Yet no matter how grim Director Mancini's expression became or how foul his mood was, he dared not speak as rudely as he had when he first met Xu Yi.
Recalling the instructions Prince Frank and that important figure had given him before his departure, he could only suppress his anger and patiently continue trying to persuade Xu Yi.
But no matter what he said, Xu Yi insisted that the Xinfei Merchant Guild had to take the lead. Otherwise, there was nothing to discuss.
"Director Mancini, there's no need to say any more. This is the most basic condition for our cooperation. Please convey it faithfully to His Highness," Xu Yi said firmly.
Director Mancini frowned. Seeing Xu Yi's serious expression, he thought for a while, then sighed helplessly.
"You're putting His Highness in a very difficult position, President Xu. To be frank, opinions about your Xinfei Merchant Guild are far from unanimous within the empire right now. His Highness is taking a considerable risk by choosing to cooperate with you at a time like this. Yet when he's willing to give you a chance, you refuse to appreciate it..."
Xu Yi smiled, thinking that if Prince Frank really held the same condescending attitude Director Mancini displayed, there would be no point in continuing these negotiations.
Still, Xu Yi believed Prince Frank was quite sincere about cooperating. Otherwise, he would not have humbled himself enough to send a trusted aide here in secret to discuss it.
Moreover, he was certain this also reflected the wishes of certain people within the Candel Empire. It was by no means a rash move.
Seeing that Xu Yi remained unmoved, Director Mancini's brow furrowed deeply, and he shook his head.
"All right. I'll return and convey your words to His Highness. But President Xu,