THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME

"Remember, we want Zachary to continue improving so that he can better market our brand," Susanne continued. "So, he doesn't need to become the best player in Europe to earn a higher annual wage from our contract next year. There'll be bonuses and wage increments even if Zachary becomes a top scorer or even the best player in the Tippeligaen. As long as he keeps improving and keeps his reputation clean, he'll be able to earn more from our deal over time. That's the kind of endorsement contract we're willing to draft."

"Okay, then I'm glad," Emily said, her face lighting up into a smile. "From my initial assessment, I believe that we'll be seriously considering this offer. But we need to look at the final contract document before we can make any major decisions. So, may I ask when you can have this draft of the contract ready?"

"Camilla!" Susanne didn't reply right away but first turned to her assistant.

"We'll have it by tomorrow afternoon," Camilla said to her, smiling.

"You heard it yourself," Susanne stated, turning back to Emily. "Tomorrow, we'll have the draft ready for you. Finalizing the deal will then depend on how fast you add your inputs."

"That's okay on our side," Emily said, first stealing a glance at Zachary. "But for the next few days, I'll be the sole person having the meetings with you as my client has serious training throughout the rest of the week. He'll only meet you for the final signing ceremony. Of course, that is if the status quo remains the same and we come to an agreement. Is that all right with you?" She asked, turning towards Susanne once more.

"That's okay with us," Susanne replied, smiling. "The only thing we want from Zachary is his signature on the final contract. In the meantime, we can work together to update the terms in the contract document. Is that agreeable, Zachary? What do you think of our offer, by the way?"

"It's good," Zachary replied, nodding. "But as my agent just said, we shall make the final decisions when the final contract document is out. And she can represent me fully in negotiating all matters related to our deal when I'm not around."

"Okay, then," Susanne said. "I promise to work with your agent to make you an offer that you can't resist. But in the meantime, I want to show you my sincerity by presenting you with a gift to commemorate our first meeting."

She first held Zachary's gaze before continuing. "You can pick any 2012 Audi Model in the showroom for free. You only have to pay the taxes, and we shall meet the other costs for the machine. How do you see this gift, Zachary?"

"Does this gift require any commitment from us right at the moment?" Emily chipped in before Zachary could respond.

Susanne laughed. "Not at all," she said, waving an arm in a dismissive gesture. "It's a gift from us, the marketing team of Audi, to Zachary. The keyword is a gift. So, don't worry. There are no attached conditions."

"Oh, okay," Emily said, smiling back at her. "Then that puts my heart at ease. But you're too generous."

"No, I'm not," Susanne countered. "I'm only representing Audi when presenting this gift. And we're simply investing in a potential long-term partner of ours. So, guys, what do you say? Will you accept my simple gift?" She inquired, her tone imploring as she swept her gaze from Emily to Zachary and back.

The corners of Emily's mouth twitched on hearing the question. She couldn't help but sigh on the inside as she thought about all the customers in the various dealerships around the world struggling to bargain for a few pounds off their car purchases. She'd faced the same situation when she was buying her second-hand vehicle only a year prior. Yet, in one of Norway's high-profile Audi outlets, a marketing manager had just begged a customer to take a car for free. Emily had to take a few moments to organize her thoughts. She was astounded by the absurdity of the situation.

"We will take the car," She said after a while since she knew Zachary wanted it. "But mark my words: if the final offer is not to our satisfaction, we'll reject the deal. We won't even take into consideration this gift of yours. I hope that is fine with you!"

"As I said, it's just a gift," Susanne said before turning to her assistant. "Camilla, take Zachary to select a vehicle. Collaborate with the manager to help him complete the procedures as quickly as possible. Remember that professional athletes are always short on time. So be fast and efficient. In the meantime, I'll continue discussing some more business with Emily here. Is that okay with you, Emily, Zachary?" She probed.

"I don't mind," Zachary was quick to reply. Emily had already discerned that he was starting to get bored by the dry proceedings. And, it seemed Susanne had noticed it too. That should have been the reason why she'd suggested that her assistant take Zachary to select a vehicle in the showroom before they could conclude the negotiating process.

"That's okay with me, too," Emily concurred after deliberating for a while. She then leaned towards Zachary and whispered: "I will text Ryan to meet you in the showroom. Seek his advice while selecting your vehicle. Okay?"

"Okay," Zachary concurred, nodding.

"Since everyone agrees, let's not waste any more time," Susanne said from across the table. "It was nice meeting you, Zachary. I do hope we become long-term partners." She stood up and extended her hand to Zachary.

"It was a pleasure meeting you," Zachary replied, also standing up and taking her hand. "Thank you for having us. And, of course, thanks for the gift."

"You're welcome," Susanne said, beaming. "Okay, Camilla, my new partner is in your hands. Off you go. Come and inform me when you complete the procedures."

"Yes, madam," Camilla replied, her tone solemn. "I'll do my best to complete everything as soon as possible." She stood up and led the way out of the conference room.

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