I can see the commodity price curve

During the recess, the corridor outside the courtroom was filled with a tense and depressing atmosphere.

Zhang Yue and Xiao Wang anxiously surrounded Lawyer He, their eyes full of worry and anger.

"Lawyer He, what should we do? How could they come up with such a new law to make things difficult for us?"

Xiao Wang was so angry that his face turned red and his fists were clenched.

Lawyer He frowned, his eyes revealing a solemn expression. He quickly flipped through the new law document and muttered:

“This is indeed a thorny issue, as the retroactive effect of the new law does violate international law practice.

But the Indian officials dared to bring it up in court, so they must have been well prepared.”

Zhang Yue took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down: "Lawyer He, no matter what, we can't just give up like this.

What do you think we should do next?"

Lawyer He pondered for a moment and said, “First, we must immediately contact our embassy in India and explain the situation here in detail so that they can support us at the international level.

At the same time, we need to collect more evidence on whether there are procedural violations in the formulation of the new law and whether it violates international law practices, so as to make a strong rebuttal when the court resumes its proceedings. "

Zhang Yue nodded decisively: "Okay, let's do as you say.

Xiao Wang, please contact the embassy immediately, explain the whole story, and ask for their help. "

Xiao Wang responded, immediately took out his cell phone, and quickly walked aside to make a call.

Lawyer He and his team members carefully studied the new legal document again, looking for loopholes and unreasonable aspects.

As he watched, he wrote down key information in his notebook, making full preparations for the debate after the resumption of the court session.

Two hours later, the court resumed its session.

The judge returned to his seat and announced with a serious expression: "This court has verified that the new law mentioned by the Indian officials does exist.

However, its retroactive effect and its applicability in this case require further consideration.

Now, please continue to present your views.”

The Indian official representative stood up with a smug look on his face and reiterated the provisions of the new law, trying to convince the judge of their claims.

Lawyer He stood up calmly and spoke in a steady and powerful voice:
“Your Honor, even if there is a new law, its retroactive effect seriously violates the basic principles of international law, which is generally recognized by the international community.

Our embassy in India has also made it clear that it has never received any relevant notification about this new law, which is enough to show that there are serious procedural problems on the part of the Indian authorities.

Moreover, we have sufficient evidence to prove that throughout the entire project process, we strictly carried out construction in accordance with the contract requirements and the project quality fully met the standards.

The so-called "quality issues" by the Indian officials are purely malicious accusations, and their purpose is to evade payment obligations."

As he spoke, Lawyer He resubmitted the embassy's reply letter and all the evidence previously collected to the judge, and elaborated in detail on the irrationality of the new law at the level of international law.

The judge listened carefully to the statements of both parties and adjourned the court again for deliberation.

This time, the recess was exceptionally long. Zhang Yue and Xiao Wang were sitting restlessly in the gallery, their eyes full of anxiety.

Finally, the judge returned to the courtroom, banged the gavel, and announced the verdict:

“After deliberation by this court, although there is controversy under international law regarding the retroactive effect of the new law.

However, under my country's current legal system, the final right to make quality decisions regarding foreign-funded projects belongs to my country's exclusive technical committee in accordance with the new law.

The test report provided by the plaintiff did not meet the procedural requirements of the new law, so this court ruled that the defendant, the Indian official, won the lawsuit.

However, in view of the plaintiff’s previous contributions to the project and the disputes, this court recommends that both parties resolve subsequent issues through negotiation.”

There was an uproar in the courtroom upon hearing the verdict.

Zhang Yue only felt a buzzing sound in his head, as if he was hit by a heavy hammer. His body shook slightly and he almost fell down.

Xiao Wang widened his eyes, his face full of disbelief.

He stood up suddenly and shouted: "How can this be? This is clearly an unfair verdict!"

However, his voice was quickly drowned out by the noise in the courtroom.

The Indian official representatives looked very proud.

The leading official raised his lips in a sarcastic smile.

He raised his eyebrows at Zhang Yue and said sarcastically:
"Mr. Zhang, it seems that our laws are superior. Just accept it."

Zhang Yue clenched his fists so tightly that his nails almost dug into his flesh, but he knew that it would be useless to get angry in court at this moment.

He suppressed his anger and resentment, took Xiao Wang, and left the court silently with his legal team.

Walking out of the court, the sun was still shining brightly, but Zhang Yue could not feel any warmth.

His eyes were filled with fatigue and helplessness. He had put in so much effort and hard work in this long struggle, but in the end, he got such a result.

"Boss Zhang, are we just going to let this go? I really can't swallow this!" Xiao Wang said angrily.

Zhang Yue sighed, and after a long silence, he slowly said, "What if I forget it?

In their territory, they have the law to protect them, and we have no chance of defeating them.

If we continue to dwell on it, we will only lose more.”

After returning to the company, Zhang Yue gathered the team members and told everyone the court's verdict.

After hearing this, the team members fell silent, with disappointment and resentment written all over their faces.

"Mr. Zhang, we have worked so hard for so long, is it all going to be in vain?" an old employee couldn't help but ask.

Zhang Yue looked at everyone, feeling a pang of pain in his heart: "I am not willing to accept this either, but reality is so cruel.

Now, we can only sell the project to others to minimize the losses.”

Just then, his phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number.

Zhang Yue was stunned for a moment, then answered the phone: "Hello, Mr. Zhang!"

There was a hint of pride in his voice.

Zhang Yue frowned: "Are you Yamamoto Ichiro?"

"It seems that Mr. Zhang still remembers me. I want to talk to Mr. Zhang about something. I wonder if Mr. Zhang has time?"

A complex emotion surged in Zhang Yue's heart. It was no coincidence that Yamamoto Ichiro came to him at this time.

He took a deep breath and tried to make his voice sound calm: "Mr. Yamamoto, just tell me what you want to say."

Yamamoto Ichiro's laughter came from the other end of the phone: "Mr. Zhang is really straightforward.

I heard that you encountered some troubles with this project in India, and I also heard about the court's decision.

Our Japanese team is very interested in this project.

If Mr. Zhang is willing, we can take over the project and we can discuss the price."

Zhang Yue cursed in his heart, it was obvious that Yamamoto Ichiro was trying to take advantage of the situation.

But right now, the project is like a hot potato in his hands, and keeping it will only result in greater losses.

He gritted his teeth and said, “You are well-informed.

However, we have invested a lot of manpower and material resources in this project, so the price cannot be too outrageous." Yamamoto Ichiro said slowly: "Mr. Zhang, I understand your difficulties.

But you also have to understand that given the current situation of this project, I'm afraid no one else is willing to take over except us.

How about this, we can buy it for 200 million yuan, which can help you, Mr. Zhang, out of your urgent need."

Zhang Yue's hand holding the phone was trembling slightly, and his heart was filled with humiliation.

You have to know that I have spent a total of 240 million so far. If I agree to the other party, it will be a loss of 40 million.

But thinking about the future of his team members and the survival of the company, he finally compromised:

"Okay, Mr. Yamamoto, I promise you.

But when the handover takes place, everything must be done according to the rules.”

"Don't worry, Mr. Zhang, our Japanese team is always rigorous in their work.

Let's make an appointment, sign the contract, and complete the handover as soon as possible." said Ichiro Yamamoto.

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Yue told the team members what happened.

Everyone fell silent again, and everyone felt extremely heavy.

A young employee couldn't help but say, "Boss Zhang, we are so unwilling to hand over the project to someone else just like that."

Zhang Yue said helplessly: "What can we do if we are unwilling? If we continue to waste time, we will only lose everything.

Minimize the losses now and look for opportunities to make a comeback later."

In the next few days, Zhang Yue and Ichiro Yamamoto's team carried out intensive handover work.

During the handover process, Ichiro Yamamoto's team behaved very professionally, but there were also some difficulties.

Zhang Yue suppressed his dissatisfaction and responded one by one.

Finally, the handover work was completed. Zhang Yue looked at the empty construction site with mixed feelings.

This project, which was originally full of hope, ended up like this.

After returning to the company, Zhang Yue began to deal with the follow-up matters. He called a meeting with team members and encouraged everyone not to be discouraged:

“Although we failed this time, we cannot be defeated.

We must learn lessons from this failure and believe that as long as we unite as one, there will be opportunities in the future."

After hearing Zhang Yue's words, the team members cheered up.

An old employee spoke up first: "Mr. Zhang, this project has come to an end. How should our company develop next?
We can’t always dwell on the shadow of failure.”

Other employees also looked at him expectantly, waiting for Zhang Yue to give an answer.

Just as Zhang Yue was about to speak, his cell phone suddenly rang. It was a call from the domestic Environmental Protection Bureau.

"Zhang Yue, there's a big problem with an important infrastructure project in Pakistan.

There is serious environmental pollution in the area, and the project progress is seriously delayed. The other party specifically hopes that you can go over and help deal with it. "

The voice on the other end of the phone sounded anxious.

A gleam of light flashed in Zhang Yue's eyes.

He responded decisively: "No problem, I'll be ready to go right away."

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Yue looked at his team members and said firmly: "Everyone, the opportunity has come.

There is a project in Pakistan that has encountered serious problems and they need us to go over there to help.

I believe that as long as we work together, we will succeed.”

After hearing this, the team members' originally depressed mood was instantly ignited, and everyone expressed their willingness to follow Zhang Yue to Pakistan.

"Mr. Zhang, we will follow you! We must make a comeback this time!" Xiao Wang clenched his fists, his eyes full of fighting spirit.

"Yes, we can't be defeated by this setback. We should go to Pakistan and prove ourselves again!" Other employees also echoed.

A warm current surged in Zhang Yue's heart. He stood up and said loudly:

"Okay! Everyone go back and pack your bags. We'll leave for Pakistan right away!"

The team acted quickly to apply for visas, prepare documents, and arrange itinerary.

A few days later, Zhang Yue and his team set off for Pakistan.

Islamabad Airport.

"Hello, are you Mr. Zhang Yue? I am Kakaro, who is responsible for receiving you."

Zhang Yue looked at Kakaro, who was smiling and wearing traditional Pakistani clothes, and hurried forward to shake his hand:
"Hello, Mr. Kakaro, nice to meet you, thank you for your help."

Kakaro held Zhang Yue's hand tightly and said enthusiastically: "It's no trouble, Mr. Zhang. It's an honor for Pakistan that you can come and help us solve the project problems.

Let's go to the hotel and rest first. There will be a grand welcome banquet waiting for you in the evening."

Along the way, Kakaro kept introducing the customs and culture of Islamabad to Zhang Yue and team members.

The city scenery outside the car window also gave them a preliminary impression of this unfamiliar land.

After arriving at the hotel, Zhang Yue and his friends took a short rest before being taken to the banquet by Kakaro.

The banquet venue was beautifully decorated, with traditional Pakistani decorations perfectly blended with modern elements.

The Pakistani staff were dressed in their best clothes and had sincere smiles on their faces.

When Zhang Yue and others arrived, there was warm applause at the scene.

Kakaro took Zhang Yue to the podium of the banquet, picked up the microphone, and said in a loud voice:
“Dear friends, today we are very honored to welcome Mr. Zhang Yue and his team from China.

They have made outstanding achievements in the fields of engineering construction and environmental protection. This time they came all the way to Pakistan to help us solve the environmental pollution problem in our project.

Let us welcome them with the warmest applause!"

Thunderous applause broke out again at the scene.

Pakistani staff came forward one after another, shook hands and hugged Zhang Yue and his team members, expressing their welcome and gratitude.

Zhang Yue took the microphone somewhat embarrassedly and said, "Thank you very much for your warm reception. We feel very honored.

This time when we come to Pakistan, we will definitely go all out to work with everyone to solve the problems in the project and contribute our part to the construction of Pakistan."

The banquet officially began, and exquisite Pakistani food was served on the table, including fragrant barbecue, colorful curry, and sweet and delicious desserts.

The Pakistani staff warmly invited Zhang Yue and others to taste the food, and continued to introduce to them the characteristics and preparation methods of various foods.

In the relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, Zhang Yue and his team members gradually relaxed and had more and more pleasant conversations with the Pakistani staff.

They exchanged experiences in engineering construction and environmental protection, and shared each other's culture and customs.

A Pakistani engineer walked up to Zhang Yue and said sincerely:

"Mr. Zhang, our project has encountered great difficulties. The local environmental pollution problem has seriously affected the progress of the project and the lives of surrounding residents.

We have tried many methods before, but none of them have achieved significant results. " (End of this chapter)