But the actual situation is that Zhou Wen is not drifting off, he really doesn't want to take this job. Just because this mission has too many uncertainties and too much danger.
Zhou Wen is not someone who wants money rather than his life. If you don't have money, you can still make money slowly, but he and his brothers only have one life. If you don't have a life, you can give me 100 million, which is fine. This is called making money but spending your life.
If it weren't for the pressure from the principal, Zhou Wen really wouldn't want to do this.
The second condition Zhou Wen made was that the British should also contribute.
Zhou Wen actually knew very well that among the three parties' cooperation, the most urgent one was Siam. They had almost no bargaining power in the face of the conditions proposed by Zhou Wen. This is also the reason why Zhou Wen is angry that the principal has low vision, which makes it difficult for him to offer too high a price.
And second is the UK.
The reason why Britain is willing to help Siam is actually because it does not want the Japanese sphere of influence to expand to its own doorstep. Britain's attention is now attracted by the rising Germany. It really doesn't want to provoke the Japanese anymore, but it also doesn't want the Japanese to come directly to its door and stare eagerly.
The one who is least anxious is the Republic of China. It’s just because Siam’s asking price of 10 million US dollars is too attractive. In fact, from a strategic point of view, it is dispensable. There will not be much benefit if the matter is completed. If you don’t participate in this matter There won't be much loss.
Therefore, Zhou Wen firmly took the initiative in the negotiation. Not only was Siam required to pay, but the British were also required to provide intelligence and be responsible for the response.
"Mr. Zhou Wen, I have to say that your request is too much. Considering the interests of our British Empire in Asia, we cannot directly conflict with Japan yet. Therefore, in addition to sharing intelligence with you, the response There is nothing we can do about it." Sir Charles said with a displeased look on his face.
Zhou Wen didn't pay attention to Charles' expression. He just looked at Siamese special envoy Chen Weiwen.
As the weakest party, Chen Weiwen had already seen a hint of indifference in Zhou Wen's eyes. This is a very dangerous signal, indicating that the young man in front of him is not very keen on this matter. Perhaps it was the pressure from the top leader of the Republic of China that forced him to participate.
Therefore, Chen Weiwen simply couldn't muster the courage to bargain with Zhou Wen. He was afraid that this master who had created countless miracles would walk away if he disagreed.
Moreover, Chen Weiwen also had an intuition. This young man may seem young, but he has an inexplicable calmness and confidence. Maybe this person is the best candidate.
So Chen Weiwen immediately expressed his position: "On behalf of His Majesty the King, I agree with Mr. Zhou's quotation. However, all payments must be made after completing the task."
Seeing Zhou Wen's frown, he quickly added: "Of course, if Sir Charles agrees to be the guarantor, we can hand over the money to the British side for safekeeping first, and wait for the task to be completed, and then it will be separated by the British Legation. Pay it to your government and you."
Zhou Wen first turned to look at Adjutant Wang with a questioning look, meaning to ask Adjutant Wang whether this method was safe? He doesn't know what the relationship between the Republic of China government and the British is now, and he is afraid that the money will be swallowed up by the British.
Adjutant Wang did not speak, but nodded slightly.
Yesterday at the principal's residence, although the principal was reluctant, in order for Zhou Wen to accept this task, he could only agree to the condition proposed by Zhou Wen that he would have full authority to lead the negotiations.
And Zhou Wen's performance just now has proved that he does have strong field control ability. And only now did Adjutant Wang realize that Siam’s original offer of US$10 million actually still had room for negotiation. Judging from the current urgency in Siam, maybe 20 million is also very possible.
"What a pity! The principal missed an opportunity to make a fortune."
But he understood clearly that he would not dare to mention this to the principal after returning. If the principal becomes angry out of embarrassment, he might even be angered, and that means he is looking for trouble for himself.
Therefore, Adjutant Wang is now taking the attitude that it is better to remain silent than to say anything. He leaves everything to Zhou Wen to control. All he has to do is stand up for Zhou Wen.
"Pay half first, and we agree to hand over the other half to the British for safekeeping." Zhou Wen said in an unquestionable tone after seeing Adjutant Wang nodding in agreement.
He seemed to not care about Chen Weiwen's attitude at all, and then turned to the British Minister Charles and said: "Mr. Minister, the situation is now very clear. Once the Japanese take control of Siam, your country will immediately become the second victim. . So there is no need for us to continue arguing. What we have to consider now is how to kill the target and how my people and I can safely evacuate Siam."
Sir Charles has been dealing with the Republic of China government for many years. He has always been bossy and forceful. When has he ever seen someone as strong as Zhou Wen speak to him in such an unquestionable tone?
Anger suddenly welled up in his heart, his fat face turned red with anger, and he protested loudly: "Mr. Zhou, please pay attention to your wording and attitude. We, the British Empire, are here to help you. Please don't be ungrateful. Do you know the consequences of offending our British Empire? Can you, a little mercenary, afford this consequence?"
"Hahaha..." Zhou Wen laughed.
"Mr. Minister, you are really joking. In Asia, it is not China that has really angered your country, but Japan, which has been continuously eroding your country's interests in China and Southeast Asia. What has your country done? Yes Did you send troops to protect your country’s interests in China, or did you send a fleet to deter the expanding Japanese combined fleet?”
“Not only did your country take no measures to stop the Japanese ambitions, but after our Northeast was brutally invaded by the Japanese, your country did not even verbally condemn or protest, let alone provide any moral or material support to our country. , why is this? I know that your country has many mining companies in the north of our country, and I also know that your country has many commercial interests in the Tianjin Port and Port Arthur in the north."
"But now that Lushun has been fully occupied by the Japanese, and Tianjin Port is about to become the next target of the Japanese, your country is still standing by and watching. Is your country's anger only expressed with words?"
Zhou Wen's series of questions made Charles blush. Although he was furious and felt humiliated, he couldn't even utter a rebuttal.
He can't say that now our British Empire has suffered from kidney failure since World War I. Our entire Armada is now used to threaten the rise of Germany, and it is really inseparable. What's more, even if the Royal Fleet is sent to the Pacific Ocean, it may not be the opponent of the Japanese Combined Fleet.
