80: Chapter 80 New Negotiation Partner

Camera flashes exploded in the negotiation room like bombs, crackling incessantly.

The sound of shutters was as dense as a downpour; the reporters were practically shoving their lenses into the faces of Qin Yue and Saleh.

In front of the cameras, Qin Yue and Saleh shook hands tightly.

Qin Yue wore a standard smile, dignified and poised, looking every bit the great hero who had secured life-saving funds for her country.

She knew clearly in her heart that while this one hundred million was called a loan, it was actually hush money stuffed into Egypt's pockets.

But at this moment, in everyone's eyes, she was the hero who had turned the tide.

It was done.

This deal could be called a textbook-perfect conclusion.

Looking at Saleh, this old fox of the Egyptian diplomatic scene, the muscles on his face were now pulled tight.

He desperately tried to pull up the corners of his mouth, wanting to squeeze out the posture of a victor.

But that expression was uglier than crying.

He felt waves of discomfort, bitter and astringent, accompanied by an indescribable sense of nausea.

The one hundred million US dollars he had obtained for nothing was now so burning hot that he just wanted to throw it away.

Saleh had originally come with scissors to shear the sheep, but instead of shearing any wool, he had been taught a harsh lesson by the other side.

Not only did he fail to fleece the sheep, but he also had a large chunk of his own wool plucked away by the other party.

One hundred million US dollars, plus 5% annual interest, was exchanged for Egypt's public and official nomination and support at the Universal Postal Union assembly.

For Lin Zhou, this deal was an absolute steal.

Not only did he use the smallest cost to pry open the threshold of an international organization, but more importantly, he tightly bound the interests of Egypt, a regional power, with his own.

And what about Egypt?

They lost face, but they didn't lose everything—they had become the first creditor nation of the Cyber Freedom Republic, and they finally had a reason to interact in the future.

Both sides harbored their own ulterior motives, reaching a strange yet tangible balance.

When the news reached home, the old man Chen Yuan listened to the report, holding a cold cup of tea, and didn't say a word for a long time.

He gently placed the teacup on the table, making a faint sound, and then let out a long sigh: "The Head of State's schemes... are more numerous than the beads on my old abacus!"

As soon as Qin Yue returned to the embassy, Lin Zhou's encrypted call came through.

"Well done." Lin Zhou's voice carried a smile, sounding like he was in a good mood. "You deserve the most credit. So, to reward you, I've decided... to let you continue your business trip and fly directly from Cairo to Rome."

Qin Yue was stunned: "Rome? To Vatican City?"

"Yes." Lin Zhou's voice deepened, his tone revealing an unquestionable decisiveness. "Egypt was just an appetizer; for the main course, we need to 'beg for alms' from the Pope. This loan should be as large as possible; we need at least 1 billion dollars."

"1 billion?!" Qin Yue's heartbeat skipped a beat.

This number was too shocking; it was simply astronomical.

Her brows furrowed, and her mind raced. "Head of State, Vatican City is not Egypt. Pure interest exchange alone probably won't move them. Our main bargaining chip—that plant genetic technology—was already licensed to them for free last time. What else do we have to offer now?"

Lin Zhou chuckled, his tone filled with the confidence of someone in control. "Who says we don't have bargaining chips? Qin Yue, you need to look at the long term. That last authorization was just a stepping stone; this time, we are going to give them a 'future' they cannot refuse."

Lin Zhou paused, his voice becoming serious and persuasive, every word appearing meticulously polished, striking straight to the heart:

"Go and tell Cardinal Parolin that Lin Zhou is willing to pledge 10% of all future commercial revenue as collateral. But you must emphasize that this 10% is not just the current output. You need to clearly highlight three points:

First, global licensing fees. The Vatican will receive a cut from the future licensing fees of this rapid-growth technology to other sovereign nations.

Qin Yue, you need to make them understand that the global food crisis will only get worse, and this technology is the key to solving the problem.

As countries scramble to introduce it, these licensing fees will be an astronomical, continuous stream of income.

The Vatican has followers all over the world; it will be faster than anyone else at promoting it, and naturally, it will benefit the most.

Second, technical iteration. Tell them that the current genetic technology is only version 1.0. This is just the beginning. In the near future, we will carry out continuous technical iterations, including advanced versions that are drought-resistant, cold-resistant, and have increased nutrient density.

This monopolistic replacement means endless wealth.

They are not investing in a one-time technology license, but in a continuously evolving gold mine.

Every technical upgrade will bring new profit growth points, showing them that this is an endless road to wealth.

Third, and most importantly—industrial implementation. Once this loan is in place, we will build a full set of seed R&D centers and related biopharmaceutical production bases on the territory of the Cyber Freedom Republic.

What we are going to build is a supply hub that covers global demand.

Qin Yue, you need to make them believe that we are not just selling technology; we are building a brand new agricultural ecosystem.

This will be a massive industrial cluster integrating R&D, production, and sales.

You need to make them believe that they are not investing in an exiled regime, but in a 'Green Silicon Valley' that is about to control the global agricultural and biological lifelines.

This is not just money; it is the best vehicle for the Vatican to demonstrate 'miracles' and 'redemption' to its followers worldwide.

Think about it: when global famine spreads, and only the technology funded by the Vatican can save countless lives, what heights will their prestige reach?

This is not just economic interest; it is a huge boost to faith and influence.

Do you understand what I mean?"

Qin Yue's breath hitched as she listened, her mind vibrating violently.

She finally understood Lin Zhou's ambition—he wasn't borrowing money; he was bringing the Vatican in as a shareholder, binding this behemoth tightly to the chariot of the Cyber Freedom Republic.

Once the Vatican Bank nodded, they would mobilize global resources to promote this technology.

Because for every inch of land where it was promoted, the Vatican's purse would grow fuller.

This was effectively turning the Vatican into his own global marketing and promotion department, and they would do it willingly because it directly related to their interests.

This move was absolutely brilliant!

"I understand." Qin Yue's voice trembled slightly, caused by excitement; she had been completely conquered by Lin Zhou's grand blueprint. "Head of State, I will make them believe this is a ticket to the future I am handing them. I will book my flight immediately and strive to arrive in Rome as quickly as possible."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Zhou leaned back in his chair and let out a long sigh of relief.

The deadlock of funding and diplomacy was being unraveled step by step with his planning.

He sat up straight, opened his computer, and created a new document.

His fingers danced on the keyboard, and a striking line of large characters appeared in the center of the screen:

[Announcement of Global Tender for the "Oasis One" Settlement Project]

He was going to build the first modern city belonging to the Cyber Freedom Republic on that desolate expanse of yellow sand with his own hands.

This was not just a city; it was a symbol for the Cyber Freedom Republic to declare its existence to the world.

This would be their true home, the cornerstone of their future development.

And this was merely the beginning of an era.