Nathaniel thought, 'Frank has the fame, status, power, and wealth, so he surely has access to all the beautiful women he could ever want. Also, my mother introduced Frank to me, so he must be a friend of hers. Why would he lust for Mel?’
With that thought in mind, Nathaniel felt relieved. He smiled at Frank, raised his glass, and said, "Thank you!" Then he downed his wine.
Frank smiled inconspicuously. His eyes flashed behind his gold-framed spectacles.
"By the way, Mr. Moreau, how long will you be in the country? I'm unsure if you’re inclined to develop your career here." Now that Nathaniel had eliminated his doubts, he changed the subject, wanting to keep Mr. Moreau's talents for his use.
"I’m not sure," Frank answered as he refilled his glass. Then he stared at the wine in his glass.
"Since you’re not sure, does that mean you're up for consideration?" Nathaniel deliberately misunderstood his response. "If so, may I know which local company you like? Will it be possible for you to consider joining MN Inc.?"
Frank smirked as he looked up at Nathaniel. 'Is he unaware of how insignificant his company is? Where did he get the audacity to recruit me?’
"Oh?" Frank raised his eyebrows and continued, "I don't know, Mr. Hall. How much salary are we talking about?"
Nathaniel was not a fool. He could hear the ridicule in Frank’s tone, but he did not mind it. It was true that MN Inc.'s capital was limited. It naturally could not compete with the more prominent companies out there.
However, now that he could sit at the same table with Frank Moreau and befriend him, Nathaniel was confident to continue the negotiation, "Indeed, we don't have that many resources. We may not be able to give you the same remuneration that some other companies could.”
"If that's the case, what makes you think I would choose your company?" Frank asked casually, holding the wine glass with his fingers as if he were teasing a cat. His line of sight wandered around and did not stay on Nathaniel.
"Although the remuneration and benefits may not be as plentiful, I guarantee the other companies cannot compare to us in other aspects. Ms. Neville introduced you, and you have been a great help to us, so I see you as a friend. Just mention whatever conditions you have, and we will satisfy you as much as possible.
"Besides, you don't need to listen to anyone in the company except me. I will give you absolute freedom and room for creativity. I believe no other company can give you these."
After a pause, Nathaniel continued confidently, "I believe that with your current status, you should focus on your professional development and prospects instead of the salary. I can give you all these."
Nathaniel spoke eloquently and felt that the conditions he gave were attractive enough. After all, which other company could guarantee Frank absolute freedom?
Frank stopped playing with his wine glass. He steadied his glass on the table and looked up at Nathaniel, "Well, you're wrong."
Nathaniel looked confused.
"Firstly, I don’t care about anything else but money. Salary is one of the most important reasons for choosing a job. I work as a perfumer to make money, Mr. Hall. Do you mean to tell me that the reason you started your company is not to make money?" His words made Nathaniel's face drop.
"Secondly," He continued, "In all the companies I've signed with over the years, absolute creative freedom is necessary. I don't understand why you talk about it as an advantage."
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