."
He extended his hand in a very clear "so what's in it for me?" gesture. Borrowing money? Easy. Investment? Sure, also easy.
But what benefits were on the table? What could Rhodes Island possibly offer that would make it worth it?
"Let me think… How about this: consider it you buying shares in Rhodes Island! Once we overcome Oripathy, you'll be the hero of this land! At that point you'll be rolling in money, right?"
She pitched it like some salesgirl reciting a script—but she failed to notice the odd expression forming on Steven's face.
Really now… trying to bait him with something like "curing Oripathy"? Was she underestimating him? If he wanted to, he could probably solve it in no time.
Besides, did he look like someone who cared about money?
"I feel like if you offered something like, 'after you invest, I'll visit your room tonight,' that would be more convincing than that huge imaginary profit pie."
Steven shot her a sideways glance and answered with a joke.
"Eh? That's all you want? Then what color clothes should I wear? If I stay for two nights, do I get more?"
Completely unacquainted with the concept of shame, Closure instantly latched onto Steven's arm, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as she asked.
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Note: Character Illustration is in this Google Drive:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iuyfwNVFHzIi9H4rWNT_lAm7jTSiah_M
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