A Touching Of Lips (BoyxBoy)

Chapter 18. A Proposal.

"Right!" Chiang called out as he tapped his hand on the table. "Pond and I will now talk privately with Earth."

Everyone fell silent.

Chiang stood up and beckoned me to follow him and Pond to a table at the back of the room. I looked at Korn and Karn and shrugged my shoulders, indicating I knew nothing about it, as I followed them and sat down.

Chiang looked at me and patted my hand. "We are saddened for you about the loss of your father and brothers but, with Pond saving you from death that day, it has presented us with an opportunity to protect ourselves even more from exposure and to create a safe environment for any Merman travelling through our area. My father has commanded me to negotiate a deal with you. When your 18th Birthday arrives in a few weeks time, and you assume some control of your father's assets and business empire......"

"How do you know all that?" I interrupted, "I have not said anything to Ming or Pond about that?"

"We know what is in the will from certain trusted friends. Your father left most of his business assets to be divided evenly between any surviving sons. Other assets were left to his wife and daughter..... but his main property portfolio and investments will come to you, although you won't have total control of it until you reach your 20th Birthday. Both your brothers left you substantial assets too. You will be extremely wealthy."

"I didn't know my brothers had done that. That surprises me."

"With the correct investment, Earth," Pond added, "you would never have to work."

I didn't get a chance to answer as Chiang asked me something that took me aback.

"What we would like to do is negotiate with you a deal regarding us taking over one of the apartment complexes in the property portfolio you will inherit. You will still own it but we would have a long term lease. Is this something you would consider?"

"I d-d-don't know yet what I am allowed or not allowed to d-d-do," I stammered, looking at each of them in turn. "M-m-my mother has already said that my f-father's business partners would carry on running things for me and I will just need to sign things later as they direct. She just wants me to concentrate on my studies and graduate with as many qualifications as p-possible."

"That is understandable and commendable," Pond praised, "but we are aware how many human company directors and officials take the opportunity at times like this to line their own pockets at the expense of an unsuspecting inexperienced new owner. We have support from a few leading businessmen and leaders worldwide. Each of them has been proven trustworthy. Whilst they may not know everything about us, they form a small network of professional people that can act discreetly and provide invaluable advice and information."

I took a deep breath to control my stammering. "What are you wanting me to do? Replace my father's partners with your people?"

"In time, yes!" Chiang answered. "Because the people who work with us are honest and trustworthy, our business investments do well and are financially sound. Those companies and individuals that invest in us find the results successful and beneficial, not only to them, and to their shareholders, but to their employees and the local community and area. We would help you to be successful and in return be successful ourselves."

"As you take control, Earth," Pond added, "you will have the opportunity to appoint your own staff. We would suggest you replace one or two key positions with people loyal to us immediately and slowly introduce more changes later. These people are not Merman but are approved and trusted human partners. We would also suggest that you find positions for people that you trust implicitly. Maybe people like Karn and Korn. People that would protect your interests and not betray your trust."