Philip wasn’t actually completely disbelieving of Xia Lei’s words. The orders he had received were clear — get Annina back to Germany this time, by hook or by crook. The reason was simple — it was more beneficial to get Annina back to Germany than to leave her in China. 

Annina seemed to be aware of this too, and she said, “That’s right, Mr Philip. I was only in charge of the most basic parts. I have no clue about the core technology. It is useless for you to take me back to Germany. Besides, I don’t want to go back.” 

Philip scoffed. “Miss Annina, it seems you do not understand the situation. You have to go back to Germany, whether you are willing to, or not. Even if Germany drops the charges against you, you still have to talk and explain all that had happened to you.” 

“I…” Annina could not speak. 

Xia Lei spoke up then. “Mr Philip, I believe that all business things can be negotiated. You have just Annina for a bargaining chip in your hand, but I have what you want. My chips are the production technologies of the XL2500 sniper rifle, and the Gust assault rifle. I think if our two sides sat down and talked about it, we would surely...