Chapter 610: Final Negotiations (3)
One billion was just above the bottom line of his mandate. Broadly speaking, the Russian Underworld’s GDP was in the region of 80 billion Yin spirit stones last year. They could make excuses and say that they had been unaware, and that everything was unintentional, but so long as it wasn’t an economic tussle or a full blown war, reparations of one billion Yin spirit stones was still something that they were willing to pay to make the problem go away.
Without saying a word, Rumyantsev handed the list to Liu Yu for his perusal, and Liu Yu immediately knew what was going on. Hell was still scrambling to get back on its feet, and there were naturally things that it desperately needed.
That said, he could still give Prefect Zhong a hard time. After all, he was thoroughly disgusted by the manner in which Prefect Zhong was acting.
Qin Ye picked up his wine cup and pretended to take a sip from it. However, the truth of the matter was that he was already increasingly vigilant.
He had thought of many ways to deal with this, but had finally settled on a particular play.
That’s right. It was all about maintaining Hell’s hegemony!
We’re not discussing trade deals!
“Marquis Rumyantsev.” Qin Ye’s voice grew cold and frigid, “Are you sure the Russian Underworld is sincere in paying reparations for its trespasses? Why are you bargaining? Are you trying to tell us to change the list of items sought for reparations?”
The more he looked through the list, the more he felt that there was an issue with the items sought. Unfortunately, he just couldn’t quite put a finger on it.
But how could Hell possibly be considered a small underworld?
That said, the dismissal of these thoughts didn’t diminish his political awareness in the slightest bit.
Yin cotton was a useful material for weaving fabrics. In fact, it was one of the most quintessential agricultural produce in the netherworld, alongside silk. Clothes made of Yin cotton would fill the Yin spirit wearing it with a touch of warmth, just like that of the mortal realm. It was one of the most highly sought materials in the netherworld.
Abyssal Rainbow Flower, ranging from number one all the way through number seven. Each number corresponds with one of the colours of the rainbow, and they were each sub-divided into three different classifications, namely, low, medium and high. These flowers were mainly used in dyes. To this end, Hell had actually demanded 200 tons of these flowers at one shot. This was easily worth millions of Yin spirit stones. Furthermore, what was most peculiar about such a request was the fact that Hell had never imported such goods from the Russian Underworld because they had their own substitute products used to make dyes. What kind of madness was this?
Then, there was the Rift Grass, otherwise known as the Dead Arhat in Hell. It was a material rich in fiber, and widely used to produce paper in the netherworld. Aren’t the mountains of Hell covered with these plants? I’ve once visited Hell, and I could’ve sworn that I saw terraced cultivation of such Rift Grass… The more he thought about it, the more perplexed he was.
Drunken Jewel, a material necessary for brewing alcohol... Soulfall Tree, foodstuff… Earthbound Dragon, foodstuff… Inflamed Abomination, foodstuff… The entire list appeared to cover every aspect of need, and yet disclosed nothing. The more Rumyantsev looked at it, the more he felt as though a higher power had instructed him on exactly what to ask for. He could tell that there was clearly more than meets the eye, but he simply couldn’t quite understand what it was.
Meanwhile, Qin Ye lowered his eyes and fervently suppressed his racing heartbeats as he stole glances at Rumyantsev from time to time.
This time, Rumyantsev mulled over the list for half an hour before finally setting it down, and then tapping his finger on the table pensively.
“The scope of goods you’re asking for is too wide, and we might not be able to gather them on such short notice.” He smiled bitterly and looked Qin Ye in the eye, “So, could I counter-propose that we pay the reparations by way of Yin spirit stones instead?”
After all, Liu Yu knew full well that if reparations were made in the form of Yin spirit stones, rather than in kind, Prefect Zhong would never be able to fulfill the request that was entrusted to him!
The pursuit of these ordinary items doesn’t cohere in the slightest bit with Hell’s status internationally. But if they chose to refrain from making a demand like that… Pfft… I’m certain that the wily old Third King Yanluo of Hell must be worried sick by the outcome of this seemingly unimportant task he had entrusted to Prefect Zhong.
Rumyantsev grew taciturn.
The Tsar would never have imagined being presented with a list of demands like that!
“I’m not bargaining. All I’m asking is that we pay in Yin spirit stones a price equal in value.” Rumyantsev remained completely calm, yet scrutinized every micro-expression made by Qin Ye, “Could it be that… Hell isn’t in need of Yin spirit stones at all? Or does Hell find these things which Hell already has are worth even more than Yin spirit stones?”
Qin Ye cursed in his heart, before drawing a deep breath and looking up at Rumyantsev with a meaningful smile, “Do you know why the Tsar had specifically instructed you as such?”
Qin Ye chuckled. Then, he imbued a wisp of Yin energy with his voice spoke directly into Rumyantsev’s ears, “How’s the Black Fortress located under Severny Island been?”
That’s the Russian Underworld’s KGB headquarters… He actually knows where the KGB headquarters are located?! I dare say not more than 50 Yin spirits of the Russian Underworld even know of the existence of this place!
Hell was still the same Hell - as powerful as it had ever been! The revelation of the Black Fortress’ location had been disclosed directly to him to quell all resistance on his part!
“You--...” Rumyantsev spoke with a slight tremor on his lips. However, Qin Ye immediately interjected him and raised his glass placidly, “Don’t worry, Hell has never failed its allies.”
Having successfully seized the initiative, Qin Ye smiled and pressed the issue, “Now, let me ask you again - do you still have any issues with the list of demands Hell is making?”
He no longer had any suspicions about Hell or the requests that were being made.
Fortunately, Hell had always played hardball in these bilateral negotiations. Fortunately, Hell used to be one of the strongest underworlds around. Otherwise, had Rumyantsev delved any deeper into the possibility that Hell could be no different from a small underworld, it would most certainly spell disaster for Hell’s future development. Qin Ye swirled the contents in his cup, concealing the fact that his palms were mildly damp with sweat.
Rumyantsev abruptly paused and looked up in astonishment once more.
Even if it’s just a city, we can glean much of what might have happened to Hell over the last 100 years! Has the change of political regime been concluded? Is Hell finally prepared to retake its throne on the international stage once more? A series of thoughts immediately filled Rumyantsev’s mind, and he couldn’t wait to return to Rus immediately to convey the earth-shattering news. He’d been rattled several times over the course of this short banquet, and he clearly had much to report directly to the Tsar!
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