Chapter Sixty: The Art of Business Persuasion (1)

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"Oh..." Xiao Tianci hadn't expected the Azure Dragon to suddenly change his attitude. Was it possible he'd been beaten senseless or simply frightened? Neither seemed likely. Still, things were finally taking a turn for the better, so Xiao Tianci hurried over to help him up. "Let me have someone treat your wounds first. We can talk about everything else later."

Azure Dragon quickly shook his head, silently channeling his energy to suppress the turmoil within his body and glanced at Xiao Tianci with some embarrassment. The reason for his fury and his desperate, reckless attempt to seek justice for his sister was because he believed Xiao Tianci and his people had truly forced his sister to "strip." That was utterly unforgivable. He'd asked about what happened at the time, and when Fire Phoenix recounted the events, her expression had changed and she'd refused to speak further.

But now, hearing Xiao Tianci's explanation, and seeing that the man, who clearly held all the power now, had come over to apologize, he felt differently. After all, every effect has its cause, and not everything could be blamed on Xiao Tianci. His own little sister had her share of culpability. In any case, it was fortunate that nothing truly terrible had happened.

"Mr. Xiao, I must apologize. My sister failed to explain the situation clearly, and I assumed... ahem..." This time, it wasn't pain that made him falter, but embarrassment. He coughed to cover it up. "So I acted rashly. Hearing your explanation just now, I am ashamed of my impulsiveness and foolishness. I caused trouble without understanding the facts. Truly..."

Xiao Tianci immediately understood: so the guy thought I'd done something to his sister, which explains his rage. Although it hadn't gone that far, it was difficult enough for a young woman to recount what had happened. He chuckled inwardly. Since that was all, the matter could be resolved easily.

With this in mind, Xiao Tianci laughed generously and openly. "Ha ha... Sometimes, things only become clear when spoken of openly. It's all just a misunderstanding. I should've explained things better earlier. Let's not mention it again."

Azure Dragon felt the clouds of worry in his heart disperse. After all, who prefers death to life? And knowing his sister hadn't been dishonored, he could finally breathe easy. Still, he resolved to discipline her well when they returned; he couldn't let her act so recklessly again. This ordeal might finally teach her a lesson.

"Heh... Mr. Xiao is right. This whole affair began with my sister, and it's thanks to you..."

"You see? We've agreed not to mention it again. It's not worth dwelling on. How's your injury? I have everything you might need. Shall I...?" Xiao Tianci offered, helping Azure Dragon towards the plane.

But Azure Dragon was too embarrassed to accept and quickly shook his head. "Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Xiao, but there's no need. We're used to this line of work; these wounds are nothing."

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Xiao Tianci smiled faintly and didn't insist further, thinking now was a good opportunity to speak his piece.

"Commander Azure Dragon, although I'm not deeply familiar with mercenaries, I've long heard of your reputation. In recent years, the Azure Dragon Mercenary Corps has become quite renowned in the international mercenary world."

Normally, Azure Dragon would have humbly accepted the compliment, but having just suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Vajra, he couldn't muster much enthusiasm. Though he'd encountered opponents stronger than himself before, never had he been defeated so thoroughly, without even the slightest chance to fight back. So hearing Xiao Tianci's words, he merely forced a smile and said nothing.

Xiao Tianci continued, "But I'm sure you know that the path ahead won't be easy. I may not know much, but it seems that those at the top each have their own powerful backers."

Azure Dragon could sense where this was heading and looked at Xiao Tianci. "If you have something to say, Mr. Xiao, please speak plainly."

"Heh... Very well. Since you say so, I'll be direct. If you're willing, we could cooperate. With the Xiao family's wealth and influence behind you, your development would be much faster."

He was clearly trying to recruit him, and Azure Dragon understood perfectly. Though he called it cooperation, it was really an attempt to bring him under his wing. A year ago, Azure Dragon wouldn't even have considered such an offer and would have flatly refused. But things were different now. Ever since breaking into the top ten, the pressure, the difficulty of the missions, and all sorts of challenges had increased.

Climbing higher would be a rough road, with countless obstacles and pursuers. He finally understood why the ninth and tenth positions changed hands so often, while the top five mercenary corps had remained largely the same for years, except for one that had been crippled by Vajra and dropped from the top five to the top ten. The support of the Xiao family might be more practical and effective than that of a single nation. However, if he agreed, the Azure Dragon Mercenary Corps, which he and his sister had built, would no longer truly be his own.

Seeing Azure Dragon deep in thought, Xiao Tianci knew he was getting somewhere. As a successful businessman, he understood that any sign of hesitation in a negotiation was an opportunity to press the attack and break through.

"Don't worry. I have no intention of interfering in the management of the Azure Dragon Mercenary Corps. It will remain yours, as always. Of course, as a businessman, I expect a return on my investment. One reason for my interest is that the Xiao family has businesses all over the world, which naturally attracts countless enemies and covetous eyes. Only with formidable strength can we do business safely and profitably. If the Xiao family were to directly establish an armed force, it would invite criticism. Most importantly, I need something built quickly, with a capable leader at the helm—and that person is you."

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When it came to fighting, Azure Dragon was among the best, but in negotiations or business, he was far less adept.

"Furthermore, as a businessman, I expect to see returns—that is, profits."

Azure Dragon shook his head. "Mr. Xiao, while it's true that mercenary work can be lucrative, it all depends on who you're talking to. Even Meihua was founded by the Xiao family. I doubt the money we make is anything in your eyes."

Xiao Tianci thought to himself, If I can't convince you, all my years in business have been for nothing. He smiled softly. "Heh... Don't take it the wrong way, Commander. If I may say so, despite all your experience, you don't truly understand the mercenary business. Oh—what I mean is, you don't fully grasp how to make real money, especially big money, from it."

Azure Dragon looked at him, puzzled. Were there ways for mercenaries to earn that he didn't know about? He was skeptical, but didn't argue. Xiao Tianci quickly organized his thoughts. While he didn't fully understand the mercenary business, he knew plenty of ways to make money and could talk persuasively on the subject.

"What I'm talking about is making real money. Otherwise, why would so many countries support the largest mercenary corps? Think of the top ten—some have tens of thousands of members and are equipped with all kinds of weaponry. Without massive income, they couldn't even keep running."

Azure Dragon replied, "The largest mercenary corps focus mainly on regional or national conflicts. Even the United Nations Peacekeepers employ them, and major enterprises in war-torn regions need their protection. They also take part in battles, sometimes even large-scale, formal engagements. Occasionally, they train troops for certain countries or recruit retired soldiers for covert missions that can't be publicly acknowledged."

Having worked as a mercenary for so many years, Azure Dragon truly doubted there were profit-making methods he didn't know of. There were countless small ways, but since Xiao Tianci had said "big money," he raised a few examples and then calmly waited to see if Xiao Tianci could name a method he himself didn't know.

Xiao Tianci thought, So that's what mercenaries can do—he hadn't known that. But in business, one can turn one into ten, and still make you believe it. After listening, he already had an idea—a way that Azure Dragon surely didn't know but would find convincing.