Chapter 120: The Rogue Merchant (Part I)

Xiao Tianci had long since arranged a time to speak with Russian President Ivanov about a matter of great importance, simultaneously requesting that the Russian Ambassador to the United States also be present. Ivanov took this matter extremely seriously, holding two consecutive meetings with his top advisors within a few hours to speculate on what this "important matter" could possibly be.

The reason for such gravity was obvious: the moment Xiao Tianci emerged, he had rushed back to his home country. While he claimed it was to visit his wife, such an excuse was dismissed as nonsense by these powerful figures. To them, the romantic lives of the wealthy and powerful could hardly be called love. Their requirements for women, beyond beauty and intelligence, centered primarily on obedience. In their eyes, women were merely accessories, and they gave no credence to Xiao’s excuse.

Xiao’s subsequent actions seemed to validate their skepticism and the conclusions reached by the advisors after their sleepless nights of research. First, he had entered a restricted military zone in China—the stronghold of that nation's true power-holders, according to intelligence. Then, upon arriving in the U.S., his behavior became even more audacious; the American President had personally visited him, stayed for a considerable time, and emerged with a grave expression. This could hardly be a trivial affair.

Consequently, Ivanov was exceptionally cautious, making various preparations, including squeezing in a brief tryst with his secretary in a private room during a break in his schedule.

The Russian Ambassador to the U.S. was also acutely aware that this was no ordinary situation. The President had instructed him repeatedly to remain vigilant and extract as much information as possible. Yet, true to his reputation, Xiao Tianci was incredibly arrogant. As soon as he arrived, he dismissed the ambassador with a single sentence: "Go wait in the communications room. I’ve talked until my throat is dry. I’m going to get some water, and then I’ll talk to your President. You’re not needed here for now."

With that, he vanished. It wasn't until the time for the call with Ivanov drew near that Xiao sauntered into the communications room. He barely acknowledged the ambassador’s attempt at a greeting, offering only a dismissive grunt. The ambassador was left fuming; even the American President had never treated him with such disdain. He had served as an ambassador in six countries, meeting kings, chairmen, presidents, and queens, but he had never encountered anyone like this. What was Xiao, anyway? How could such an ignorant, shameless, and incompetent man hold such a position? He thought to himself that if things continued this way, the Xiao family fortune would be squandered by this prodigal son.

The Grand Steward glanced at his boss and then at the ambassador, thinking to himself, "Count your blessings; you haven't seen the American President come to him personally. What are you compared to that?" However, the boss seemed quite impatient; if it weren't for the current situation, he might not have even bothered to summon Ivanov.

Ivanov was already waiting on the other end. Once the connection was established, the staff immediately linked the lines. Naturally, such a conversation was not for ordinary ears, though the Grand Steward, Lin Jian, and the "Vajra" were standing behind Xiao, along with the ambassador.

After a few perfunctory pleasantries, Xiao Tianci got straight to the point: "President Ivanov, I’m sure you know—I suspect you even know what brand of underwear I’m wearing by now. You must also know that President Rodgers has just left my place."

Ivanov cursed inwardly. *Who the hell do you think you are, addressing me like that?* He realized that the intelligence reports were correct: this man was truly abnormal. Still, he kept a smile on his face: "Mr. Xiao, you are joking. What is this important matter you wish to discuss today?"

"Good, straightforward. Better than Rodgers," Xiao thought. He rubbed his mouth; after talking for so long with Rodgers and then effectively delivering a keynote speech, his mouth felt worn out. In his university days, he and his roommates could spend an entire night arguing about the personality of a fictional character, only to go to sleep together the next day. University was good like that—as long as you didn't snore, no one cared if you sat in the back of a large lecture hall.

Xiao Tianci suddenly recalled his old friend, the "Fatty," the best man he had ever known, who had disappeared years ago. Back then, Xiao hadn't had the power to find him, but now, with the inheritance of the Xiao family, he believed he could find anyone—unless... but he trusted that the bastard wouldn't meet an early end. As the saying went, "Good people don't live long, but the wicked live for a thousand years." Once he had fully stabilized his power, he would definitely find him. He actually missed the fat bastard.

Ivanov and the ambassador watched in silence as Xiao lowered his head, rubbing his lips and shaking his head slightly, as if lost in thought. Ivanov’s patience was wearing thin, but he remained anxious. *What is he thinking? Is he protecting something? If he’s talking to us, it must be about the shield. But if he needs help, shouldn't he be asking Rodgers? Why involve us?*

Xiao finally looked up, catching the two men observing him. He chuckled inwardly, wondering what mysteries they were attributing to his silence.

"President Ivanov, good. I like your style. You’re straightforward, like me."

Ivanov felt a wave of helplessness. *My God, what kind of person is this? He says he’s like me. I’m old enough to be your father.*

Xiao pulled out a small electronic notebook and waved it. "This is the main purpose of our discussion today. You will receive some data shortly, and the Ambassador will review the primary files."

Ivanov’s eyes lit up with excitement. "The protective shield?"

Xiao tossed the device toward the ambassador. "I swear, can’t you people come up with something new? It’s embarrassing. Why are you obsessed with my shield every single day? What, do you want to steal it?"

Xiao’s words were sharp enough to kill. If it weren't for the fact that Ivanov and Rodgers were men of immense discipline and restraint, they might have died of apoplexy on the spot.

The Grand Steward transmitted the prepared data. Xiao knew that although Russia was currently as poor as a beggar, their military strength remained formidable. They had been the rivals of the U.S. for thirty years during the Cold War. It was a pity that times had changed, and money now reigned supreme. A great nation had dissolved, allowing the U.S. to take advantage, yet Russia’s military foundations were still something the Americans had to scramble to keep up with.

After a moment of shock, Xiao had the Grand Steward retrieve the device from the ambassador. "Believe it or not, that's up to you. I don't want to talk about the shield anymore. You’ve seen its value; I don’t need to state it. I’ve already spoken with Rodgers; now it’s our turn."

Ivanov wondered why Xiao was involving both of them. *Is he trying to sell it for money? If so, why me?* "Mr. Xiao, congratulations on such an achievement. The Xiao family has always brought miracles to the world. What is it that you want?"

"It’s simple. I’m selling this to both of you."

If anyone else had developed such technology, they would have been dead by now. But the Xiao family’s research labs were an infinite treasure trove; they could toss out a scrap and become the richest people on earth.

Ivanov began, "Mr. Xiao, this kind of thing..."

Xiao held up a hand, his tone turning into that of a hoodlum. "Don't give me that 'it's different' crap. What’s different? Do you want it or not? If you want it, we talk. If not, I’ll find someone else. To me, this is a commodity. I sell to whom I please. But as a businessman, I have my principles: I’m selling this to you two, and that’s it—no one else gets it."

He tapped his fingers rhythmically, exuding an air of arrogance. "Suit yourselves. I’m just a merchant. Don't look at me like that—I don't care if you're presidents. Buy it or don't."

Ivanov mentally cursed Xiao’s entire lineage. *Your father was a rogue, and you're an even bigger one.* He was genuinely impressed; in the entire world, Xiao Tianci was likely the only person who dared to act like this in front of him and Rodgers.

After a long, tense silence, Ivanov finally spoke, his voice heavy. "Mr. Xiao, since you call this a transaction, there should be a price. Let's hear it."

Xiao picked up a nail file and began buffing his thumb, blowing on it casually. The ambassador finally snapped. "Mr. Xiao, the President is asking you a question. Please show some respect!"

Xiao turned his head, staring fiercely at the ambassador. "Who the hell are you? When did you get a seat at this table? I’m talking business—do you need me to teach you how to behave?" He raised his voice: "Well? Do you need me to teach you?"

The Grand Steward lowered his head. The Xiao family had been merchants for generations, but this was the first time he’d seen a "hoodlum merchant." His boss was certainly formidable, but he couldn't help but wonder what the ancestors of the Xiao family would think of this particular style of negotiation.