ccnovels Chapter 529 - 347: Beverage Supply
Chapter 529 - 347: Beverage Supply
The deal is set.But John didn’t turn around and drive off.
Partly out of fear that the Owl Town Gang might gather people to strike back, and partly to check on the restaurant’s construction status.
Old Harper is slick-minded, but his work attitude is impeccable.
Several large pieces of construction equipment are parked at the restaurant site, rented and temporarily deployed from other sites.
The materials stacked inside the enclosure are top-quality goods.
John deliberately lingered for a while.
He wanted Old Harper to come over on his own, and casually ask about the liquor supply — such astute people aren’t suited for friendship, but they do make good business partners.
The head of restaurant construction appeared first.
John learned from the other party:
Old Harper is an old hand in Damascus, and his words carry weight. He typically oversees smuggling operations for the Wanderer and also manages construction business and daily camp operations.
His interest in the small Chavez Restaurant site was because he found John intriguing.
The head of restaurant construction hadn’t met John before, but had heard stories, especially about how the mercenary who just solved the Owl Town Gang problem was none other than him, so he specifically came to greet him and reconfirm some design details.
Once the two finished discussing, Old Harper finally appeared.
"Is this okay?"
John actively brought up the matter of shooting earlier.
"You shot Owl Town Gang members, won’t straining relations affect your business on Sakura Cross Street?"
The fresh produce business at Radiant Dust Farm caters to the whole city.
They’re going to deliver to establishments under Owl Town Gang’s Sex Doll Club and other high-end venues.
"Hahaha."
Old Harper laughed and waved his hand, "Business isn’t just talk, buddy. I tried using peaceful means, but they showed no respect, so I had to bring out the guns to communicate."
He smiled, his chin bristling with stubble.
"Eastern people are really strange, sometimes you have to be tough. The harder you hit, the more they respect you as a serious threat. If you talk softly, they’ll outwardly agree but secretly trip you up."
Old Harper seemed to be joking but was actually hinting at how John should handle harassment from Owl Town Gang.
John obviously understood.
He nodded and accepted the suggestion, smoothly bringing up the liquor supply issue.
"Do you have a liquor supply channel?"
"Come on, John, we’re in the fresh produce business, of course we know all kinds of suppliers, liquor, spices, Super Sensing Chips... you name it."
"Just liquor, something suitable for a restaurant?"
John was talking business.
This old fox always wanted to get him involved in the Wanderer’s city feuds.
"Of course we do, we can take care of it for you."
Old Harper perched on a pile of construction materials, with the sound of metal retractable smoke rod popping open, taking a puff, his wrinkled eyes squinting at John.
"Private label beer, high-end imported wines, cocktail recipes, or whichever channels we have ready, just nod and I can ensure the original bars stop supplying, and you’ll be the only one in Eden City who can sell."
"Don’t just talk about benefits, lay out the price too."
John wasn’t new to the streets.
Old Harper spread his hands. "Considering the four-month vacuum period, it’s been a while since we’ve done a job together. Damascus has expanded and gained more enemies, all tough competitors. How about you run a few trips with us?"
"Can we settle this with money?"
"John, don’t be like that, there’s no need for formalities between us."
Old Harper sensed his rejection. "Damascus respects you, but newcomers are increasing. They won’t understand our friendship; you have to do something to prove our relationship is still solid."
[Mission Objective Updated:]
[Accept the Damascus commission. (Optional)]
[Decline. (Optional)]
John ceased speaking entirely.
Old Harper’s modus operandi continuously hinted at John.
The relationship from four months ago was on the verge of expiring; if John wanted extra consideration from the Wanderer, he’d need to take on significant tasks to show sincerity and continue to receive equal assistance amid Damascus’s rapid growth.
This is a mindset deeply ingrained in the Wanderer, centered on camping operations.
Old Harper couldn’t be faulted for his restaurant reconstruction work, but always tried to leverage emotional ties to drag John into further trouble.
He didn’t do anything wrong, and his approach was even correct for a high-ranking member of the Wanderer.
It’s just that John didn’t like it.
If one day Alonna or Nando called for help, John would grab his gun and drive straight over.
Not with Old Harper.
John disliked invisible coercion.
Old Harper knew the deal fell apart and didn’t want to antagonize John.
He sighed, shook his head, and continued.
"Alright, you’re booked, can’t get you if you’re not available, so let’s talk business."
Old Harper pointed to the ice-cold beer boxes scattered around the construction site.
"Beer is a good thing too, we have supply chains in the city... just to clarify, there are two flavors: one is co-branded and canned with others, whatever quantity you need we can supply, selling to others too, not short of your restaurant alone."
He paused momentarily, ensuring John understood before continuing.
"Another type is brewed for camp use, with better flavor. As a friend, drink as much as you want from the site, Radiant Dust Farm, or the wild camps, it’s all yours, but if you intend to sell... like wholesale quantities, we have to circle back to the previous topic."
John nodded to show understanding.
Damascus can solve the beer supply issue, but only the regular version; for better beer supply, the relationship would need to be elevated.
John thought of the frequent text message pop-ups.
[Reputation] [Social Level] phrases flashed through his mind.
And with that, the conversation ended.
John didn’t linger at the restaurant.
He returned to Silver Rider 577’s driver seat, dialing Raphael’s number.
Her number displayed no avatar, just default system background and voice waveform.
[Raphael: Helping out or taking a job?]
The other party spoke first, quite directly.
John and Raphael’s relationship wasn’t exactly friendly, considering when he returned, she had sent people armed and ready, and his visit shattered doors to get in.
Yet Raphael still answered the call.
This is a middleman’s professionalism.
"Both."
John spoke of the restaurant reconstruction and Owl Town Gang issues.
"Eastern people ignore my words. Do you have any suitable work that could get their attention?"
[Raphael: Heh.]
A cold laugh sounded from the phone.
"I’m not afraid to offend Eastern people."
[Raphael: I know, John, but not every problem can be solved just by shooting someone.]
Raphael’s high prestige in the mercenary circle stemmed from his willingness to explain things to newbies and clueless folks.
She’s an all-around broker.
Can act as a high-end agent or a temporary caretaker.
John typically operates in the West District, lacking much knowledge of Owl Town Gang.
The Black Gold Gang and Jingke Heavy Industry engage in superficial harmony, with gang Speakers and company boards secretly maneuvering, but the Eastern people are entirely different. The Raqi Group has long refined its subordinate gangs into affiliate departments, perfect consumables and dirty gloves.
Owl Town Gang’s internal competition is restricted to the gang sphere.
They lack the drive and capability for upward rebellion.
Gangs are divided into units like [Xia Ming Group] [Cheye Group], each with its own big players and powerful figures able to uphold the [Group].
John wanted the Eastern people to cease bothering him.
That would require figuring out:
Which unit is responsible for gang warfare on this street? Who are their leaders? Do they need to be completely taken down or given an appropriate warning?