Chapter 431 Negotiations are blocked and Rita's first step
So, Lucius calmed down and responded, "Of course. After that, I have always been cautious."
However, Umbridge did not hide the mockery in her eyes and said, "There is one more thing I must remind you. What we just discussed is based on your one-time agreement to our conditions. Since you have given up these conditions, then when you make new requests, we will re-propose your chips."
Facing Umbridge's threat, Lucius raised the corners of his mouth slightly and sneered: "Haha, do you think I have anything to lose now?"
"How could there not be?" The mockery in Umbridge's eyes became even stronger: "For example, the loyalty of your wife, or... the loyalty of your children... Oh, yes, the accumulation of the Malfoy family over thousands of years... What else? I will think about it when I get back."
"You..." Lucius was so angry that he couldn't speak. He never thought that the other party would be so cruel: "These are meaningless to you, right? My loyalty already represents the attitude of my family..."
Umbridge sneered, "These really don't mean much to you, but they are very important to me... I said, Mr. Malfoy, too much calculation will not do you any good... Now, can you give me an answer?"
"Can I think about it carefully, or discuss it with my wife?" Even though he was unwilling, Lucius had to think seriously about his situation and the future direction of the situation.
"Okay, I can give you another chance. Let's do it again tomorrow at noon. The agreement reached then will be the code of conduct for both parties in the future. I hope you will be cautious." Umbridge stood up and said in a serious tone.
At this moment, Ludo, who had been silent all the time, suddenly stepped forward, gently patted Lucius on the shoulder, and said in a sincere but somewhat threatening tone: "Mr. Malfoy, I hope you can really think clearly about the interests involved. In addition, the one behind us needs your complete loyalty and total submission. If you can't do it, don't force yourself. If you try to get away with clever tricks... believe me, your experience will be a million times more painful than it is now."
"I...I understand." Lucius nodded weakly, feeling completely powerless.
Lucius didn't get over the emotion until Ludo and Dolores left...
Let's not talk about the verbal battles at Malfoy Manor, let's focus our attention on the star reporter Rita Skeeter. Since the summer vacation at Hogwarts, this woman has been arranged by Yang Tian to receive special training in the Yang family intelligence department... and five days ago, Rita finally returned after completing her training.
In order to help her adapt to the role more quickly and set up her own intelligence agency for Yang Tian, the Yang family also specially equipped her with six intelligence experts to assist her work. These people are experienced and capable intelligence experts, and they will work closely with Rita Skeeter until this intelligence agency is on the right track.
And today, this newly formed intelligence team appeared at 16 Knockturn Alley, a seemingly ordinary shop selling second-hand wizard robes.
When they walked into the store, they were greeted by dusty floors and messy shelves. The piles of second-hand wizard robes looked outdated and even full of patches. Who had the brain to buy these things?
Despite the harsh environment, the old lady who owns the store seems very calm. She sits on a worn-out chair, leisurely sipping a glass of red wine; in front of her, there are all kinds of exquisite dishes on the table, such as steak, foie gras, salad, etc., which exude tempting aromas. While savoring the wine and food, she enjoys the quiet atmosphere, which is the ultimate interpretation of the four words "taste life"...
Perhaps because she was drunk, the old woman did not notice the five figures that walked into the store. They were dressed in black wizard robes, and their hoods were so deep that it was impossible to see their true faces.
The leader said lazily and hoarsely, "Ms. Dorothy, you look really relaxed." There was no doubt that the person who spoke was Rita Skeeter.
The old woman felt a chill in her heart when she heard this. When was her identity exposed? Outsiders have always called her Grandma Annie, and that is her name to the outside world!
Although she was in a state of panic, she did not show any signs of panic after years of experience. Instead, she asked back with drunken eyes, "What? Who... who are you? Did you find the wrong person? I didn't hear you clearly..."
"Forget it, Dorothy. Since I was able to find this place and call out your real name, it means that I already know you to a certain extent, right?" Looking at the old woman's poor acting skills, Rita couldn't help but sneer: "Your little intelligence agency is quite interesting, I admire it. Over the years, you should have made a lot of money by selling intelligence, right?"
"You...what do you want to do? Just tell me your purpose!" Dorothy finally couldn't pretend anymore: "If you want to buy intelligence, I think you should correct your attitude first."
"No, no, no, the cost of purchasing intelligence is too high. I can't afford it." Rita smiled jokingly and answered casually.
"If you are really short of money, I am willing to help you." Dorothy seemed to see the other party's aggressiveness, but she was very tolerant and said, "How about I give you three pieces of news for free?"
Rita seemed to have lost some patience. She played with the wine glass in her hand and said in a cold tone: "Alas... It seems that you are really old. After talking for so long, you still haven't grasped the point... What I want to say is that the intelligence sent by others is not as reliable as the intelligence of your own subordinates."
"You...you want me to be your subordinate?" Dorothy's eyes widened, her face full of disbelief. After a pause, she said viciously: "Since you know my situation, you should know that I am not someone who can be easily threatened. I have business dealings with many organizations. If something happens to me, are you sure you can bear the consequences?"
"Haha, let's stop making trouble, okay?" Rita laughed heartily: "Do you really think those customers will stand up for you? Or do you think those useless guys in the backyard of your store can save your life?"
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