Chapter 511: Capitulation
A Tense Meeting
Two hours later, inside a hotel in an unknown Province.
Dai Yunkai said with an embarrassed expression,
"Mr. Shaw, I truly apologize for suddenly summoning you here."
Luke removed his sunglasses and casually tossed them onto the table.
"I hate eating with strange men, especially in a place like a hotel. Get straight to the point. Don't waste time."
"It's certainly inconvenient to bother you at this time, Mr. Shaw, but some things must be discussed with you face-to-face."
Luke pulled out a chair and sat down.
"Go ahead, I'm listening."
Dai Yunkai didn't continue the topic. Instead, he asked,
"If I may ask an off-topic question: How is Zhang Jiu? Are his injuries serious?"
"He won't die."
"That's good, that's good."
Dai Yunkai poured a glass of wine for Luke, and then one for himself.
"I wonder how Mr. Shaw plans to settle Zhang Jiu? Will he stay in China? Or will you take him to the United States?"
Luke's heart stirred, and he countered,
"Where do you think he should go?"
"Zhang Jiu is a child. A child should naturally be with his parents. If his parents are gone, he should be with his relatives." He paused, then continued, "In my opinion, he should stay in China. The United States is not a suitable environment for him."
"How do you know the United States isn't suitable for him?"
Dai Yunkai smiled and slowly said, "In China, he is a widely revered hero, a figure like a God of War. If he were in the United States... with Mr. Shaw's capability, he would certainly be given an extraordinary status, but the surrounding environment may not be to his liking. The United States is too messy."
That last sentence struck the crucial chord.
Luke looked deeply at the man. "So your purpose for finding me today is to keep him in China."
Dai Yunkai took out a document and handed it over. The official seal on it made Luke frown.
"A Special Pardon?"
"Precisely. The murder case from twenty-plus years ago was, in itself, a conspiracy. We reviewed the case files. Mr. Lingxuzi's crime can only be classified as excessive self-defense. There was no premeditated murder. As long as he signs the document, he can clear his name and return to the country safely, free from any criminal prosecution."
Luke lifted the document.
"This alone won't change my mind."
Dai Yunkai humbly stated, "Mr. Shaw's thoughts are not easily influenced. All we are doing is correcting a past mistake. Also, regarding the Lingxu Sect, I sincerely hope it can be reborn. I believe Mr. Lingxuzi would also want to see this happen."
These words struck straight to the heart of the issue, making it impossible to reject. Luke took the document and put it into his bag.
"I've accepted the item. Is there anything else?"
Dai Yunkai smiled. "I'd like to discuss the issue of compensation again."
"You've made your choice, then?"
"No, no!"
Dai Yunkai repeatedly waved his hands, a helpless expression on his face.
"Mr. Shaw fell into the Yungui region after fighting an alien and saving the Earth. In principle, all people on Earth owe you a life. While the deaths of the villagers are saddening, for us to demand compensation over this matter would be unreasonable."
"Let's drop the issue of compensation. No need to bring it up again."
Luke looked strange. "The second compensation agreement included the core technology for powered armor. Are you truly refusing it?"
Dai Yunkai said bitterly,
"Regardless of anything else, we share the same bloodline. Why must you test us like this, sir?"
Luke didn't deny it but repeated his previous question.
"Mr. Dai, is there anything else?"
Dai Yunkai was inexplicably relieved. He had guessed correctly: the so-called compensation agreement and core technology were a test. Luke was gauging China's intelligence and its grasp of the bigger picture. Choosing to be greedy for short-term gain would have resulted in major trouble.
That detestable fellow!
He was furious, but he had to contain it, trying to remain calm.
"May I ask a personal question? Are you preparing to return to Metropolis?"
"Yes, departing tomorrow."
"Mr. Shaw is leaving too quickly. Many friends have called me, wanting to meet you. Also, the feud between Zhang Jiu and the Daoist sect needs closure."
Luke shook his head. "This is China. I, after all, am an outsider. When the snipe and clam fight, there's no need for the fisherman to thrust himself forward."
The statement was pointed. Dai Yunkai understood the other party's implication but didn't address it. Instead, he offered,
"If Mr. Shaw is willing, he can become an insider."
Luke smiled without answering. "Anything else?"
Dai Yunkai sighed inwardly. He truly wished Luke would return. With Luke's abilities and mastery of science and technology, it wouldn't take many years for China to become the world's leading power. However, he also knew that people like Luke Shaw would never be subservient to anyone.
"Mr. Shaw, if possible, we hope to engage in deep-level cooperation with you—not just commercially, but in other areas as well. To show our sincerity, we are willing to make concessions on the ShowMe issue."
Luke was curious. "Can you decide that?"
"I was fully authorized before coming here. Every word I say can be honored."
"It seems we need to have a proper talk, then."
The Grand Chess Master
An hour later, the conversation ended. Luke rose to leave. Dai Yunkai also returned to his temporary office on the second floor. Qi Jianqiu, who was waiting there, rushed forward.
"How did it go? Did you succeed?"
Dai Yunkai took off his suit, removed his tie, and let out a long breath.
"We've reached a preliminary consensus."
Hearing this, the anxiety in Qi Jianqiu's heart finally eased. This time, they had been given an ultimatum. If they failed to complete the task, the higher-ups would replace them. Recalling the events, he couldn't help but say,
"I just don't understand what the higher-ups were thinking. Why the sudden change of heart?"
"Because we were all played."
"What do you mean?"
Dai Yunkai poured a glass of cold water and drank it down. He spoke in a low voice.
"The higher-ups wanted to use him to clean up the ancient martial arts world and the Daoist sect, and then negotiate. The result? Not only did we fail, but he checkmated us. Go outside now and look at those foolish pugilists. See how they talk about Luke Shaw—they practically want to call him their father."
"That can't be right!"
Qi Jianqiu frowned. "They should hate Luke Shaw."
Dai Yunkai shook his head with a bitter laugh, sitting on the sofa. He asked an unrelated question.
"Old Qi, if you fought the World Boxing Champion and lost, would you hate him?"
"How could I? We're not in the same league."
Dai Yunkai asked again, "But would you feel a sense of pride because of it?"
At that question, Qi Jianqiu was stunned. His eyes showed shock and hesitation. It took him a moment before he said, "They... they... no way!"
"I thought it was impossible too, but it happened. Under Luke Shaw's operation, Zhang Jiu has become a deity—tearing a centuries-old Zombie apart, using his body to resist a thunderbolt. Under the countless halos, the pugilists who lost to him not only feel no resentment but have instead developed a sense of honor."
"Luke Shaw used Jiu to elevate the status of the ancient martial arts world to an extremely high position. The tide rose, and the boats rose with it. How could the major schools not be grateful to him? And the temple plaques..." He sighed deeply.
"They've already been returned. Some schools shamelessly asked Zhang Jiu to inscribe their plaques."
"Turning the hand to form clouds, turning it back to form rain. I finally understand the meaning of that phrase."
"He played everyone in the palm of his hand. And us? We happily went along to help him. It's humiliating just thinking about it."
"That kid can only be a friend, not an enemy. That's the conclusion the higher-ups reached."
"Old Qi, we lost. We lost utterly."
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