After finishing the call with Sun Tianliang, Gao Xiaoqiu put down the wine glass.

"It's about time. I have to go back and prepare a bit. I'll come find you later, and we'll head downstairs together."

"Alright."

Gao Xiaoqiu left, and Lin Yi stood by the window.

During the conversation just now, he learned that they had scheduled the meeting for 6 PM.

There was still an hour left, so there was plenty of time.

Lin Yi wasn't worried either; the task was not difficult for him, it was just the preliminary work that was a bit troublesome.

Meanwhile, Gao Xiaoqiu returned to her room, took a shower, changed clothes, applied some simple makeup, and was quickly ready.

Knock knock knock——

At that moment, the door was knocked.

"President Gao, it's me."

Hearing Sun Tianliang's voice, Gao Xiaoqiu got up to open the door.

"Is everything arranged?"

"The bodyguards and translators we hired are waiting downstairs. They seem quite proficient."

"Don't skimp on money for this. Spend what needs to be spent."

Sun Tianliang nodded, "President Gao, we gathered some news just now and it's not looking good."

"What happened? Take your time and tell me."

"The pirates that intercepted us are affiliated with Baisha Security Company, which is influential locally. They've done a lot in recent years, and each one is ruthless; many have died at their hands," Sun Tianliang said:

"They offered a price of 5 million. There's probably not much room for negotiation."

Gao Xiaoqiu frowned.

To her, this was indeed not good news.

After all, their limit was 1 million, and it was impossible to offer more.

If the other side refuses to compromise, things will become difficult.

"At this point, we can only take it one step at a time, and try to handle this matter well. If they can't accept it, then we'll just have to drag it out."

"Understood."

Time passed quickly, and ten minutes before six, Lin Yi's door was knocked.

After quickly tidying his clothes, Lin Yi stepped out and noticed Gao Xiaoqiu had changed her outfit.

She wore a very formal women's business suit, with trousers that covered herself thoroughly, revealing nothing.

Seeing Lin Yi with them, Cui Ye and Sun Tianliang had no comments.

Obviously, Gao Xiaoqiu had already informed them.

Everyone mixed in this circle is well aware of the unclear matters within.

Gao Xiaoqiu told them Lin Yi was a bodyguard she hired, but everyone knew the actual situation.

"Let's go, it's about time."

The four of them took the elevator down to the first floor, where they saw over twenty people standing in the lobby.

They were all tall and strong, but their skin colors varied. Seeing Sun Tianliang and the others come out, these people straightened up a bit.

Lin Jiang stood beside them, assessing these people.

He noticed one who was relatively slim and wore glasses, his stature and demeanor not at all matching a bodyguard.

Lin Jiang guessed he might be a translator-type role.

"President Gao, these are the people I found responsible for security work these few days."

Looking over the bodyguards in front of her, Gao Xiaoqiu asked:

"Can more bodyguards like this be found?"

"I've already picked out the best ones," Sun Tianliang said:

"If we look further, we should be able to find a dozen more."

"A dozen..."

Gao Xiaoqiu muttered, not sure what she was thinking.

"President Gao, do you have other arrangements?"

"I'm not optimistic about today's negotiation. We need a backup plan."

"Do you mean to confront them forcefully?"

Gao Xiaoqiu nodded, "I'm afraid we won't reach an agreement, and this batch of goods can't be delayed too long. If that's the case, these people will have to go out to sea with us."

"If we're willing to spend money to hire more people, there should be a chance."

"Let's first see the outcome of the negotiation. If it doesn't work, then we'll continue with this plan," Gao Xiaoqiu said:

"We must keep the initiative in our hands, absolutely not let them lead us by the nose."

"Got it."

After reminding them, the group left the hotel and waited at the entrance.

Accompanied by bodyguards, they had a commanding presence.

"President Gao, maybe let him wait somewhere else. If the negotiation fails, we won't need to be distracted taking care of him."

All along, Cui Ye and Sun Tianliang never regarded Lin Yi as a bodyguard.

That's why they suggested this.

They weren't afraid of upsetting Gao Xiaoqiu because their relationship was merely casual; after this business trip, they might forget who each other were, so there was no need to be overly considerate.

Gao Xiaoqiu thought for a few seconds, turned to Lin Yi, "Why not have a coffee in the lobby or roam around, I'll call you once it's done."

"We previously agreed that I would be your bodyguard. If I just leave like this, I wouldn't feel right earning this money."

Cui Ye looked at Lin Yi, "This negotiation carries certain risks; we have your best interest in mind."

"It is precisely because it's dangerous that I stay," Lin Yi said:

"We Yan Country people should help each other when away from home."

Seeing Lin Yi insisting on staying, Cui Ye and Sun Tianliang said nothing more.

They had done what they could; if he wouldn't listen, he had only himself to blame.

"He might be a bit naive, perhaps only having seen pirates in movies, probably never the real thing," Cui Ye joked.

"A lot of ordinary people are too well protected, assuming the world is peaceful, hence they want to join the excitement during a time like this," Sun Tianliang said:

"Once he sees real pirates later, his legs might just turn to jelly."

"That's not our concern, any embarrassment would be his own," Cui Ye said.

"I'm not worried about his safety, just that he might hold us back."

"Unlikely, just make sure he doesn't speak, shouldn't affect us," Cui Ye said:

"Provided he doesn't get so scared he wets himself, ha ha..."

Meanwhile, Gao Xiaoqiu also looked at the calm Lin Yi and asked:

"You don't seem scared at all."

"It's a public place, they wouldn't shoot and kill someone, right?"

"Not likely, but the average person would be nervous in such a situation. You have a good composure, definitely a bit of a bodyguard demeanor."

"Oh, I have to look the part for what I'm doing," Lin Yi laughed and said:

"I can't just earn this money for nothing."

"Hearing you say this makes me feel I'm getting my money's worth," Gao Xiaoqiu said:

"But I must remind you, the people we're negotiating with today are not like those you see in movies; they've actually killed people, and that's not a joke."

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