397: Chapter Three Hundred Ninety-Five: Accident 397: Chapter Three Hundred Ninety-Five: Accident Ivan held a small, simple camera, and it was not a digital camera but a film camera, which had become very rare.
“Bring this camera, if both parties have no dispute over the completion of the task, then there is no problem.
But if there is any accident, or if the situation allows for a photo to be taken before leaving, then it’s best to bring back a photo.
As the middleman, I won’t personally judge whether the task is complete, but as soon as I see a photo of the body, I will immediately pay the Satan Mercenary Corps in full,” he said.
Gao Yang did not think there would be a chance to take a photo of the body after eliminating the target, but if there indeed was an opportunity, it would certainly be a good choice.
After all, the money would be held by Ivan.
With a photo, even if Pailano wanted to default, it wouldn’t be possible.
Of course, Gao Yang didn’t think Pailano would default.
Defaulting on other people’s money might lead to a lawsuit, but defaulting on money owed to mercenaries would mean war.
Nevertheless, if there was a chance to take a photo and completely reassure the employer, it wouldn’t be a bad thing.
Gao Yang took Ivan’s camera and said, “We will take on the task.
Mr.
Rodriguez’s people will confirm the outcome of the battle and, if the opportunity arises, I will take a picture.”
Ivan clapped his hands and smiled, “Very good.
I hope everything is settled now.
So, Mr.
Rodriguez, you should give me the money.”
Pailano gestured, and the two people standing behind him immediately left.
Soon, the two who had left came back, each carrying a bag.
Pailano nodded, and the two bags were promptly placed on the table in front of Ivan.
Ivan unzipped both bags all the way, casually picked up the money to glance at it, and then smiled, “My friend, this money seems to be not enough?”
With a low voice, Pailano said, “This is five million US dollars.”
Ivan shrugged and asked, “Then, where is the remaining five million?”
After a brief pause, Pailano said expressionlessly, “The remaining five million will be given to them by me personally after confirming the completion of their task.”
This was not what had been agreed upon, and Gao Yang’s expression changed drastically, but he didn’t speak up as Ivan was the middleman.
Whatever the issue, it was Ivan’s place to resolve it.
At that moment, Ivan looked very serious.
After shaking his head, he said in a deep voice, “Mr.
Rodriguez, that’s not what we agreed upon.
You give me ten million US dollars, and if the Satan Mercenary Corps completes the task, I give the money to the Satan Mercenary Corps.
If they fail to complete the task, I return the money to you.
Sir, I think we should proceed as agreed.”
Pailano spread his hands and replied, “You should trust me, I’m not someone who defaults on payments.”
Ivan held up a finger, wagging it as he said, “My friend, we have done business many times, and I trust you personally.
But this time, as a middleman, I cannot base the risk for the Satan Mercenary Corps on my trust in you, Mr.
Rodriguez.”
Pailano still had a somber expression as he said, “I won’t default.
I am just having some issues with funds, so I can only pay five million US dollars for now, but I will definitely sort out the remaining five million.
I just need two days at most.”
Ivan smiled slightly and said, “Mr.
Rodriguez, out of the friendship between us, you asked me to find top-tier mercenaries to help you with some tasks, and the amount and method of payment were agreed upon.
But now, you suddenly tell me that you have some financial issues, and you could have informed me in advance.
So, Mr.
Rodriguez, can I take it that you are playing games with me?”
Ivan looked very serious and was intently watching Pailano.
Though he didn’t utter anything particularly unpleasant, Gao Yang could tell that Ivan was angry.
Gao Yang didn’t think there was any benefit to falling out with Pailano in his own den, and even though Ivan seemed fearless, Gao Yang was still on edge, with his hand still, ready to draw his gun and fire at any moment.
After locking eyes with Ivan for a moment, Pailano eventually turned his gaze away and lowered his head, saying, “Sorry, Ivan, I just ran into some unexpected problems.
I have a lot of respect for you, Ivan, this incident was just an accident, I never intended to play you.”
Ivan waved his hand dismissively and said, “No matter the reason, Mr.
Rodriguez, as the intermediary, I’ve let down the other party’s friends, and this is not good, not good at all.
Please don’t make things difficult for me, Mr.
Rodriguez.”
Pailano let out a bitter laugh and replied, “Ivan, and Mr.
Ram, please forgive me, I indeed failed to keep the agreement, but it really was an accident, I never thought of deceiving you.”
With a helpless gesture, Ivan spread his hands and said, “So, you’re saying you can’t give me the full ten million as arranged, right?
Mr.
Rodriguez.”
After a long silence, Pailano eventually nodded and said, “Yes, I can’t give it to you right now.”
Ivan sighed, shook his head, and said, “Friend, there’s no helping it, you should have told me earlier.
Now in this situation, it’s really awkward and hard to resolve.
So, we will have to go by the rules, Mr.
Rodriguez.
A ten percent penalty fee, one million US dollars as compensation to Ram, and we terminate the mission and leave this place.
We’ll act as if nothing ever happened.
Of course, if you still have needs, I will continue to help you look for a mercenary group, you just need to set a new price.”
Ivan was very assertive, pressing hard even on Pailano’s turf, and after several changes of expression, Pailano finally said sternly, “Is there really no room for negotiation?
I just need two days, just two days!”
Ivan shook his head and replied, “Sorry, as you know, I’m just an arms dealer, and arms dealers have their principles.
Unfortunately, I am one who abides by principles.
Keeping my word is a rule I have always followed and is also my bottom line, Mr.
Rodriguez.
Please understand, I brought the Satan Mercenary Corps here, and I must be responsible for them.
So, I cannot accept any breach of promise, I’m sorry, you need to pay the one million US dollars penalty.”
After saying this, Ivan stood up, let out a long sigh and said in a grave tone, “It’s truly unfortunate that such an incident happened, but let’s end it here.
Although it’s a bit embarrassing, at least there won’t be bloodshed.”
“Bring out one million US dollars, and we’ll leave.”
After saying this to his bodyguard, Ivan turned towards Gao Yang, who had also stood up, with an apologetic expression and said, “I’m sorry this happened, you’ll just have to leave with one million dollars now, let’s go.”
“Wait!”
Upon hearing Pailano’s shout, Gao Yang sensed that things might take a turn for the worse; he had never believed that Pailano would compromise on his own ground.
After shaking his head helplessly, Pailano said with a sigh, “Ivan, you leave with five million dollars for now, and as long as the task is completed, I’m willing to give another ten million dollars to the Satan Mercenary Corps.
I’ll pay an extra five million dollars.
What do you think of this?” (To be continued.
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