As the convoy approached the city center, the cityscape became even more stunning.
The wide boulevard is lined with modern buildings of various styles.
Some are towering into the sky, some extend horizontally, and some combine traditional elements with modern design, together forming a harmonious and spectacular urban landscape.
The streets were crowded with people, the citizens were dressed in smart clothes, and they walked hurriedly but not in a hurry.
Shop windows were filled with a dazzling array of goods, from daily necessities to electronic devices, from clothing to furniture. Long queues formed outside some large shopping malls, with people holding shopping coupons or cash, their faces filled with anticipation.
"That's our latest department store,"
Mr. Lu explained, following Molotov's gaze.
"It provides a one-stop shopping experience, from basic daily necessities to high-end consumer goods. Last month, we introduced a batch of new home appliances, including televisions, washing machines and refrigerators, which have been very popular."
Molotov almost doubted his own ears.
The penetration rate of household appliances is an important indicator to measure a country's living standards.
In Russia, even in the capital Moscow, families with a complete set of home appliances belong to the privileged class.
And Longguo has actually achieved large-scale popularization of home appliances?
As the motorcade entered the government district, the architectural style became more solemn and majestic, while still retaining a modern feel.
The spacious squares, the meticulously designed gardens, and the well-arranged office buildings all demonstrate the confidence and strength of a powerful country.
Finally, the convoy stopped in front of a magnificent building.
This building, which combines traditional palace style with modern architectural elements, is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dragon Kingdom.
“We’re here,” Mr. Lu said with a smile. “We hope you enjoy your stay in the imperial capital. The negotiation room is ready, and our diplomatic team is waiting.”
After Molotov got out of the car, he was once again shocked by the scene before him.
The square in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building is paved with exquisite granite. In the center is a sculpture symbolizing peace, and flowers are blooming in the surrounding green belts.
The building itself is about ten stories high and has a traditional palace-style roof, but the main structure is modern reinforced concrete, and the large glass windows reflect the sunlight, making it sparkle.
Following President Lu through the solemn and dignified hall and taking the quiet and smooth elevator, Molotov finally arrived at the International Negotiation Hall on the fifth floor.
The hall's decor is elegant yet modern. The long, mirror-polished table is made of fine mahogany. The Dragon Kingdom's national emblem and map hang on the wall, and the windows offer a magnificent panoramic view of the imperial capital.
The diplomatic team of Longguo was already waiting at their seats. They looked confident and behaved appropriately. They did not look like representatives of a newly emerging country on the international stage at all, but more like senior diplomats of a world power.
After a brief greeting, both parties formally took their seats and the negotiations were about to begin.
Molotov gathered his thoughts and tried to recover from the shock he had just experienced.
He clearly realized that the Dragon Country before him was no longer the backward Eastern country he had imagined, but an emerging power with a strong industrial base, advanced technology and booming economic vitality.
This negotiation will be much more difficult than he expected.
…………
After all the negotiating representatives from both sides entered the room, the air in the negotiation room seemed to freeze at that moment.
On the high ceiling, the exquisite crystal chandelier emits a soft yet solemn light, illuminating the large mahogany negotiation table and the circle of diplomats in formal attire around it.
Molotov sat at one side of the table, with several beautifully bound folders, a cup of steaming tea, and a small notebook in front of him.
Opposite them were President Lu and the diplomatic team from Long Country. They looked composed and behaved calmly, not at all like representatives of a newly emerging country.
Molotov cleared his throat and officially started the negotiation concerning the fate of the Russian bear.
"Dear Mr. Lu, thank you for your warm hospitality."
He opened with his usual calm, diplomatic tone, but a hint of urgency was hard to conceal in his voice.
"I come here this time with the sincerity of Comrade Joseph and the entire Politburo, hoping to reach a reconciliation with Longguo and end the current military standoff."
He paused, observing General Lu's reaction, and then continued, "Specifically, we hope that Longguo will lift the siege on our Far East Corps and allow these troops to withdraw safely."
“In exchange, we are willing to make concessions on…certain issues.”
This opening statement not only made the purpose of the visit clear, but also maintained the implicitness and flexibility that diplomatic rhetoric should have.
Molotov was an experienced diplomat and knew that he needed to test the other party's attitude before formally proposing specific conditions.
Mr. Lu took a sip of tea and looked at Molotov calmly.
His expression barely changed, yet it gave people a sense of inexplicable pressure.
This aura is not displayed through an aggressive attitude, but rather a restrained and firm power, like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath, whose edge can be felt without being swung.
"Comrade Molotov," General Lu finally spoke, his voice low but penetrating, "lifting the siege is certainly something we can discuss, but before we discuss the specifics, I'd like to first understand what conditions the Russian bear has brought."
“Sincerity is the foundation of negotiation, isn’t it?”
The response was neither cold nor enthusiastic, and it perfectly kicked the ball back into Molotov's court.
President Lu is clearly well versed in the subtext behind diplomatic terms - he did not refuse to negotiate, but he did not show any eagerness either. Instead, he was hinting that the Russians should make substantial concessions first.
A trace of uneasiness passed through Molotov's heart.
He had originally expected that Longguo would show more eagerness. After all, in his opinion, Longguo should be eager to obtain certain technologies or resources of the Russian Bear.
But Mr. Lu in front of him was calm and didn't look like he was in a hurry to get anything.
This was different from what he expected before leaving, but as a veteran diplomat, he quickly adjusted his strategy.
"Of course, Comrade Lu, we have brought a sincere proposal."
Molotov opened the folder in front of him and pulled out a map.
"Regarding the border issue, the Mao Zedong government is willing to redraw the border line based on the boundary before the signing of the Imperial Capital Treaty."
“Return sovereignty over parts of Northeast Asia to the Dragon Nation.”
This was a major concession involving hundreds of thousands of square kilometers of territory.
The expressions of the Dragon Kingdom diplomats present changed slightly, but President Lu still maintained that unfathomable calmness.
Molotov continued.
"In addition, we are willing to grant Longguo the right to mine certain mineral resources in the Siberian region, including iron ore, coal mines, gold mines, etc."
"At the same time, in terms of technological cooperation, Russia can provide a range of military and civilian technologies, including jet engine manufacturing, heavy tank design and other fields."
He paused for a moment to let the conditions settle in the air, then added.
“These are only part of our proposals. If Longguo has other needs, we are also willing to discuss further…”
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