"If I'm given a Divine chance... a Heavenly opportunity... how could I pass it up?"
At this point, Valentine's Rizz was basically an extension of himself, just as he was an extension of Bob.
"Baka, what are you saying?!?!"
Lucy thought this in her head, having been influenced by too much Animu that she had borrowed from Ukan Trustmi as a kid.
Outwardly, though, she maintained her composure.
"Opportunity? What would that be?" She asked cooly.
Valentine was also cool, but the condensation, moisture inducing kind.
"To work together. As partners." His eyes showed a genuine warmth, his posture was relaxed, neutral and yet attentive, giving Lucy the feeling that she had known him for years, not just a few weeks.
"You would have my complete trust.
That said, what exactly can the Future of Humanity Project provide for you? What can I do for you? In truth, you may not even need my help."
One might initially be awed by this seeming 'classic Rizzian tactic', but the further one treaded along the path of Rizzmaster, the more they would realize that the seeming 'tactics' were in fact an extension of [Intention] - in other words, it seemed effortless because it was effortless. There was no memorization, no following of a 'formula' or plan. It was all an Extension of Awareness, Internalised Mastery, and [Intention], as natural as breathing.
Imagine a doctor. In an ideal world, his role is not to give you medicine when you do not need it. His first role is to diagnose. In other words, to diagnose before attempting to treat.
So it is with Rizzmasters. There is a common misunderstanding, likely perpetrated by the doings of the Dark Rizzards, that Rizzmasters are out to 'get something' from someone. In truth, especially in a business environment, what they are actually doing is similar to a doctor - assessing to see whether intervention would be even needed, and only then, if it was necessary, what the treatment might entail. There was no point trying to help someone who didn't need it.
In other words, whilst Lucy was trying to test Valentine, Valentine was like a doctor who was trying to assess whether the collaboration was necessary in the first place, and like a doctor and patient, full trust, and not manipulation, was the key to meaningful discussion.
It was a huge surprise. Lucy had been expecting careful hedging, she was used guarded discussions where each person was trying to probe the intentions of the other. Yet, instead, she was met with complete confidence and trust!
Ironically, this completely bypassed, or indeed, surpassed, Lucy's expectations and calculations!!!
Lucy hesitated unsure how to continue. "We wanted to see if your project was worth investing in…"
The truth was, they were investing because her father Scroogeux had realised that despite his wealth, money didn't last forever and was just a means to an end.
He recognized the significance of what Valentine was proposing and wanted to be a part of it… but only if it was legit.
"Well… everything seems to be in order… "
"We can provide funding and support to better make the Future of Humanity Project a reality.
"In exchange, we just want a share in the project's natural growth, technology, shares, a say in its expansion. It's not about money, but being part of something meaningful and that would make a difference… "
Valentine took in the information thoughtfully, again channeling his doctor energy.
"I see. What's stopping you from making a difference on your own? Why this project?"
In truth, with the [Eyes of Rizz], Valentine could tell that Lucy was in fact responding very favourably and that the meeting was going well. But the same couldn't be said for him. He needed to know more.
Lucy thought, but actually she wasn't entirely sure since Scroogeux for obvious reasons hadn't revealed his thought that he hoped Valentine might… take a liking to his daughter, this ticking the boxes for furthering his own legacy. So she just shared what he had told her.
"Legacy. The Scroogeux businesses essentially make money by… helping others make money. So we have money and lots of it. But as you know, it is not something you can take with you. So we would like to diversify, and use money which we have, to invest in something we don't - ideas, vision, dreams, Projects that might make the World a better place for everyone."
"Then I have to be upfront. I've just told you that in the end, I intend to entrust the Project to Humanity itself. It's a project that's bigger than just even my vision. Are you okay with that?"
"I-I'll have to let my Father know. Perhaps you could talk to him…"
Lucy herself had managed to finally bring up the main aim - a plausible excuse for her Father to chat with Valentine!!!
Valentine, as an extension of Bob, was, as always, thinking of win-win situations.
There was no harm in him exploring the possibility of partnership with Scroogeux.
There was an opportunity to learn more about the world of business, and perhaps gain s powerful ally. However, he had to be careful regardless to maintain a good relationship and leve the door for future possibilities regardless of the outcome.
He also needed to avoid taking on responsibilities that weren't aligned with his main plan - to achieve success and immortality via genetic or increasingly, mimetic, or means that went beyond simply spreading his DNA.
"Done." Valentine immediately understood what the wily old man was up to.
Unbelievable. Were all old grandpas full of such wisdom?
There was only one way to find out.