Chapter 389: Bilateral Agreements and Commitments
Kasam brought food, drinks, and precious gifts, more importantly, he demonstrated enough sincerity.
Nami directed the bodyguards to set up the food and drinks, and then personally poured the wine.
"To the two of you, I offer a toast," Kasam said eagerly, firmly believing in the Huaxia cultural adage that when you accept someone's generosity, you're less likely to oppose them; thus he began with humility and genuine sincerity.
Ye Fan and Mengyao naturally shared a drink with Kasam, showing no reluctance. Besides, future business development couldn't do without Kasam's support, and if relations became too strained, it wouldn't benefit anyone. More importantly, Kasam had already taken this step—whether as a gesture of recompense or apology—which was quite remarkable, so they received him with smiles.
"Ye Fan, may I ask you a question?" Kasam asked impatiently.
"Please, go ahead." Ye Fan replied indifferently.
"How did you know I would pay a visit?" This question had been puzzling Kasam.
"Anyone with clear vision would suspect that the sudden launch of the four missiles is intricately related to us. Such an event, Ba Country's internal factions cannot handle, and fear that we are the ones who have intruded into the military base. Therefore, whether to maintain their status or keep us at a distance from the rebels or warlords, it is natural to take some action. With your wisdom, it is impossible not to understand this reasoning." Ye Fan explained fully, "The situation in your country is clear to outsiders. As the head of the government military faction, you surely consider many things, especially those missiles in the military base. If they are not under your control, they could become a disaster for you; it's understandable to be anxious."
"Mr. Ye Fan, you speak frankly, hitting upon the key point," Kasam's attitude grew increasingly cordial; from directly calling Ye Fan by name, he now used respectful terms, clearly showing his shift in stance.
At the same time, he was increasingly confident that the missile launch was related to Ye Fan or the Chu Group.
"Everyone knows your purpose here; since you don't wish to spell it out, or you're holding onto suspicion wanting certainty on whether we launched the missiles, you might as well let that go," Ye Fan stated decisively. "I can tell you, if Ba Country people don't become our enemies, then we won't retaliate, and such incidents won't occur. Otherwise, if you insist on mutual destruction, it benefits no one. Of course, the biggest loss won't be ours. Surely you can understand the significance."
Ye Fan hid nothing and had no need to be evasive, openly revealing Kasam's innermost thoughts.
"Since Mr. Ye Fan has laid it out, I'll be direct. Frankly, while we're angered by the deaths of Arus and others, compared to the larger picture, Arus's death was deserved. He provoked those he shouldn't have." Kasam seriously stated, "My concern now is whether you harbor animosity toward us, which distresses me greatly."
Kasam was now a hundred percent sure that Ye Fan and his associates were behind the missile launch. Though he couldn't ascertain who precisely, it was either the Chu Group or Ye Fan and his associates. Upon realizing this, he candidly expressed his heart without reservation.
He confidently promised, "I can guarantee that our people will never be your enemies in the future. To ensure your future business flourishes and to avoid conflicts with our uninformed lower-level persons, I've decided to leave my secretary at your side to assist. With her help, business matters will be seamlessly resolved. What do you think of this arrangement?"
This decision by Kasam was made on the spur of the moment.
His secretary, in Ba Country, holds significant power. With Nami's aid, future business will surely have unobstructed access from Ba Country.
Nami was taken aback, not expecting Kasam to make such a decision, she instinctively widened her eyes in surprise.
Ye Fan and Mengyao exchanged a glance, showing their surprise and delight.
"Isn't your decision a bit hasty?" Mengyao also started using respectful language, evident from the use of 'you.'
Indeed, no one has ever had the honor of having their secretary left behind for such an advantageous arrangement.
Yet Kasam's decision was so earnest, it was not just surprising but astounding.
"I've thought it through and decided to fully support the Chu Group's business development." Kasam stated confidently.
He is a politician and a strategist, well-aware that since someone among Ye Fan and his peers possesses such formidable hacking skills, it's worth forging ties solely based on this, not something to offend by any means.
Realizing the importance of this point, he planned accordingly.
"I owe you a personal favor; if you need it in the future, I will help you once," Ye Fan made a promise.
Securing his promise wasn't easy; Ye Fan witnessed Kasam's sincerity, thus extending this commitment.
Currently, Kasam dismissed Ye Fan's promise, perceiving it merely as garnering favor with the formidable hacker. Of course, he worried precisely that Ye Fan was the person he couldn't afford to offend. He didn't yet know that in the near future, Ye Fan's promise would become immensely helpful to him.
Because the political upheaval in Ba Country would force Kasam to flee, and it would be Ye Fan who helped Kasam reclaim his leadership position, purging the opposing forces, thereby greatly aiding Kasam.
However, these are later events, not immediately relevant.
"What's your personal favor worth anyway?" Nami said disdainfully to Ye Fan, expressing her derision towards Ye Fan and Mengyao. Yet she couldn't argue Kasam's decision, only comply with it.
"Let me introduce my secretary, Nami." Kasam introduced Nami earnestly to Ye Fan and Mengyao.
Nami is a beauty possessing strong ethnic traits from Ba Country, alluring and proud.
After nearly half an hour of conversation, Kasam left surrounded by his bodyguards.
Nami remained behind.
Originally, due to the actions of the Poisonous Spider and various evidence, the missile launch was suspected to be inextricably linked with the Chu Group. However, with Kasam's personal visit, this suspicion became almost factual.
This also led to Ba Country's rebels and warlords aiming to win over Ye Fan and his associates.