ebookland Chapter 809 Formal Negotiation
Chapter 809 Formal Negotiation
Two days passed quietly like flowing water, and Suzuki Taro seemed to have been reborn, gradually integrating into this simple and hard life. Every morning, when the first ray of sunlight penetrated the shabby tent, he and Fujita Teru greeted the rough but precious breakfast - raw fish and potatoes.
These foods, which he once looked down upon, have now become a luxury for his taste buds. He savors every bite, as if he can taste different flavors from them.
His body looked much thinner due to hunger and labor. The kimono that once fitted him well now hung loosely on him. His face had lost its former roundness and luster, and was replaced by a deep fatigue.
There was a faint fishy smell on his body, which was the mark of his companionship with food for the past two days.
At this moment, he was lying on the tattered camp bed, holding a piece of straw he had picked up casually in his hand. His eyes showed both confusion about the future and helpless acceptance of the status quo.
This is a world of difference compared to his previous pampered and arrogant appearance, which makes people sigh that humans are indeed the most adaptable animals.
However, behind this calmness, Taro Suzuki's heart is full of anxiety and uneasiness.
For two consecutive days, Su Zhengyang did not give him any positive response, which made him feel unprecedented frustration and panic.
He knew very well the mission of his trip - to seek peace with China to ease the increasingly tense situation in Fuso. However, Su Zhengyang's indifference and silence made him begin to doubt whether his mission could be successfully completed.
"Fujita, what do you think Su Zhengyang means?" Suzuki Taro finally couldn't help but ask Fujita Teru, his voice filled with a bit of anxiety and uneasiness.
After hearing this, Fujita Teru pondered for a moment and then spoke slowly: "He just wants to deliberately humiliate us and kill our spirit so that he can take the initiative in the negotiations. This is a common strategy at the negotiation table. We need to stay calm and not let him lead us by the nose."
Suzuki Taro nodded in agreement, but his worries did not ease. "What you said makes sense, but we can't afford to delay any longer. As long as the peace talks are not settled, the entire Fuso will not be at peace. What I'm worried about is whether Su Zhengyang will ask for too much in the negotiations and put forward conditions that we cannot accept."
Fujita Teru's eyes flashed with worry when he heard this, but he soon became firm again. "Are you worried about damaging the interests of the empire? But please remember that sometimes we have to make some sacrifices for the sake of peace and stability. Of course, we will also try our best to strive for the most favorable conditions to ensure that the dignity and interests of the empire are not damaged too much."
Suzuki Taro sighed and shook his head. "No, I'm not just worried about the interests of the empire. I'm more afraid that if the negotiations fail, we won't be able to leave here alive.
His words revealed a deep sense of powerlessness and fear, which he had never experienced before. In this land, he was no longer the high and mighty cabinet minister, but a prisoner who could die at any time. This change of identity and the uncertainty of fate made him feel unprecedented pressure and challenges.
Just as Suzuki Taro and Fujita Teru were immersed in their own thoughts and worries, a steady and powerful sound of footsteps came from outside the tent, and then the tent curtain was lifted, and Li Yunlong strode in with four soldiers. His appearance seemed to bring a hint of unusual atmosphere to this simple tent.
Fujita Teru's reaction was the quickest. He stood up almost as if by reflex, and came forward with a nodding and bowing. The smile on his face was exaggerated and flattering, like a blooming chrysanthemum. He had completely lost the demeanor of a former diplomat and looked like a lackey.
He knew very well that in this place, Li Yunlong was the helmsman of their destiny. If they offended him, the consequences would be disastrous.
He had diarrhea until his legs went weak before, which was Li Yunlong's masterpiece. He still shudders when he thinks about it now.
"Mr. Li, you're here!" Fujita Teru's voice was full of awe and flattery. He was almost trying his best to leave a good impression on Li Yunlong.
Li Yunlong just said "hmm" lightly without much expression, but his sharp eyes swept over the two of them, as if he could see through everything.
Then, he turned to the soldiers behind him and instructed: "Prepare two buckets of hot water and two sets of clean clothes for them, and clean them up properly. Also, prepare some delicious food. The president said that the formal negotiations will be held in the afternoon."
As soon as Li Yunlong finished speaking, an indescribable excitement surged in the hearts of Suzuki Taro and Fujita Teru.
Finally, they received news of formal negotiations, which meant that they finally had the opportunity to escape from this hard and humiliating life and regain their dignity and status.
"Mr. Li, we don't have to eat raw fish with potatoes today, right?" Suzuki Taro couldn't help but ask, with a hint of anticipation and uneasiness in his tone.
Li Yunlong heard this and sneered. There was both amusement and sarcasm in that smile. "Don't worry, there are eight plates and eight bowls for you to have a good meal. Even if you are a death row prisoner, you have to have a good meal before being beheaded."
Li Yunlong's words were like a bucket of cold water, instantly extinguishing the enthusiasm and hope in the two people's hearts.
They looked at each other, sweating profusely, and saw the same fear and anxiety in each other's eyes.
Fujita Teru smiled awkwardly, trying to ease the awkward atmosphere. "Mr. Li, you are joking."
There was a hint of embarrassment and flattery in his words, but he was unable to conceal the fear in his heart.
Li Yunlong didn't say anything more, just waved his hand, signaling the soldiers to follow his orders. Soon, the tents became busy, and hot water, clean clothes and sumptuous meals were delivered one by one.
However, for Suzuki Taro and Fujita Teru, this meal was extremely heavy and complicated. They knew that the next negotiation would be a tough battle, and their fate would be completely determined in this battle.
At two o'clock in the afternoon, after a long-awaited hearty meal and a shower and changing clothes, Fujita Teru and Suzuki Taro looked refreshed. They followed Li Yunlong to the meeting room.
The interior of the conference room is decorated in a simple yet elegant style. On both sides of the long conference table, several carved wooden chairs are neatly arranged. On the table are several thick documents, several exquisite pens and several exquisite desk lamps.
At this moment, the focus of the conference room was undoubtedly Su Zhengyang, who was sitting in the main seat. He was wearing a neat military uniform and looked particularly majestic and solemn.
He held a cup of hot tea in his hand, with steam rising from it, forming a sharp contrast with the solemn atmosphere around him.
Next to Su Zhengyang sat two diplomats, Marco and Seckt. They were chatting and laughing with Su Zhengyang, and the atmosphere seemed quite harmonious.
But both Fujita Teru and Suzuki Taro knew that this was just a superficial phenomenon and the real contest was about to begin.
"President, Taro Suzuki and Teru Fujita are here." Li Yunlong's voice sounded at the right time, breaking the brief silence in the conference room.
Su Zhengyang gently put down the teacup in his hand, looked at the two of them calmly and deeply, with a faint smile on the corner of his mouth.
"Please take a seat, both of you." His voice was gentle and powerful, yet majestic, which made Fujita Teru and Suzuki Taro feel a chill in their hearts. They hurriedly stepped forward and sat down in the designated seats.
As the two sat down, the conference room fell into a brief silence again. Everyone was adjusting their breathing and mentality, preparing for the fierce confrontation that might come next.
Su Zhengyang officially announced: "I think the negotiations can officially begin."