Chapter 138: Knowing the Score, Losing the Confidence
"I'm a straightforward person, so I'll be blunt: my top choice is China."
Because he hated unnecessary hassle, Otonashi Chiya didn't want to play mind games with President Jiang. Playing the "riddle master" or acting elusive was, in simple terms, just a tactic for profit—nothing more than high-level bargaining. To him, profit wasn't the top priority. He knew the compensation would be more than fair anyway; if they lacked even that much sincerity, then there would be nothing to talk about in the first place.
President Jiang hadn't expected the youth to be so direct. Since the other party was being so candid, he stopped "playing Tai Chi" (beating around the bush) as well. He was internally overjoyed; wasn't this the exact answer he had been hoping for?
Thus, President Jiang spoke plainly: "We also place the utmost importance on you, young friend. Of course, the International Transfer will proceed as scheduled, and we will do our absolute best to offer a price that satisfies you."
While he had considered making a private deal with Chiya, it would have seemed informal and lacked sufficient sincerity. The International Transfer was the most prestigious and official channel. Cases like Quanxi and Kishibe were merely temporary "loans"; they weren't the same as a transfer that officially decided one's national affiliation.
"Understood," Chiya nodded, not saying much else.
"On another note, I heard you brought several powerhouses from the Soviet Union with you. Do you intend for them to be part of the transfer as well?" President Jiang was very curious about those Soviet elites.
"That's right. Like me, they currently have no affiliation. To be precise, they are my subordinates now. Naturally, they are bundled with me for the transfer," Chiya said calmly.
"I see. I know the score now." President Jiang's heart was simultaneously racing with excitement and sinking with gravity.
The Soviet powerhouses Chiya had brought were essentially the former backbone of the Soviet Union—the strongest tier below the Gun Devil itself. If China could secure them all in one go, their national strength would become unprecedentedly powerful!
However, this meant that during the International Transfer, the bidding for Otonashi Chiya would be incredibly fierce. Representatives from other countries would likely go mad trying to outbid them. He knew what he was up against now, but his confidence wavered slightly; he couldn't even imagine how high the bidding would go...
"The International Transfer will officially begin soon. Until then, feel free to explore our Magic City. With your language skills, you'll have no trouble at all," President Jiang said. "Where would you like to stay for the time being? Hotels, guesthouses, or apartments—I can arrange anything, including five-star hotels."
"Anything is fine," Chiya said casually.
"Then I'll arrange a five-star hotel for your group," President Jiang decided.
After Chiya left, President Jiang sat back in his swivel chair, spinning slowly as he sank into deep thought. Whether for his own career or for China's strength, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The higher-ups had placed great expectations on him; he couldn't afford a single mistake. Even if he had to exhaust the funds provided by the state—and even chip in his own private savings—he had to secure Otonashi Chiya!
Currently, Chiya, Shingetsu, and the others were on their way to the hotel.
"Shingetsu, don't you plan on changing into something else? Are you going to keep wearing that Leningrad Military uniform forever?" Chiya asked, looking at the outfit she had worn for what felt like a century.
"I've gotten used to wearing it; I can't be bothered to change," Shingetsu said indifferently.
"But we'll likely be living here in China for the long term now. I think it's better if you buy some new clothes in advance," Chiya suggested.
It was fine normally, but if Shingetsu showed up to the International Transfer still wearing a Soviet uniform, the scene would be more than a little awkward.
"Then let's go buy new clothes, but on one condition: you have to pick them out for me," Shingetsu said bluntly.
"Fine, I'll help you choose," Chiya replied, having no objection. "But before that, we need to drop our luggage off at the hotel."
Under President Jiang's arrangements, they were to stay temporarily at a five-star hotel in the Magic City. Once Chiya confirmed his long-term residency, he planned to buy a villa outright. Naturally, the hotel expenses were fully covered by the Devil Hunter Association—a matter solved by a single phone call from President Jiang.
The check-in was handled quickly, and they received their room keys. Since the booking consisted of three luxury doubles and one luxury single, Chiya and Furia were initially assigned to the same double room, holding identical key cards. Shingetsu, meanwhile, was assigned the only single room.
At that moment, Furia could feel Shingetsu's icy gaze fixed upon her. Unable to withstand the pressure, she decisively took the initiative to offer a swap.
"Excuse me! Server, please help me exchange room cards with her!" Furia hurriedly asked the staff to process the switch.
Only then did Shingetsu withdraw her gaze, clearly satisfied.
Although being in a room alone with Chiya was a bit... it was still better than watching Furia stay in the same room as him.
Chiya naturally saw exactly what was happening between the two, but he said nothing. Furia's small request was no problem, and the staff completed the swap for her and Shingetsu immediately.
As Chiya and the others took the elevator to their respective rooms, the receptionists at the front desk couldn't help but start whispering.
"Who are those people? To have the President of the Devil Hunter Association personally call our Chairman for them!"
"Based on their looks and names, they seem to be foreigners. The only one who looks close to us is that handsome guy with the strange eyes, but he has a Japanese name. It must be related to the International Transfer that's about to start."
"They must be Devil Hunters with incredible strength then. Otherwise, President Jiang wouldn't be so invested. We must make sure to provide top-tier service."
"..."
These staff members were used to seeing wealthy heirs and socialites, but this was the first time they had encountered VIPs specifically highlighted by both their Chairman and the President of the Association. Chiya's fame was widespread, but it was largely contained within the upper echelons of various governments; ordinary people didn't recognize him.
This was actually a good thing. In the eyes of the public, his reputation might be seen more as "notorious" than famous; staying unrecognized allowed his daily life to remain undisturbed.
When they reached the door of their room and were finally alone, Chiya—who had kept quiet to save Shingetsu's face earlier—asked:
"Are you sure you want to be in a room alone with me? I could switch to Furia's single room now; maybe it would be better for you to stay with her?"
Author's Note: Because I was too busy today, there likely won't be another update tonight. Tomorrow there will be three chapters, and I'll try to stabilize the update schedule—for example, the first chapter will drop at 12:00 PM tomorrow.