Chapter 132 Positive Face (3rd Subscription Request)
No matter how good the personal feelings are, they can't offset the interests represented by their respective positions, and if Toynbee invites them in private, it means that he values the friendship between the two people more. But the invitation at this time is even more of a persecution.
Zhou Nan can also understand that he may have his own political position and political pressure, but the two of them see each other almost every day, and he doesn't remind him, which makes Zhou Nan quite disappointed.
Although it seems to give Zhou Nan a choice, on such an occasion, can Zhou Nan refuse?
If Zhou Nan refuses now and is not used by the British, I am afraid that he will be assassinated by the British later. They have seen the power of Zhou Nan's knowledge system and have a personal experience of Zhou Nan's strategic thinking.
If it is not used by them, Zhou Nan will turn from a friend to the most dangerous enemy, relative to the interests of a country, what is Zhou Nan's fate?
Although Zhou Nan was annoyed in his heart, his expression was gentler. He deliberately pondered for a while before saying: "If Britain can always be tolerant of every Chinese, if Britain can respect the ability of every Chinese, why not?" β
Everyone present laughed easily, and even Churchill showed a gentle smile to Zhou Nan for the first time.
In their eyes, Zhou Nan, a young man who is only 24 years old, is not a person who is very deep in the city, and even has certain flaws in his personality. But Zhou Nan's vision and his thoughts, including his strategic analysis of international relations, are invaluable assets for any country.
If his knowledge can be used for himself, then it is certainly worth cherishing and respecting, rather than feeling threatened.
Now Zhou Nan didn't have any reluctance, and directly agreed, indicating that he had no resistance to serving the British.
But what they didn't know was that although Zhou Nan was young and had huge psychological defects, he had an old soul living in his body.
He couldn't overcome his shortcomings, but it was easy for him to hide some of the emotions he had revealed.
George laughed and said, "Mr. Zhou...... No, I should probably call you Jonas in the future. β
Zhou Nan nodded and saluted: "This is my honor." β
"Jonas, England, since the fifteenth century, has been the most respectful country in the world for intellectual talent. We respect the independence of thought and human dignity and the freedom of life of any talented person. We will also try our best to arrange a living environment for you that meets your requirements, so that you can feel that we respect talents in the UK. I look forward to the day when I will be able to adorn you with the Order of the British Empire with my own hands......"
Zhou Nan also said with a serious expression: "Any knowledge needs a suitable medium to play its due effect, I am very happy to have such a platform, and I will try my best to contribute to the peace and development of the world." β
At this time, Churchill asked, "Jonas, would you like to be a real Englishman?" β
Zhou Nan didn't show too much enthusiasm, but said embarrassedly: "I am very willing to contribute to the development of the United Kingdom, but my current identity may not be easily given up by Switzerland...... The United Kingdom, on the other hand, does not seem to be a country willing to recognize dual citizenship. β
Zhou Nan only needs to show his attitude, Toynbee said at this time: "We can think about this matter in the long run, as long as Jonas you are willing to serve the British, of course we will also think more about you." β
With Zhou Nan's current status, it is impossible for Switzerland to let him go. There are only no more than twenty people in the whole of Switzerland who can be guarded, and Zhou Nan is one of them, which already represents the attitude of Switzerland.
It would be in the interest of either side to continue to maintain the status quo. Churchill asked this question only to show that they attached importance to Zhou Nan.
As long as Zhou Nanken serves the British, it doesn't really matter whether he is British or not. Especially in the case of the possibility of enmaging Switzerland, Britain could not afford to change Zhou Nan's identity into an Englishman.
However, since Zhou Nan has accepted the invitation, although the letter of appointment has not yet been issued, and there is no discussion on how much remuneration will be given to Zhou Nan, it means that Zhou Nan has secretly chosen a side.
Then, the discussion between them and Zhou Nan became more direct. Bevin pointed out directly: "Jonas, I know that your assistant has been trying to lobby countries to endorse your trip to the Soviet Union, and the Soviets have directly invited you, so what is the reason why you have to go to the Soviet Union?" β
For this, Zhou Nan did not have the slightest concern, and said directly: "Grain." In today's Germany, where tens of millions of people are living in hunger, only the Eastern European granaries have enough food to supply, and I just want to do my part to improve the living conditions of the Germans. I don't want to get too involved in politics, but I just want to contribute to those who are suffering from a humanitarian point of view. β
So, how do you keep yourself safe...... Or is it independence? β
"I can't guarantee that, that's why I'm going to go with the Red Cross. As for security, I don't think the Soviet Union will let me go down because I have such a little talent, especially before our relations get out, and maybe this message will never get out. β
George nodded and said, "I said it, we will give you a freer living environment." β
This is to promise Zhou Nan that he will not tell the fact that Zhou Nan served him. Of course, they had to fulfill Zhou Nan's wishes, because Zhou Nan was willing to serve them and was forced to serve them, and there was a big difference.
Perhaps, one strategy of Zhou Nan can bring huge benefits to Britain. But if Zhou Nan is reluctant, I'm afraid he won't give a useful strategy at all.
In terms of contribution, Zhou Nan has the initiative, and there is no clear quantitative standard for how much Zhou Nan contributes.
Bewen nodded and said, "So, it should be acceptable for you to install a person from our side in your attachΓ©, right?" β
Zhou Nan asked rhetorically, "Then what is his main responsibility?" If it's just as a liaison between us, I'll accept it, but if he has other responsibilities on his side, I can't accept it. β
If there is only a liaison on the British side, it is a matter of course, but if he is a spy and often has some other tasks, it is tantamount to putting Zhou Nan in a very dangerous situation.
Bewen smiled, "Rest assured, his only duty is to act as a liaison between us, and there are no other duties. β
Zhou Nan nodded and said: "I hope his identity is innocent, at least not to let the Swiss side have an opinion." β
"Of course. We are not going to hurt the relationship between Britain and Switzerland because of small things. Bewen smiled kindly like an uncle next door: "Then let's talk about the strongman you will face......
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Back in the banquet hall where Marita celebrated her birthday, it was already time for the banquet to open. Most of the people in the small room left directly, and did not attend the princess's birthday party, Zhou Nan appeared with George and the Duke of Westminster.
He first met the queen and today's protagonist Marita, who complimented her on the dress he had designed for her. Marita smiled like a flower, and today's dress can be described as shining, making her jealous of countless women.
The more she could feel the jealousy and envy of others, the happier she became. So today she is much more cordial to Zhou Nan, a designer, than usual.
It's just that Zhou Nan's heart is full of grievances, depression, and huge pressure now, so he didn't notice this difference. Dealing with errands generally coped with her, and then under the leadership of the attendants, came to her own place.
The ring table in the middle of the ballroom was the largest Zhou Nan had ever seen, larger than the horseshoe-shaped table at Buckingham Palace, and could seat more than a hundred and fifty people.
Audrey couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief when she saw Zhou Nan appear, it seemed that as long as Zhou Nan appeared, she would be much easier.
After hugging her and kissing her on the face, Zhou Nan greeted a few people who were not far from the seats, nodded to Mrs. Hemsstra, and sat down.
Although Melissa was reluctant to come at first, she was happy now, telling Zhou Nan the interesting anecdote she had just seen, and she kept talking.
Zhou Nan deliberately pointed to her front teeth, and she immediately opened her eyes wide and covered her mouth.
Pointing a finger, the teasing Audrey couldn't help but laugh and slapped him lightly. "Don't bully Melissa."
Melissa reacted and learned from Audrey to give him a light slap on the back. "Jonas is a big badass."
Zhou Nan smiled and pinched her little face and asked, "How is the reaction of the princess's skirt today?" β
"Very good, Hubert has almost become the busiest one before the banquet today, and countless aristocratic ladies have come to chat with him."
"The greater the response, the more likely it is that our presentation will be successful the day after tomorrow, which is the first step for our brand to become famous, and there must be no mistakes."
Audrey nodded excitedly. "We feel like we've succeeded, you don't know how many people today ask the princess where the dress was ordered, and the name Hepburn is the most mentioned today."
Beyond Melissa, Lady Hemstra was also very happy. "Jonas, you're a genius, I've never doubted that."
The banquet finally began, more than 100 people ate at a table, and there were dozens of people waiting, shuttling back and forth, serving, changing dishes and wine glasses, and it was very lively.
But Zhou Nan felt more and more lonely, his mind was still thinking about everything that happened today, and he felt that he had not made a mistake, so he put his mind at ease. What happened today was expected by him, and although he would not be as reluctant as before, he still felt helpless.
At this time, he missed his home on Lake Lucerne immensely.