“Thank you very much for your understanding.”


    After enduring more than three hours of pretending to attentively listen, Deng Shiyang, who had long grown tired, suddenly felt invigorated and sat up straighter.


    “However,” Mudi continued, a troubled expression appearing on his face, “we have our difficulties, and we hope you can understand.”


    Even without translation, Deng Shiyang could tell this was the prelude to their demands. He responded smoothly, “Of course, if you have any issues, feel free to bring them up. We will do our best to help.”


    When Semler translated this into Portuguese, Mudi broke into a grin. His mouth stretched wide, making it appear even larger, and his gleaming white teeth stood out sharply against his skin, amplifying the strangeness of his face.


    “We have two requests: First, we ask that all dangerous training be stopped, and second, we want improved compensation.”


    “We can discuss the second point,” Deng Shiyang said, pausing for a moment before adding firmly, “but I cannot agree to the first.”


    Mudi’s expression darkened upon hearing Semler’s translation.


    Before he could respond, Deng Shiyang interjected, “I think you know that the job you have to do is not the standing guard near the oil fields or escorting oil company workers to and from the oil fields.Do you really think sending a group of soldiers who can’t even aim properly when they hear gunfire onto the battlefield is any different from murder?”


    Mudi appeared taken aback by Deng Shiyang’s sudden show of resolve but maintained his composure as he argued, “We’ve had military training before, and it wasn’t like this!”


    “It was precisely due to insufficient training that the government forces were defeated so thoroughly by the opposition,” Deng Shiyang said, taking care not to sound dismissive. “I know what you’re going to say—yes, EO had better weapons when they defeated the opposition, but let me tell you this: the ‘overhead  live-fire’ drill you did a few days ago is a standard U.S. military exercise. If you can’t stay calm under live fire, then any advanced equipment given to you is wasted.”


    Semler translated this into Portuguese and glanced at the three black representatives, adding, “He’s telling the truth.”


    The three men’s confidence seemed to deflate. Mudi’s earlier smugness had vanished, and his thick eyebrows knitted together at the center of his forehead.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    “This is discrimination!” one of the burly men who had been backing up Mudi shouted. The other quickly chimed in, “Yes, blacks are not slaves to white men! We are not cheap cannon fodder!”


    Deng Shiyang glanced at Mudi, who made no move to intervene, instead narrowing his eyes and watching.


    “Ha,” Deng Shiyang scoffed. “If that were true, I wouldn’t bother spending so much money and time training you.” He paused as,waiting the Semler translated, then continued, “If you refuse to do anything, I’ll terminate the contract and send you back. I''d rather pay Jabba the penalty. I can''t take you to the battlefield in your current state.”


    When Semler relayed the latter part in Portuguese, Mudi suddenly raised his head and asked, “Mr. Deylek, did you just say ''you wouldn’t take us to the battlefield?'' Are you going with us?”


    “I’m the project manager, so of course I’ll be with you, but only if you complete all the training,” Deng Shiyang affirmed.


    Mudi nodded slightly but remained silent.


    Deng Shiyang noted his reaction and said, “Now, let’s set aside the training for a moment. I want to hear your proposals for improving compensation.”


    This statement effectively cut off any further negotiation on training, deepening Mudi’s frown. He lowered his head in thought, then raised it with a determined look and said, “We hope for a pay increase of no less than 20%, and compensation for comrades injured or killed in accidents.”


    “For this recent incident, our compensation plan is as follows:” Deng Shiyang said, pausing for emphasis. “We will provide the family of the deceased with a payment equal to the full contract value. If similar incidents occur in the future, they will be compensated at the same rate. If anyone is injured during training, we will cover all medical expenses, and if an injury forces someone to withdraw from work, they will receive half the contract value as compensation.”


    While the death benefit was significant, the representatives were more concerned about pay for the living. Mudi couldn’t help but ask about the salary increase.


    “The budget for this project is tight, and 20% is too high,” Deng Shiyang said. “Our maximum offer is a 10% increase. However, if you complete your training and perform well in combat, I can offer an additional six-month contract with a monthly salary of no less than $1,500.”


    When this was translated, Mudi’s lips twitched upward slightly, though his expression remained conflicted. After conferring quietly with his colleagues, he said, “We need to consult with the others before giving you an answer.”


    Deng Shiyang smiled at the translation and said, “That’s fine. I’ll await your response.” He turned to Harris and said, “Find someone to escort them to the cafeteria.”


    “No problem.” Harris replied, opening the door and speaking to a black staff member waiting outside.


    As Mudi and his companions left, the tension in the room eased. Deng Shiyang drank a whole bottle of now-lukewarm water in one go and leaned back in his chair, exhausted. Semler stretched his limbs before returning to organize the notes in his notebook.


    About half an hour later, Mudi returned to the meeting room with news that they accepted management’s terms. The negotiations concluded successfully. Shortly after, both parties and the witness signed the reconciliation agreement and meeting summary in English and Portuguese, bringing the incident’s turmoil to an official close.