Arknights:The Madman Doctor Strikes Again!

The rational option, without question, was to heed Kal'tsit's advice: remain silent throughout the negotiation to maintain a mysterious and composed image, thereby giving Rhodes Island more leverage at the table.

Especially in such a tense diplomatic setting, saying the wrong thing could easily backfire.

But the mad option... was just too tempting.

If he gifted Ch'en a swimsuit and water blaster right now, not only would he be guaranteed a copy of the same powerful gear, but she'd also join Rhodes Island in her limited-time summer form. Who could refuse that?

Negotiations? Compared to Limited Summer Ch'en and high-tier gear, were those even worth worrying about? Besides, even if the system didn't say it outright, Jay figured that once he recruited Summer Ch'en, this whole "negotiation" would sort itself out.

[Selection confirmed. Host has unlocked the Dimensional Storage Room. Items required for delivery have been placed inside.]

Jay mentally connected to his newly acquired Dimensional Storage Room and found the designated items, Ch'en's bikini set and the oversized water gun already inside, waiting to be gifted.

"Doctor, please don't do anything reckless... our cooperation with Lungmen is critical to Rhodes Island," Kal'tsit whispered urgently as she noticed both Wei Yenwu and Ch'en showing interest in Jay.

She was genuinely worried he'd pull another stunt and ruin the entire negotiation.

Jay simply smiled and gave her a reassuring nod before turning toward Ch'en.

"Captain Ch'en of the Lungmen Guard Department. I've heard so much about you, and it's an honor to finally meet. I've prepared a small gift in your honor. Please accept it."

"Huh? A gift... for me?"

Ch'en blinked in confusion. She hadn't expected the Doctor to present her with anything. Her expression showed clear skepticism.

"Of course."

To conceal the existence of the Dimensional Storage Room, Jay made a show of rummaging through his oversized coat before dramatically pulling out a bikini set and a pump-action water blaster.

"A small token of respect. Please don't take offense."

"..."

"..."

"..."

The entire room fell into stunned silence.

Everyone stared at the skimpy two-piece swimsuit and the comically large, high-tech water gun now resting on the negotiation table.

"Ahaha... hahaha... Doctor, you're such a joker... right?" Amiya forced an awkward laugh, clearly unsure how to process what she was seeing.

Though Kal'tsit's expression remained cold and professional, her mind was already spiraling in a storm of panic.

She shot Jay a fierce glare that practically screamed, Doctor, what the hell are you doing?!

At the same time, Jay noticed her reaching behind him and pinching his back hard.

Wei Yenwu's face instantly darkened. He puffed on his pipe without a word, his gaze fixed on the bikini and water gun like they were time bombs.

"Y-you… you… you… you?!"

But the most flustered person in the room was undoubtedly Ch'en herself.

Even someone as disciplined and stoic as her couldn't help but blush furiously. And this was supposed to be a serious diplomatic negotiation.

And yet, here she was, staring at a tiny bikini being presented to her like a tribute.

BAM!

Trying to hide her embarrassment, Ch'en slammed the table with both palms and stood up, glaring at Jay.

"Why the hell would you give me something like this?!"

Jay, unfazed, replied with total sincerity.

"Don't you think a waterproof swimsuit is the most practical thing to wear when using a water gun?"

"You! Are you mocking me? Or do you take me for a child?!"

Her voice rose, and the room's atmosphere plummeted into utter frost.

"Aaaah... is our alliance with Lungmen about to fall apart... Why, Doctor, why would you do this..."

Amiya could only cry inside. She always tried to trust the Doctor, but this time, she truly couldn't understand his thought process.

Of all people, why would he pull a stunt like this on Ch'en, who was clearly strict and not someone to joke around with?

"Doctor...!"

Kal'tsit's claws dug deeper into Jay's back, her ears twitching in rage. Rhodes Island had already been at a disadvantage in this negotiation. Now, thanks to his stunt, whatever neutral atmosphere they had built was entirely ruined.

And beyond that, the fact that Jay casually gifted another woman a swimsuit didn't sit well with her at all.

After unloading her fury on Jay, Ch'en turned to the man who had remained silent this entire time Wei Yenwu.

"Chief Wei! Rhodes Island clearly came here just to make a mockery of us. Lungmen's Guard Department is already fully prepared. Even without their help, we can wipe out Reunion on our own. They're not worthy allies"

"Ch'en. Do not speak to our guests like that."

Wei Yenwu's voice cut through the tension.

"Y-yes, Chief Wei. My apologies."

Startled by his stern tone, Ch'en backed down immediately and stood behind him in silence.

She fully expected Wei Yenwu to now dismiss Rhodes Island entirely.

But what confused her even more was that the man's face, which had been cold and unreadable, now slowly relaxed into a pleasant smile.

"To our guests from Rhodes Island, please forgive Ch'en's rudeness."

He nodded politely, then stood and declared loudly:

"On behalf of Lungmen, I agree to collaborate with Rhodes Island in the fight against Reunion."

"Ahhhhh?!"

"EHHHH?!"

Both Amiya and Ch'en screamed in unison.

Ch'en especially nearly shouted loud enough for people upstairs and downstairs to hear.

Even Kal'tsit, seasoned and composed as she was, couldn't hide a flicker of surprise. Though she recovered quickly, her momentary slip was obvious.

"Chief Wei! Why are you suddenly agreeing to the alliance?" Ch'en demanded.

She couldn't understand. Just moments ago, Wei Yenwu had been skeptical of Rhodes Island. Why had everything changed the moment Jay placed those absurd gifts on the table?

"There's no need to rush. I'll explain it to you later."

He gently motioned for her to calm down.

"Mr. Wei, does this mean you've officially decided to work with us?" Kal'tsit asked, trying to confirm things clearly despite her confusion.

"Of course. As long as Rhodes Island can repel Reunion and protect Lungmen, I will fulfill our agreement and give you everything you asked for."

Wei Yenwu turned to the three representatives from Rhodes Island, smiling broadly.

"From this day forward, Lungmen opens its gates to you."

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