Seeing the man's unfriendly expression, Deanna playfully stuck out her tongue and said with a sheepish smile, "It just slipped out."
Lance's eyes showed a helpless indulgence. However, he maintained a serious facade and warned, "I'll let it slide this time, but don't be say thank you next time, or I won't be spank you."
"Understood, understood," Deanna nodded repeatedly, indicating she wouldn't do it again.
After some playful banter, they notified the hotel to send up dinner. After eating, they decided to rest early. They had been on a plane for several hours and were exhausted.
Deanna wanted to be well-rested to be in top form for the meeting with Harris Group the next day. Lance knew how important the meeting was for Deanna, so he simply held her as they fell asleep.
The next day, they woke up early. After a simple breakfast, they left the hotel and headed to Harris Group. Located in the prime financial district of Klidphis, Harris Group's headquarters was a towering skyscraper. From the outside, it looked impressive. However, having seen the grandeur of Mercer Group, Deanna felt indifferent to Harris Group's imposing presence.
"Hello, we are from Cloudmere and have an appointment with your president at nine o'clock. Could you inform him of our arrival?" Deanna spoke gently to the receptionist.
The receptionist was momentarily stunned by Deanna's bright appearance and the distinguished aura of the man beside her. She quickly put on a professional smile and said politely, "Please wait a moment while I verify your information."
As she checked the details, she recalled that her boss had specifically instructed her that morning to escort any guests from Cloudmere directly to the VIP room.
"Mr. Mercer and Ms. Jones, Mr. Harris has instructed us to take you upstairs immediately upon your arrival," the receptionist said as she led them to the VIP room. She offered them seats and served tea, saying respectfully, "Please wait here; Mr. Harris will be with you shortly."
Almost as soon as she finished speaking, a young man in a silver-gray suit entered the room. He appeared to be in his early thirties with a tanned complexion. Though not particularly handsome, he exuded a rugged charm.
The man quickly assessed the attractive couple before him and greeted Lance, "I've heard much about you, Mr. Mercer. It's an honor to finally meet you." Though his words were complimentary, his tone was not ingratiating.
This made Lance raise an eyebrow slightly. Based on what he knew about this man, such a tone was characteristic of him.
"Hello," Lance responded calmly.
Unfazed by Lance's aloofness, the man turned his attention to Deanna. "And this must be Mrs. Mercer, the renowned healer from Cloudmere."
"Mr. Harris flatters me. I'm merely fortunate to have cured a few difficult cases," Deanna replied modestly.
The man nodded and exchanged a few more pleasantries before getting to the point. "What brings you to Klidphis? Is there an issue with the herbs we previously supplied?"
"The herbs are fine. We're here to discuss a potential collaboration," Deanna explained directly. "I have established a research institute in Cloudmere focused on drug development, which requires a substantial supply of herbs."
The man's expression remained calm as if he had anticipated this. However, recalling what he had learned about Deanna and her background in ancient medical arts, he couldn't help but ask, "May I ask who your master is?"
"Sorry, I can't disclose my master's name without his permission," Deanna replied apologetically, subtly frowning at the question.
Sensing her discomfort, the man smiled lightly and said, "I understand. I won't press further."
After a brief pause, he continued, "Regarding the collaboration, I have no objections. If you have no additional conditions, we can sign the agreement today."