Chapter 44

Dalei: "As expected of Gao Dun, you really have the guts. You're much better than those two guys."

Gao Dun: "You can't say that. Their ranks are lower than mine, so they don't have the authority to make such important decisions." —— trying to exonerate his negotiators

Dalei: "Stop making excuses for them. From what I know, they only cared about petty gains during the previous negotiations, nitpicking over our demands. If you had your level of resolve, the negotiations would have been over long ago, and I wouldn't have had to come here myself."

Gao Dun: "When it comes to resolve, I can't compare to you, Dalei. Your resolve is much greater than mine. I am truly inferior."

Dalei: "Don't be so modest." —— flattering Gao Dun

Gao Dun: "By the way, if it weren't for their nitpicking at the negotiation table, you wouldn't have come to Gotham City, and we wouldn't have had the chance to meet and reminisce." —— changing the subject

Dalei: "Not only that, I wouldn't have had the chance to visit Gotham City as a tourist."

Gao Dun: "Ha ha ha, that's true."

Dalei: "So, let's not waste any more time. Take me to tour the famous landmarks of Gotham City. The sky is already getting dark, and the sun is about to set."

Gao Dun: "Alright, let's start with the world-renowned high-end department store, Barney's Gotham, located on Fifth Avenue in Gotham City."

Dalei: "Wait, Barney's Gotham? Are you still trying to get me to change my clothes?" —— angry

Gao Dun: "No, no, you just heard me approve it. How could I go back on my word? We absolutely respect your customs. You can wear your ceremonial outfit as you wish."

Dalei: "Then why are we starting the tour at Barney's Gotham? Give me a reasonable explanation."

Gao Dun: "Alright, let me explain. The timing of your visit is unfortunate. It's winter in Gotham City, and the weather is very cold, especially at night. I'm worried that you, coming from the South Pacific where it's warm all year round, might not be used to the climate here. If you catch a cold, it would be my fault as the host. So, I want to take you to Barney's Gotham to buy a mink coat to keep you warm, not to make you change your clothes."

I (narrator): "Clever! Using a mink coat to cover the red evening dress and hide the five stars, so others won't notice it's made from a flag. This is a smart solution."

Dalei: "Afraid I'll catch a cold? What a joke! A little cold can't harm me. I think you're just trying to cover up my ceremonial outfit with a mink coat." —— exposing the truth

Gao Dun: "I know my little scheme can't fool you, but doesn't this give you a way out? I've already shown great respect for your customs and allowed you to wear your ceremonial outfit. I advise you to take the opportunity and back down gracefully. Otherwise, we'll just be stuck here." —— stepping closer to Dalei and speaking in a voice only she can hear

I (narrator): "Is this the soft and hard approach in diplomacy? Gao Dun changes his attitude faster than turning a page, showing no regard for their personal friendship."

Dalei: "Want me to back down gracefully? What have I seen that's good? Do you think a mink coat will satisfy me?" —— speaking in a voice only Gao Dun can hear

Gao Dun: "What do you want? Speak clearly, people are watching us." —— due to their close proximity and whispering, drawing many curious glances

Dalei: "Let them watch. We are old acquaintances, so it's not strange for us to be close." —— not caring

Gao Dun: "Close? Nonsense. We know each other well. Even if you offered all the women of Paradise Island as a dowry, I wouldn't marry you. Just say what you want to extort from me. The atmosphere is getting too intimate." —— whispering

Dalei: "Alright, I'll say it. I want the five-person team from 'Professional Superheroes' to accompany me on a tour of Gotham City tomorrow." —— whispering

Gao Dun: "What's your plan?" —— serious

Dalei: "Why are you so nervous? I have no ulterior motives. I just want to meet them. I'm a big fan of 'Professional Superheroes'." —— whispering

Gao Dun: "Hmph, a big fan? Just like my little schemes can't fool you, your little tricks can't fool me. You clearly want to poach one of my team members." —— whispering

Dalei: "Yes, yes, yes, I do like one of them, but poaching? Is your fence so weak that they'll run away with just a wave of my hand?" —— whispering

Gao Dun: "Trying to use reverse psychology on me? You're mistaken. I won't fall for it." —— whispering

Dalei: "So what if I see through your reverse psychology? Will you agree or not? Give me a straight answer." —— whispering

Gao Dun: "I agree. The five-person team will accompany you on a tour of Gotham City tomorrow." —— whispering

Dalei: "As expected of the man who sowed seeds on Paradise Island, you're so kind to me! Now, take me to Barney's Gotham to buy a mink coat." —— shouting so everyone can hear

Gao Dun: "It's sowing seeds of friendship! (shouting) ... Please get in the car." —— escorting Dalei into a diplomatic car, which then drives away

I (narrator): "Indeed, one cannot judge a person by their appearance. This is the true face of the Amazonian princess. First, she uses an open strategy to force Gao Dun to comply, then uses a single sentence to create an ambiguous relationship with him, leaving others in the dark. No wonder Gao Dun said he wouldn't marry her."

After settling Dalei and her entourage, Gao Dun and Jonathan returned to the Office of Super Natural Disaster Countermeasures.

Gao Dun: "Damn it, this witch didn't come to Gotham City for negotiations; she's after me, trying to seduce me. That's like sending a lamb to the slaughter." —— angry

Jonathan: "The so-called final negotiations were just a smokescreen. She came to poach (troubled) ... This is a big problem. If any of Bid, Jordan, or Kent are poached, it would be very bad for us. Should we use the stand-ins we prepared to fool her?"

Gao Dun: "No, she must have gathered intelligence before coming to Gotham City. The stand-ins probably won't fool her. We have to send the real people, or the negotiations will fail."

Jonathan: "Sigh, why did you agree to her demands at the time?"

Gao Dun: "Do you think I like being extorted? If I didn't agree, not only would I fail the task given by the General Secretary, but it would also expose our weakness in controlling those three. Even if I refuse this time, she can find opportunities to contact them privately and poach them one by one. I had no choice but to agree."

I (narrator): "Indeed, as the saying goes, 'A fly doesn't bite a seamless egg' and 'I'm not afraid of theft, but I'm afraid of being remembered.' Compared to constant worry and vigilance, it's better to be straightforward."

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