Building a Business Empire with my Technological System
Chapter 123: Prelude to Meeting

Michael Reyes, the CEO of SolaraTech, sat with a furrowed brow as he intently read through a letter just received. It was from Wei, the head of CinkoSolar—a letter that could mark a turning point in their ongoing dispute.

[Dear Mr. Reyes,

I am writing in response to your invitation to discuss our current concerns. We at CinkoSolar appreciate the opportunity to meet and are prepared to accept your proposal. It is indeed in our mutual interest to seek an amicable resolution.

As such, I will personally be attending the meeting at your BGC headquarters on November 10th, 2025. It is my hope that by meeting face-to-face, we can fully understand each other's positions and work toward a solution that benefits both SolaraTech and CinkoSolar.

I look forward to our conversation and am optimistic about the outcomes we can achieve.

Sincerely,

Wei

CEO, CinkoSolar]

Michael leaned back in his chair, the letter rustling softly in his hands. The acceptance of the meeting was a cautious but definitive step forward from Wei, and Michael knew the weight of this upcoming interaction. A resolution seemed more tangible now, yet the path to it was still fraught with complexity.

"They accepted our proposal," Michael said to Juliet, who was standing in front of him.

"That's a good move for them, I wonder how this dispute will be solved? It's a miracle that the incident wasn't caught by the public after all these weeks."

"We know what matters need to be kept under the lid," Michael, his hands clasped together on the desk, looked up at Juliet. "They've agreed to meet, which gives us a chance to resolve this without more drama. We need to keep this low profile, just like we've managed so far."

"The last thing we need is for this to blow up in the media. It's been quiet, but that can change quickly if either side makes the wrong move. People would wonder why the CEO of the CinkoSolar meets the CEO of the SolaraTech."

Michael stood, his silhouette framed against the sprawling city view.

"We'll plan out the meeting down to the last detail. And if questions arise, we'll say it's a routine industry discussion. Nothing more."

Juliet, always the detail-oriented one, was already considering the optics. "We'll need a cover story for the meeting—a discussion on future collaborations or industry trends could work. Something innocuous."

He nodded, turning from the window. "Yes, that will be our official stance. Internally, though, we prepare for a negotiation. I want a comprehensive analysis of their financials, market position, anything that can give us an edge."

"You'll have it," Juliet assured.

Michael took a seat again, eyes narrowing with strategic planning. "We have the upper hand, with their willingness to come to our ground. Let's make sure we maintain it."

"I'll brief the team," Juliet confirmed, poised to leave and initiate the protocols they had in place for such sensitive matters.

"And Juliet," Michael called out just as she reached the door, "make sure our legal team is on standby. Depending on how this meeting goes, we might need them to draft a settlement or prepare for a counter-offensive."

"Of course, Mr. Reyes. Everything will be set," she said, not missing a beat. With a last affirming nod, she stepped out, closing the door behind her, and leaving Michael alone.

Michael sat back on his chair and then grabbed his phone and called Bridget. It didn't take long for Bridget to answer her phone.

"Michael…it's been long since you last talked to me. I miss you," Bridget said.

"Woah…" Michael exclaimed softly. It was probably the first time Michael heard Bridget initiating a personal conversation during a work call. He cleared his throat, momentarily taken aback by her candor but quickly regained his professional demeanor.

"Ahw…I miss you too," Michael cooed. "You are coming back here to the Philippines in November right?"

"That's right," Bridget confirmed. "So what's the matter?"

"Well, Mr. Wei from the CinkoSolar just accepted our proposal for a meeting here at our BGC headquarters on November 10th," Michael explained. "It's a significant step towards resolving our ongoing dispute."

"That's good to hear. When is this meeting exactly?" Bridget inquired.

"November 10th."

"Ahh…well I can still make it before then. I'll adjust my schedule accordingly. It's important that we're all on the same page before this meeting takes place," Bridget responded, her tone shifting towards a more business-like demeanor.

"That's reassuring to hear. I'll be glad to have you on our side when the day comes. Your insights will be invaluable."

"Definitely. I'll make sure to review our current strategy and any pertinent data that could aid us during the negotiations. Anything in particular you want me to focus on?" Bridget asked, ready to dive into preparation mode.

"Primarily, their weaknesses and any leverage we can use. Also, I'd like you to look into any recent moves they've made in the market that might give us insight into their strategy."

"Got it. I'll compile everything and have a briefing ready for you before the meeting. It sounds like this could be a pivotal moment for us. We need to play it smart," Bridget said.

Michael nodded, though she couldn't see it. "Okay, I'll hang up now. Goodbye, I miss you."

"Miss you too, Michael. Bye," Bridget replied, ending the call.

***

November 10th, 2025.

Arriving at the PSE Tower, a convoy of sleek, black vehicles made its way through the bustling heart of Bonifacio Global City. The early morning sun reflected off their polished surfaces as they approached the main entrance. Inside the lead vehicle, Wei, CEO of CinkoSolar, was going over the last-minute details of his presentation and the points he planned to negotiate.

His fingers tapped rhythmically against the leather binder containing critical documents and analyses. Despite his composed exterior, a sense of anticipation tingled through him.

Wei's assistant, Li Hua, leaned forward, offering a tablet with the latest market trends and financial reports.

"Everything's updated, sir," she assured him. Wei gave a brief nod, his eyes scanning the data one last time. He knew the importance of being fully prepared, especially when going into potentially contentious discussions.

As the vehicle came to a stop, Wei took a deep breath, straightening his suit. He glanced at his reflection in the rearview mirror, adjusting his tie with a practiced hand.

Stepping out of the car, Wei's gaze swept up the towering facade of the PSE Tower. He adjusted his cufflinks, a subtle gesture of readiness. He stepped out of the vehicle and into the warm morning air.

"This is it."