"What... what are you doing?"
Tofsky stared dumbfounded at the people behind Danya carrying cameras and microphones.
"Oh, they're reporters from Moscow Television Station, the evening paper, and several weekly magazines. They heard we were holding another round of demolition compensation negotiations, so they came to conduct on-site interviews. After all, this matter has become quite a news hotspot lately.
Commissioner Tofsky, you don't mind having reporters present, do you?
After all, everything we're discussing can be made public. There are no secrets that can't see the light of day."
Danya replied calmly.
Tofsky was having trouble keeping his emotions in check.
A negotiation was just a negotiation. Why bring a whole group of reporters to broadcast it live?
He really wanted to flick his sleeve and leave, ending the talks altogether.
But with the reporters watching, he could not very well do that. If they spread the news, wouldn't he come across as utterly lacking in grace...
That was the downside of having reporters around. It always made him feel constrained, unable to act freely!
With no other choice, Tofsky gestured for everyone to sit down and began the formal negotiations.
"Commissioner Tofsky, have you discussed the compensation terms I proposed on behalf of the property owners last time?"
The moment she sat down, Danya struck first, seizing the initiative and gaining the upper hand in momentum.
Tofsky steadied his emotions. He was an old hand himself. Although Danya had thrown him off balance somewhat today, he quickly adjusted.
He forced a smile onto his face. "Miss Danya, the terms you proposed last time were cash compensation of more than seven hundred thousand US dollars for every household, correct? In addition, every household must receive a high-end apartment with elevators of the same size. Oh, and it must