After visiting the company's office area, Xiao Ran took Joshua and the others into the conference room.
Before the meeting started, Joshua suddenly pulled Xiao Ran aside and whispered:
"Sean, after some discussion, we decided to initiate an acquisition request from you."
"I wonder if you are willing to transfer the treasure map of the treasure under the mountain? If you are willing to transfer, our Federal Reserve can offer 2 billion US dollars to purchase it."
"This way you don't have to worry about going to the Philippines to explore the treasures under the mountains. As long as you hand over the treasure map, you can earn 2 billion US dollars immediately. Is there anything better than this?"
After saying that, the guy stared at Xiao Ran, waiting for him to make a decision.
Xiao Ran was a little surprised and couldn't help but be stunned for a moment.
He didn't expect that even at this time, these guys from the Federal Reserve were still evil and wanted to take the treasure under the mountain for themselves!
Joshua's offer of US$2 billion was also beyond his expectation.
How many people can resist being tempted by such a high price? No exception!
Even Xiao Ran was a little tempted when he heard it.
But what attracted him even more was the legendary treasure at the foot of the mountain, and the skull of a Peking Man that might be hidden in the treasure at the foot of the mountain.
Without seeing the treasure map, the Federal Reserve dared to pay a sky-high price of US$2 billion to acquire it, which is completely illustrative.
They are very aware of the huge value of the treasure under the mountain. Compared with the treasure under the mountain, 2 billion US dollars is probably not worth mentioning!
After pretending to think for a moment, Xiao Ran joked and said:
"Joshua, the treasure map of the treasure under the mountain is in my mind. Aren't you worried that I will come up with a fake treasure map and sell it to you? Keep the real treasure map for yourself."
"In that case, your $2 billion will be in vain. After a few years, I will find another opportunity to secretly go to the Philippines to dig out the real treasure under the mountain."
Joshua looked at him, then smiled and shook his head.
"You won't do that, Sean. After working with you several times, I know very well that you are a very trustworthy guy."
"Besides, we are the Federal Reserve, who can deceive us? One more thing, don't forget, the Philippines is under our protection."
Xiao Ran paused for a moment, then continued:
"That's right, who in the world can deceive the Federal Reserve, and of course I won't do that kind of shameless thing."
"But I'm very sorry, Joshua, I have no idea of hiding the treasure map of the treasure under the mountain. I prefer and enjoy the fun of treasure hunting than the treasure itself."
"And I also believe that the legendary treasure under the mountain should be worth far more than 2 billion US dollars. I will not give up a greater possibility for 2 billion US dollars."
Upon hearing this, a look of disappointment immediately flashed in Joshua's eyes.
However, he adjusted his mood in the blink of an eye, and then shrugged helplessly.
"I knew this would be the result. You are so smart, how could you sell the treasure map under the mountain for a mere $2 billion?"
"Although I had expected this result, I still wanted to give it a try, just in case it succeeded! But obviously, the result was disappointing!"
"Hahaha"
Xiao Ran laughed directly and then made a gesture of invitation.
"In this case, let's start talks. I believe we will reach an intention to cooperate and achieve a win-win result."
"Okay, Sean."
Joshua nodded in response.
Afterwards, the two of them walked to the conference table and sat down to formally start the meeting.
After the meeting began, David immediately took out the drafted cooperation agreement and handed it to Joshua.
Joshua took the agreement and looked through it, then handed it to the lawyer and his staff sitting aside, asking them to review the cooperation agreement.
Taking this opportunity, Xiao Ran chatted with Joshua again.
"Joshua, I think the biggest problem when it comes to going to the Philippines to explore the legendary treasures under the mountains is how to obtain an exploration permit from the Philippine government."
"As far as I know, both the Philippine government, the people, and many political families have been looking for the treasure under the mountain for decades."
"And they have also made discoveries, such as former Philippine President Marcos. It is believed that he discovered part of the treasure under the mountain, so he was able to live extravagantly."
"Filipinos have long regarded the treasures under the mountains as forbidden. If they knew that we were going to the Philippines to explore the treasures under the mountains, it would be impossible to issue us an exploration permit."
"Even if the Philippine government issues us an exploration permit, we don't dare to cooperate with them. If we really find the treasure under the mountain, the Filipinos will probably turn their backs immediately."
"In this case, I don't quite understand. How can you help us get an exploration permit and prevent the Philippine government from turning its back? Can you tell us about it?"
Before he finished speaking, Joshua started laughing.
"Hahaha, for us, getting an exploration permit from the Philippine government is not a problem at all, but you can't do it."
"The reason is actually very simple. You are an exploration company, but behind us is the US government and the powerful US military."
"The current Philippine president and his government are indeed not easy to deal with, but the Philippines will hold a presidential election next year."
"We know very well who will participate in the Philippine election next year, and we are basically certain who will eventually become the president of the Philippines."
"When the new Philippine president takes office, permission to explore the treasures under the mountain will no longer be a problem, and there is no need to worry about the Philippine government turning its back."
Hearing this, Xiao Ran was suddenly enlightened and a little shocked at the same time.
David, who was sitting next to him, had his hands shaking obviously and was obviously shocked.
The subtext in Joshua’s words couldn’t be more obvious.
Obviously, next year's Philippine presidential election is completely under their control.
Ability to exert significant influence, if not total control.
Duterte, who is currently in power, is obviously not favored by the US government and the Federal Reserve.
When the Philippine government changes, they will take the opportunity to push their own agents into power.
No matter who this agent is, as long as he ascends to the throne of the President of the Philippines, he will definitely be grateful to these behind-the-scenes masterminds and obey their words.
Until then, where is the permission to explore the treasure under the mountain?
After thinking about this, Xiao Ran suddenly laughed.
"I understand, Joshua, you still have a way, it's admirable and very safe!"
"This means that if we reach a cooperation, we can only go to the Philippines next year or the year after to explore the treasures under the mountain."
Joshua smiled and nodded.
"Indeed, it doesn't matter if we wait a year or two to explore such a shocking treasure that is enough to drive everyone crazy!"
Hearing this, Xiao Ran and David also laughed.
"Yes, we can wait a few more years for such a shocking treasure. We have enough patience."
After chatting for a while, the Fed's lawyers and staff finally reviewed the agreement.
Later, they briefed Joshua on the situation and expressed different opinions on some terms of the agreement.
Next, the two parties began to discuss the relevant terms of the agreement, and the negotiations really began.
The meeting lasted for more than an hour and just ended.
At the end of the meeting, Xiao Ran and Joshua signed a letter of intent to cooperate, confirming their intention to cooperate.
The two sides will not sign a formal cooperation agreement until the results of the Philippine presidential election next year are released and the time for launching exploratory operations is determined.
Next, you can apply to the new Philippine government for permission to explore the treasures under the mountain.
With the Federal Reserve operating behind the scenes, there is no problem in obtaining the exploration permit.
After obtaining the exploration permit, Xiao Ran can lead a team to the Philippines to explore the legendary treasure under the mountain.
After the meeting, Xiao Ran and Elaine sent Joshua and his party out of the company.
While walking, Joshua suddenly asked:
"Sean, I heard that you are going to France and England to explore treasures recently. When are you going to set off?"
“If you find anything good in Europe, such as top-quality antiques and art, be sure to contact me. I want to collect some more top-quality antiques and art.”
"Our family has many properties in France and the UK, such as Chateau Lafite and Mouton. Later I will invite you to taste the wine at the winery."
Xiao Ran smiled and nodded, and then gave the answer.
"The main purpose of our return to Los Angeles this time is to talk to the Federal Reserve and sign an intention to cooperate."
"After this matter is settled, we will leave for France, maybe tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, not sure yet."
"It's not certain whether this trip to Europe will yield any results. If I really find top-notch antiques and art, I will contact you old friends."
"If you also go to France then, we would really like to visit your family's winery or castle, taste the fine wine, and experience the life of the old European aristocrats."
After chatting for a few more words, Joshua took his leave and left.
After seeing them off, Xiao Ran and the others returned to the company.
After entering the company, Xiao Ran immediately called all the employees together and said loudly:
"Guys, those of you who have decided to go to Europe with me before can make preparations."
"The day after tomorrow we will set off to Europe together. The first stop will be Paris, France..."
Before he finished speaking, the entire office area was boiling instantly.
"Whoa! We're going to Paris!"
