In the pre-dawn hours, the group boarded a specialized small spacecraft at the base, heading for Country M. Accompanying them were the Three-Army Commander Liu Hu, Zhang Dahai, Shen Jian, along with Taozi, Xia Huren, and Zhu Da. Tonight, we were to pay our respects to King Havasa of the exiled Xijin Kingdom.

Since Country M had made advance preparations, we landed directly on a remote farm. Due to the time difference, it was still pitch black outside, and Havasa was waiting there. At first glance, he looked much like his photographs, but upon closer inspection, one could see he was actually quite young; the large beard was a deliberate affectation.

Everyone was in plain clothes. Xia Huren handled the liaison with Havasa; the rest of us were merely observers, as we had already communicated extensively via secret emails, allowing us to get straight to the point upon arrival.

Havasa bowed formally. “I thank you all for your sincere assistance. The matter of compensation was settled in our correspondence. Xijin is prepared to repay you with its rich Tong ore resources. Furthermore, we agree to allow your side to oversee the economic reconstruction. As long as Xijin can politically break free from the control of Country Niu, I am willing to pledge allegiance to you.”

Although Havasa was named King of Xijin, years of life overseas had completely depleted his savings. Therefore, the payment of his dues could only be exchanged for Xijin’s economic construction after independence. This was precisely what we desired: by controlling the economic and military lifelines of Xijin, Country Niu would lose a major anti-China base. If we could subsequently gain control over Boni and Budan, Country Niu’s dream of fracturing Xizang would be shattered.

After the initial exchange, Xia Huren addressed Havasa, "Your Majesty, please issue the declaration of independence to Country Niu at the time we agreed upon, and demand the withdrawal of Country Niu's two mountain divisions from Xijin. If Country Niu fails to pull out its troops on schedule, our main army will march into Xijin to clear the obstacles to your restoration. However, you must guarantee that your populace will still heed your command."

Havasa replied, "Esteemed guests, I, Havasa, swear by the name of the Celestial Gods, that I retain a substantial secret force within Xijin. The moment your armies drive out the forces of Country Niu, they will rise up in immediate response."

Xia Huren nodded. "That is good. Here is the specific timetable of operations; memorize it and then destroy it. After we drive the Country Niu mountain divisions out of the Xijin border territories, we will dispatch someone to bring you home. Then, we shall fulfill the terms of payment."

Following this, Havasa signed several contracts and discussions proceeded regarding the specifics of cooperation after the restoration. By the time the group emerged from the farm, dawn was breaking. Zhu Da took a deep breath. "The air in Country M is indeed fresh! It seems the pollution in our own country grows heavier."

I remarked, "It is. Developed nations place their most polluting industries in developing countries, while Great Dragon Country has always chased GDP growth, often neglecting environmental issues. If the homeland is gone, what use is money?"

Xia Huren agreed. "I concur."

Liu Hu chuckled, "CEO Xia is truly a man of few words."

Xia Huren responded, "You are too kind."

I turned to the Three-Army Commander. "Our new uniforms are being secretly ordered from overseas. We must all change into them before entering Xijin to avoid bringing unnecessary trouble upon our nation. And Commander Zhang, you must immediately increase personnel for the submarine corps. The Jinxing-class sub-mothers are about to launch—five at once—and we have a critical shortage of operators. Commander Shen must also prepare for the integration of the Shanying fighter jets onto the sub-mothers. The lease agreement for Nansha's Wan'an Shoal is already in our hands. As soon as Xijin is settled, we march on Nansha!"

Both men snapped a salute. "Rest assured, Chief. We have been waiting for this day. Frankly, what is Yue Nan? We beat them all the way back to their doorstep in the eighties, but now they push us too far. We've been itching for this for a long time."

I said to Zhang Dahai, "Commander Zhang, you have another heavy task. You must simultaneously select commanders and pilots for the fleet. Once operations commence in Nansha, besides the sub-mothers, we must establish a surface fleet. The initial contingent will be five cruisers and twenty destroyers. We need an immense number of personnel; I hope you can complete this assignment promptly."

The joy on Zhang Dahai’s face was unconcealed; finally, they could surface and openly declare war on the world. He gave a resolute military salute. "Please be assured, Chief, the mission will be accomplished."

I clapped Xia Huren on the shoulder. "Tiger, after this war in Xijin, Honglong Security will undoubtedly be famous worldwide. I fear your pressure will be immense then."

Xia Huren calmly stated, "I have never feared pressure."

Zhu Da laughed, "Tiger, you won't be able to hide your fame this time. We'll have to see whose reputation is greater then. Right now, every global arms dealer shows due reverence for Old Master Zhu. When the time comes, you’ll make the hegemonic world powers tremble at the mention of Tiger."

Xia Huren demurred. "Honglong is just the name; the actual combat credit belongs to these three commanders."

I looked towards the faintly brightening eastern sky. "The sun is rising. Everyone, let's head back home."

By the time we returned, it was nearly dusk here. Going around all day, I hadn't seen the sun once—truly bizarre. Mom had prepared a lavish dinner; she assumed I was at military training and wanted to build up my stamina.

Fearing my dad would find out about my skipping military training sooner or later, I cautiously broached the subject with Mom first. "Mom, look at my age. Going to university seems a bit ridiculous. I think if I study the material for a few months, I won't need to attend. I'd rather free up the time to do something else."

Mom retorted, "Do you think university is just for learning? It’s also about improving your overall quality. Look at the young ladies, one more cultured than the next. Does your high school diploma measure up to them? Aren't you embarrassed?"

I flopped onto the sofa in resignation. When had they ever cared about my diploma?

Yi Xiaorou knocked on the door. "Auntie, a friend invited me to dinner tonight. Could Zhao Qian accompany me?"

Mom readily agreed. "That’s no big deal, go ahead, just be sure to come back early."

Before leaving, Mom specifically cautioned me, "Little Rouk interacts with high-society figures. You must pay close attention to your demeanor, don't embarrass her."

Once in the car, Yi Xiaorou asked me, "What did Auntie say to you just now?"

I replied, "She told me not to embarrass you."

Yi Xiaorou let out a soft, amused laugh. "Auntie is funny."

Older people really prize appearances; unlike me now, where losing face seems inconsequential. I asked Yi Xiaorou, "Who is treating you to dinner that requires me to come along?"

Yi Xiaorou said, "Qingqing."

I secretly reached out and cupped Yi Xiaorou’s breast. "You should be the one treating her to dinner. Her monumental efforts made Qingqing and her what they are today; you absolutely must thank her properly."