188: Leading to disastrous consequences

Saying that, he took the rifle from his companion's hand, stepped forward a few paces, and pointed the dark muzzle directly at Alexei's forehead.

"You can only choose between the Minister's safety and your survival, how will you choose?" Xu Ning said without a doubt, "Hmm? Tell me your answer."

Alexei's face suddenly sank, his gaze quickly shifted away from Gromyko's direction, as if his eyes contained flames that couldn't be looked at directly.

He had thought that since Xu Ning was willing to talk to him, his life would at least be temporarily safe, but he hadn't expected his thoughts to be seen through by the other party at a glance.

At the same time, the brief relief on Gromyko's face instantly vanished, replaced by a face flushed red like a pig's liver roasted by fire.

This scene caused Xu Ning to slowly lower the muzzle pressed against Alexei's temple, saying lightly, "Now, we can talk about serious matters."

As his words fell, a sheet of paper floated down in front of Alexei, it was the secret agreement reached between Xu Ning and Skorlov.

"Harvey is no longer in this world." Xu Ning pointed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs who looked uneasy on the side, "His existence is the best proof, I have no intention of deceiving anyone."

"There are two options in front of you." Alexei's gaze unconsciously turned towards Gromyko, his eyes filled with disbelief.

As a seasoned politician, he clearly knew what kind of power stood behind Harvey.

Facing this audacious Asian man, a chill couldn't help but rise in Alexei's heart:

Is this person really fearless?

One must know, Harvey's identity was no small matter, once the news of his death spread, it would definitely trigger a political storm.

Sensing the turmoil in Alexei's heart, Xu Ning continued confidently:

"The first option, sign this document, allowing our side to sail the Ulyanovsk aircraft carrier out of the port.

With this agreement as a guarantee, not only can you complete your task perfectly, but it can even add a significant achievement to your political career."

When turning to Gromyko for confirmation, the latter nodded in agreement almost reflexively: "Yes, getting rid of this giant ship that has become a burden is undoubtedly a good thing for the country."

However, when hearing the content of the second option, "Or, I can choose to end your lives directly, and then act alone," the atmosphere in the entire room suddenly froze.

Gromyko was the first to break the silence, trying to win a chance for survival by being ingratiating: "Esteemed Mr., since this is an agreement between the two of you, perhaps I don't need to be involved?"

In response, Xu Ning simply replied coldly: "If the negotiation fails, there is no point in keeping you."

In fact, the purpose of bringing Gromyko here, besides accelerating Alexei's acceptance of reality, was more importantly to use his identity to put extra pressure on the opponent, forcing the latter to make a choice favorable to himself.

Xu Ning knew deeply that his actions this time were like a clap of thunder, and the situation within Utopia was already irreversible.

He had to withdraw quickly, but leaving with that unfinished giant ship was not easy.

Acting without Alexei's approval would undoubtedly invite a thunderous counterattack from the Black Sea Fleet.

Relying on a single empty shell of an aircraft carrier to contend with them was like hitting a rock with an egg.

Therefore, how to cleverly make the other party willingly let them pass, and not turn hostile afterwards, became a difficult problem in front of him.

As for the art of negotiation, Xu Ning believed he had some experience.

On the way here, he had already thought deeply about this.

"Your country has recently become independent, and your finances must be tight." Xu Ning said, "Therefore, in this agreement, our side is willing to make some concessions."

When he said "especially the financial part", Alexei finally recovered from his shock, his gaze focusing on the agreement.

As his eyes swept over the amount column in the clauses, Alexei's eyeballs almost popped out of their sockets: "Three billion US dollars?

Are you sure you're not mistaken?"

This figure not only left Alexei dumbfounded, but even Minister Gromyko, who was standing on the side, showed an expression of disbelief.

One must know, even the Eagle Country's newly launched Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, only cost 4.7 billion US dollars to build.

And Xu Ning actually offered such an exorbitant price for the ulyanovsk, whose frame had not yet taken shape, this was truly beyond imagination.

However, for a country with a weak technological foundation, the value of such an unfinished hull far exceeded what could be measured by the superficial amount of money.

It might allow Great Xia to possess its own nuclear-powered aircraft carrier decades in advance.

Considering this point, even if North Sea Industries drained its last drop of blood, this deal was worth it.

Alexei and Gromyko exchanged glances, both understanding in their hearts: Facing such terms, refusal was almost impossible.

Since Harvey was already in the past, why did they need to worry too much?

Moreover, Harvey's death was clearly not their responsibility.

In this way, signing this agreement was simply all gain and no loss for them, and might even become a stepping stone in their careers.

Alexei's eyes gradually became firm, with interests at hand, past animosity had long been cast aside.

Xu Ning then looked up at the clock on the wall and calmly announced: "I'll give you five minutes to consider, give me an answer by then."

Xu Ning sharply pulled the bolt of the rifle, the muffled click sounding like the whisper of death, and the safety was opened, revealing its fangs.

This action invisibly threw heavy pressure onto the two people present.

They knew deeply that Xu Ning's every subtle movement was an unspoken threat: if they did not meet his expectations, their lives would end here.

Gromyko's throat bobbed, and he swallowed with difficulty, his voice trembling slightly: "Alexei, I think we have no disagreement on this matter, right?"

He turned his gaze to his companion, seeking support.

Alexei was startled, then nodded in understanding: "Yes, Minister, I fully agree."

Their choice was already clear, facing Xu Ning's gun muzzle, any hesitation could lead to disastrous consequences.

"We unanimously agree to sign this agreement." Gromyko's voice was low, but incredibly firm.

A satisfied light flashed in Xu Ning's eyes, he slowly lowered the rifle in his hand and casually tossed it to Big Brother on the side.

He clapped his hands and praised, "Very good, you have made a wise choice.

We'll skip the signing ceremony, time is tight, let's start now."

He deliberately involved the Minister of Foreign Affairs to ensure that neither side could go back on their word.

After all, only when they became grasshoppers on the same rope would true safety arrive.