Chapter 778: Cannon Fodder in the Real World (24)
"Mr. Shi is ill, and the situation isn’t looking good right now. Ahead is Balong Bay, and our ship needs to pass through it.
There has been severe armed conflict in Balong Bay recently. Any ship passing through needs to dock for negotiation.
Mr. Shi had already made arrangements, but tonight, the anti-alliance opened fire again, making the inner bay chaotic. We need to dock and renegotiate.
President Jiang, I wonder if you could represent Mr. Shi..."
"Hmm, I can."
The assistant breathed a sigh of relief.
"That’s good, then you need to prepare now. The ship is about to dock, and how to proceed next is up to your command."
The command was handed over to her.
How ill is Shi Yubai exactly?
"How’s Mr. Shi doing?"
"The doctor says it’s acute gastroenteritis and requires anesthesia. When we found him, Mr. Shi had already fainted from the pain. I’m really at my wit’s end."
Jiang Lai nodded.
"Got it. Make sure Mr. Shi is well taken care of. I’ll handle the rest."
Jiang Lai had done business in this area before. Although the negotiations were previously done online, she had some experience.
As she disembarked, all the crew were already wearing bulletproof vests, and boxes of weapons were being moved to the deck.
Jiang Lai also donned a bulletproof vest, and the assistant handed her a gun.
"President Jiang, generally speaking, there shouldn’t be any problems. You just need to sign a document.
Once signed, we’ll set off immediately."
Just as they were about to set off, footsteps followed behind as Jiang Xun and Jiang Zhuan caught up.
"We’re going too."
Hearing this, the assistant immediately discouraged.
"There might be unexpected situations during the negotiation. It’s better for you two to wait on the ship."
Jiang Zhuan spoke firmly, looking at Jiang Lai with a wary face.
"We’re going together."
Jiang Lai smiled.
These two brats were worried she’d conspire with the other side and make a move on their goods behind their backs.
Fools.
"If you’re coming, then hurry up."
Jiang Xun and Jiang Zhuan quickly put on bulletproof vests.
Jiang Lai boarded the yacht, bringing along the two brothers and several crew members ashore.
At the shore were container-like houses, pitch black inside from the outside view.
A car was already waiting by the shore, arranged by Shi Yubai, who was also a staff member stationed in Balrog by the company.
"President Jiang, we’ve spoken to the alliance leader. You just need to sign."
Jiang Lai was escorted to the front of the first container.
A group of fully armed alliance soldiers saw them and went inside to report.
After waiting for about three minutes, a man wearing sunglasses and dressed in local military uniform came out, a cigar in his mouth, eyeing Jiang Lai up and down before saying something to the soldier beside him.
The local Balrog language was quite complex and difficult to understand. The translator whispered to Jiang Lai.
"This is the alliance army deputy leader. He just asked why Mr. Shi didn’t come."
"Yes, tell him I’m Mr. Shi’s sister and one of the persons in charge of this shipment."
The translator went over and communicated with the other side.
The two spoke loudly and quickly, while Jiang Xun muttered quietly.
"What are those two babbling about?"
The translator then came over and told Jiang Lai.
"President Jiang, they said the anti-alliance army now controls a section of the bay’s waters. If our ship wants to pass, we need to pay them a sum, so they can protect us through the bay mouth."
"If I remember correctly, this amount has already been paid. If they’re asking again, they should come up with a legitimate reason."
Jiang Lai’s attitude was relatively calm.
They could ask for money, but they’d better have a new approach. Otherwise, they were just taking her for a fool.
Jiang Xun, listening, looked at Jiang Lai in disbelief.
"What are you saying? The money has already been paid, and you’re talking like this? If they really come up with another reason to ask for money, would you seriously give it to them?"
Jiang Xun always thought Jiang Lai was a smart person.
Now hearing her speak like this, it didn’t sound like a normal brain was speaking.
Jiang Lai looked at him.
"So, do you have a better plan? If you do, you can negotiate."
Jiang Xun shook his head, standing beside her.
"Are you kidding? I’m the client; why would the provider make the client work? Hurry up with the negotiation, don’t waste time. Every day delayed costs tens of thousands more in losses."
Jiang Lai ignored him.
"Tell him that we can handle those anti-alliance forces outside ourselves. Their job now is to open up the bay mouth as per the agreement."
The translator babbled again with the leader.
The other party listened, a fierce glint instantly appeared in their eyes.
At this time, the translator turned around and spoke to Jiang Lai in a low voice.
"They said that civil war requires funding, and you must pay for them to let you pass."
Jiang Lai looked at her, a smile on her lips.
"These alliance soldiers weren’t so greedy before. Are you sure that’s what they meant?"
The translator hesitated for a second, then unwaveringly nodded.
"Yes, their stance is firm. They have the advantage in numbers now, so I suggest you agree to their demands and leave quickly."
"Oh, where did you learn Balrog language?"
The translator paused slightly, then steadied her nerves and maintained her expression.
"I’ve lived in Balrog for ten years. Rest assured, I won’t make translation errors."
"No translation errors? Then why do I feel like what you say to them and to us doesn’t match?"
"President Jiang, I don’t understand what you mean."
"Hmm, not understanding is fine..."
After speaking, Jiang Lai smiled and walked toward the leader, then crossed her hands in front of her chest and bowed.
Seeing this, the translator’s face changed drastically.
This gesture is a traditional greeting of the Imperial Family seen only in Balrog, known only to those who’ve lived here.
But it’s also possible Jiang Lai did her homework beforehand.
With Balrog being such a small place and its language obscure, one district could have three different languages and lifestyles; communicating with these people is not that simple.
She might be testing me...
In her nervous fluster, Jiang Lai’s subsequent words shattered her last shred of hope.
A fluent string of Balrog words came from Jiang Lai’s mouth.
Instantly, everyone present was stunned.
Even the leader raised an eyebrow in disbelief.
Behind her, Jiang Xun was even more shocked, staring at Jiang Lai, hearing her speak Balrog as fluently as if it were her native tongue, utterly incredulous.
Before long, the Balrog leader laughed heartily, and immediately shook hands with Jiang Lai, nodding.
It was obvious from this that they had reached an understanding.
Jiang Lai turned around, and the female translator had already been subdued.
Seeing Jiang Lai approach, she said frantically.
"I was forced, someone made me do this, I had no choice!"
"Okay, it takes five minutes to walk from here to the ship, so you have five minutes to explain today’s situation to me."
