He actually knows me? Does this mean Mr. Icendras Stanton often brings me up as a friend, or did the
"Yes, I am Sherlock Moriarty."
The young man with grey-blue eyes immediately stepped aside and made an inviting gesture with a warm smile:
"Mr. Stanton has been worried about you, afraid that something might have happened to you. He can rest assured now."
Klein handed his umbrella to the man, took off his hat and coat, and walked into the hall. At this moment, sensing his arrival, Icendras Stanton had already put down his newspaper and pipe, left his easy chair, walked a few steps forward, and looked over.
"Oh, Sherlock, you've finally returned. It's been so long, my friend." Icendras, whose face was thin and temples were grey, smiled, walked over, and opened his arms in an attempt to give a friendly hug.
Klein wasn't used to this kind of etiquette between men. He reluctantly reciprocated before smiling and saying:
"Mr. Stanton, this isn't something a follower of Wisdom should do."
The priests and bishops of the "
In reality, apart from the rugged
Stanton took two steps back and chuckled:
"No, Sherlock, for truly wise friends, we are never stingy with respect and warmth.
"In my heart, you are one of the top five great detectives in all of Backlund."
I like hearing that! Klein laughed inwardly and humorously asked back:
"So are you one of the top three great detectives?"
Being praised as truly wise by a Sequence 7 follower of the "God of Knowledge and Wisdom" was genuinely pleasing.
"I hope I am in your eyes." Stanton answered tactfully and softly, then invited Klein into the living room to sit on the sofa.
He himself leaned back in his easy chair, picked up his pipe, took a deep drag, and slowly exhaled the smoke:
"I'm very glad you didn't encounter any mishaps. Your physical and mental state seem excellent.
"So, did you have a pleasant time at Disi Bay?"
Klein had his story ready and calmly smiled:
"Actually, I didn't go to Disi Bay. After making a detour there, I went to Konsdon. Heh, I got tangled up in some trouble in Backlund before, so I had to find a place to hide for a while."
Sherlock Moriarty was a gentleman from Innersea County with an indistinct accent. It was a very normal choice for him to get into trouble and hide back in his hometown—Konsdon City was the capital of Innersea County.
"I know." Stanton responded lowly.
He didn't ask what trouble Sherlock had gotten into, instead changing the topic with a smile:
"Anyway, welcome back to Backlund. If you need any help, you can always come to me."
Klein didn't stand on ceremony and immediately spoke:
"The reason I came to visit you this time is firstly that it's really been a long time, and secondly, I hope you can act as my representative to sell my shares in the Backlund Bicycle Company. Heh, all the documents are in order; no other formalities are needed."
In order to play the role of a mysterious millionaire and repay the 10,000 pounds owed to Miss Messenger, he not only planned to clean out and sell the items he no longer found useful, but also intended to give up his 10% shares in the Backlund Bicycle Company. Anyway, Sherlock Moriarty wouldn't be able to appear openly for a long time to come.
"Are you sure you want to sell?" Stanton fumbled with his pipe. "Although I have never been a businessman, I can tell that bicycles are a very valuable commodity that can be widely promoted. Their commercial prospects are like the rising sun; they are far from reaching their peak. If you sell now, you will lose a significant amount of money."
"That's why buyers will definitely be willing to pay a huge premium for such expectations." Klein smirked. "I believe there are not a few people who can see the value and prospects of bicycles. Fendiman and Rapald certainly won't be willing to reduce any of their shares at this stage. Selling my 10% for two or three times the normal price shouldn't be a problem. Stanton, the pricing of an equity transaction must not only look at the present but also the future."
Telling a tempting story and painting a bright future for buyers or investors was absolutely necessary! Of course, the value and prospects of bicycles didn't need him to elaborate further. Anyone with business acumen could see it. The only problem was the yield of natural rubber… Klein silently added a couple of points in his mind.
"The pricing of an equity transaction must not only look at the present but also the future…" Stanton repeated Klein's words in a low voice. After a while, he sincerely praised, "Sherlock, perhaps you should be a businessman instead. However, the future is always full of surprises."
"Daring to take risks is the knightly spirit of the business world. Alright, I admit it, I've been in urgent need of a large amount of cash recently." Klein replied with a smile.
Stanton picked up his pipe, took a satisfied puff, and said:
"You've convinced me.
"I will hire specialized lawyers and accountants to determine the current value of the Backlund Bicycle Company, and then add enough expectation to sell your 10% shares. The corresponding fees and taxes will be deducted from the proceeds.
"Hmm… how should I contact you? The lease on that house you had on Minsk Street seems to have expired long ago."
Klein certainly wouldn't reveal his current identity. Prepared for this, he said:
"You can publish the news of the share transfer in newspapers like the *Tassok Times* and the *Backlund Daily* to reach more people. Competition is the only way to get a better bargaining space. After the sale, similarly publish an announcement stating that the matter is concluded and no further contact is needed.
"And after I see this announcement, I will come to visit you directly."
Stanton was not unfamiliar with this method of communicating through newspaper advertisements. He nodded and said:
"No problem. Of course, all expenses will be deducted from the final returns."
Seeing that his main goal was achieved, Klein stood up and extended his hand: