Chapter 283 Unexpected Surprises Always Come Unannounced
Before Prince Yake had a chance to react, Prince Carl of Sweden took the lead in sampling.
This guy had no hesitation at all, spearing a piece of stinky tofu and generously dipping it into the sauce before popping it into his mouth. He chewed away, signaling non-stop praise and encouraging his two daughters to try it out as well.
Lao Niu really liked this kind of discerning person. Grinning, he gave a thumbs-up and said, "You're quite the eater, and for that alone, I'll make sure you get the best lamb leg later."
In contrast to Prince Carl's hearty enjoyment, Prince Jacques of Monaco grimaced as he chewed the stinky tofu, but eventually found a bit of joy amidst its texture and strong flavor.
After finishing off a piece in just a few bites, Jacques ignored Briella's curious questioning and tentatively speared a piece of large intestine to taste.
Europeans and Americans generally don't like overly greasy food, but Lao Niu's skill was undeniable. The braised large intestine was coated in a thick sauce and, combined with its chewiness, managed to impress even Prince Jacques, prompting him to turn around and persuade his mother, Charlene, to try a bite.
Seeing Briella bravely try a piece of stinky tofu—clearly struggling yet still circling Tong Tong with her head tilted back, indicating her 'daring'—Joe Ga chuckled, shook his head, and prepared himself a bowl of rice. He stirred in some flavorful onions and sauce from the bottom of the pot into the rice, topped it with a bit of large intestine, and slurped down a large bowl in no time.
The main dish for the day was actually the roast lamb, as well as Tony's lamb soup. However, Joe Ga had grown a bit tired of beef and lamb, so his bowl of flavorful rice brought him great joy, prompting Lao Niu to generously serve the lamb with more gusto.
All seated were heirs from wealthy families who had had their share of formal banquets, but none had ever tasted lamb meat roasted to such a crispy exterior with a succulent interior.
Because it was smoked on the outskirts of the campfire, the lamb's crust had a tantalizing char aroma, and the meat could easily be pulled from the bone without any additional sauce, completely conquering the taste buds of everyone present.
Princess Briella wasn't successful with stinky tofu, and there was no way she could mix rice with large intestine like Tong Tong did.
As a 'loser,' she felt she had to regain her dignity with delicious lamb and convinced herself that the 'bad woman' couldn't eat too much. If Briella could win at eating lamb, it would count as a victory, too.
Tugging at Joe Ga's belt, she forcefully requested a lamb leg for herself. Then the girl sat down on the steps at the entrance to the dining area, holding a large stainless-steel plate. Staring down Tong Tong as if they were in a competition, she devoured more than half of the roast lamb leg, and then...
Then the little princess overindulged, and had not the pediatrician Jemma noticed something was wrong, the princess might have ended up vomiting from eating too much.
Lao Niu, seeing Jemma's concern, shook his head disdainfully, prepared some lemon honey, and swiftly remedied the situation with a glass of lemon honey water as medicine. In less than half an hour, the whimpering princess was back to being full of life. Then the chef, in face of the princess's gratitude, took on the air of a hermit, saying, "It's a trifle, not worth mentioning."
When Lao Niu saw Tony signaling that it was all captured on video, he beamed, said goodbye to the princess, and then sent the video to his sister in Italy, as a way to show his cheeky brother-in-law that he had made something of himself—even if it was just cooking, he was more successful than him.
The dinner atmosphere was exceptionally good, free from conflicts of interest and jarring noises, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the ambiance.
After eating, everyone naturally split into groups, with the ladies gathering together, giggling and chatting about who knows what.
And the men's gathering was simpler; with a guy like Eric around, a bet quickly took shape.
"Darts!"
The unfortunate soul furthest from the bullseye would either have to drink upside down or put a hundred US dollars into the 'fun fund.'
Eric was someone who truly knew how to have fun. When he saw that everyone was getting along well, he promptly started planning the next gathering.
When it came to shooting, Joe Ga was in a league of his own, but darts were a different story.
After losing 200 bucks and then having to drink a beer upside down, he clutched his uncomfortable nose, sent his brother to keep playing, and stepped aside to catch his breath.
'Medic Officer Bird' and 'Spur' had been waiting for the right moment. Without explicit confirmation from the boss, both felt a bit unsure.
Seeing the boss laugh and curse as he stepped aside, they approached...
'Medic Officer Bird' looked at Joe Ga wiping his face and said, "Boss, this is my brother Tim Rogers. He's come according to your request."
At that, Joe Ga slapped his forehead, shook hands with 'Spur', and said, "I'm really sorry, there's been a lot going on today..."
In the moment he shook hands with Joe Ga, 'Spur' felt something different. He glanced down at Joe Ga's broad palm and the calluses on his knuckles, saying, "I hope I won't disappoint you."
Joe Ga, unaware of the pressure Karman had put on 'Spur', smiled and said, "Don't be nervous. Your resume is more impressive than most at P·B, I can't think of any reason for you to let me down."
Joe Ga's words were quite comforting to 'Spur', who nodded solemnly, "HTR won't let down anyone who trusts them!"
'Spur' then paused, adding, "Boss, what exactly do you need me for?
I'm a bit confused right now. Karman said you needed a bodyguard, but 'Medic Officer Bird' told me that P·B needs soldiers.
I'm capable of both, but I'm a bit unclear about my role."
After hearing this, Joe Ga thought for a moment and said, "I'll be heading to America in about ten days, along with Sanderson, Tony, and others returning home.
I don't need just a bodyguard; I need a partner who can ensure I move smoothly in America.
""
HTR is an FBI team, and you should be very familiar with federal law, so you could definitely help me solve some troubles that I can't handle on my own."
"I'm going to America to meet some people, make friends with some, and maybe offend a few others..."
"You get what I'm saying, don't you?"
'Spur' listened and said with a strange expression, "You mean, you want me to help you avoid some legal issues. In that case, I think it would be more appropriate to find a lawyer."
Joe Ga saw the disappointed look on 'Spur's face, laughed, and waved his hand, saying, "You've got it wrong. A lawyer can only solve problems after they happen. I need someone to remind me, when I come across trouble, in what situations can I shoot someone in the head?"
While speaking, Joe Ga looked at 'Spur,' who had suddenly become tense, and said with a laugh, "Don't be nervous, I'm not a madman, but I have to be responsible for myself and my people."
"You know what I do. I'm going to the United States to compete for an international military contract and then to try to secure some contracts."
"I don't understand their rules, and I have no idea what the attitude of PMC companies there is towards newcomers."
"So I need someone familiar with American regulations to help me avoid potential troubles, or at least not do anything too outrageous."
"Actually, you're right; I do need a lawyer, but that's going to be after we get there."
After listening for a while, 'Spur' pondered and then said, "Boss, what identity do you plan to use to go there? And what exactly do you need to accomplish?"
"You need to tell me all the potential troubles so I can be prepared."
"For instance, do you need weapons, will there be a conflict with people..."
Although the timing wasn't quite right, Joe Ga liked 'Spur's attitude. The more professional he acted, the more worthwhile his money was spent."
After thinking it through, Joe Ga nodded and said, "I'm not particularly free with my time; I may need to acquire a PMC company."
"It doesn't have to be large, but its paperwork must be complete. I'll give it a new name and then compete for an international military contracting qualification."
"The specifics of the acquisition will be decided after I've spoken to some people."
"You don't need to worry about weapons; I have my own channels."
"As for my identity... I have a Greek passport, as well as diplomatic passports from Central Africa and Congo. I'll use whichever one avoids trouble."
"Whether there will be a conflict with people, I don't know."
"But given the reputation of American counterparts isn't that great, and since I want to try for a military contract, it's definitely right to be prepared in advance."
After a long period of contemplation, 'Spur' finally looked up and said to Joe Ga, "Boss, will 'Medic Officer Bird' be coming with you to the United States?"
Joe Ga didn't understand what 'Spur' meant by this question and spread his hands, saying, "That's up to 'Medic Officer Bird.' I don't mind either way."
"His identity is a problem since Kenny Rogers has already 'died,' and he did it himself."
"If he's certain he wants to go, then I can provide a blank passport, and he can come up with a name to use."
"Mainly, his identity isn't suitable for a diplomatic passport; otherwise, it would be simpler."
'Spur' glanced at the complex-looking 'Medic Officer Bird' and nodded firmly, saying, "Boss, I got it!"
"Give me some time and funds, and I can organize a temporary 6-man team to escort you throughout your dealings in America."
Joe Ga wasn't sure if the guy had really understood or if he was thinking of something else, but he didn't care. It's always good when employees are proactive!
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Patting 'Spur' on the arm, Joe Ga pointed at Dorian, who was making a racket throwing darts not far away, and said with a smile, "You go talk to him about hiring temporary workers. I'll have the money ready."
Just as 'Spur' nodded in understanding, ready to leave, the walkie-talkie on 'Rhino,' the veteran who was gorging on meat, suddenly went off...
A few seconds later, 'Rhino' got up with a vicious smile and whispered a few words to Karman...
Karman looked a bit annoyed as he shook his head; glancing at Joe Ga, he came over and said softly, "A group of people slipped into the park from the south, likely targeting Namo."
Joe Ga shook his head in disbelief. He couldn't figure out how anyone would dare to disrespect him in Central Africa.
After looking at the crowd having a good time, Joe Ga signaled Nis, who was always watching him, to stay and then called Antar and Ayu. He then said to 'Spur' and 'Medic Officer Bird' beside him, "You haven't had too much to drink, have you? If you're still clear-headed, come take a walk with me on the savannah."
"I can't have any problems with my 'resort's leading character'; it concerns the livelihood of everyone in Ndele."