I Have 10 Trillion Dollars only Usable For Simping Chapter 2292 - 1456: The Rabbit Gone, the Dog Is Cooked; the Birds Gone, the Bow Is Put Away

The conference stretched out for more than two and a half hours.

It went slightly over the planned two-hour duration.

Guests from the two nations departed, but Jiang Chen was requested to remain.

"The trilateral free trade agreement is a cooperation dreamed up decades ago. Back then, Jiang, you likely hadn't even been born."

An elder called Miao Yu wore a reminiscent expression, "In those days, the global landscape wasn't as tangled as today, yet we were desperately poor. No one wanted to deal with us, and later, to stifle our growth, they slapped blockades on us, causing this initiative to be put on ice forever."

Jiang Chen wisely held his tongue and listened attentively to the man's story.

"Thankfully, what doesn't destroy you makes you tougher. No matter how much others schemed against us, through the collective and heroic endeavors of our whole country, decades flew by, turning us from a destitute farming nation into the world's spotlight, forging another historic miracle and reclaiming our spot at the global core. This stands as the glory of every Shen Zhou citizen."

The man's voice stayed moderate, but it held undeniable gravity and persuasiveness, likely from years steering diplomatic affairs.

After a short silence, he pressed on, "Yet the world keeps shifting. Clinging to old triumphs invites ruin. History has hammered home brutal lessons on that score."

He let out a sigh.

"We're living through a century's grandest upheaval. Global tensions swirl unpredictably, chaos gripping many areas. This isn't our desire, but swept in history's mighty current, we can't dodge it. We must gear up and confront it head-on."

"History proves repeatedly that dire eras breed golden chances. As business folks say, 'Fortune favors the bold, danger births fortune,' perils and prospects intertwine; it's all about seizing them right."

With that, the senior Miao Yu at last faced the quiet Jiang Chen, "Jiang, don't you agree?"

"Minister Miao's insights shine like gems, deeply stirring reflection."

Jiang Chen's instant, unflinching reply drew booming chuckles from the elder.

"Don't mock the silver-haired with blooms; time can't conquer charm."

This verse fit a gentleman just as well.

Miao Yu in his prime had surely been strikingly handsome, and even now, he guffawed freely, his face beaming refined poise. The lines on his skin even glowed with soft dignity.

"You sly fox."

He jabbed a finger at Jiang Chen amid his lingering grin, a sign of fondness, "So you're a master flatterer too. Word was you stood firm against authority. Gone soft already?"

For him and Jiang Chen, this marked their initial encounter, much like for recent occupants of that seat.

"Probably just hearsay, Minister Miao,"

Jiang Chen quipped back playfully, brightening the other's smile further.

"Japan and Korea stand as our close neighbors. No matter the world's turmoil, securing good ties next door at least guards our own backyard peace." Miao Yu shifted to gravity.

Jiang Chen gave a nod. Taking notes would suit the moment perfectly.

"Thus, resurrecting this dusty project holds huge weight for Shen Zhou."

Not staying mute, Jiang Chen chimed in aptly, "The stormy global scene impacts us all, including Japan and Korea mired in it too. Minister Miao's neighbor metaphor hits the mark. Being smaller with shakier roots, they crave alliance and aid even more than us."

"True, the reasoning holds, but they balk at harsh truths. You witnessed it; we hammered out terms over and over with real goodwill. The deal benefits all three sides equally, still they cling to opposing views."

Afterward, Miao Yu sighed again.

Global partnerships aren't like haggling over produce or barking orders at Blood Guanyin to seal the deal.

Tariff cuts, investment safeguards, IP rights, digital commerce... vast fields demand bargaining.

The tangled interests and politics at play boggle the mind.

By meeting's close, reps from Shen Zhou, Korea, and Japan still clashed on key specifics.

What's more.

Fujiwara Reiki, leading Japan's team, emerged as the sharpest "thorn" in the bunch.

Precisely so.

Acting as a vital link between the two parties, and branded a traitor by certain Japanese extremists, Fujiwara Reiki avoided blindly betraying Japan's interests to curry favor with Shen Zhou. Instead, she staunchly defended them from a Japanese standpoint to secure the greatest possible gains.

"Ever since that last incident, America has been nursing grudges and stirring up endless petty troubles recently, while Chairman Fujiwara must juggle pressures from home and abroad."

Jiang Chen spoke up for her, refusing to regard her as nothing more than a disposable instrument.

Should Fujiwara Reiki be present, she would likely feel moved or deeply satisfied.

Miao Yu’s eyes settled on Jiang Chen’s face. "I get it. They’re all serving their own nation, just like you, Jiang. You hold major credit for reviving the trilateral free trade agreement. That said, to bring it to a successful close, Jiang, you’ll have to invest plenty of hard work. Your close ties with the Koreans and Japanese make certain discussions far smoother for you than for us."

"Understood."

"Good that you get it."