"A big surprise? What big surprise?" Wu Lingling asked with confusion.
However, she still walked with Wang Yu to a small booth at the corner of the first floor, which was Andre's room.
"Knock knock knock!"
Wang Yu knocked gently on the door with a rhythm. The door opened quickly, and Andre's head appeared.
"He... what is this?" Wu Lingling was stunned.
Wasn't this the burly man from the Ice Bear Kingdom they had met before?
Unlike the impression of being full of alcohol and unshaven, no different from those street vagrants and beggars.
Andre now had clearly undergone careful grooming. He looked much more spirited. His previously dirty and messy beard and hair had been trimmed and styled, and he was wearing an old-fashioned suit. Although the style and appearance were still somewhat dated, it was very clean.
In short, he was like a new person!
"My dear Wang, you've arrived? Please come in quickly."
As soon as Andre saw Wang Yu, he enthusiastically welcomed Wang Yu and Wu Lingling into his small room.
The small room had also been tidied up. The manuscripts, documents, and books that were scattered everywhere had been neatly organized. The dirty room that had been emitting various foul odors had been cleaned.
Household garbage had been thrown away, leaving only the wine bottles, which were neatly stacked in a row in the corner. At first glance, they looked like grenades...
Andre led Wang Yu and Wu Lingling to sit at a small table in the room. Then, he took out a clearly newly bought teapot and poured them tea.
However, with his burly bear-like physique, handling the delicate little teapot was quite a challenge, his fingers as thick as carrots appearing very clumsy.
"Let me do it."
Wang Yu watched Andre with amusement and took the teapot from him.
Now, he was like a large brown bear in a suit. Although his appearance was still rough, he now exuded a scholarly aura.
This was the characteristic of the people of the Ice Bear Kingdom. When they were slovenly and unrestrained, they could be excessively so, but once they pulled themselves together, they could unleash exceptionally efficient energy, transforming themselves as if reborn!
"Wang Yu, is this the big surprise you mentioned?" Wu Lingling looked at Wang Yu with some resentment.
Such a bear-like strongman was indeed "big" and "surprising," but where was the "joy"?
"Don't rush."
Wang Yu, holding the teapot, poured tea for everyone. Although it was just ordinary water from a thermos casually steeped, the tea leaves gave off a refreshing aroma. It was clear that the tea Andre used to entertain them was not cheap.
"Wang, is this your wife?" Andre directly lifted his teacup, which was very small for him, and downed it in one go. He then smacked his lips, his gaze falling on Wu Lingling.
His blunt words made Wu Lingling's face redden slightly.
"A business partner, an important business partner. We don't have the kind of relationship you're imagining," Wang Yu quickly corrected, also clicking his tongue.
He drank the scalding tea in one gulp. Weren't his lips and throat burning?
And such good tea, drunk without even tasting it, did he think he was drinking Erguotou? What a waste of pearls before swine!
So Wang Yu first explained, then refilled Andre's tea.
"Oh, a business partner, an important partner! I understand!" Andre's face showed a look that all men understood. He smiled lewdly and downed his tea again.
Damn it...
Wang Yu felt helpless. He always felt that this guy wouldn't have any good thoughts in his mind, but this kind of thing would only get worse the more he explained. He didn't see that Wu Lingling beside him was also silent.
After a while, Andre spoke again, this time appearing much more serious. "Wang, I have carefully considered your proposal. There is no problem with transferring the patent for my personal automated industrial machinery design. I can make that decision myself. However, those domestic equipment of ours, that might be a bit troublesome."
"Troublesome? What's troublesome?" Wang Yu's eyebrows shot up.
"It's naturally a matter of price," Andre said, breathing heavily, a bitter expression on his face.
"According to domestic news, the price of equipment needs to be increased, and there are also additional conditions. All our equipment is not sold separately; it must be sold as a complete production line package."
"A complete production line package? Impossible!"
Wu Lingling suddenly interjected.
"A complete production line involves a vast number of equipment and parts, the vast majority of which can be self-sufficient within our country. What we truly need are only the equipment for your core technology! As for the other parts, there's no need to spend a large sum specifically to purchase them from you!
Moreover, it's a long-distance international transaction. Putting aside the price and time, just customs duties alone would be a very high expenditure!"
She was also a shrewd and intelligent person. From the implications of Andre's words alone, she understood the meaning.
Recalling the severe economic crisis that was widely known in the Ice Bear Kingdom, it was not difficult to understand Wang Yu's intention in bringing her here.
So this was the so-called big surprise! Wu Lingling suddenly understood. Although she didn't know what this mechanical industrial design transfer Andre mentioned was.
But she knew that Wang Yu was definitely eyeing the industrial equipment of the Ice Bear Kingdom and wanted to use him as a bridge!
The whole world knew that the Ice Bear Kingdom was now in decline, mired in a severe economic crisis.
However, their heavy industry strength, especially the foundation of their machinery manufacturing industry, was undeniably among the world's best.
It might not be as cutting-edge as that of Island Country or Hans Country, but it was definitely a well-balanced, powerful, and robust type.
This point was similar to the people of their nation: simple, unadorned, and dependable!
Therefore, she immediately and unceremoniously intervened.
Wang Yu, however, showed no signs of annoyance at being interrupted. He smiled and sipped his tea.
He brought Wu Lingling here for this very purpose: negotiation.
Wu Lingling also saw his intention directly and stepped forward to take over the conversation. She was indeed a smart and generous heroine.
As expected, dealing with intelligent people was effortless. Wu Lingling was a perfect partner and assistant. Of course, it would be even better if she didn't get angry for no reason all the time.
Wang Yu muttered to himself.
Despite Andre's rough appearance like a big bear, his mind was very delicate. Just looking at how he had tidied up his room and prepared tea to cater to their preferences showed this.
Dealing with someone like him indeed required a skilled negotiator.
When it came to technology, management, or even strategy and schemes, Wang Yu was not afraid of anyone.
But when it came to cooperation and negotiation, Wu Lingling was indeed more suited.
Soon, Wu Lingling and Andre began to argue, or rather, negotiate.
Andre bore the mission of his country, and Wu Lingling also needed Wang Yu's help to achieve her goal of one hundred million. Both sides had their own vital interests at stake, so they became locked in a fierce back-and-forth, their words clashing intensely!
They argued for about twenty minutes, and only then did Wang Yu, who had been sipping tea and watching the show, slowly put down his teacup and speak.
"How about you both listen to a suggestion of mine?"