Chapter 243 Facing it calmly

Hans's tricks did not stop there.

A few days later, when the Chinese delegation went to the National Institute of Standardization of Country D for exchanges as planned, a group of people holding banners, who were obviously organized on the spur of the moment, blocked the entrance of the institute.

The slogans read inflammatory slogans such as "Stop technology theft!", "Protect the industrial secrets of Country D!", and "Chinese people go back!"

There were also some tabloid reporters taking pictures at the scene.

This was exactly the scene Hans hoped to see. He wanted to use the incited public opinion to embarrass the delegation, prevent exchanges from taking place, solidify the "unwelcome" image, and ultimately force the officials of Country D to stop cooperation.

The delegation's car was stuck on the road.

Vice Minister Zhou looked solemn, and Counselor Zheng immediately contacted the embassy and the host party in Country D through the car phone to negotiate.

At this moment, Jiang Haitang saw a familiar figure outside the crowd through the car window—Wolfgang! He had obviously also heard the news and hurried over, his face full of anger and anxiety.

Jiang Haitang's heart moved, and a bold idea flashed through his mind.

She whispered to Vice Minister Zhou, "Captain Zhou, let me try. They're targeting me. Maybe if I go out and say a few words, I can break the deadlock."

"No! It's too dangerous!" Vice Minister Zhou flatly refused.

Although these people seem to be organized spontaneously, in fact, there are people behind the scenes manipulating them. What if they commit violent acts?

"They're playing the public opinion card to stigmatize us. The more we try to avoid them, the more arrogant they become. Since they want 'public opinion', let's show them what real public opinion is." Jiang Haitang's eyes were remarkably firm. "Besides, Mr. Wolfgang is out there too. I'm sure he'll be able to help."

Vice Minister Zhou looked at Jiang Haitang, then at the excited crowd outside the car. He pondered for a moment, then nodded solemnly, "Be careful! Counselor Zheng, please make some arrangements here. Be prepared for any emergencies!"

The car door opened and Jiang Haitang walked out alone.

Her appearance instantly quieted the noisy crowd, and all eyes and cameras were focused on her.

She ignored the provocative slogans and insults and walked straight towards Wolfgang on the periphery.

"Mr. Wolfgang!" Jiang Haitang's voice clearly pierced the brief silence. "It seems that our last purely technical discussion was misinterpreted and exploited by someone with ulterior motives."

Wolfgang immediately understood Jiang Haitang's intention. He already hated Hans's methods, and now he was even more angry.

He strode forward, stood next to Jiang Haitang, faced the crowd and reporters, and spoke in a loud voice.

"Quiet! Everyone, please be quiet! I'm Wolfgang, the chief engineer of the Krupp factory! I guarantee on my reputation and career that this Ms. Jiang Haitang and I met last time solely to discuss a fundamental theoretical issue concerning flexible bearing materials that has troubled me for a long time!"

"I admire her professionalism and pure pursuit of technology! Everything we discussed was based on publicly available academic research! The so-called 'technology theft' is simply a shameless lie!"

"I assure you on the honor of our Krupp factory: there has never been any technology theft, no collusion. These are all despicable rumors fabricated by certain individuals to obstruct normal technological exchange!"

Wolfgang is quite prestigious in the industrial community of Country D, and everyone believes in the Krupp factory. At this time, Wolfgang's fierce refutation of the rumor has an explosive effect.

There was a noticeable commotion and discussion among the crowd, and many of the people who were temporarily pulled here had confused expressions.

The reporters' cameras were frantically focused on Jiang Haitang and Wolfgang who were standing side by side.

Many people began to wonder: if there really was an exchange of interests, if China really allowed this woman to plagiarize technology, would she stand up at this time? Or, would she dare to stand up?

Jiang Haitang took over the conversation at the right time and further escalated the topic.

She faced the crowd, her voice carrying a power that penetrated people's hearts.

"Dear friends, technology is the common wealth of mankind, and progress requires open cooperation and exchange! Our Chinese delegation comes to your country with the most sincere attitude of learning. We respect all intellectual property rights and abide by all rules!"

"Our goal is to promote our country's development by learning advanced experiences, and ultimately contribute to the world's scientific and technological progress! Obstructing this kind of open, transparent, and respectful communication is obstructing the common progress of human wisdom! Is this what you want?"

Her words were sincere and infectious, instantly elevating an incited protest to the level of technological progress and human well-being.

Many people holding banners unconsciously put down their hands.

Yes, why would they want to stop this kind of technical communication?

The Krupp factory is not a fool, and Wolfgang is not a fool either. If their technology is plagiarized, their interests will be harmed. Will they help those who hurt them?

Reporters at the scene were even more keen to capture this dramatic reversal and immediately began taking pictures frantically.

At this moment, the security personnel of the institute and the officials from the host country D also arrived in time and began to disperse the crowd.

With Wolfgang's endorsement and Jiang Haitang's powerful appeal, this farcical protest was quickly dismantled.

Watching the crowd gradually disperse, Wolfgang breathed a sigh of relief and turned to Jiang Haitang, his eyes filled with complicated emotions.

"Ms. Jiang, you... hope we can have opportunities to cooperate and communicate in the future."

Although his goal was not achieved, Wolfgang felt that Jiang Haitang would be a partner worth cooperating with in the future.

"There will definitely be one, Mr. Wolfgang." Jiang Haitang said sincerely.

Back in the car, Vice Minister Zhou patted Jiang Haitang's shoulder heavily, said nothing, but his eyes were full of approval.

Counselor Zheng also gave her a thumbs up.

This crisis was successfully resolved thanks to Jiang Haitang's calm and wise response, as well as Wolfgang's unexpected "betrayal", and even produced unexpected positive effects.

Jiang Haitang's bravery and sincerity, as well as the Chinese delegation's open and honest image, were spread through the media and won the respect of some people in Country D and industry professionals.

I don’t know if it was because Hans gave up finding fault, but anyway, the rest of the journey went much more smoothly.

A few days later, the exchange meeting ended. On the afternoon of the last day, the delegation gave everyone a day off and allowed everyone to go out and purchase some items.

Jiang Haitang stood in front of the hotel window, looking at the bustling streets outside. They would board the plane back home tomorrow. After being away for such a long time, she really missed Lu Liangchen and Xiao Taozi.

When I was busy, I didn't have time to miss you, but now that I have some free time, the longing immediately lingers in my mind and can't be shaken off.

I wonder how the father and daughter are doing now?

They should miss each other as much as I do, right?

When Lu Liangchen was busy, he didn't know whether Xiao Taozi was sad.

This time when I go back, I must spend some time with Xiao Taozi and let the little guy feel the love of her mother.

"Comrade Haitang, what are you daydreaming about?" Wang Zihua's voice came from behind.

Jiang Haitang looked back and saw Wang Zihua standing outside the door looking at her.

"The delegation said they have free time today, and many people are out. Why don't we go downtown? We can bring some things home."

Wang Zihua is a very lively young man with a family background in engineering machinery. During this period, he has communicated a lot with Jiang Haitang, and the two have formed a revolutionary friendship.

Jiang Haitang turned around and smiled faintly: "That's exactly what I was thinking. Let's go together."

Whenever I go abroad, I always bring something back for my family.

"Then hurry up, don't dawdle." Wang Zihua had already put on his coat and was holding a small amount of foreign exchange coupons and a city map distributed by the delegation.

The two walked out of the hotel and took the tram to the city center. Soon, they arrived at the shopping mall. The area around the mall was bustling with activity.

"I heard that the security situation has been bad recently. Let's buy some things and go back early. It might be unsafe after dark." Wang Zihua lowered his voice and reminded Jiang Haitang.

Jiang Haitang smiled and nodded. Wang Zihua was worried that he would be overwhelmed by the choices and waste time in the mall.

However, the public security in Country D is indeed not as good as in China. In addition, they have Asian faces, which makes them more conspicuous here. It is always better to be careful.

"You're right. We just need to be careful and go back after we finish shopping."

The mall they were in was a magnificent five-story building, with people bustling up and down the marble steps.

When they pushed open the revolving door, they were dazzled by the dazzling array of goods inside.

"I'm going to the third floor to check my watch. How about you?" Jiang Haitang asked.

She wanted to buy a watch for her grandfather.

"I'll go to the second floor to check out the clothes. Let's meet at the gate in an hour?" Wang Zihua thought that an hour should be enough time.

"Okay." Jiang Haitang agreed.

The two acted separately.

Jiang Haitang took the elevator to the third floor, where several businessmen in suits were selecting goods in front of the watch counter.

One of them, a tall middle-aged man, caught her attention. He had blond hair and blue eyes, and was wearing a well-tailored dark gray suit. He was talking to a salesperson.

"Is this Patek Philippe available with a steel strap?" the man asked in a deep and powerful voice.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Schneider, we only have belts in stock at the moment," the salesperson replied respectfully.

From the salesperson's attitude, Jiang Haitang could sense that the man in front of her was definitely not ordinary.

However, Jiang Haitang had no intention of interacting with irrelevant people. She just stood aside quietly, waiting to be served.

Perhaps because Jiang Haitang was dressed too simply, or perhaps because she was a stranger with an Asian face, no one came to greet her.

Jiang Haitang was not angry, but just slowly browsed through the watches, thinking in his mind what price range he should buy one.

Just as Jiang Haitang was concentrating on comparing the prices of two watches, she suddenly felt the corner of her clothes being gently tugged.