Chapter 2293: Chapter 1456: When the Rabbit Is Caught and the Hound Is Cooked, When the Birds Are Gone and the Bow Is Put Away (Part 2)

Miao Yu smiled kindly, "When Heaven is about to place a great responsibility on a person, they mustn’t fear the burden. Don’t you agree with me?"

What could be said in response? Naturally, Jiang Chen could only nod, "Minister Miao is right."

The other party looked satisfied, "We’ve talked for so long, there should be a result soon. Korea and the Japanese have made a rare decision this time; once America notices, who knows what changes might arise. So, don’t let small matters distract you too much."

Jiang Chen raised his gaze to meet the eyes of his counterpart, seeing those clear yet deep eyes, shining with a meaningful light.

"I will do my best."

"With just those words from you, that’s enough. And don’t carry too much burden; if there’s genuine cooperation among the three sides this time, you’ll be serving the current generation. If it doesn’t work out, don’t be discouraged; just bringing this agreement back to the table is quite an achievement."

As he was leaving, the other party even proactively shook hands with Jiang Chen.

Without a doubt,

This is a treatment even the mayor of Sha City wouldn’t dare to dream of, and it’s subtle to say so; even the provincial capital is the same.

Yet Comrade Jiang Chen isn’t even a party member.

So this fact fully proves.

Heroes are not judged by their origins.

As long as one is willing to serve their country and contribute, identity doesn’t matter.

And equally important is.

The handshake between the two was made without any third-party introduction or facilitation.

Walking out on the red carpet, there were no more muddy footprints; as Jiang Chen took the steps down, he saw the state car quietly parked there.

He wasn’t surprised, walked straight over, and the car door seemed to have a sensor system, opening automatically as he reached the side.

Jiang Chen got in.

"Jiang Sang wasn’t blamed, was he?"

Fujiwara Reiki asked with concern.

"Why would I be blamed?"

"Li Ji was worried Jiang Sang would be implicated because of me."

Fujiwara Reiki spoke bluntly.

"Shen Zhou is not imperialist; you fight for the just rights of your own country, so where’s the fault in that?"

"Hehe."

Fujiwara Reiki laughed charmingly, her eyes rippling as she looked at Jiang Chen, "And what about Jiang Sang? Shen Zhou doesn’t blame Li Ji, but does Jiang Sang?"

Besides the driver, only Sakura was in the car.

The driver was also Fujiwara Reiki’s person.

Actually, service and security work should have been the responsibility of the host, but as Shen Zhou is a great nation, it has always been impeccable in etiquette, striving to meet all reasonable needs of foreign guests.

In this private setting, they were all Fujiwara Reiki’s people, so there was no need to hold back in conversation.

"Why would I blame you?"

Jiang Chen shook his head, speaking honestly; although he had arguably pushed her to her current position, he never saw her as his puppet — everyone’s dignity needs to be respected.

Moreover, where’s the fault in seeking blessings for one’s own country?

Besides,

Though Fujiwara Reiki had never complained to him, how could he not know her situation?

Seemingly glamorous, but being seen as an eyesore by the Japanese extremists and Western forces, she lives under immense risk and pressure daily.

Why had she started arranging Death Warriors by her side?

She used to be quite carefree.

It was due to the sudden increase in danger.

There must be a tacit understanding between people.

Some things don’t need to be said, but you should understand.

"After so many days of negotiations, shouldn’t there be a result?"

Jiang Chen returned to the topic, prioritizing the bigger picture over personal feelings.

"As long as Shen Zhou is willing to agree to my side’s proposals, we can sign anytime."

Fujiwara Reiki seemed straightforward, but if it were that simple, Jiang Chen wouldn’t have needed to have private talks; it would’ve been settled at the conference.

"The conditions you proposed last time weren’t as high as today’s."

Indeed.

This left Jiang Chen puzzled, and it’s why today’s meeting ended without resolution.

In theory, negotiations are like a gamble, where each side gradually concedes as their chips dwindle, but Fujiwara Reiki did the opposite, proposing even more "stringent" terms today compared to the last negotiation, and while not significantly higher, it was completely illogical.

"Does Jiang Sang know the reason?"

"Just stick to the terms from last time, I’ll do the legwork."

Jiang Chen responded succinctly.

"Does Jiang Sang think Li Ji is doing this for herself?"

If not for herself, then for what?

Bringing back a good report card would undoubtedly improve her situation, offsetting accusations of treason, which is understandable.

"If your side’s terms are agreed upon, Korea will experience a psychological gap..."

Jiang Chen was interrupted before he could finish.

"Li Ji is doing this for Jiang Sang."

"..."

Jiang Chen pressed his lips together.

"Does Jiang Sang not believe it? Do you think Li Ji is coaxing you as if you were a Japanese?"

Why did he suddenly feel like laughing?

Jiang Chen remained silent.

He’s not good at sweet talk, but he probably knows the other side is sweet-talking.

Yet, compared to the centuries-old family of Fujiwara Reiki, he still seemed naive.

"Have you ever considered how much you’ve done for Shen Zhou, how much you’ve contributed, and how many achievements you’ve accomplished?"

"Does it matter with the tripartite agreement?"

Fujiwara Reiki continued calmly without answering, "World history tells us that a person’s value lies not in their past contributions, but in their present value. When the cunning rabbit dies, the hounds are cooked, when the birds are gone, the bow is put away. If the tripartite agreement is signed easily, Jiang Sang might receive an elaborate verbal praise or even a dazzling banner?"

"..."

Is this perhaps a different version of learning from foreigners to control foreigners?

She seems to understand Shen Zhou thoroughly.

"Only by continuing the negotiations, hard as they may be, is it most beneficial for Jiang Sang."

Jiang Chen was silent for a long time.

The more he listened, the more he found the other’s words to be logical.

Was she really doing it for him after all?

"Jiang Sang."

Fujiwara Reiki called out, her voice low and deep.

"I completely understand Jiang Sang’s patriotism. But you must never forget: you are a ’civilian’, different from the privileged class. You are not them, nor will you become them, so you need to have a little bit of selfishness."

Even if Jiang Chen were dull, at this moment, he surely understood. He turned his head to see an earnest, charming face.

No wonder she’s an extraordinary demoness.

Her ability to captivate is indeed unparalleled.

If this counts as beguilement.

"Did you hear something?"

Fujiwara Reiki’s smile broadened, alluring as she exhaled softly, "If Jiang Sang were in Japan, you wouldn’t have such troubles."

As expected.

Still caught on by this demoness.

Reflecting back on the "discussion of personality and independence" before the meeting started, it suddenly made sense.

"Don’t meddle needlessly."

Jiang Chen said.

It’s already so lively; if she joins in, the scene would be too much.

"Jiang Sang, is Li Ji the same as them?"

"Li Ji only ever helps Jiang Sang solve problems; has Li Ji ever caused problem for Jiang Sang?"

Those words,

are a bit cheeky.

Hasn’t this demoness troubled someone enough?

But that’s only when they were alone.

Apart from their private world, this demoness truly hasn’t made things difficult for Jiang Chen.

What gives?

Suddenly, she’s become sensible and understanding?

This is the charm of comparison.

Jiang Chen looked at her and said nothing, silently raised his hand to push the door, intending to get out.

Remarkably.

He didn’t urge her to lower the treaty conditions again.

Fujiwara Reiki sat gracefully in the car, strategizing, but just for a moment, her expression changed, and she turned her head to shout, "Jiang Sang, wait a moment, have a sip of water before you go." 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Yet the only reply was the closing car door.

The state car’s soundproofing was too good; he was destined not to hear it.

Watching Jiang Chen leave, Fujiwara Reiki could only pull her gaze back. "Sakura, should the tonic water be prepared in advance? Can it be effective if taken at the last minute?"

Every parent knows.

Some children seem obedient and sensible, never get into trouble, but when they do, it’s a huge disaster!