Chapter 268

Mr. Yan said lightly: "Our country's time zone is eight hours ahead of yours; it's already 2 p. m. here. I need to rest and eat. If you're hungry, you can go out and find a restaurant yourself; if not, just wait here. Have I made myself clear?"

Pi'erto frowned tightly, immediately emphasized: "Mr. Yan, I think I need to remind you! Up until now, contract signing times have always been according to your country's time zone; therefore, according to your time, there are less than ten hours left until January 1! I will not give you any extra leeway according to our country's time! No matter what you're still thinking of trying to negotiate with me, I cannot change any condition; the price of 1,500 per box is our bottom line, non-negotiable! Anyway, you'll eventually have to sign the contract, so why waste time?"

Due to the time zone difference, it is still 6 a. m. in Shanbota Guo.

So, according to Shanbota Guo's time, there are still about eighteen hours until January 1.

Pi'erto also thought that the Huaxia Guo side was daydreaming of buying some time to research a way to drive down the price.

But in his view, this was purely pointless effort.

Huaxia Guo simply had no qualifications to negotiate terms with him.

Mr. Yan gave a slight smile: "Mr. Pi'erto, you've said it yourself—we'll eventually have to sign anyway, so what's there to rush about? You've come a long way, not easy; you should rest a bit first, see you later."

After saying that, Mr. Yan and Ning Jinli left the reception hall without looking back.

Pi'erto was stunned.

Those words were indeed reasonable, leaving him unable to refute.

He could only patiently continue waiting.

While dining, Ning Jinli and Mr. Yan received an important piece of information—the stock price of Shanbota Guo's Bisi Pharmaceutical Group had risen, mainly because a large sum of money was frenziedly buying in, which created a noticeable boost in the international stock market.

Furthermore, investigation showed that the source of the frenzied buying mainly involved the founder of Bisi Pharmaceutical Group and Shanbota Guo's currently most influential legislator.

"Interesting, they're trying to push up the stock price." Upon learning this information, Ning Jinli immediately saw the purpose of the Shanbota Guo legislator.

Mr. Yan said: "That's right, if I'm not mistaken, once Pi'erto obtains the new signing contract, Shanbota Guo will immediately launch a large-scale publicity campaign, using media hype to push Bisi Pharmaceutical's stock price sky-high; then they can sell off the previously bulk-purchased shares at a high price, making a bloody fortune..."

Ning Jinli watched Bisi Pharmaceutical Group's stock situation while eating; it was still slowly rising, and it is estimated that by the time the European stock exchange closes, the group's stock price could be more than double its opening price that day.

If that legislator hypes up the new import-export trade order signed with Huaxia Guo, adding fuel to the fire, it's obvious that Bisi Pharmaceutical Group's stock price will go crazy.

"Their stock trading allows buying and selling on the same day, right, Mr. Yan?" Ning Jinli asked.

"That's right." Mr. Yan nodded.

A sly gleam appeared in Ning Jinli's eyes: "I remember that their closing time corresponds to 11 p. m. our time."

Mr. Yan blinked slightly, then immediately understood her meaning and couldn't help laughing: "Then I'll drag out the time, so those bastards won't notice anything amiss and dump everything before the close; this time I'll make them suffer the consequences of their own schemes until they vomit blood."

A chill flashed in Ning Jinli's beautiful eyes: "Bisi Pharmaceutical Group has strangled our country's lifeline for over a decade, arrogantly sucking our blood for over ten years; now… it's time to let them go bankrupt. Mr. Yan, after we finish eating, let's have a video conference with Sister Ying; we must make sure to crush them."

Mr. Yan's eyes showed excitement: "Good, good, good! We must crush them, let our country hold its head high, and also vent our anger thoroughly!"

The two ate at a leisurely pace, time ticking by second by second, while Pi'erto waiting in the conference room kept checking his watch.

Five minutes, ten minutes…… twenty minutes.

Then half an hour, one hour.

At first he could still sit in the chair, but later he felt the chair scorching his buttocks, unable to sit still, pacing back and forth anxiously, smoking one cigarette after another.

But the more anxious he felt, the less he dared to call to urge Mr. Yan.

Although he was absolutely confident that Huaxia Guo would inevitably sign the contract and had no qualifications to negotiate terms, in this situation, if he showed signs of anxiety, it might instead give Mr. Yan leverage in negotiations.

This ended up being the opponent originally having no recourse, but instead creating an opportunity for themselves.

So, he had to stay calm.

But this feeling was truly unpleasant; clearly he was the side holding absolute initiative, yet inexplicably his mindset was affected by the opponent.

"Mr. Pi'erto, the legislator's office is calling again." The secretary took out his phone, glanced at it, and asked, "Should I answer?"

Pi'erto stubbed out his cigarette, thought for three seconds, extended his hand, and said, "Give it to me."

The secretary handed him the phone.

He took a deep breath and pressed the answer key.

Sure enough, they were again urging for an update.

Pi'erto lifted his head, puffed out his chest, and gritted his teeth: "Mr. Legislator, everything is going smoothly; the representatives of Huaxia Guo are eager to sign the next import contract with me, I think I might be able to raise the price a bit, so I haven't agreed to let them sign yet……"

To avoid being scolded by the legislator, Pi'erto forced himself to come up with an excuse.

Needless to say, this excuse was quite effective.

Upon hearing this, the legislator on the other end immediately beamed with delight, not only ceasing to urge but also praising Pi'erto's cleverness.

Pi'erto secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that regardless, the contract would definitely be signed; even if he didn't actually raise the price, the legislator wouldn't blame him.

In short, for now at least he had kept the legislator at bay, so there wouldn't be further urging, saving him from pressure.

After the call ended, Pi'erto felt relieved and regained his composed demeanor, while the Shanbota Guo legislator on the other side immediately broke into an impromptu shimmy in his office.

Then, from overexertion due to excitement, he threw out his back.

The M Guo envoy hurriedly supported him, saying, "Mr. Legislator, please be careful; quickly have someone send you to the hospital!"

The legislator, looking at the computer screen's stock trading interface, said with a smile, "Even if my leg is broken, I won't go to the hospital; I'll stay right here, I don't want to miss the entire process of Bisi Pharmaceutical Group's stock skyrocketing."

On the Huaxia Xinghan City side.

After finishing their meal, Ning Jinli and Mr. Yan changed locations to contact Shangguan Ying and initiate a video conference for discussion.

The closing time of the European stock exchange is 5 p. m. local time, which corresponds to 11 p. m. tonight in Huaxia Guo time.

At this moment, there are still less than eight hours left until then.

To bankrupt Shanbota Guo's Bisi Pharmaceutical Group, the most effective method is to announce after its stock closes that we have broken the group's absolute monopoly on Bisi sustained-release agent.

Eight hours is enough for Shangguan Ying to make arrangements, ensuring that at that time we will give Shanbota Guo, M Guo, and even the whole world a huge "surprise."

Of course, before that exchange closes, we must not let the Shanbota Guo legislator notice anything abnormal, otherwise he could still dump his shares at the last minute to cut losses.

Then keeping Pi'erto steady became the task of Ning Jinli and Mr. Yan.

When Ning Jinli and Mr. Yan returned to the company conference room, Pi'erto's eyes were practically brimming with resentment.

"Mr. Yan! I need you to give me a reasonable explanation!" Pi'erto shouted, pointing at Mr. Yan's nose, "You actually made me wait here for over two hours!"

Mr. Yan immediately showed his usual courteous demeanor, wearing a full-face apology: "Mr. Pi'erto, I sincerely apologize; I hope this won't affect the continued cooperation between our two countries."

Upon hearing those words, Pi'erto's green eyes lit up instantly.

He grabbed Yan's collar, smugly saying: "Actually I know you must have a think tank racking their brains to study negotiation price‑pressure tactics; the new price of 1500 yuan per box, if it were me I'd also think it's too high, you must feel even worse, but unfortunately you still haven't come up with a strategy by now, so I can only have you come sign the contract with me."

Facing Pieto's conceited speculation, Yan struggled not to laugh, then put on an embarrassed look as if seen through, saying: "Actually I advised them, saying it's pointless to waste effort, and well… it really is just a waste of effort."

Pieto lifted his chin and sneered: "Not only is it a waste of effort, your approach makes my boss very angry."

Yan continued the act, deliberately feigning panic: "Could your group refuse to sign a contract with me? Will you stop exporting the sustained-release agent to our country? No, this won't do! Pieto! Please! Considering our over‑ten‑year cooperation and that every time it's you and I who sign the contract, please say a few kind words for us!"

Such a humble, begging attitude made Pieto feel pleased from head to toe, exactly to his liking.

He smiled, loosened his grip, while straightening Yan's collar, and arrogantly said: "This is the proper attitude; I'll try to discuss it with my boss—wait outside for my word."

"Yes, yes, yes, Pieto, then thank you for the trouble," Yan said repeatedly, thanking him, then he and Ning Jinli went out to the conference hall.

Pieto narrowed his eyes to take in Ning Jinli's slender back, unconsciously swallowing saliva, a lascivious thought arising spontaneously.

The so‑called discussion with the boss was merely Pieto's pretentious excuse.

He sat in the conference room chair playing with his phone for ten‑odd minutes, then had his secretary call Yan in.

"How is it, Pieto?" Yan asked as soon as he entered, his face full of anticipation, eyes pleading.

Ning Jinli silently sighed; Yan, a veteran long‑in‑charge of national‑level key import projects, displayed flawless acting—truly a seasoned performer.

Pieto glanced at Ning Jinli without much interest, then put his feet on the conference table and drawled: "I went to great lengths to calm the councilor, but Huaxia Guo wants to keep importing our sustained‑release agent—no problem—but given your rude conduct this time, we must raise the price."

"Ah… this…" Yan hurriedly said, "I can represent our country and personally go to Shanputa to apologize to your councilor boss; please don't raise the price."

Pieto sneered: "How much is your apology worth? Get it straight—you delayed first! You made a big mistake! If you can't accept it, then don't sign the contract!"

Yan aimed to make Pieto feel he had everything under control; seeing the mood almost set, he resignedly said: "The sustained‑release agent is a life‑saving drug for millions of our people each year… no matter what… we must sign the contract, Pieto—tell me, how much of an increase?"

Pieto's smile grew more triumphant: "We had already told you that starting January 1st we would sell at 1500 yuan per box, but now we need at least 3000 yuan per box."

"Three… three thousand yuan?!" Yan's pupils trembled, shock mixed with obvious anger.

Part of that expression was his acting.

The other part was genuine feeling, for he had long anticipated that Shanputa Guo would be greedy and push for more; as long as they didn't develop a sustained‑release agent domestically, sooner or later the other side would raise the export price to an outrageous 3000 yuan per box.

"Too expensive… 3000 yuan per box is really too much!" Yan put on a pleading posture: "Pieto, please, be flexible!"

Pieto rubbed his hooked nose, a malicious glint flashing in his green eyes: "You left me hanging here for over two hours, and now I'm hungry and tired."

Yan immediately said: "I'll arrange it right away! Please go to the city's best hotel for dining and rest—I'll make sure you're satisfied!"

Pieto stared fixedly at Ning Jinli, the corner of his mouth curling in an undisguised smirk: "Yan, you know I've always looked down on Huaxia Guo's women, but this Miss Ning has caught my eye at first sight; if she can keep me company, I might even add a little less to the price."

Yan and Ning Jinli exchanged a glance; Ning Jinli gave a slight nod.

"All right, then let her keep Pieto company," Yan earnestly instructed Ning Jinli, "Later you must make sure Pieto is satisfied—treat him well, understand?"

Ning Jinli's lips curled slightly, her beautiful eyes flashing a smile that could bewitch Pieto, and she softly replied: "All right, Mr. Yan."

Pieto felt his very soul about to be snatched away, and hurriedly urged Yan to make the arrangements quickly.

One hour later—

Pieto and his secretary rode in the car arranged by Yan, arriving at a luxurious hotel.

Yan also told him that the whole hotel had been rented out for him alone, with everyone there serving only him, guaranteeing they could meet any of his demands.

From the moment Pieto stepped through the hotel doors, he couldn't stop grinning.

"This is the hotel's finest private room," Yan personally led the way to a gilt‑and‑splendid door on the top floor, adding, "The dishes are all ready—I'll open the door for you now."

Pieto looked around and asked, "Where is Miss Ning? Why hasn't she arrived yet?"