"My young master has made it clear—this is not a matter of money. That's all for today's conversation." Butler Ivan, a highly capable man, stated firmly before hanging up the phone. On the other end, the representative of the Japanese oil company was left in shock, completely unaware of where they had lost the negotiation.
Two weeks later, based on recommendations from Mavi's investment team, he officially signed a 30-year strategic development agreement with China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec).
Under this agreement, Mavi committed to supplying 35 million tons of low-cost crude oil to the two companies annually. Additionally, he made a one-time investment of 12 billion yuan (approximately $1.5 billion USD) to support the companies in acquiring and integrating private domestic gas stations under a unified management system.
As a return for this investment, CNPC and Sinopec agreed to allocate a certain percentage of their original shares to Mavi. Since neither company was publicly listed on the A-shares market at the time, these original shares were extremely valuable.
As soon as the news of the collaboration broke, domestic media outlets and websites rushed to report on it. Many praised Russia for its generosity, while netizens lauded the strategic partnership.
"Supplying 35 million tons of low-cost crude oil annually—this Ma V Energy Company is truly impressive! This accounts for nearly 50% of our country's total crude oil imports!"
"This is fantastic news! Now we won't have to rely on other countries and their high oil prices!"
The partnership between Mavi and CNPC & Sinopec was a win-win. It not only addressed China's oil import concerns but also strengthened Russia's weak oil industry supply chain.
By investing in CNPC and Sinopec and allowing them to monopolize the domestic gasoline market, Mavi effectively transformed crude oil into gasoline, which could then be sold offline.
After finalizing this highly promising agreement, Mavi promptly transferred the $1.5 billion payment to the two oil companies.
Even after this expenditure, Mavi's bank account still held a hefty $6.854 billion. Looking at his ten-digit balance, he suddenly got the urge to buy two sports teams just for fun.
An NBA team and an English Premier League (EPL) team—one from each league. That way, he'd have two new entertainment options once the seasons started.
With this thought in mind, Mavi, who disliked procrastination, immediately called Jennifer.
"Hey, I have a question for you. Do you know the names of any NBA and EPL teams?"
"EPL and NBA? Manchester United… and the Los Angeles Lakers? Why do you ask?" Jennifer responded, naming two well-known teams but having no idea what Mavi was planning.
"What else? I want to buy them. Then, when I'm bored, I can watch them play," Mavi said casually over the phone.
Jennifer was completely stunned. Since when did Mavi become so incredibly rich?!
"Uh… both teams are pretty expensive, right? Manchester United's valuation is at least $3 billion. And the Lakers… they're at least $3 billion too, aren't they?"
Mavi wasn't worried about money, but Jennifer, on the other end, felt reluctant to see him spend so extravagantly. Two teams valued at over $6 billion—this was nearly half of her father's Marriott Corporation's total market value! And if he wanted to acquire them outright, he would likely have to pay a premium.
"No worries. If $3 billion isn't enough, I'll just offer $6 billion. If $6 billion isn't enough, then… I just won't buy them! I'll buy other teams instead and poach their star players at high prices."
Jennifer had mentioned two teams with future valuations exceeding $30 billion each. Whether Mavi purchased the entire franchise or simply signed star players at premium salaries, he wouldn't lose money in the long run.
Faced with Mavi's carefree attitude toward money, Jennifer could only shake her head helplessly. She still remembered when they first met—his total assets weren't even half of Marriott's market value.
Yet, a year and a half later, Mavi had become a "young business prodigy" with a company worth hundreds of billions. More importantly, all of his industries were thriving. His investment acumen and sharp business instincts were truly remarkable.
That's why Jennifer's father now sighed in admiration every time he saw a positive news report about Ma V Group. He still reminisced about last year's incident at Disney's anniversary celebration.
"Well, go ahead and buy them. I trust your judgment," Jennifer said understandingly. Unlike a spendthrift wife, she wouldn't recklessly try to stop Mavi's decisions.
"Great! Then wait for my good news! By the way, let's take a trip to Los Angeles afterward?" Mavi hinted over the phone.
"Hmph! Who wants to go with you? Every time, you're the only one having fun!" Jennifer pouted, recalling their "playtime" together.
Whether on the bed, the couch, in the bathroom, or even on the floor—she was always the one being "played" with. Meanwhile, Mavi remained energetic and dominant every time, always outlasting her. So frustrating!
"Oh? Then should we try something different this time?" Teasing Jennifer was one of Mavi's "important" tasks. Unlocking new experiences only made their relationship more "harmonious."
"Hmph! We'll see how you perform!" Jennifer quickly changed the subject.
"Alright then…" Mavi chuckled before casually chatting a bit more and hanging up the phone.
—
After flirting with Jennifer, Mavi immediately instructed his investment team to contact the owners of Manchester United and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The message to the owners was simple: "$3 billion—will you sell Manchester United? If $3 billion isn't enough, how about $6 billion? I'll keep throwing money at you until you're dizzy."
Three days later, the investment team arrived in the UK to meet Manchester United's owner, Peter.
"Hello, Mr. Peter. We are from Ma V Group's investment division. Our boss, Mr. Mavi, would like to ask—how much would you be willing to sell Manchester United for?"
"How much?" Peter raised an eyebrow. Anyone wealthy enough to own an EPL team wouldn't be swayed by small money offers.
"How much do you think such a great team is worth? $5 billion?" Peter asked, raising an eyebrow. He was willing to sell Manchester United at this price, as his family business was currently facing cash flow issues and required a bank loan.
"$5 billion? Mr. Peter, our boss has no issue with that price…"
(End of Chapter)