The Beginning and End of the Trade Federation (IV)
"A bet? I don't want to bet!" Nute Gunray flatly refused.
He was a businessman. Making money was fine, but gambling—an unpredictable undertaking—was deeply unpopular in Neimoidian society.
Ling Liang shook her head. "Whether you bet or not isn't up to you, Trade Federation." Referring directly to the Trade Federation as the subject made her words exceptionally severe.
"You..." Nute Gunray was momentarily speechless. "Our Trade Federation has always been loyal. Now that we're facing a crisis and have come to you for help, are you really going to exploit our misfortune?"
Ling Liang smiled faintly. "That's right. We are going to exploit your misfortune. You can only take part in this bet. Otherwise... I can only tell you that the consequences will be very serious."
Nute Gunray's expression darkened. "I came here to ask for aid, not to listen to your threats."
Ling Liang was still smiling. "You can choose not to listen, and you can leave right now."
"This is extortion!" Nute Gunray roared furiously, pointing at Ling Liang's nose as he cursed. "Our Trade Federation has given you so much support all this time! Don't forget how much we gave you, how much we invested in you, back when you were nothing more than a single Dawn Star Planet! And this is how you repay us?"
Before he could finish, an invisible grip of the Force seized his throat and lifted him straight off the table!
Nute Gunray struggled violently, but it was completely useless. Then the force hurled him away, and he slammed into the wall with a bang. He groaned and wheezed on the floor for a long while, unable to get back up.
The Priestess made a subtle gesture with her hand. Then 'Tang Xiao'