Mavi slung his briefcase over his shoulder and took a seat at the conference table. Adjusting his framed glasses, he asked, "Alright, how should we negotiate?"
He wasn't in a hurry. Since he was playing the role of a wolf in sheep's clothing, he had to wait until the last moment before striking. Otherwise, the plan would fall apart.
Seeing that Mavi wasn't willing to say much, Lyon decided to be more direct. "It's simple, Mr. Ma. Let's not beat around the bush—why don't you first tell us how much you think Blizzard is worth?"
For Vivendi, everything revolved around profit. Since Blizzard was no longer producing blockbuster games, the company had lost its value in their eyes. They were simply looking for the highest bidder.
As for future development plans or whether the buyer had the ability to run the company properly—Vivendi didn't care. Their original acquisition was purely for short-term profit, with no long-term strategy in mind.
"I estimate Blizzard's value to be around $2 million," Mavi stated plainly. Given his current persona, he had to start with a lowball offer.
"Two million dollars?" Lyon raised an eyebrow, clearly dissatisfied with the opening bid.
"Mr. Ma, isn't that a bit too low?" Lyon asked bluntly. Vivendi's internal valuation of Blizzard was around $11 million.
Mavi's bid was off by several multiples, making further negotiations nearly impossible. There was simply no common ground.
Even Blizzard's president, Mike Morhaime, who was sitting nearby, felt his expectations drop to rock bottom. He had hoped that a well-funded new owner would provide more resources and support, making things better than under Vivendi's management.
But now, it seemed that this investor lacked financial backing and had severely underestimated Blizzard's worth. This wasn't a negotiation—it was daylight robbery.
"How much do you think would be acceptable, then?" Mavi countered. He had no problem spending money, but he wasn't about to be taken for a fool.
Lyon, already losing interest in the conversation, adjusted his tie and replied coolly, "Let me put it this way, Mr. Ma. Our valuation of Blizzard is $11 million. Since your offer is only $2 million, the gap is too large. I don't think we can continue this discussion."
With that, Lyon prepared to stand up and shake Mavi's hand—a clear sign that the meeting was over. From his experience, negotiations rarely progressed when the initial offers were this far apart. It was nearly impossible to bridge the gap from $2 million to $11 million, let alone go any higher.
However, just as Lyon was about to leave, Mavi suddenly spoke up.
"$11 million? So, if I offer that amount, you'll sell Blizzard to me?"
Lyon was momentarily stunned before hesitantly replying, "Yes. If no higher offers come in within the next few weeks, the deal would likely go through."
As a newly appointed vice president, Lyon wasn't yet an expert negotiator. Given how important this deal was to him, he didn't want to miss any potential opportunities.
Mavi casually nodded and then said, "Alright, I'll add another $9 million."
As soon as he finished speaking, both Lyon and Mike froze in shock!
What kind of strategy was this?
Just moments ago, he had made an embarrassingly low offer of $2 million, and now he was suddenly increasing it by $9 million, as if it were nothing!
"Wait… are you serious, Mr. Ma?" Lyon quickly asked, feeling as though he had just walked into a trap.
"Of course. Do I look like I'm joking?" Mavi replied.
People in the year 2000 were much more naïve compared to 19 years later. A little bit of strategy was all it took to reel them in.
That said, in his past life, Mavi himself had been just as naïve in the year 2000, often indulging in wishful thinking and unrealistic dreams.
"No! No! I mean—really? You're willing to offer $11 million?" Lyon had to confirm once more. For him, the priority was selling Blizzard. As long as the deal went through, the exact amount didn't matter too much—so long as he could justify it to the board.
Mavi simply smiled. "I've already made my offer."
With that, he shook hands with Lyon and Mike, then walked confidently out of Blizzard's headquarters.
As a matter of professional courtesy, both Lyon and Mike followed him outside to see him off. But the moment they stepped out of the building, they were completely stunned by the sight in front of them!
Right in front of the company building were two extended silver Hummer limousines. Their six-wheel design and polished silver exteriors exuded pure luxury and dominance.
But that wasn't all.
Surrounding the limousines were four light gray military Hummers, each equipped with a mounted M60 machine gun, manned by dedicated guards. The entire convoy radiated an overwhelming presence, making it clear that whoever owned it was not someone to be messed with.
"What the hell is going on? Is a high-ranking military official visiting?" Lyon wondered, his first instinct being that some major figure had just arrived.
But before he could process his thoughts, dozens of black-clad bodyguards suddenly rushed toward him!
Startled, Lyon instinctively raised his arms and stumbled backward several steps, nearly scared out of his mind.
"Master Ma."
"Young Master."
The bodyguards ignored Lyon completely and instead surrounded Mavi with the utmost respect and diligence, ensuring his safety.
Mavi simply gave a small nod, unfazed by the grand display. He had long grown accustomed to this level of security.
Meanwhile, standing three meters away, Lyon and Mike exchanged awkward glances, finally realizing who Mavi really was.
Neither of them dared to speak.
But just then, Mavi stepped forward, parting his security detail, and faced them once more.
"If a higher bid comes in, be sure to notify me immediately."
"Yes! Of course!" Lyon nodded frantically.
As a high-level corporate executive, he had never encountered a businessman who showed up for negotiations with a military-grade convoy.
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