As a Magnate, I Started Checking in at a Convenience Store - Chapter 423

Chapter 423: Chapter 423: Negotiations!

Chapter 423: Negotiations!

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

After spending two days in Monte Carlo with Abdullah, Zhou Chao decided to experience the charm of an Fl race car. With his exceptional driving skills, he drew loud screams from many onlookers.

Are you ready to return to London?

Yeah, theyve been calling me to come back. Im afraid if 1 delay any longer, someone will become restless, Zhou Chao said with a meaningful tone.

Alright then, 1 wont keep you. Abdullah nodded without saying much.

Zhou Chao, accompanied by Lin Wu and others, got into the car and headed for the airport.

Soon, a large private plane took off from the Monte Carlo airport.

Lin Wu, have you arranged everything in London? Zhou Chao asked as he looked at the gradually shrinking buildings outside.

Its all set. Miles has also arrived at the hotel!

And Todd, how about your end?

Its all coordinated. We have five teams ready at any moment!

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chao nodded. It was important to be prepared for security measures. In case someone tried any tricks, he wanted to be able to defend himself. As for his public persona, Zhou Chao wasnt worried at all, after all, he had strong backing!

The plane soon landed in London. As Zhou Chaos private plane touched down at the airport, in a certain council chamber, they were discussing the matters of the scepter and the crown. The Duke of Somerset was among those present.

Weve received information from the airport. The plane has landed, John Moses, who was the Duke of Somerset, spoke up.

Lets discuss how to proceed. The purpose of these two items is very clear they want the Chinese artifacts from the Great Eagle Museum! The middle-aged man sitting at the head of the table said.

Lets negotiate. These two items hold immeasurable cultural value.

Why dont we just capture him? Since hes here with us, he wont be able to leave without those items, a young man sitting at the back proudly suggested.

The others silently cursed him in their minds, What a fool!

John, you go talk to him first. See what his demands are. We can discuss it further later! The middle-aged man at the head of the table sighed and said helplessly.

Yes, Your Grace! John Moses quickly stood up and replied.

Lets disperse.

The rest of them nodded in response to Zhou Chaos words, and one by one, they got up and left. The Duke of Somerset walked at the back, deep in thought.

As he walked out of the council chamber and headed towards the outside, the Duke of Somerset didnt turn his head back. His car was waiting for him, and behind him was the prominent structure of Buckingham Palace.

Meanwhile, Zhou Chao had already arrived at the hotel. After briefing Miles assistants and ensuring that they were clear on the plan, he instructed them to gather information related to the Chinese artifacts in the Great Eagle Museum to check for any discrepancies.

Just as he had settled down on the couch and was resting for less than five minutes, his phone rang.

Guan Lao, whats up?

Have you arrived in London?

Yeah, how did you know? Zhou Chao was a bit surprised that Guan Ze knew he was in London.

The Duke of Somerset just called me, saying he wants to meet with you this afternoon in a quiet place to negotiate. 1 suspect that they have already agreed to your terms, but I dont know where their bottom line is.

Zhou Chao remained silent for a moment. He hadnt expected that someone would be keeping such a close eye on him. He couldnt help but smile and said, No matter what their bottom line is, Im going to ask for all 23,000 pieces of Chinese artifacts in the Great Eagle Museum to be returned!

Guan Ze was taken aback by Zhou Chaos audacious demand. He muttered to himself, This isnt just a big ask; its a complete package deal!

However, Guan Ze didnt dwell on it too much. After all, this matter was under Zhou Chaos responsibility, and he was just an assistant.

Well then, Ill schedule the meeting for this afternoon.

Sure, we can meet at my hotel. We can find a private room and have our discussion.

Alright, 111 call the Duke of Somerset and propose it. Lets meet at 3 PM, Guan Ze checked his watch and suggested.

Sounds good. After hanging up the phone, Zhou Chao contemplated for a moment. There was nothing else to prepare for at the moment, so he casually tossed his phone aside.

Do you want me to call the others over, boss? Todd asked from the side.

Zhou Chao waved his hand to indicate that Todd didnt need to do that for now.

Time quickly passed, and it was now 2:45 PM. During this time, Zhou Chao had Lin Wu reserve a small meeting room in the hotel.

At this moment, Zhou Chao and Guan Ze were sitting in the meeting room, sipping tea and chatting.

How much do you think theyll be willing to compromise? Guan Ze asked, looking at Zhou Chao who appeared calm and composed.

Im not sure either, but the most important items will definitely be returned. Otherwise, Ill go back to China and build a museum specifically to exhibit those few items they have! Zhou Chao sighed with a hint of helplessness.

They will probably return them. By the way, that thing you mentioned last time is already spreading. 1 believe it wont be long before the news about the Victoria Scepter and King Johns Crown comes out.

Yeah. Zhou Chao nodded in agreement.

Knock, knock! The door was pushed open, and Lin Wu walked in.

Boss, theyve arrived.

As soon as he finished speaking, the Duke of Somersets figure entered through the door, accompanied by his daughter, Alice.

Nice to see you again, Mr. Zhou, the Duke of Somerset greeted with a smile.

Haha, please have a seat, Zhou Chao gestured with his hand.

The meeting room had a long table, with Zhou Chao and the Duke of Somerset sitting on opposite sides, and Guan Ze sitting at the head of the table as an observer.

Once everyone was seated, Miles also took a seat next to Zhou Chao, holding a document in his hand.

Duke of Somerset, have you had a chance to consider our proposal? Zhou Chao asked, wearing a smile.

Is it negotiable? the Duke of Somerset said, but he didnt elaborate further, making it clear that he wanted Zhou Chao to state his conditions first.

I wonder what you have in mind for the exchange, Zhou Chao emphasized his words.

All of them were knowledgeable and understood the situation, but none of them wanted to be too explicit.

Zhou, lets speak frankly. You can state your demands directly, and if they are reasonable, 111 agree. the Duke of Somerset didnt want to drag things out.

Father, the Victoria Scepter and King Johns Crown originally belong to our country. They should be unconditionally returned to us! Alice said with a resentful expression.

Upon hearing this, the Duke of Somerset knew that trouble was brewing!

And indeed, the next moment!

Bang! Zhou Chaos hand slammed heavily on the long table, startling everyone in the meeting room. Alice was even more shocked, almost falling back in her chair.

Zhou Chao looked coldly at Alice and said, Miss Alice, based on what you just said, does it mean that all the Chinese artifacts exhibited in your Great Eagle Museum and Great Eagle Library should also be unconditionally returned to us?

I, Alice opened her mouth but didnt know where to begin.

Alice, please leave for now, the Duke of Somerset said sternly. He had brought Alice along to teach her a lesson, but he didnt expect her to speak without thinking.

Father Alice looked at the Duke of Somerset with teary eyes.

Leave! His tone became more serious.

Zhou, 1 apologize for my daughters behavior. Shes still a child and doesnt understand.

Duke of Somerset, we have an old saying in China: If the child is not taught, its the fault of the parents. 1 believe you wouldnt want your daughter to bring shame to the Moses family.

Upon hearing this, John Mosess face turned considerably grim, but he quickly regained his composure.

Ive learned my lesson, and 1 will educate her properly. Lets get back to the main topic. Zhou, what are your conditions?

Zhou Chao smiled and said, My condition is simply that all 23,000-plus Chinese artifacts from your Great Eagle Museum should be returned.

Impossible! the Duke of Somerset directly shook his head in refusal.

Thats my only request for now. Whether you agree or not is up to you. 1 have some other matters to attend to, so Ill take my leave, Zhou Chao said, standing up and heading towards the exit. In the view of the Duke of Somerset, Zhou Chao subtly winked at Guan Ze before leaving.

Before the Duke of Somerset could react, Zhou Chao had already left the meeting room.

As Zhou Chao passed by Alice, he glanced at her and was thankful for the unexpected assistance she had provided.

Guan, you need to figure out a solution for this.

At this moment, the Duke of Somerset was sitting next to Guan Ze, wearing a troubled expression.

John, its not that I dont want to help, but as a Chinese, I also hope that our lost cultural artifacts can be returned to our country.

You know this is an extremely difficult matter. If it were just a few items, it might be possible.

I understand. Youre right; I need to figure this out on my own. I might not be able to rely on your help, Guan Ze pretended to be in a dilemma and sighed as he spoke.

You dont need to help me directly. Just try to mediate the situation, and Ill go back to discuss it further.

How can 1 mediate in this matter when you havent even presented a concrete proposal? I cant just use words to mediate, Guan Ze said, pretending to be in a dilemma, sighing.

Ill go back for a meeting now, and ill call you later, the Duke of Somerset said hastily before leaving.

After the Duke of Somerset left the meeting room, Guan Ze couldnt help but mutter, He wanted to take advantage of me. 1 dont know where he thinks his intelligence went!

While he spoke, Guan Ze also followed suit and left, giving the Duke of Somerset a courteous send-off.

Once they saw the two of them off, Guan Ze returned to the hotel.

Do they still not have a plan?

Well, it seems like theyre just trying to gauge the situation for now.

Zhou Chao nodded thoughtfully.

Guan Lao, keep an eye on the calls he makes to you. 1 wont attend the next negotiation. Ill have Lin Wu and Miles handle it. Well give them some time to think.

Guan Ze thought for a moment and nodded.

Alright, well let them stew for a bit. Its best if they dont think were too eager.

Yeah, thats the plan. And lets have Victorias Scepter make a public appearance as well!

Zhou Chao and Guan Ze exchanged glances and burst into laughter..