Chapter 121: The Rogue Merchant (2)

If such a scene had unfolded among some petty gang factions, it would have been quite imposing.

The ambassador slightly recoiled as Xiao Tianci’s sharp shout nearly made him slip from his chair.

Ivanov’s face on the screen paled considerably, thinking, Who is this man? He realized this was directed at him—didn’t they say when beating a dog, one must look at its master? Now Xiao Tianci was beating the dog right in front of its master.

Xiao Tianci didn’t have the murderous aura honed by life-or-death battles like King Kong, but his explosive shout and fierce glare, especially given his status and the setting, had a remarkably strong effect.

Damn it, putting on airs like some noble aristocrat, pretending to be refined while discussing such dirty and shameless matters, yet still acting like a submissive lackey. Xiao Tianci knew very well that no matter what attitude he showed during the negotiations, it would not truly affect the outcome; the real question was whether each side could be satisfied with their own gains.

Full of rogue spirit, Xiao Tianci pointed at the ambassador and said, “Damn it, I despise people like you the most—no manners whatsoever! Don’t you know what kind of occasion this is? This is a meeting of a certain caliber. Just because you were called here, you think you’re someone important...”

A rogue is not inherently terrifying, but a rogue who possesses the world’s greatest wealth and absolute capital, making all nations and organizations wary—that’s truly terrifying.

The ambassador was so angry his hands trembled. He looked at President Ivanov, thinking, a rogue is a rogue, but this rogue is someone he can’t afford to offend. Ivanov sighed deeply in his heart. He then said, “Mr. Xiao, I sincerely apologize on behalf of his recklessness just now. To use a phrase from your country: I hope you can forgive a minor’s faults. Let’s get down to business, shall we?”

Xiao Tianci nodded at the ambassador and then pointed at Ivanov, saying, “See this? This is class, this is style. Learn a bit. Don’t just bark around here for no reason.”

He then sat back down and looked at Ivanov with a somewhat embarrassed expression. “President Ivanov, you see, I’m just like this—I can’t hold back when something bothers me. I was rude just now. I apologize.” He cupped his fist toward Ivanov. “Actually, I don’t usually curse unless I’m really pushed. Today I was a little impulsive.”

Ivanov, after all, was the president of a world power. Xiao Tianci’s deliberate performance was so fake it made him want to vomit, but he had to endure it. Hearing Xiao’s words stirred turmoil within him, and he reluctantly nodded.

Xiao Tianci felt relieved and exhilarated. Just now it was the president of M Country, Ledger, and now it was Russian President Ivanov... Ha... ha... delightful.

“Actually, my request is very simple—I want to acquire an aircraft carrier fleet to play with. It must be active-duty, fully equipped with weapons. Also, I told President Ledger I don’t want nuclear weapons; after all, I’m a pacifist.”

When Xiao Tianci hadn’t specified his conditions earlier, Ivanov was quite displeased with his attitude but maintained a neutral expression. Now hearing Xiao’s demand—something utterly impossible—he snorted coldly: “Mr. Xiao, though this is an immensely valuable asset—its value far surpasses that of an aircraft carrier fleet—you seem to be oversimplifying things. This is absolutely impossible.”

Xiao Tianci suddenly laughed. “Heh... I guessed you’d say that. No originality at all. If no deal can be reached, then farewell.”

He stood up without hesitation, not even giving Ivanov a chance to respond, and strode out. The chief steward and King Kong followed him. Ivanov was dumbfounded. Xiao Tianci, such a rogue, just said no outright...

The ambassador felt even more aggrieved, like a turtle diving into a fire pit—frustrated and resentful. He looked at the president, about to say something, when suddenly he felt a firm grip on the collar of his back. Before he could react, his butt left the chair, his feet left the ground, and he was airborne.

Ivanov, watching on the screen, saw King Kong Fang Meng suddenly appear behind the ambassador and lift him single-handedly. His expression changed drastically. An ambassador represents a nation; diplomats have immunity. Even during hostilities, envoys aren’t harmed. This wasn’t just an insult to the ambassador personally—it was an insult to Russia itself.

King Kong Fang Meng didn’t care. Xiao Tianci stopped and let him in, ordering him to escort the ambassador out. He added, “Don’t hurt him. Be firm but careful—only like my subordinates.”

Just as King Kong entered, he was already thinking: being firm but not hurting is easy, but being like the boss... thinking of how the boss acted earlier, he suddenly understood—the boss wanted him to be as much of a rogue as himself.

So without a word, he grabbed the ambassador, who was over six feet tall, and lifted him high enough that his feet didn’t touch the ground.

The ambassador angrily shouted, “Let me go! I warn you, you must take responsibility for what you do!”

“Bang!” Ivanov slammed the table and stood up. “Release the ambassador immediately! You are insulting Russia and declaring war! Call Xiao Tianci here at once!”

Holding the ambassador, King Kong calmly said, “Mr. President, this does not concern you. This is a private matter between our boss and the ambassador. Since he refuses to leave, our boss has asked me to escort him out. The boss said it’s a 'request.'”

He then said, “Ambassador, please come along.”

Ivanov’s chest heaved, words stuck in his throat, angry and anxious. Xiao Tianci, you bastard...

“Ha... ha...” Xiao Tianci laughed heartily when King Kong reported back. He clapped his legs and roared with laughter, “Good! Really good! This fully shows the truth of ‘No weak soldiers under a strong general.’”

Xiao Tianci was extremely proud. The chief steward Lin Jian cautiously said, “Boss, is this really okay? The ambassador’s status is special. He represents a nation. You already reprimanded him just now, and now this might anger President Ivanov.”

Xiao Tianci shook his head. “No way. Ambassador representing a country? That’s nonsense. Look at when and who becomes an ambassador, and what happens. Today, he’s just unlucky to meet me.”

Lin Jian, understanding the boss’s wild plan, didn’t believe it would succeed. Not to mention the value of a whole aircraft carrier fleet—this was beyond money. If a nation sold a fully armed aircraft carrier fleet to an individual, the world would truly go mad.

“Boss, even if you say that, under these circumstances, neither M Country nor Russia would agree.”

Now many matters were discussed between Xiao Tianci and Lin Jian together. Lin Jian, like the previous chief stewards of the Xiao family, was becoming an indispensable right hand to the family head, gradually earning Xiao Tianci’s trust.

Xiao Tianci held out his hand, signaling Lin Jian to hand him the phone. As he dialed Ledger’s number, he said, “We’re just starting negotiations for such a big deal; we have to take it slow or we’ll suffer heavy losses.”

The call connected, and Xiao Tianci, true to his rogue nature, said, “Hello, is this President Ledger of M Country? Ha ha ha, yes, it’s me.”

Ledger was quite surprised by the call. Could it be that Xiao had accepted his advice? But his men had just said Xiao had contacted Russia. Why was he calling again? Did he want to negotiate again? There was no way Ivanov would agree to such terms!

“Mr. Xiao, receiving your call truly pleases me.”

Who knew Xiao Tianci would curse: “Damn pleasure my ass! I just talked to that Ivanov fellow—he’s as stubborn and foul as you, a stone in a cesspit.”

Ledger, trying to stay calm but showing slight anger, said, “Mr. Xiao, please watch your language.”

It was almost mealtime. Xiao Tianci walked toward the dining room, chatting casually with Ledger. Approaching the corner near the dining room, he stopped. Little Geke must already be inside. He couldn’t let her learn such language. Having a child around meant he had to watch his influence. He’d long lost any image, but he couldn’t affect the next generation.

“Oh... oh... oh... tsk tsk, how should I put this...” Xiao Tianci made several “oh” sounds and said, “President Ledger, I really apologize. Those were just expletives slipped out accidentally. They’re just filler words, nothing else. Don’t get the wrong idea... ha... ha... I almost said more. Don’t get the wrong idea. I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

Ledger breathed deeply to calm himself, glad he hadn’t burst out in anger. “Mr. Xiao, I’ve seen your jokes and antics. I hope we can talk seriously.”

Xiao Tianci exclaimed, “Oh heavens, you’ve misunderstood me! I’ve been serious all along. You don’t think I’m joking just because I use some filler words, do you?”

Ledger was speechless—like a scholar confronted by a soldier, there was no reasoning. After a pause, Xiao Tianci chuckled, “Alright, alright. The reason I called is to say this matter is negotiable.”

Ledger was firm: “Mr. Xiao, other matters may be negotiable, but this one absolutely is not.”

“Tsk tsk...” Xiao Tianci said, “I hate that tone the most. What does ‘absolutely impossible’ mean? I said I want the aircraft carrier fleet, but I’m not asking for it for free. Besides that, I’ll help you with some things, like stimulating the stock market. As for its use...”

Ledger interrupted, “Mr. Xiao, no matter what you do with it, a whole aircraft carrier fleet is absolutely impossible.”

Xiao Tianci felt he’d had enough fun for today. He had his own plan for this matter. Humph, we’ll see if you’ll trade with me obediently.

“Damn it, do you think I’m willing to sell? Forget it then.” With a snap, he hung up. Ledger’s face changed repeatedly. Alone in the lounge, he made no effort to hide his rage. Xiao Tianci was too despicable. Who did he think he was, daring to talk to him like that and mock him? Bastard! A rogue is just a rogue. With fury uncontrollable, he slammed the phone down.

“Ha... ha...” Xiao Tianci hung up, feeling very pleased. “Mmm, nice…”

His next words caught in his throat, his expression turning awkward because Little Geke was standing there, looking up at him.

“Ah... cough... when did you get here, Little Geke? Why didn’t you tell your brother?” Xiao Tianci quickly cleared his throat to cover up.

Little Geke obediently said, “I saw you were busy talking, so I didn’t want to disturb you.”

Xiao Tianci was very satisfied. The chief steward’s teaching had shown quick results: Little Geke had improved in etiquette and language, which pleased him greatly.

He patted her head. “Good girl, Little Geke. Let’s go eat.”

“Little Geke, did you hear what brother just said?”

“Brother was discussing business in a rather bold way.”

Sweat... Xiao Tianci turned to Lin Jian with a knowing smile. In just a short time, the difference was obvious. A bold way, ha ha. He wondered if Ledger would be so angry he’d spit blood. Thinking of that, Xiao Tianci suddenly remembered Will. Since being defeated by him in the Meihua incident, he hadn’t appeared. They had sent people to check once but found no trace. That old fellow was a worthy opponent—he’d have to be more careful and investigate further.