I'm The King of Business & Technology in the Modern World-Chapter 151: Playing with Fire

Vladivostok, Russia

Joint Russian-Chinese Intelligence Facility

The sleek private jet touched down gently on the runway, tires whispering quietly against the rain-slick tarmac. The aircraft rolled to a smooth stop, engines humming softly before winding down to silence. Matthew Borja glanced casually out the window, noting the discreet perimeter guards waiting patiently in the distance, rifles at rest but clearly prepared for trouble. Vladivostok's gray morning skies hung low, matching the seriousness of the situation.

Natalia rose from her seat, adjusting her jacket carefully. She'd spent most of the flight silent, quietly digesting Matthew's unexpected proposal. Now, her cool composure had returned, masking her internal tension behind professional calmness.

"Welcome to Vladivostok, Mr. Borja," she said crisply, motioning politely for him to stand. "We'll meet General Sergei Volkov here. He and his Chinese counterpart, General Wei Lijun, are already waiting for you."

Matthew stood smoothly, straightening his jacket calmly before giving a polite nod. "Lead the way, Major."

Natalia stepped onto the tarmac first, with Matthew closely behind her. The chilled breeze immediately tugged at his suit jacket. He briefly glanced up at the facility ahead—a stark, concrete building, minimalist and functional, devoid of any luxury or elegance. Guards moved quietly but swiftly to flank the small party, a silent escort toward the main building.

As they entered, Matthew noted the sharp contrasts within. The stark external architecture concealed a highly sophisticated interior: reinforced doors, biometric checkpoints, and advanced surveillance systems monitored every corridor.

He smiled faintly. They were careful, thorough—exactly what he'd anticipated.

Passing multiple security points swiftly under Natalia's clearance, they soon arrived at a large meeting room. Two men waited inside, seated at the head of a polished wooden table. The Russian, General Volkov, was older, severe-looking, eyes sharp and probing. Beside him sat General Wei Lijun, his expression unreadable but curious.

Natalia introduced him simply, voice clear and formal. "General Volkov, General Wei, this is Matthew Borja."

Volkov rose first, extending a firm handshake. "Mr. Borja. I must say, your willingness to come here surprises me."

Matthew returned the handshake firmly. "Opportunities often hide behind unusual circumstances, General."

General Wei observed Matthew carefully as he too rose, bowing slightly before shaking his hand politely. "We've reviewed the brief you provided during your flight. Your proposal is intriguing, but we remain cautious."

Matthew took a seat calmly, comfortably facing the two generals. "Understandable caution, General. You have every reason to question my intentions. But let's set aside mistrust for a moment. Allow me to speak bluntly, gentlemen—I am here for business. Purely business."

Volkov's eyes narrowed slightly. "Go on, Mr. Borja."

Matthew folded his hands on the table, voice firm yet friendly. "The Titan suit was my creation, funded privately and now licensed exclusively to the United States military. This exclusivity is non-negotiable. However, certain secondary-level technological components—power management, heat dispersion systems, actuator technology—can significantly improve your existing exosuit programs without violating my primary contract."

General Wei raised a hand carefully, thoughtful. "Your motivation is profit, then?"

"Absolutely," Matthew replied openly. "I'm a businessman. My company thrives by exploring profitable opportunities. Both of your countries have tried repeatedly—and unsuccessfully—to replicate my technology. I'm offering you a shortcut. Immediate access, immediate advantage—no more wasted resources chasing false leads."

General Volkov exchanged glances with Wei, then leaned forward cautiously. "What exactly do you propose in terms of compensation?"

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Matthew smiled faintly, recognizing Volkov's subtle acceptance. "Substantial upfront payment. A licensing fee that reflects the exclusivity and strategic advantage you'll receive. The initial payment guarantees my discretion, the ongoing fees guarantee yours."

Wei tilted his head curiously, his eyes narrowing with calculation. "How substantial are we discussing?"

"Ten billion dollars each," Matthew answered calmly, voice unwavering. "Non-negotiable, paid upfront through secure, neutral intermediaries."

The generals exchanged another quiet glance. Volkov shifted slightly, visibly tense. "That's ambitious."

Matthew nodded slowly, understanding but firm. "Yes, because it buys more than technology. You are buying discretion, access, and the guarantee that these secondary technologies remain exclusive to you and will never appear in rival nations' arsenals. Not Europe, not India—no one else. Your strategic edge is locked in, maintained, and secured by mutual interest."

General Wei exhaled softly, considering carefully. "A tempting offer. Yet how can we guarantee secrecy?"

"Simple," Matthew explained smoothly, leaning forward slightly. "Exposure destroys us all. My reputation collapses instantly; your governments face international scandal. Mutual dependency assures discretion. Beyond that, your substantial investment ensures our shared cooperation remains profitable long-term."

Volkov studied Matthew intently, clearly impressed yet still wary. "You ask much, Mr. Borja. How do we know your promises hold substance? We've been deceived before."

Matthew smiled slightly, calm confidence radiating from him. "You'll inspect everything personally. I'll arrange direct demonstrations for your top engineers before any funds are transferred. Independent verification, full transparency. If my technology fails to deliver, you walk away. No deal, no payment."

Volkov nodded slowly, clearly impressed by Matthew's thorough preparation. "Very pragmatic."

Wei cleared his throat softly, drawing everyone's attention carefully. "This arrangement also requires political protection, does it not?"

"Correct," Matthew affirmed calmly. "I require quiet guarantees. If political pressure arises internationally—whether from America, Europe, or elsewhere—your governments discreetly intervene. No headlines, no drama. Subtle diplomacy, quiet influence. You protect your investment by protecting me."

Volkov glanced toward Wei, silently confirming shared understanding. After several quiet seconds, Volkov spoke again, carefully weighing each word. "And your own government? Won't the United States become suspicious?"

Matthew shrugged faintly, an easy smile on his lips. "Titan technology remains fully exclusive to America's military, ensuring their satisfaction. They'll never see secondary-tier deals, hidden through complex shell corporations. Officially, I remain committed to our existing contracts. Unofficially, I explore additional revenue streams discreetly. Everyone stays content."

Wei folded his arms slowly, nodding once decisively. "You've thought through every angle, Mr. Borja. We'll require detailed proposals in writing, secure communication protocols, and immediate technology demonstrations."

Matthew inclined his head politely. "Consider it done."

General Volkov stood slowly, extending his hand firmly again. "We'll formally discuss your proposal internally now. Natalia will escort you to private quarters. Rest, Mr. Borja. You'll receive our formal response soon."

Matthew rose smoothly, returning Volkov's handshake with professional respect. "Thank you, General."

As Natalia quietly escorted him down the corridors toward private guest quarters, she studied Matthew curiously. "You're either the boldest businessman I've met or the most reckless."

Matthew smiled faintly, calm and assured. "Usually both."

She stopped at a secured door, eyeing him carefully before speaking softly. "You truly think you can manage this deal without repercussions?"

Matthew met her gaze evenly, confidence unwavering. "Major, risks come with any ambitious business venture. But this deal represents the future—profitable, discreet, mutually beneficial. I'm exactly where I intend to be."

Natalia unlocked the door, allowing him inside. Matthew stepped in, calmly glancing back at her before the door closed.

"And Major—please tell your bosses not to keep me waiting too long. Good business requires prompt decisions."

She nodded slowly, somewhat amused despite herself. "I'll inform them."

As the door clicked shut behind her, Matthew finally allowed himself a faint smile of satisfaction. His gamble had paid off perfectly. Now it was simply a matter of patience, skillful negotiation, and careful management of powerful partners.

He was, as always, firmly in control.