Chapter 1716 - 1715: Staying
Seeing Ling Feng’s enigmatic smile, Jack Ross couldn’t quite grasp his meaning and snorted coldly, "Whether I’m doing well or not is none of Mr. Ling’s concern!"
After saying this, he turned and left, looking quite sullen.
Ling Feng watched his back, secretly amused.
Just then, another car arrived. Ling Feng didn’t pay much attention until he noticed the person stepping out and quickly approaching him!
Turning his head, he saw it was Rick. Ling Feng asked in confusion, "Why are you here, too?"
"I came with the Director-General, boss, you’re here too!" Rick replied with a smile.
Ling Feng nodded, glanced at the people getting out of the car, and whispered, "Aren’t you afraid they’ll read too much into you coming over to talk to me?"
"No, they know I’ve worked with you before. Saying hello is normal, what could they think?"
Rick smiled, then continued, "Boss, since you’re here personally, I assume I don’t need to handle the blueprints?"
"Indeed, that’s better, to avoid the risk of exposure!"
Ling Feng nodded, then asked, "What’s your Director-General’s name?"
"Navarro."
Rick stated, then quickly added, "He doesn’t have a great impression of you, so be on guard later."
"Got it, I know!"
Ling Feng nodded, having suspected in the jungle that this man was trouble. Now Ling Feng had to be extra cautious, considering this man knew about his possession of the Crystal Skull and might have even mentioned it to Peteo!
"Alright, I’ll be going back, let’s chat later."
Rick said and returned quickly to his position.
Today, Rick wasn’t invited by the President but merely part of the Director-General’s entourage, so he naturally had to stay by Navarro’s side.
Ling Feng looked around, recognizing just two people, both posing challenges: one he disliked and the other busy with tasks, leaving him to walk into the banquet alone.
While casually grabbing something to eat, he kept an eye on Peteo. Conversations with guests revolved around economics, policies, and laws, dull topics for Ling Feng, yet he couldn’t let his guard down, fearing he’d miss crucial details.
About half an hour later, the Secret Service agent who had greeted him earlier came over and whispered, "Mr. Ling, Mr. Peteo will speak with you shortly, please prepare!"
"Alright, got it!"
Ling Feng nodded, a slight smile on his lips.
As he spoke, he noticed the person talking to Peteo had turned away, leaving him alone!
Then the agent gently nudged him, and Ling Feng approached.
Coming up close, he extended his hand: "Mr. Peteo, hello!"
"Mr. Ling, a pleasure!"
Peteo, smiling, remarked, "I’ve long heard that Huaxia has produced an extraordinary young talent, and indeed, Mr. Ling, you are outstanding, distinguished in temperament!"
"Mr. Peteo, you’re too kind, I’m just a farmer!" Ling Feng chuckled.
Their conversation caught the attention of nearby journalists, snapping photos for tomorrow’s news.
Unperturbed, after shaking Peteo’s hand, Ling Feng preemptively asked, "Mr. Peteo, you are the first international figure I’ve met, and for someone as insignificant as a farmer to have such privilege is overwhelming!"
"Not at all!"
Peteo laughed, "There’s no need for modesty, Mr. Ling, I’m aware of your astounding feats. A genius like you is a blessing for any nation!"
Then Peteo lowered his voice suddenly, "I’ve invited you here to discuss cooperation. Might you have interest in America?"
"Huh?"
Ling Feng was taken aback, then shook his head with a wry smile, "Mr. Peteo, please don’t joke!"
"I’m not joking. If Mr. Ling considers developing in America, I can offer any convenience you desire: you want aerospace? NASA is at your disposal. Agriculture? I’ll grant you half a state’s farmland!" Peteo answered seriously.
"Thank you for the generous offer!"
Ling Feng was speechless, unable to fathom why this old man thought he could tempt him!
Offering a polite smile, he continued, "I am Chinese, with my family and friends in Huaxia, my roots firmly planted there. I can’t leave!"
"That’s a pity!"
Peteo showed a hint of disappointment, then leaned in to whisper, "Actually, I can offer even better terms!"
Ling Feng, puzzled by his secretive manner, asked, "What might those be?"
"Aren’t you seeking the Crystal Skull? I have one here!"
After pausing, Peteo continued, "Moreover, I have some clues about the other skulls; I can share those with you if you wish."
"Really?"
Ling Feng was startled, then appeared delighted, grabbing Peteo’s hand: "I didn’t expect the President to know the whereabouts of the other skulls. Where are they?"
Peteo’s eyes glinted as he chuckled, "I do know, but I can’t just tell you!"
"Understandable!"
Ling Feng nodded, feigning disappointment while delighting inwardly!
From their conversation, he’d gleaned three fragments from Peteo’s mind all related to the Crystal Skull!
In other words, besides the one Peteo had, he had three more leads!
"What do you say? It’s clear Mr. Ling has a keen interest in the skull, why not stay this evening so we can discuss it in depth?" Peteo suggested enticingly.
Ling Feng was taken aback, then scrutinized him: "Is that really possible?"
"Of course!"
Peteo nodded, "This is my domain. I can have anyone I wish to stay, simple as that."
"Won’t there be speculation beyond these walls?" Ling Feng countered.
Peteo gave him a meaningful look, "That would be Mr. Ling’s affair. If you fear Huaxia’s reaction, you can leave, I won’t force you to stay!"
Ling Feng laughed at this, thinking he was just posturing, nothing to fear! If anyone should be concerned, it would be Peteo!
After chuckling, Ling Feng pretended to deliberate before lifting his head, "Very well, thank you for the President’s kind invitation. I’ll stay the night."
Peteo was pleased, patting Ling Feng on the shoulder, "We’ll talk later, I need to entertain the other guests!"