Go back in time and be a chaebol

Chapter 2678 Do You Know What a Threat Is? (Third Update, Please Subscribe)

Who gave you the courage?
In fact, most of the time, people don't have much courage.

Even though the Tehran cleric was inciting the Iraqi people to overthrow Baghdad's rule, this not only led to a high degree of tension between Tehran and Baghdad, but also to tension with the SEA.

But it's just empty talk.

After all, it's common knowledge that talking big isn't necessarily a problem, but when it comes to actually throwing punches, then fists have to do the talking.

So, a quick gratification is enough.

While such unbridled speech is indeed annoying... it's just that they don't know how to keep their mouths shut.

In contrast to the Minister of Education's unbridled behavior, the provisional government appeared very calm.

At least when it came to dealing with the SEA, the interim government remained very calm.

Especially after the two sides effectively severed diplomatic relations, the provisional government became even more cautious. After all, they knew very well who they couldn't afford to provoke.

This is precisely why the problems with the Persian Gulf United Oil Company have been delayed until now.

However, this problem cannot be delayed indefinitely.

"Because of money."

On a business jet flying over the Indian Ocean, Ibrahim Yazidi closed his eyes with a hint of helplessness after uttering these words, and then said:

"No matter how much we try to ease tensions, as long as those billions of dollars are there, the Minister and his people will not ignore their existence. After all, he needs that money to appease the public."

Or perhaps it's to win over the people, or to consolidate the gains of victory and let the people share in the fruits of victory.

These things can't be achieved just by talking. They require real money.

In short, they need funds.

The Persian Gulf United Oil Company produces 20% of Iran's oil, meaning that one-fifth of Iran's oil revenue is controlled by this oil company.

However, the oil company is now refusing to return the dividends that rightfully belong to Iran.

Or rather, they refused to hand over the profits to the provisional government. Their reasoning was very simple—if they refused to recognize the provisional government, then naturally the company's profits could not be handed over to it.

"So we need to persuade them to hand over the money."

As the new foreign minister of the interim government in Tehran, Ibrahim's trip to Malaysia was aimed at engaging in dialogue and resolving issues through negotiation.

Although Chang'an refused to engage in dialogue with the provisional government, the two sides were still forced to do so because of the ownership of the oil drilling platform.

"But is it even possible for them to agree?"

Faced with a question from his subordinate, Ibrahim paused for a moment before speaking:
"No matter what, we must strive to win them over. They must also understand that the Patriarch is different from others. He will never compromise, neither with the Western world nor with the Eastern world."

As for Chang'an, he would not compromise either.

After saying this, Ibrahim frowned, and then he silently wondered in his heart—what would happen if Chang'an refused to compromise?

"So... is it possible for us to succeed?"

Ibrahim had no answer in his heart. He shook his head and said nothing more, only turning his gaze to the window.

In fact, he already knew the answer in his heart.

A little over an hour later, the business jet that had taken off from Tehran landed in Kuala Lumpur. As the plane landed, Iranian Foreign Minister Ibrahim Yazidi glanced out the window at the airport and muttered to himself:
Hopefully, we'll achieve something this time!

Soon, the Iranian representatives checked into the Ocean Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

Although this was an informal meeting held in a third country, it still attracted attention from the outside world, after all, it meant that the SEA and the interim government of Tehran finally had their first direct official contact.

Although this official contact was informal,
The following morning, Geng Changqing, a special agent of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and his entourage arrived at the Ocean Hotel.

Upon meeting, both sides naturally exchanged greetings according to diplomatic protocol. After a brief exchange, Geng Changqing looked at Ibrahim and spoke directly.

“Mr. Yazidi, first of all, I must state one point—this meeting does not represent Chang’an’s recognition of the Tehran interim government, and neither now nor in the future will we condone the government subversion that has occurred in Tehran.”

From the very beginning, Geng Changqing gave the other party a hard time.

This isn't a show of force, but a clear message to the other party – you are acting illegally.

Therefore, this meeting cannot have any official validity.

If it were someone else, they might have already stormed off in anger by now.

However, as the foreign minister of the interim government, Yazidi consistently advocated for coordination with the West and for easing tensions with them in exchange for Western recognition of the interim government. Through his efforts, several Western countries, including France, have recognized the interim government.

However, the SEA is not among these countries, and the United States is not involved either. The difference is that while the United States is willing to engage in dialogue with them, the SEA shows no intention of doing so at all.

They are incredibly stubborn.

"Yes, Mr. Executive Director, I do not believe this will affect the outcome of our conversation. Please believe that I have come here in good faith."

Yazidi looked at the other person and said:

"We are willing to maintain our past relationship with you on the basis of equality and continue our cooperation in accordance with international business rules, which I believe is exactly what your country has always been committed to upholding."

Unlike Geng Changqing, who addressed him as Mr. Yazidi, he used Geng Changqing's official title simply to turn this informal dialogue into an official one.

At least according to his account, it was an official dialogue. However, Yazidi clearly underestimated the other party's stubbornness.

"No,"

Shaking his head, Geng Changqing continued:

“All our cooperation was with the Iranian Empire. We do not consider the current interim government to be legitimate. You overthrew the Iranian Empire through illegal means. Under these circumstances, there are no business issues between us that we can discuss.”

Geng Changqing looked at the other person, and then said in an extremely serious tone:
"There are some Western countries that can never get their positions straight. They are willing to continue trading and doing business with you. They don't care whether the money they earn is black or white."

But we are different.

He shook his head, his tone remaining calm.

“Those who know us well are very clear that we adhere to principles and are principled. On matters of principle, we will not make any concessions.”

Even if it means incurring losses!

Faced with this response, some members of the Iranian delegation showed signs of anger. After all, what had they seen?
Upon entering the conference room, they saw condescension and a denial of the changes taking place in Tehran.

“Mr. Executive Director, you should be very clear that the interim government is the choice of the Iranian people. It is a choice that is in line with the times, and whether you acknowledge it or not, that cannot be changed.”

Faced with the sudden interruption, Chen Changqing merely glanced at the other person, then a slight smirk appeared on his lips. He completely ignored the other person's meaning and instead turned his gaze to Yazidi, saying:

"Mr. Yazidi, did you understand what I said?"

In response to this question, Yazidi said:
"Our request is very simple, Mr. Executive Director. We will abide by international business rules, and we hope that you will do the same. We will transfer your investment profits to your country on schedule, and we also welcome you to continue to send management personnel to participate in the operation and management of your country's investment in Iran."

However, you must also acknowledge the provisional government's adjustments to the management of these companies and its right to share in the joint venture's profits.

In Yazidi's view, this was the biggest concession they could make—in exchange for securing the other party's investments in Iran in exchange for concessions on the Gulf Oil Company issue.

If they are willing to make concessions on management changes and profit sharing, or in other words, acknowledge the rights of the provisional government, then all other issues will be negotiable.

"Oh."

Geng Changqing looked at the other person and then said directly:

"Is this the condition you've offered?"

Yazidi nodded and said.

“I think this is the best option for both of us. It will resolve all our conflicts, after all, you know very well that no country would allow its oil fields to be controlled by foreigners.”

"No,"

Geng Changqing shook his head and said:
“I think you understand one thing: we do not control your oil fields; we just will not recognize the provisional government.”

Then he looked at the other person and reminded them in an extremely serious tone:
"That is why the Persian Gulf United Oil Company rejected your changes to the management of the oil company, and also refused your permission to send personnel to the oil drilling platform, because—those are assets belonging to the Iranian Empire."

The constant references to the Iranian Empire had already angered the Iranian attendees, who, after all, had just overthrown this so-called empire.

"Do you really think we'll let you occupy our oil fields? We've been exercising restraint, and we're ready to send troops to retake those drilling platforms whenever we want."

Looking at the middle-aged man who had spoken, Geng Changqing didn't feel threatened; it was as if he had heard a joke. He glanced at the man, then leaned back in his chair, crossed his arms, and smiled.

Is this a threat?

Geng Changqing's voice remained calm, as if he were asking a very interesting question.

"Yes, I admire your courage."

After expressing his admiration, he continued.

"And I am very much looking forward to your actions."

"Sir, please don't misunderstand, this is just..."

Before Yazidi could finish speaking, Geng Changqing interrupted him.

"Mr. Yazidi, you are a career diplomat, and you know very well what principles we adhere to when dealing with various countries. On matters of principle, we will not make any compromises or concessions."

You can confiscate our investments in your country, but you must understand what the price will be.

Of course, you can also send troops to occupy offshore drilling platforms in the Persian Gulf, but you must understand this.

What will this lead to! And what price will you pay for it! This is the question you need to figure out right now.

After saying these words, Geng Changqing ignored the somewhat flustered Yazidi. Instead, he turned his gaze to the middle-aged man, then smiled slightly and said to him.

“Sir, this is the real threat. Yes, that’s right, this is the threat.”

When he said this, Geng Changqing spoke calmly, as if he were talking about something insignificant.

A threat doesn't need to be aggressive; it's simply stating a fact in the calmest tone.

There's no need to act aggressively or fly into a rage there.

Is there a problem?

His counter-question was equally bland and calm, so calm that the other party couldn't even muster the thought of refuting it.

It's not that they don't want to refute it, but that they are very clear about what this calm comes from—strength!
(End of this chapter)