Still on Boss
Much of the deal has been on deal making. The deal could be made or broken based on the character of the deal maker. The deal maker could have hurt the protagonist before or done him a favor before. It is a no go if the deal protagonist was pained; it is a no go, it is go if it was gain
Thus we have backdoor negotiation, enlist help of patrons, friends. Or an authority
Or exert legal or administrative pressure so that the other party caves in.
Or wine dine the person. Entertain Or give him/her a haircut and even marrying the other party
Thus avoid hurting people you meet, publish ridicule. Be on good terms with all people. Dish out favors