A few days later, the initial excitement from securing their first paid order and the interest from other companies had settled into a focused determination within the Fire Corporation team.

  The past week had been a whirlwind of activity. Kim had officially registered Fire Corporation and its subsidiary, Red Fire Refinery. Lee, the lawyer, had worked tirelessly drafting basic contracts and permit applications.

  Raven had begun discreetly scouting for initial key personnel, focusing on finding experienced refinery technicians and security staff who valued confidentiality. Lisa had been busy following up on the leads generated from the party conversation, carefully nurturing those relationships and gathering market intelligence.

  And Monica… Monica had been the whirlwind at the center of it all, organizing workflows, refining budget projections, setting up basic accounting systems, and generally acting as the operational backbone holding everything together.

  Adam, meanwhile, had spent most of his time back at the remote refinery site. He used his Copy & Paste ability strategically.

  He couldn't instantly make the entire refinery operational – connecting the complex systems, ensuring safety protocols were functional, establishing reliable power and water feeds, those things required real-world work and likely some skilled human intervention, things he couldn't just copy perfectly yet.

  But he could use his ability to 'procure' the equipment he had promised Monica and Kim he would handle.

  Remembering the list he’d taken from Monica, he focused on the office needs first. Back in his small apartment, he’d copied his own new computer, the modem, the router, multiple times, storing the duplicates in his inventory.

  He then found catalogues and online images (using library computers again for safety) of standard office furniture – desks, chairs, filing cabinets, a small copier/printer. With a focused thought and a silent "Copy," these items joined his digital collection.

  Then came the refinery support equipment – things like safety gear (hard hats, fire extinguishers, first aid stations copied from safety manuals), basic testing equipment (pressure gauges, thermometers copied from technical diagrams), communication devices (walkie-talkies copied from an electronics ad), and even things like forklifts and maintenance tools copied from industrial supply catalogues.

  He couldn't yet copy complex, custom-built refinery control systems or specialized chemical catalysts, but he could populate the site with the essential supporting gear, making it look much more ready than it actually was, and fulfilling his promise to Monica about handling procurement "under budget" – essentially, for free, minus the cost of the catalogues.

  He knew he still needed real technicians and engineers to actually connect everything and make it run safely, but having the physical equipment ready was a huge step, one that would hopefully satisfy Kim and Monica for now.

  This morning, however, was different. It wasn't about secret copying or solitary planning. Today was about stepping out into the real business world.

  Lisa had successfully scheduled their very first formal meeting with one of the companies whose owner had expressed interest after hearing about Red Fire Refinery from Mr. Henderson at that party.

  This wasn't just a casual chat; it was a serious pitch meeting, a chance to secure their first long-term contract.

  Adam, Monica, and Lisa gathered outside the small, temporary office space they had managed to rent discreetly in a non-descript building closer to the city – a step up from Adam's apartment, giving them a slightly more professional base, though still far from luxurious.

  The morning air was cool, carrying the sounds of the city waking up. Adam felt a familiar knot of nervousness tighten in his stomach, mixed with a sharp thrill of anticipation. This felt real. This felt important.

  Monica looked critically at Adam’s usual simple attire – jeans, a plain shirt, his worn canvas bag. She frowned slightly. "Adam," she said firmly, her COO authority kicking in,

  "absolutely not. You're the Founder. You're representing Fire Corporation. You can't go into a meeting with the owner of a major manufacturing company looking like you just rolled out of bed."

  Before Adam could protest, Monica produced a garment bag she had apparently brought with her. Inside was a sharp, well-fitting black suit, a crisp white shirt, and a simple, elegant tie.

  "I took the liberty of… procuring this," she said, handing it to him. "Based on the measurements Kim discreetly got for me. Go change. Now. And try not to wrinkle it." Her tone left no room for argument.

  Adam blinked, surprised, but also understanding her point. Perception mattered in this world. He quickly changed inside the small office, feeling slightly awkward but also undeniably more professional, more serious, in the borrowed suit.

  When he emerged, Monica gave him a critical once-over, adjusted his tie slightly, and nodded in approval. "Much better," she declared. "Now you look like someone who actually owns an oil reserve."

  Lisa chuckled softly beside them. She was dressed professionally too, in a smart business skirt and blouse, holding a briefcase containing her presentation materials and contract drafts Lee had prepared. Monica herself looked impeccable, as always, projecting an aura of calm competence.

  The three of them stepped out of the small office building and headed towards Monica’s car, which was parked nearby.

  By now, through careful budgeting (and likely some personal savings or connections Lisa and Kim had), Monica, Lisa, Kim, and even Raven had managed to acquire modest but reliable used vehicles to facilitate their work, which involved a lot of travel between the city, the refinery site, and potential client locations.

  But Adam? He still had no car of his own. He relied on buses or rides with the team.

  When the team had first realized their mysterious young founder didn't even own a car, despite talking about million-dollar deals and vast oil reserves, everyone had been surprised, maybe even a little concerned. But Adam had simply brushed off their questions with a vague statement:

  “A car? It’s just not the right time yet. Too much attention. When the time comes, when it makes strategic sense, I’ll consider it.”

  His confidence, his slight air of mystery, had been enough to stop further questions. They had learned that Adam often operated with reasons he didn't fully explain. So, they accepted it.

  The three of them – Adam in the back seat feeling slightly stiff in the suit, Monica driving with smooth focus, and Lisa in the front passenger seat reviewing her notes – settled into Monica’s clean, practical sedan.

  They were ready for their first major foray into the corporate world as representatives of Fire Corporation and Red Fire Refinery.

  As Monica expertly navigated the morning city traffic, Lisa turned slightly in the front seat, looking back towards Monica, then glancing at Adam.

  “Okay, Monica, just drop me off near the corner of Elm Street, alright?” Lisa requested.

  “This meeting today is really between you and Adam and the company owner. It’s the high-level pitch. My role was setting it up, providing the background data.” She tapped her briefcase.

  “I’ve already emailed you both the final files – market comparisons, our proposed initial pricing structure based on the 'half-price' strategy, the quality analysis from our first batch, everything you need.”

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  Monica nodded silently in agreement, her eyes focused on the road, already processing the strategic decision. It made sense. Divide and conquer.

  Adam glanced at Lisa in the back seat via the rearview mirror. Her dedication was impressive. "You have other meetings lined up already?" he asked, genuinely curious.

  Lisa smiled, a spark of competitive energy in her eyes. “Not confirmed meetings yet, but promising follow-up calls. Need to keep pushing, keep approaching more potential clients while this initial buzz lasts.” Her work ethic was clearly intense.

  Adam felt a renewed sense of appreciation for his team, but also a slight pang of… maybe inadequacy? He looked out the window at the passing buildings. 'Everyone is working so incredibly hard for this company,' he thought, a familiar feeling of responsibility washing over him.

  'Kim setting up the legal entity, Raven finding people, Lisa chasing deals nonstop, Monica organizing everything… I provided the initial resource, the crazy idea, the funding… but they're the ones doing the real heavy lifting right now. I need to step up too. I need to do more than just… be the mysterious founder.'

  The thought solidified his resolve to be fully present, fully engaged in this meeting, not just a silent observer.

  Soon, they reached the bustling commercial district. Monica smoothly pulled the car over near the requested corner to let Lisa out. "Good luck, Lisa," Monica said warmly. "Keep us updated."

  "Will do! Break a leg, you two!" Lisa replied cheerfully, grabbing her briefcase and hopping out, disappearing quickly into the flow of pedestrians on the sidewalk, already focused on her next task.

  Monica waved a quick goodbye, then expertly merged back into traffic, navigating towards their final destination. Adam watched Lisa go, feeling a surge of confidence in his team. They were proactive, dedicated, smart.

  Their target destination was Company Number One – a large, well-established toy manufacturing factory. It might seem like an odd first client for an oil refinery, but Lisa’s research had been thorough.

  While not directly in the energy sector, this factory used a surprising amount of specialized refined oil products – lubricants for their complex machinery, specific petrochemicals for plastic molding processes, and diesel for their backup generators and potentially their own small fleet of delivery trucks.

  They were a significant industrial consumer, and Lisa had learned through her contacts that they were currently unhappy with Green Refinery’s rising prices and occasionally unreliable delivery schedules. They were potentially ripe for a change, if offered a compelling alternative.

  Monica parked the car in a visitor spot in the company’s clean, modern parking lot. They both took a moment, collecting themselves, smoothing their professional attire.

  Adam felt his nerves prickle again, but he pushed the feeling down, replacing it with focused determination. He glanced at Monica. She looked completely calm, composed, ready. Her confidence was infectious.

  Together, they walked into the grand, spacious lobby of the toy manufacturing company. The building was impressive – sleek modern architecture, lots of glass, bright, airy interiors.

  Colorful displays showcasing the company’s popular toys were artfully arranged, adding a touch of whimsy to the otherwise professional atmosphere. It clearly radiated success and stability.

  They approached the large, polished reception desk. Monica gave their names – Monica Lee, COO of Red Fire Refinery, and Adam, Founder of Fire Corporation – and mentioned their scheduled meeting with the owner.

  The receptionist, polite and efficient, checked her computer, smiled professionally, and asked them to wait just a moment while she confirmed their arrival.

  Within moments, a different assistant appeared, greeted them courteously, and led them towards a private elevator. They rode up in silence to the top floor, where the executive offices were located.

  The assistant led them down a quiet, carpeted hallway to a large conference room. She opened the door and gestured for them to enter.

  Inside, three individuals were already seated around a long, polished conference table. The room had large windows offering a panoramic view of the city skyline.

  At the head of the table, in the center, sat a middle-aged man, likely in his late fifties, with neatly combed silver hair and a calm, authoritative air about him. He wore an expensive but understated suit. This was clearly the company’s owner, the man they needed to convince.

  On one side of him sat a slightly younger man, perhaps mid-forties, with a keen, analytical expression – likely the Head of Resource Management or Procurement, the person who dealt directly with suppliers.

  On the owner's other side sat another man, closer to the owner's age, looking sharp and serious, probably the company's CEO.

  All three men looked up expectantly as Adam and Monica entered. Their gazes were polite but assessing, taking in the appearance of these representatives from the unknown 'Red Fire Refinery'.

  Adam reminded himself to stand tall, look confident, project the image Monica had insisted upon.

  Usually, in situations like this in his past life (or even just days ago), he would have felt intimidated, out of place, probably mumbled his name and stayed quiet in the background.

  But not today. He remembered the strength flowing through him, the power he held in secret, the capable team now standing with him (in spirit, if not physically in this room).

  Monica stepped forward first, moving with grace and confidence. She offered a warm, professional smile that seemed to instantly put the executives slightly more at ease.

  “Good morning, gentlemen. Thank you for meeting with us today. I’m Monica Lee, COO of Red Fire Refinery, and this is our Founder, Adam. It’s a pleasure to meet you all.” Her voice was clear, confident, setting a professional tone right from the start.

  She calmly walked to the table and placed a neatly prepared file folder – containing Lisa’s research, their company profile (brief and perhaps slightly vague on origins, Lee had likely advised), and their initial proposal – in front of the company owner.

  The owner didn't reach for it immediately. Instead, his eyes remained on Monica, then shifted to Adam, studying them both intently.

  He wasn’t just looking at their clothes; he seemed to be trying to read their body language, their level of confidence, their underlying intent.

  Adam sat down smoothly in one of the offered chairs, mirroring Monica’s posture – sitting straight but relaxed, his hands resting calmly on the table in front of him. He met the owner’s gaze directly, holding it steadily, projecting quiet focus and seriousness.

  He remembered Kim's advice: sometimes boldness is respected. He wouldn't be arrogant, but he wouldn't appear weak or intimidated either.

  The owner, a seasoned businessman with decades of experience, possessed a keen instinct for reading people. He could spot nervousness, deception, or desperation a mile away.

  But as he observed Monica’s calm poise and Adam’s quiet, unwavering focus, he likely saw something different. There was no hesitation in their demeanor, no sign of nervousness or bluffing.

  Only a palpable sense of determination, a seriousness that suggested they truly believed in what they were offering.

  After a few seconds of silent assessment, the owner finally reached for the file Monica had placed before him.

  He flipped it open, his eyes scanning the first page quickly – perhaps the company overview or the executive summary. He spent only a few seconds glancing through the initial pages, his expression unreadable.

  Then, surprisingly quickly, he closed the file folder with a soft thump and looked up again, meeting Monica’s waiting smile.

  Monica, poised and ready, opened her mouth, likely preparing to launch into their carefully rehearsed pitch, starting with the bold 'free first shipment' offer designed to build trust.

  “Sir, we understand that Red Fire Refinery is a new name in the market,” she began smoothly. “And we know that trust is earned, not given. That’s why, to demonstrate our confidence in our product quality and our commitment to building a strong partnership, we’ve decided to offer your company the first shipment completely free of charge. No obligation. We believe in earning your confidence first…”

  But before she could elaborate further, the owner held up a hand gently, stopping her mid-sentence. He smiled, a genuine, slightly amused smile this time.

  “Ms. Monica, Adam,” he said, his voice calm and direct. “I appreciate the preparation.” He gestured towards the closed file. “And I appreciate the… unconventional offer.” He paused, then leaned back slightly in his chair, his expression becoming straightforward.

  “But let’s get straight to business, shall we? I confess, I’m not particularly fond of wasting time with lengthy presentations or small talk.”

  Adam raised his eyebrows slightly, surprised again, but also intrigued by the owner’s directness. He glanced at Monica, who also looked slightly taken aback but quickly recovered her professional composure.

  The older businessman chuckled softly, seeming to enjoy their surprise. He looked directly at Adam.

  “You might be wondering why I agreed to this meeting so readily, especially with a completely unknown company. And why I’m cutting straight to the chase.” He paused, then revealed the reason.

  “It’s simple. A good friend of mine, Bob Henderson over at Henderson Trucking?” – Adam’s eyes widened slightly; that was Lisa’s old boss, the recipient of their free shipment! –

  “He happens to be a golfing buddy. And he recently told me, quite enthusiastically I might add, about this new refinery that gave him a free trial batch of fuel. He couldn't stop talking about how extremely satisfied he was. Said his trucks ran better than ever.”

  The owner leaned forward again, his gaze serious now. “Now, Bob Henderson is a shrewd businessman. He doesn’t get excited about much, and he certainly doesn’t endorse suppliers lightly. So, if Bob Henderson is satisfied, if he trusts your product enough to place a large follow-up order, which he also told me he did…” The owner shrugged slightly.

  “Frankly, that’s all the certification, all the proof of quality I need right now. I believe your company – and your product – has serious potential.”

  Adam felt a huge wave of relief wash over him, quickly followed by excitement. Henderson’s positive experience! It had already paved the way for them! Lisa’s connection, the free shipment gamble, it had worked even better than they’d hoped! A wide smile crept onto Adam’s face, impossible to suppress this time.

  Monica, however, remained composed, ever the professional, immediately seizing the opportunity created by this unexpected endorsement.

  “We’re delighted to hear Mr. Henderson was pleased, sir,” she responded smoothly, her voice calm and confident. “We pride ourselves on quality and reliability. And based on that, we are also very interested in establishing a long-term supply agreement with your company as well.”

  The owner nodded, seeming pleased by her directness and preparedness.

  “Good. That aligns with my thinking,” he replied.

  “Bob’s recommendation saves us a lot of preliminary hassle. So, let’s talk terms. I’m prepared to offer Red Fire Refinery a 1-year supply contract to start.” He held up a finger.

  “Standard volume, based on our current usage, at the introductory price Bob mentioned he secured – fifty percent below current market rates.” (Adam noted the owner was sharp enough to lock in that low price). “We’ll monitor the quality and delivery consistency closely throughout that year.” He then added the crucial next step.

  “If, during that first year, your product continues to meet or exceed our expectations, if your deliveries are reliable… then we will automatically extend the contract to a full 3 years, likely with adjusted volumes and potentially renegotiated pricing based on market conditions at that time.”

  Monica’s face tensed almost imperceptibly. Adam saw it – a slight tightening around her eyes. It wasn't disappointment; far from it. A one-year contract, extendable to three, with a major manufacturer, based solely on a recommendation and their initial pitch? It was a massive win, far exceeding what they could have realistically hoped for at this stage. But Adam recognized the look on Monica’s face.

  It was the look of pressure. The weight of responsibility. Now they had to deliver. Consistently. Flawlessly. For an entire year. Any slip-ups, any quality issues, any delivery delays, and this incredible opportunity could vanish. The pressure to execute perfectly, right from the start, was immense.

  Adam remained quiet throughout this exchange, deliberately letting Monica take the lead in the negotiation. He carefully observed her professionalism, her calm confidence, the way she responded to the owner’s directness.

  'She's really good at this,' he thought, feeling a genuine sense of admiration and trust. 'Much better than I would be. I get too emotional, too impatient. She knows how to handle these negotiations. This is her space. I shouldn’t interfere. I need to learn from her, support her.' And so, he sat still, projecting quiet focus and support, not as the impulsive founder giving commands, but as a strategic partner who trusted his chosen COO to lead in her area of expertise.

  The first real, substantial business deal for Fire Corporation, for Red Fire Refinery, was about to be inked. A one-year contract, potentially three, with a major customer. Secured not through elaborate presentations or months of negotiation, but through a combination of a risky free giveaway, word-of-mouth endorsement from a satisfied first customer, and Monica’s professional poise.

  It felt like a huge victory.