Spy-x-War Showdown
Chapter 500 - 488: Long-term

Chapter 500: Chapter 488: Long-term

The janitors faced a financial crisis, but what’s so surprising about that?

"The janitors want that batch of gold, thirty-three tons of gold isn’t a small amount, but for an organization the size of a secret organization like the janitors..."

Yang Yi paused for a moment because he realized that he actually had no idea how large the janitors were; he only knew they were formidable and the organization was massive, but as to how formidable or how massive, not only did he not know, but there were probably very few people in the world who did.

Shaking his head, Yang Yi continued, "A few billion US dollars isn’t a small sum; it’s right for the janitors to value this money, but I always feel that the janitors are paying too much attention to this sum."

"You can’t view it that way, several billion US dollars, we’re talking about profit with almost no cost. Cash in hand, such a huge sum of cash is something that even companies with a market value of hundreds of billions can’t easily ignore, right?"

Yang Yi smiled and said, "Even if those tons of gold are worth one billion, I don’t know how critical a one billion US dollar cash flow is to a large company because I don’t understand the capital operations of a large company. However, I think someone knows."

After saying this, Yang Yi took out his phone and called Boer.

"Boer, I have a question for you, how important is one billion dollars in cash to a... company with a market value of a hundred billion dollars?"

"A company with a market value of a hundred billion dollars, a super-large company?"

"Maybe not a hundred billion dollars, let’s say ten billion dollars. No, no, let’s stick to the market value of a hundred billion dollars for a large company."

"The significance varies depending on the company. For a company like Apple, which has an extremely abundant cash flow, one billion means nothing. But for a company on the brink of a cash flow crisis, one billion dollars could be life-saving. A market value of a hundred billion could represent high-quality assets, but it might also be the burden that drags a company down."

"Understood, nothing else."

Yang Yi hung up the phone.

Yang Yi understood the significance of cash flow well, but he wanted a professional answer from a professional, not necessarily detailed, but he needed an answer.

"Many companies find themselves in a cash-strapped predicament due to rapid expansion, or some hefty expenses, or perhaps a significant reduction in revenue; the causes vary. But for the janitors..."

Yang Yi smiled and said, "An abrupt change in style is hard to imagine for a secret organization because an established secret organization has matured and stable codes of conduct. You said the janitors would never allow collaborators to suffer losses?"

"Yes, the janitors are very generous with money, never in arrears. Trust is the lifeline of the janitors; this doesn’t need to be said."

Xiao Ran wasn’t trying to defend the janitors, but clearly, their way of operating had given her a great deal of confidence.

Yang Yi nodded and said, "That’s right, the janitors don’t produce products. If one were to classify them, um, let’s say they were in the service industry, a company that never worries about lacking business, a company whose products always sell well, and moreover, this company clearly has not suffered any fatal suppression from the government, yet it has suddenly found itself in a tight financial spot. In that case, the company can only be undergoing rapid expansion or some particularly significant investment. Rapid expansion is unlikely, so that leaves only massive investments or necessary expenses that occupy cash flow."

Xiao Ran replied, confused, "Even so, what does thinking about this do for us?"

Yang Yi let out a breath and said, "I’m trying to figure out what sort of major expenses the janitors could have. This is important for us because I need to be certain whether the janitors are still a trustworthy partner."

Brian suddenly said, "Going to war, military spending is no small sum."

Yang Yi shook his head and said, "It’s possible, but I don’t think that’s it."

After pondering for a long time, Yang Yi shook his head and said, "Alright, no use thinking about it. It’s impossible to guess, but the janitors also can’t be in a fatal crisis. If the janitors are truly just making some investments, it means they are still worth our bet. Since it’s worth the bet, let’s accept the mission then."

Having told Brian and Xiao Ran a bunch of irrelevant things, Yang Yi decided to accept this follow-up mission. As for the dangers and benefits of going to Italy, he didn’t mention any of it.

He avoided talking about the immediate task but discussed a financial crisis instead because Yang Yi was pondering something that might seem far off but was a significant issue for both him and the Organization of Water.

Yang Yi turned around and hurried back to find Terry.

Seeing the stern Yang Yi, Terry smiled and said, "Have you decided yet?"

"I’ll take on the mission."

Terry immediately smiled, but before he could speak, Yang Yi quickly followed up, "Mr. Terry, a question, if I may. Is the janitors’ financial situation a little tight?"

Terry’s smile remained unchanged, as did his expression, but he said in a deep voice, "As for the commission, you needn’t worry. As I said, we will pay the fee for this mission regardless of success."

Yang Yi took a breath and said, "Mr. Terry, I wonder if you’ve heard the saying, ’it’s better to send coal in snow than add flowers on brocade.’ Now, I am willing to ’send coal’ to the janitors during this snowy time."

Terry’s expression finally stiffened, though there was no trace of being moved.

Yang Yi knew he was taking a risk because he was saying things that shouldn’t be said, but he decided to speak his mind.

"Mr. Terry, the Organization of Water is a very small organization, surely an insignificant player among the janitors’ collaborators, but I am willing to lead the Organization of Water in providing assistance within our capability. If there are any tasks, we can negotiate the price, and if they pertain to our common goal, I’m even willing to work for the janitors for free."

Terry’s face showed complexity, and after a long while, he finally said, "Why tell me all this?"

Yang Yi replied gravely, "We have a common goal that coincides, also, I believe the janitors are temporarily facing financial difficulties. I see this as a rare opportunity, one that could let me, or rather the Organization of Water, stand out among its many competitors. I believe the janitors will quickly overcome this not-so-crisis crisis. Although showing gratitude in the underworld is laughable, I think that the janitors, having achieved their status today, will not treat those who are willing to help during tough times unfairly. So, I’m placing a bet, trading immediate benefits for bigger gains in the future."

After a moment of silence, Terry finally spoke softly, "For many years, no one has ever spoken to me like this, never."

Without saying much, Terry resumed his usual indifferent smile and said, "I will convey your goodwill upwards. Now, let’s discuss the mission to Italy."