Chapter 139: Chapter 139: The Shadow Strategist

As Lucas spoke, he was simultaneously typing clatteringly on his computer. The noisy, tactile click-clack of the mechanical keyboard transmitted clearly through the phone speaker, creating a frantic, rhythmic backdrop of industry: “I have just forwarded an email to you. Regarding those two individuals you wanted me to contact, I managed to find an opening. They have already exchanged a few preliminary emails with me and seem genuinely intrigued by our concept. You can review the details in the mail. While you are at it, conveniently check your personal calendar to see if there are any open slots. We need to arrange a time for you and me to meet them face-to-face…”

Hearing this, Julian let out a soft “Oh” of surprise. He had not expected Lucas to be this productive. However, his laptop was currently residing in the chilly study, while he was inextricably glued to the warmth of this bed. Attempting to review work emails with dozens of heavy attachments on a mobile phone was hardly convenient, the minuscule screen would only strain his weary eyes.

Thus, he replied to Lucas: “Very well, consider it noted. I will review the email and provide detailed feedback once I have… recovered my health. As for the meeting, you should take the initiative and go. I will not be participating.”

The line went dead silent for a second, before Lucas exclaimed, filled with bewilderment: “What? Are you joking with me? This is your idea, your spiritual child! Furthermore, you are far more articulate than I am, your thinking is sharper. If you come along, the probability of persuading them to sign the contract increases exponentially. I’m terrified that if I go alone, I’ll botch the whole thing.”

Julian sighed deeply. He shifted his position, draping an arm over his forehead as he stared up at the pitch-black ceiling. “Are you absolutely certain their participation is more likely? Or would it be easier for them to cancel? Lucas, use that data-driven brain of yours and think. Do not forget that I am currently branded with a massive label: Member of the Caldwell family, Ethan Caldwell’s wife. In this business world, that label is both a gold medallion of immunity and a dose of lethal poison.”

“What do you mean by that?” Lucas asked, hesitating.

“Anyone involved in business possesses a suspicious nature. Well, except for that idiot we mentioned earlier.” Julian explained patiently, his tone sharpening into a lecture: “If I appear, they will not look at the potential for cooperation. They will only see Ethan Caldwell standing behind me. They will assume this is a takeover tactic by the Caldwell Empire, or merely a trivial pastime for a wealthy tycoon’s spouse.”

He paused to catch his breath, allowing the gravity of his words to sink in, then continued: “Even if they cooperate out of deference to Ethan Caldwell, they will remain on guard, constantly paranoid, hiding their true resources. A partnership built on the fear of power is not sustainable. Sooner or later, it will collapse. It is far better to present this project as if you, Lucas Hill, are the sole person bearing the brunt of the storm. Let them see your passion and your talent. I will remain hidden in the shadows as a strategist, assisting you with the tactical side. That way is far safer and much more effective.”

Julian’s analysis acted like a sharp drill, piercing through Lucas’s naivety. The other man fell silent, and the clattering of the keyboard ceased.

“About this…” Lucas stammered, his voice wavering slightly. Obviously, he understood that what Julian said was correct. The marketplace is a battlefield, and reputation can sometimes be a hindrance.

For Julian to dare to let him contact those two alone, giving him full decision-making power, meant that Julian had absolute faith in his abilities. This trust moved Lucas, but simultaneously created an invisible pressure.

“But I… I don’t have the ability to persuade them…” Lucas mumbled, confessing his fear in a small voice: “I excel at working with computers, with dry data. But asking me to face those old foxes, to use flowery rhetoric to push a deal… I’m afraid I’ll misspeak, I’m afraid I’ll tremble.”

“Why not?” Julian raised his voice, sternly cutting through his friend’s self-doubt: “It’s not as if I haven’t been absent before. Over the past few days, you have still been contacting them, exchanging emails, and calling them on your own. The fact that they agreed to meet you means they have already acknowledged you.”

“Lucas, listen to me. Believe in your own abilities, do not be so disheartened. Do you remember when we started? You arrogantly declared that in this world, data is king, and you were the one holding that throne, didn’t you? You possess talent, you have real strength. It is because your data analysis is so sharp that they accepted you, do you understand? Do not let my shadow, or anyone else’s, eclipse you.”

Of course, Lucas was aware of this issue.

Even in the past, during their school days, he had been reckless and arrogant, believing himself to be a genius. He was incredibly skilled. When it came to algorithms and data mining, things he actually enjoyed, no one could compare to him. He simply played the fool, pretending to be witless in front of the world to avoid trouble. Otherwise, the peers of his generation were nothing more than dust in his eyes.

However, it was only after stepping into the brutal, unforgiving arena of that startup competition and being mercilessly crushed by the heavy hand of reality that Lucas Hill truly understood the profound weight of the old adage: “No matter how high the mountain, there is always another mountain blocking the view”.

He had always possessed a firm belief in his own capabilities, harboring a certain pride in his technical skills. Yet, when placed side-by-side with those who possessed not only raw talent but also formidable family backgrounds, powerful connections, and tongues so glib they could charm the birds from the trees, Lucas realized with a sinking heart that he was still incredibly green. His confidence, once a shining armor he wore with pride, had been chipped away by the harsh winds of the business world, leaving him feeling exposed and inadequate.

But today, Julian Sterling’s words of encouragement acted like a potent dose of spiritual doping, injecting a rush of adrenaline straight into his veins.

Lucas began to hypnotize himself, taking deep, rhythmic breaths in an attempt to stabilize his erratic heart rate and cheer himself on. Through the phone connection, the sound of his heavy, focused breathing was so distinct and labored that Julian momentarily wondered if his friend was in the middle of a strenuous yoga session or perhaps preparing to lift a heavy weight.

After a long pause filled with self-affirmation, Lucas finally replied, his voice resonating with a determination that was starkly different from his earlier hesitation: “Alright! Since you have put it that way, I will take this gamble. I will give it everything I have, I swear I will not let you down. I’m going to take that data and slam it right into their faces until they wake up and see the truth! I’ll make them see that numbers don’t lie, even if people do.”

Julian smiled, a look of genuine satisfaction crossing his tired features: “Good. That is exactly the spirit I want to hear. Keep that fire burning.”

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