Huh? There's a magic school here.

“Count Andres has achieved so much at such a young age; he is truly enviable. When I heard about your deeds, I felt old.”

“You are too modest, Mr. Torrey. Everyone knows you are the Prime Minister’s right-hand man. I still have a lot to learn from you.”

"Haha, no problem at all. Oh, look at how senile I am, making you stand here for so long. Please come in. What would you like to drink?"

"Of course, I'll go with whatever the host says. What about you, Catherine?"

"Oh, I still need to drive, just get me a cup of coffee."

“Yes, go and get me that bottle of my treasured wine. It’s a good day, and Count Andres and I are going to have a drink.”

Torren's secretary took the order and left, and then the group began to chat.

"If I may ask, Miss Catherine, what were your thoughts on trading crude oil futures last year? You know, many people lost money in that market. But you made so much money thanks to your excellent professional skills. You know, when that news spread, it made so many people envious."

"You flatter me, Minister Torren. The futures business is more about the analysis and accuracy of intelligence, which is not easy for many people, but it is not difficult for someone as important as you. You just focus your energy on the future of the empire."

"Haha, young lady, you're quite the talker. But I have indeed put a lot of effort into my diplomatic work. The immense pressure has left me feeling exhausted. So I hope we can be a little more frank today and not waste each other's time."

Just as Andres was about to speak, Torren's secretary knocked and entered. She carried a bottle of wine and a cup of coffee. Seeing this, Andres remained silent.

“Come, Count Andres, and try this bottle of Bordeaux wine from my collection. It was a gift from the French president when I was the French ambassador. I’ve kept it until today, and since we’ve met, let’s drink it.”

After speaking, the secretary poured the wine into two glasses and placed them in front of the two men. Andres and Torren each picked up a glass and began to taste it.

"Mr. Torren, thank you for the wine. I think we can get down to business now!"

After speaking, Andres gave Torren's secretary and bodyguard a meaningful look.

Torren immediately gestured for the two of them to leave, so they quickly left the room and closed the door.

Only Andres, Catherine, Torren, and James remained in the room.

“Mr. Andres, I know your Magic Financial Investment Company is doing very well and it’s unlikely you’ll lack investors. So, what are your requirements for this collaboration? If I can meet them, then we can have a pleasant partnership. If not, then I can only say I regret it.”

Andres also started to put on an acting show, wearing a wry smile.

"As expected, I couldn't hide it from your discerning eyes. I do have something to discuss with you. However, this is not a bad thing for you."

"tell me the story!"

"That's right, I plan to expand my influence in the five great virtuous nations in order to facilitate the future allocation of my assets. So I've come up with a good idea to increase my political and economic influence in several countries."

"I will establish a foundation, operated by a financial magic investment company. The annual profits will be used to strengthen learning and cultural exchanges among the five major countries. Specifically, I will provide funding for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education to organize exchange programs for international students, while an equal number of students will come here to study and experience life."

"This doesn't seem like a difficult task. Are there any specific requirements?"

“We hope that the students’ age can be controlled between 11 and 18 years old, which is the time when children establish their values. It is easier to influence them and make them identify with our empire.”

"I think this is perfectly fine, and in fact, it's a good thing for me. Is that all the requirements?"

That's all, but I hope the first exchange can be held this summer.

"So rushed? Why not schedule it for next year? That way we'll have more time to work things out. This matter also involves the Ministry of Education. If it were just the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I could make a decision with a single word, but as far as I know, the Ministry of Education isn't that efficient!"

"I hope you can make an introduction to the Ministry of Education. We will reserve a quota of 25 million pounds for their people. If this matter is successful, our company will advance both your family's share and the Ministry of Education's 25 million pounds. However, you know that investments always involve gains and losses. If you make a profit, it belongs to you; if you lose money, it naturally has nothing to do with you."

"Count Andres, do you have plans to enter politics? Have you considered our Whig Party?"

“I have no political affiliation. I’m just trying to make myself look stronger. You know, Magic Financial Investment Company is too dazzling. I need to do something appropriate to avoid a lot of trouble.”

Faced with the old fox's probing, Andres could only use the excuse of protecting his interests. People are all the same; if you don't move forward, you fall behind. For their own interests, they have no choice but to forge ahead.

Meanwhile, the cunning old fox Torren believed that Andres was paving the way for his future political career. Only paving the way for his future political career could explain why he would sacrifice such a huge amount of profit to do this thankless task. After all, not to mention the loss of investment share, the daily expenses of these 600 students were not a small amount.

However, this is not only a small favor for me, but I can also gain a lot of benefits and even get a great favor from the Minister of Education. Why not do it?

After thinking for a moment, Torren raised his glass and clinked it against Andres's.

"Wish us happy cooperation."

"Happy cooperation!"

The two looked at each other and smiled. Then they started their mutual flattery, even making some unrealistic promises to each other.

For example, Andres believed that Torren's promise to step in and help him with any trouble he encountered in Britain was utter nonsense; when there's mutual benefit, friends will say anything.

In Torren's view, Andres' promise to Torren could handle some matters that he couldn't personally resolve. Torren saw this as Andres trying to find fault with him; matters that couldn't be resolved personally must be something shady, and he certainly wouldn't let outsiders know.

In short, the two were so close they were practically ready to chop off a chicken's head and burn paper money. Fortunately, there was no such thing as sworn brotherhood in England, otherwise Dres would have been in big trouble, since Torren was already over sixty.

The meeting lasted for more than two hours. Although Torren repeatedly invited Andres to stay for dinner, Andres declined, saying he had other important matters to attend to.

On the way back, Andres entrusted the follow-up of this matter to Catherine.