Chapter 423: Wanting that permit
Metropolis was the mecca for entrepreneurs looking to develop their companies. The market inside the territory was so good that simply becoming a part of the association would increase their rankingins in the Golden 500 by at least 10 places.
But of course, not everyone could join the Metropolis association. If everyone was allowed, then there would be too much competition within the territory and the market could end up becoming divided.
Only the best of the best could have a chance of joining, much less succeed in this competitive market.
That was why the association was very picky with the companies they accepted. According to Seberus, only five companies every year get their permit to establish their companies in Metropolis.
“The remaining spots could change depending on the situation in Metropolis. If there’s a company that ends up becoming bankrupt and unable to continue business, only then will a spot in the association open up.
This means that on average, about five companies die off in Metropolis.”
Seberus then looked at Michael. “For you, I reckon that the association will immediately give you your permit once they see that you’re a Vanderbilt. But knowing you, I bet that you won’t use that name to your advantage.”
That was exactly the truth. Michael didn’t want to use his last name as an easy pass into Metropolis. He wanted to get in there by his own merit so that the accomplishment would just fall onto him, not the Vanderbilt name.
He built the Reborn company from the ground up without his grandfather’s help. He didn’t need it now.
“How will I get the permit? Just show up in Metropolis and ask for the association?”
“That’s right,” Seberus affirmed. “They will give you a test, a simple one. You have to show that your company can survive in Metropolis’ environment by giving you a temporary stall to sell your product or your service.
And by the end of the testing period, if you have satisfied enough customers, only then will the association give you your permits.”
Michael took all of Seberus’ words in, with ChatJK4 taking notes in the background.
“I’ll get that permit,” he declared.
Seberus smiled. “I know you will. Good luck, boy.”
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Once he was done talking with Seberus, Michael immediately went back to their headquarters to convene with the others.
He wanted to tell them about the next course of action for this company.
So, he gathered everyone at a long table. He was sitting at the very end. On the right of him was Sheina, followed by the other Dragonborns. Right next to the Dragonborns were the two Orc Chieftains as well as Kong, their Chief Engineer.
On his left was Yuna. Fudge was supposed to sit there, but the ninja slime preferred to sit on Yuna’s lap instead, so she was the one who was sitting right next to Michael.
Beside Yuna was his parents, Lylia and Bart. As much as Michael joked, they were important to him as well as for this company.
Right next to Lylia was Castelle, and the one next to her was Grieve, who had been late to the meeting and had to take a seat on the very last spot because he forgot there was even a meeting at all.
“Michael dear, have you finally decided to announce something?” Lylia teased, nudging Yuna at her side.
“No, mom. This is serious. I want to talk about our expansion in the Queens region. Now that we have covered the entire Southern Tip, it is now time for us to expand further out north. Our next stop is in Metropolis.”
A flurry of excited murmurs rang out within the room.
“As you wish, Lord Michael. Thanks to the supplies and resources we got from the companies that want to install their own restaurants in the Truck Stop, we were able to finish the Golden Road expansion to the East, as well as a little bit further up north,” Sheina reported.
“It will probably take a few weeks before we reach Batchrock Town. A week less if we spend more to hurry it up,” Castelle added.
The two women, as per usual, handled the day-to-day business of Reborn, so they were the ones most excited about this expansion.
“Hohoho…Metropolis. I haven’t heard that name in a long while,” Grieve muttered.
“Grieve. Are there any warriors over there that I can defeat? My biceps have been aching for a fight!”
“Zion, please. We’re doing real business here. Act more mature,” Sheina reprimanded him.
“I agree. Why pick a fight when we can just relax?” Jaku added. “We’ve just ended our punishment from the girls team. It’s time we just lay back without worrying about paperwork.”
“You won’t get to,” Sheina replied. “If we want to hurry the construction of the Golden Road and reach Metropolis within a month, then we need all hands on board.”
Contrast to them, Umisu just quietly fidgeted in her seat and held her pen steady. She wanted to help with the paperwork.
Yuna, on the other hand, looked at Michael. “You do know that you will need a permit in order to conduct your business in Metropolis, right?”
His dad, Bart, seconded Yuna’s words. “I heard it’s hard to get a permit there, and even harder to survive.”
Michael nodded at their concerns. “I know. And that’s why I’ve gathered all of you here today. I’m planning on getting a permit from the Metropolis association.”
“Metropolis has a complicated judicial system. There are many rules and regulations when it comes to companies,” Yuna warned.
He looked at her. “I know. And that’s why I need your help.”
As Yuna stared at Michael’s eyes, she felt a flush of heat come to her cheeks. Feeling embarrassed, she quickly turned her head away.
“Hmph. Fine,” she said with a begrudging tone. “But you’ll owe me big time. And this time, you can’t use the excuse of being busy to get out.”
Michael chuckled. “Fine.”
Meanwhile, Bart and Lylia ‘quietly’ poked one another as they watched the two interact with a bit more closeness than before.
Michael had to clear his throat to stop them. “Ahem. Anyway, according to Seberus, we’ll be given a stall in a designated place in Metropolis where we’ll have to show off our products/services to the locals.
Once we’ve earned their votes, we’ll be given a permit to work in Metropolis. We’ll be able to expand our business by then. Is everyone clear?”
They all gave him a look of confidence and excitement. The Dragonborns nodded at him, the Orc Chieftains did their rituals, and Grieve, although he had no eyes, showed his excitement through his clacking ribs.
He put his hand on the table. “All hands on three.”
Everyone reached over from their side of the table, piling on their hands in a circle.
Michael’s hands were on top, with Yuna just below his. He smiled at her before counting down. “On three…one…two—”
“HUZZAH!” Grieve cheered prematurely.
“Aw! You went in too early!” Zion complained.
“I seemed to have forgotten how to count, hohohoho!”
Everyone started chuckling to themselves,
Meanwhile, Michael felt a hand grip on his hand. He looked and it was Yuna, who gave him a reassuring nod.