The choice of location is an art.
Too bustling, it wouldn't fit the low-key persona of the client, Anxiang Duxingzhe (Dark Alley Walker); too remote, and it would make him seem to have ulterior motives, potentially making the wary client retreat.
As for the time, it would naturally be the golden hour when the lights first come on and the nocturnal animals begin to awaken.
His fingers rapidly tapped on the slightly sluggish screen, deliberating over his words, ensuring that every character exuded professionalism and sincerity:
"It would be my utmost pleasure, Mr. Anxiang Duxingzhe (Dark Alley Walker). Your trust is my greatest honor.
To ensure the privacy of our conversation and your convenience, how about 9:00 PM sharp tonight at the 'Rusty Cafe' in Greenwich Village?
From what I know, the environment there is relatively quiet, and the lighting is softer, making it suitable for in-depth discussion.
Their black coffee is also said to have a unique flavor, perfect for a quiet evening.
Of course, if you have any other more convenient or preferred locations, I can fully accommodate your arrangements."
The "Rusty Cafe" was a place William stumbled upon a few days ago during his meticulous market research.
It was a small storefront with a weathered sign, its lettering almost illegible from rain erosion, and lighting so dim it seemed like the electricity bill hadn't been paid in years.
Customers were so scarce that the owner spent most of his time wiping his old coffee cups or staring out the window.
This kind of place was practically tailor-made for "secret rendezvous" and "underground transactions," inherently possessing a mysterious filter.
He specifically added, "If you have any other more convenient or preferred locations."
This fully demonstrated his humility as the Party B... oh no, his thoughtfulness and flexibility as a professional consultant, completely entrusting the power of choice to the client.
The message was sent successfully.
William held the phone, which could conk out from overheating at any moment, his mind already racing with calculations.
This Anxiang Duxingzhe (Dark Alley Walker) fellow, last time it was damaged communication equipment; for a street-level vigilante like him, daily wear and tear must be commonplace.
Damaged gear is normal, and minor injuries and pains are his constant companions. This time he took the initiative to seek him out, so his needs must be clearer and more urgent than before.
William stroked his chin, his eyes glinting with a calculating light, like a fox eyeing a plump chicken: "Hopefully, a pipe burst in his secret Base, or some clueless hooligan vandalized his security system with graffiti?
Then the 'Small Base Daily Maintenance and Accidental Loss Insurance' could be smoothly pitched to him!"
If he could also glean some practical abilities from him, such as stronger combat techniques or night vision, that would be absolutely perfect.
Then, if he encountered any unexpected situations in the future, he wouldn't just be flailing and running away; at least he'd have a few more ways to protect himself.
He even began to fantasize, unrealistically, that if he could sell this fellow a "Villain Retaliation Early Warning Insurance."
When a villain targets him, would the system give him an early warning and, by the way, reward him with a passive ability like "Danger Perception Enhancement Pro Max Version"?
"Tsk tsk, the Marvel Universe is truly a great place where crises and opportunities coexist, and risks and rewards fly together."
William sighed, his heart quickening slightly at the bold idea.
The phone screen lit up again, the cold blue light interrupting his reverie.
William almost instantly clicked it open, afraid that if he was a second too slow, the cooked duck would sprout wings and fly away.
The message content was still infuriatingly concise:
"Okay."
One word, resounding and filled with the Anxiang Duxingzhe (Dark Alley Walker)'s unique cold, hard style.
Not even a punctuation mark followed, as if typing an extra character was a waste of time.
"Alright!"
William almost couldn't resist whistling loudly, but thankfully he remembered his identity as a "professional insurance consultant" in time and stifled the whistle, only excitedly slapping his thigh, making the coins in his pants pocket jingle.
"Tonight at nine, Rusty Cafe, don't be late! My second... oh no, my first official paying client is about to be born!"
He hummed an off-key pop tune and began to meticulously plan for the evening meeting.
"Product information and sales pitches must be second nature; I must demonstrate professionalism beyond this era."
With a thought, the insurance clauses tailored for clients like Anxiang Duxingzhe (Dark Alley Walker) in the System interface clearly appeared in his mind. He silently memorized each one, simulating his sales tone and preparing his mental drafts to handle various sharp questions.
'Combat Field Equipment Comprehensive Loss Insurance' must be the flagship product, specifically designed to address issues of equipment not lasting and frequent battle damage.
'Minor Injury and Disability Fast Claim Channel and Medical Allowance' is also an essential remedy, like sending charcoal in the snow, reflecting the humanistic care of insurance.
As for the 'Emergency Situation Quick Escape Assistance Service,' which sounds very high-end... this can be a surprise finale, depending on the client's 'damage level' and the thickness of his 'trust wallet' to decide whether to throw it out at the critical moment.
William stroked his chin, his eyes behind his lenses flickering, like a weasel plotting how to snatch an entire brood of chicks, no, like a strategic business magnate.
And there's the 'First Official Policy Upgrade 10% Discount' and the 'Mysterious Hero Support Gift Package'... what should I put in the gift package?
He opened the System Mall and began sifting through the dazzling array of cheap, practical gadgets.
"'Portable Multi-functional Tactical Knife'? Too ordinary, not enough of a surprise.
'High-efficiency Wound Quick Healing Spray (Trial Pack)'?
This is good, highly practical, and can intuitively demonstrate the 'care and value' of insurance.
Perhaps add a special metal card made by the System, printed with the 'hero compensation system VIP Client Emergency Contact Information'?
Details determine success, and it can better highlight our uniqueness."
He even began to consider whether to go to the "Rusty Cafe" an hour early to scout the location, observe the interior environment and the best escape routes... Bah, to choose a negotiation seat with the best lighting and angle, one that could both showcase his professional demeanor and make the client feel comfortable and relaxed.
"I must ensure everything is foolproof and strive to develop this 'potential repeat customer' into my 'long-term strategic partner,' providing me with a continuous stream of 'ability nourishment'!"
In William's eyes, there now shone the fervent light of "performance metrics" and "ability points."
There were still a few hours until 9 PM, enough time for him to prepare thoroughly.
"I hope this Anxiang Duxingzhe (Dark Alley Walker) fellow brings me a substantial surprise tonight, preferably an ability that can significantly boost my strength."
William rubbed his hands, a standard professional fake smile on his face, his heart filled with eager anticipation for the upcoming second "business negotiation."
He felt his "ability pool" happily beckoning to him, as if he could already hear the beautiful System notification sound of a new ability successfully arriving with a "ding."