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"Tell Reben that if he wants my support on the new military spending bill, then he'll need to make concessions on the energy plan. I'm currently in Illiguo, having spoken with people from the Reconstruction Committee. I have my opinions on some of the energy legislation and have expressed them. The military agrees with my suggestions…"
The car entered the Green Zone, and Nancy kept her phone to her ear the whole way, as it was constantly ringing.
"This is my principle, and it's non-negotiable. Oh, for God's sake, you should also be aware of the situation in Illiguo by now. I am opposed to the war, and since you decided to wage it, the Elephant Party can't have the final say in the reconstruction efforts. We must play our supervisory role…"
When the car stopped at the hotel entrance, Nancy was still in the vehicle, insisting on finishing her last call.
She then handed the phone back to her assistant beside her.
The assistant reminded her, "Madam, we've arrived at the hotel. It's time to get out of the car."
Nancy looked out the car window and saw some military people and members of the Illigio Temporary Management Committee standing at the entrance, apparently there to welcome her.
She hurriedly pulled down the car's mirror to check herself, straightening her hair and makeup, and then asked her assistant, "Julie, do I look alright?"
Assistant Julie promptly replied, "Oh, madam, you look very spirited."
This was not just flattery.
For someone in her sixties, Nancy was indeed spirited among her peers. Having been in Illiguo for nearly two days, this elderly lady had visited two military camps and met with several of the most important committees in Illiguo, enduring meetings that were lengthy and tedious. Yet, this party whip seemed to be full of energy and enjoyed herself.
With a positive response, Nancy was very happy. Julie spoke again just before stepping out to open the door, "Madam, you have an appointment with Angel later."
Nancy frowned slightly as she remembered, "Oh, the one with the mercenaries?"
The thought of this meeting displeased her.
She didn't like the requests from Angel, especially since those people were said to be Chinese and Russians.
This was what she disliked the most.
But then, what did it matter?
In her political career, she had cooperated with even the most disgusting people.
As a politician, being able to sit next to the toilet, watching feces and still smiling while eating, was a basic quality.
Of course, the main reason she was willing to condescend to meet these mercenaries was to give Angel a favor.
Though she didn't like the Chinese and Russians, she was very fond of Angel.
The girl had been attached to her since childhood and looked up to her as an idol. Although the results of this incident weren't particularly perfect, the outcome was still satisfactory, and she was pleased with that.
One doesn't look at the mantis while praying to the Buddha.
For the sake of her niece's face, she would meet with them.
"Alright, you arrange it. The time can't be long, how much did we say before?"
"Madam, we agreed on fifteen minutes before."
Nancy looked at her watch; it was already five ten in the afternoon.
"Set it up, we'll meet them over dinner. Oh, and have Wood come along too."
"Yes, madam."
After Julie spoke, she stepped out of the car.
Seeing the assistant get out, the bodyguard immediately came forward to open the door for Nancy.
After some pleasantries at the hotel entrance, Nancy excused herself from the welcome officials, citing a private meeting as a reason to decline the welcome party.
She then made her way through the lobby, surrounded by people, toward the elevator, going up to the ninth floor of the hotel.
In her room, she changed clothes and freshened up before Julie knocked on the door again.
"Madam, dinner is ready."
"Alright... come in, Julie."
She turned from the vanity, saw Julie entering from the door, and asked, "Is Angel here yet?"
"She's already waiting in the dining room," Julie said.
"Good," Nancy said, "Ask her to wait, I'll be there in a moment."
A few minutes later.
"Aunt Nancy."
"My dear Angel!"
Angel and her party finally welcomed Nancy.
The two shared an enthusiastic embrace.
"Auntie, these are the men I mentioned to you, if it weren't for them, I probably wouldn't have had the chance to see you again."
Angel began introducing Song Heping and the cook.
"This is Song, and this is Yevgeny..."
Nancy didn't shake hands with them; she ignored the cook's outstretched hand and turned to Julie instead, "Let them start."
"Yes, madam." While responding, Julie signaled everyone to take their seats.