Courtyard House: Home Alone

A sly glint flashed in Andrei's eyes as he pointed to the vodka on the table: "It's simple! We'll play one-on-one, best of five. Whoever falls first loses!"

He paused, then emphasized, "However, as the victor, shouldn't there be some reward or, rather, a wager...?"

Upon hearing this, Kong Jie immediately flew into a rage, slamming his fist on the table: "Fine, let's have a contest! Who's afraid of who! We Chinese men have never backed down when it comes to drinking!"

Qin Zhirong had spent three years in the Soviet Union and knew the temperament of these Soviets. Although he might not be as good at drinking as they were, he was now spurred on and nodded slightly: "I'm willing to keep you company to the end."

Stone was even more direct, picking up a bottle of vodka and preparing to unscrew it, but Lin Yifan reached out and stopped him. "Brother Stone, calm down."

Lin Yifan looked at Andrei, "Mr. Andrei, I feel there's a problem with the competition rules you just mentioned. Also, since there's a wager, shouldn't both sides present their respective wagers before we drink?"

Andrei was clearly taken aback by Lin Yifan's directness. He paused for a moment, then his face lit up with even more excitement: "Oh? What problem does Young Master Lin think there is with the rules?"

As for the stakes, we Soviets are always generous! If we win, I hope Mr. Tang and Young Master Lin will grant us a small request.

For example, in terms of subsequent drug supplies, we, the Soviet Union, could have priority in receiving shipments, and at a more favorable price.

He paused, glancing greedily at the penicillin sample on the table. "Of course, it would be even better if you could give us some more of the existing finished drug!"

Lin Yifan sneered inwardly. Sure enough, this was an outrageous demand; the Russians were really shrewd. He calmly said, "Mr. Andrei, there are five of you, and five of us. It'll be one-on-one, best of five."

It sounds fair, but I'm still a kid, and Chairman Tang can't drink strong liquor. So, before we even had a drink, we'd already lost two rounds.

I think it's fairer for us to compare total output. And whoever collapses first loses. But what's the standard for "collapses"? Is it being drunk and slumped over a table, unable to stand, or losing consciousness? These things need to be clarified to avoid damaging our relationship.

Andrei frowned, seemingly surprised that an eight-year-old child would think so thoroughly. He whispered a few words to Major Vasily next to him, and then said, "Young Master Lin has thought things through very well. The competition rules will be as you said."

As for determining the winner, let's say whichever side has someone left standing and able to walk out of the restaurant wins. What do you think?

"Can."

Lin Yifan nodded. "Then let's talk about the bet. If we lose, the price of the medicine we sell to you will be reduced by 20%, and we'll also give you 50,000 vials of penicillin and 2,000 kilograms of sulfanilamide powder for free."

But what if you lose? What kind of chips are you prepared to offer?

Upon hearing this, Andrei's smile froze slightly, clearly not expecting Lin Yifan to propose such a specific and weighty bet.

He glanced instinctively at Major Vasily beside him, a questioning look in his eyes. Major Vasily's brow was furrowed, clearly also quickly weighing the risks of the deal.

After a moment, Andrei took a deep breath, forcing a smile back onto his face, though it was much stiffer than before: "Young Master Lin is indeed a man of few words! Since your wager is so substantial, we Soviets cannot be stingy. If we lose..."

He paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully, "We are willing to wager weapons of equal value to yours! Furthermore, we can promise that all transportation will be borne by the Soviet Union!"

Upon hearing this, not only did Lin Yifan raise an eyebrow, but Qin Zhirong and Kong Jie beside him also showed expressions of surprise.

Lin Yifan's sneer inwardly deepened; these Russians were really going all out to win.

He pretended to ponder, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, before slowly speaking: "Mr. Andrei, your equal terms are indeed very tempting to me."

However, this doesn't seem enough to offset the value of our 20% price reduction and the free distribution of 50,000 vials of penicillin and 2,000 kilograms of sulfanilamide powder, does it? You must understand, these medicines can directly save lives on the front lines.

Andrei's face darkened completely. He hadn't expected Lin Yifan to be so difficult to deal with; an eight-year-old child, yet his negotiation skills were more sophisticated than many seasoned veterans. He gritted his teeth, seemingly making a decision: "Young Master Lin, what else do you want? As long as it's within our capabilities, we can discuss it further."

Lin Yifan smiled slightly, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes: "It's very simple. In addition to what you just mentioned, we also hope that the Soviet Union can supply us with the main raw materials and some key chemical reagents needed for penicillin production over the next three years at cost price."

Upon hearing this request, Andrei's pupils contracted sharply, and his gaze toward Lin Yifan was filled with shock and scrutiny.

He didn't know what the raw materials and key reagents for producing penicillin were, but these should be strategic resources in any country. Lin Yifan actually asked for them directly, and he asked for the supply rights for the next three years. This was simply outrageous!

He spoke in hushed tones with Major Vasily again. This time, both of them looked extremely serious, and Major Vasily could even be heard lowering his voice, his tone tinged with urgency and confusion.

The atmosphere in the restaurant instantly became tense. Kong Jie and Qin Zhirong also held their breath. They knew the weight of this condition; once it was agreed upon, it would be an immeasurable boost to their future development.

After a long while, Andrei slowly turned around, his smile gone, replaced by a serious, businesslike expression: "Young Master Lin, your request... exceeds my authority."

The supply of raw materials and chemical reagents involves our country's industrial system and strategic reserves, so I need to consult with my superiors.

"Mr. Andrei, I understand your difficulties."

Lin Yifan spoke calmly, yet with an undeniable firmness: "But our stakes are equally high. A 20% price reduction and free medicine are enough to equip several of your frontline hospitals."

These raw materials and reagents may just be inventory in your warehouse, but for us, they are the key to establishing production lines and achieving self-sufficiency.

I believe that, given the Soviet Union's status as a major power, it wouldn't be stingy with such an equivalent exchange. Of course, we can also promise that these raw materials and reagents will only be used for our own production and will never flow to any third party.

Lin Yifan's words not only highlighted the value of the bargaining chip and gave the other party a way out, but also subtly revealed his attitude of not giving up until he achieved his goal.

Andrei remained silent for a moment, his fingers unconsciously stroking the vodka bottle on the table, clearly engaged in a fierce internal struggle.