Wu Gang declared, “The real fight for the South China Sea has yet to begin. There will be many hardships ahead, but as long as everyone holds firm to one conviction—that we will reclaim what is rightfully ours—victory is assured! From what we know, Country M, Japan, and Country Ao will all be involved in the future naval battles in the South China Sea. I hope that when the time comes, you won't lose faith because of the enemy's strength. If you do, even we won't be able to step in and help.”

Someone inquired, “Just how powerful is Country M? Are they even stronger than the Hong Long warships we see today?”

Wu Gang replied, “Country M is indeed formidable, and they will align with other nations to oppose us. But think about it: I am a soldier of the First Fleet, which means we still have a Second Fleet and a Third Fleet, each stronger than the last. When the time comes, we will strike a fatal blow against these imperialist nations, ensuring they won’t dare harbor ambitions toward Great Dragon Country’s territory for a hundred years!”

The light in the small cabin burned long into the night, but Zhu Da, Cai Bao’er, and I had already slipped back to the Shunfeng fishing boat. The three of us lay on the deck, chatting while enjoying the cool autumn breeze.

Zhu Da asked, “Commander Zhao, what’s our next move? Yue Nan won't give up easily, and the nations involved in the South China Sea oil and gas development won't just stand by while we act. Is a tough fight truly inevitable?”

Cai Bao’er chimed in, “Yes, I think it has to be a world war! That way, the prestige of the Hong Long will spread even further!”

Looking up at the bright moon in the night sky, I mused, “Perhaps. This three-step plan was designed partly to gauge the reactions of various nations. Given how fast they prepare for war, it’s unlikely they can implement real sanctions against the Hong Long in the short term. We need to give them some time to prepare; that will only make the eventual fight harder.”

Zhu Da sighed. “But the more thoroughly they prepare, the worse it is for us. Remember, during this period, the quantity of arms and equipment they’ve purchased from us has been increasing steadily. While we’ve earned massive profits, their strength is also growing step by step.”

I chuckled. “Commander Zhu is becoming more thoughtful lately.”

Zhu Da laughed back. “I was just taught a lesson by Cai Baozi today, so I must be humble and cautious.”

“Sell!” I stated firmly. “Sell them as much as they want, but temporarily withhold any weaponry powered by high-energy batteries. Once our Energy Crystal System is operational, we can start selling the regular high-energy battery weapons, and later, the medium and large high-energy battery weapons.”

Zhu Da nodded. “Got it. As long as you have a clear plan, that’s what matters. You know, I’m getting addicted to making money. Do you have any idea how much capital we have now?”

“How much?” I had frankly lost interest in the exact figures.

“It’ll shock you if I tell you. Our total assets are now two trillion US dollars. Of course, that includes some stocks and fixed assets. Some countries are so poor that paying for weapons in cash is difficult, so we allowed them to settle their debts with other assets.”

“Good work, Commander Zhu. Keep it up. I hope this South China Sea conflict will multiply our assets several times over. By then, a significant portion of the wealth of all participating nations will belong to us brothers.”

Zhu Da let out a mature sigh. “Unbelievable. A year ago, we were stumbling around blindfolded grinding soybean milk. Now, we’re playing with the wealth of nations in the palm of our hands. How unpredictable the world is.”

“Hmph,” Cai Bao’er scoffed dismissively. “Big Potato, stop acting so mature. In the future, we won’t just control the wealth of nations; we’ll unify them! We’ll establish a unified Earth Federation and then break out of the solar system to explore the secrets of the cosmos.”

Zhu Da retorted, “Damn, you’re even bolder!”

I interjected, “In any case, we’ll have a lot on our plates in the future. You two need to be fully prepared.”

They both laughed. “Commander Zhao, once we conquer the world, will we be your honored peers?”

I replied, “I’ll make you both emperors! I’m not interested in that life. I’d rather go home, spend time with my wife, and play with my children.”

They groaned. “Of course, you’d think that way; you have a wife. Poor us bachelors.”

I pointed toward the sea. “There’s wealth everywhere in the ocean, especially in the South China Sea, where countless ships have sunk over the centuries. I plan to organize an underwater archaeology team, led by He Yuqing, to excavate these treasures. Even if we don’t sell them, we can host an exhibition, and we brothers can visit whenever we have time.”

“Hah! You’re just looking for an excuse to chase women. He Yuqing is a great beauty. You definitely have ulterior motives—winning her over with small favors until she can’t leave you, and then you’ll make your move.”

“Think what you want. I have no ill intentions toward her. Besides, it’s a waste to let those antiques rot underwater. Many antiques in the South China Sea were made by our ancestors; we can’t be wasteful. We’ll put on a huge exhibition later and charge foreigners for entry.”

Zhu Da said, “We asked He Yuqing. She said that batch of prehistoric artifacts brought back from Africa is priceless—the money from those alone would be more than we could spend. Let’s focus on how to take over the world instead.”

I smiled. “We must grasp both spiritual and material civilization; both must be strong. We can’t just think about fighting and killing; we need some elegance occasionally too.”

Zhu Da and Cai Bao’er laughed. “Right, Commander Zhao truly has the talent to lead!”

The three of us were cheerfully envisioning the future when suddenly my phone rang. It was Zhou Ni, calling from the distant capital city. “Nini, why aren’t you asleep? It’s very late.”

Zhou Ni’s voice held a hint of pleasant surprise. “Brother Zhao, I thought you wouldn’t have time to answer. I didn’t interrupt your work or rest, did I?”

“No, I was just chatting with Zhu Da and Cai Bao’er. You must have an urgent matter calling me this late.”

“Yes, actually, my sisters told me not to call. They said you’re busy with official matters down south and I should try not to distract you.”

“Heh, no problem. Things are going smoothly here in the South China Sea, and I expect a few days of downtime soon. Go ahead, I’m listening closely.”

Zhou Ni said, “My brother and Brother Tang Han are leaving for their new posts in the west. They really hoped to see you before they left. Although we decided not to bother you, I kept thinking about it and decided to call.”

So soon? So their civil service appointments were finalized. I asked, “Did Li Qi say whether I passed the exam? Why didn’t they notify me?”

Zhou Ni replied, “Of course, you passed too! Sister Qiqi said you can’t take up the post yet. She arranged with the Ministry of Personnel for you to handle things down south first. Sister Qiqi left yesterday, and Brother Zhou Qiang and Brother Tang Han are leaving tomorrow morning.”

I glanced at the time. “Alright, I’ll rush back immediately. Try contacting Zhou Qiang and Tang Han. I’ll treat everyone to a late-night meal. How could I not see them off?”

When Zhu Da and Cai Bao’er heard about the late-night meal, they shot up. “We’re coming too! We can’t miss out on something this good.”

Putting down the phone, I said, “Fine. Wu Gang is managing the overall situation here. Unless something catastrophic happens, the three of us won’t be much help anyway. Let’s go, I’ll introduce you two to my brother-in-law and Tang Han.”

The three of us sprinted back to the capital city. On the way, I arranged with Tang Han to meet at a street food stall for barbecue; it was the middle of the night, and a formal restaurant felt inappropriate.

When we arrived at the agreed spot, Zhou Qiang and Tang Han were already waiting, having been notified by Zhou Ni. As soon as the introductions were made, Zhu Da and Cai Bao’er rushed over to the barbecue stand to order skewers. Having been cooped up in the South China Sea for over half a month, they were determined to feast upon our return.

Finding a quiet spot, Tang Han asked me, “How did it go in the South China Sea? The news has been tightly controlled; we haven’t heard anything stirring down south recently.”

Li Qi must have given them a slight briefing about the South China Sea trip. Since I planned for them to eventually assist Li Qi, she naturally had to trust them, so hiding everything wouldn't be right.

I explained, “The Chairman and I already agreed: Great Dragon Country will not officially participate in the South China Sea affair. I know this might cause extreme public resentment, but Great Dragon Country is currently not suited for war. It’s best if the Hong Long faces this alone. After all, the Hong Long already has many enemies, so fighting another battle with those nations is no big deal. But Great Dragon Country is different; it can’t withstand too much turmoil.”

Tang Han nodded. “From a strategic perspective, your consideration is sound. If Great Dragon Country gets involved, the situation could spiral out of control. But for the Hong Long to just retreat like that—a force that appears and vanishes without a trace—no nation can do anything about us.”

Zhou Qiang apologized earnestly. “General Manager Zhao, I didn’t expect my sister would really call you back. I’m sorry to interrupt your work.”

I clapped Zhou Qiang on the shoulder. “Brother Qiang, we’re family, so don’t be so formal. You two are heading to the west for your new posts; how could I not come back to see you off?”

Tang Han agreed. “Exactly. If you hadn’t come to see us off, it would have felt like something was missing. Come, let’s all sit down and have a few drinks first.”

Zhu Da and Cai Bao’er walked over, skewering grilled meat as they ate. “Haha, we’ve already had three rounds with the boss! We haven’t smelled grilled skewers in half a month; we were dying for them.”

The food and drinks soon arrived. Tang Han was hearty, and though Zhou Qiang was a bit reserved, he became more talkative after a few beers. Zhu Da drank and bragged, “Let me tell you two something. This grilled fish we’re eating now—it’s nothing compared to squid. The other day, Cai Baozi and I were pulling in the nets, do you know how big a squid we caught? Damn, it was almost as big as I am!”

Tang Han asked, “Did you grill it or boil it? That would last you several days! If you couldn’t eat it all, you could have dried it into jerky.”

Cai Bao’er cut in, “Don’t even mention it! Shen Langhua let it go again. She said that thing was almost sentient, and eating it would bring bad luck. Otherwise, we could have lit a fire on the fishing boat that night and had a feast.”

As we drank and chatted, the feeling of parting grew heavier. At that moment, a convertible car blasting Dao Lang’s Farewell Comrade drove past the stall. The atmosphere was fitting. I gently tapped my beer glass with a bamboo skewer and began humming along.

“Farewell comrade, setting off on your journey, silent tears in both eyes, hearing the faint sound of camel bells, the road ahead is vast and foggy. Revolutionary careers often involve separation, yet parting brings different feelings. Oh comrade, dear brother, beware the cold north wind at midnight, take care on your journey…”

It was a classic old song that everyone present knew, especially Tang Han and Zhou Qiang. Li Qi had explained the situation clearly to them before she left; they knew the burden on their shoulders was heavy. After all, starting something new is much riskier than maintaining what already exists.

But young people are like newborn calves—they fear nothing. Since they have chosen the path of politics, they will follow it unswervingly until they achieve the ideal Li Qi spoke of.

Thinking of this, the two were moved and began singing loudly along with the rhythm, “The task is heavy and the road arduous, shedding camel bells along the way. Mountains overlap, waters flow across, a firm heart endures against wind and current, never betraying the people who raised us. Oh comrade, dear brother, when spring brings good news, we shall meet again…”

Zhu Da and Cai Bao’er roared along while chewing their skewers. In the surge of emotion, Tang Han gripped my hand. “Zhao Qian, you are incredible! Ever since that day last Spring Festival when we fought those Japanese guys at the coffee shop, I’ve genuinely admired you. I told Hu Qing, I have few true friends in this life, and you, Zhao Qian, are the one I respect the most. Take care! Once we leave, it might be a year and a half, or three or four years, before we meet again. I hope to hear news of your victory in the west!”

Zhou Qiang probably couldn’t handle the alcohol well; he was slightly tipsy, but this looseness allowed him to drop his reserve. With red eyes, he said to me, “Brother-in-law, please allow me to call you that. You saved our entire Zhou family, and you’ve taken such good care of my sister. My life from this day forward belongs to you. If you ever need anything, I’ll go through fire and water without a single frown!”

I replied, “Brother Qiang, don’t talk like that. You should know, I was just an ordinary demobilized soldier who hit a stroke of luck. Now foreigners are defecating on our heads, and what hot-blooded man would allow that insolence to continue? Li Qi knows I dislike playing politics, but she said that for the nation to become rich and strong, politics is the foundation of stability. If we have a mighty army but domestic affairs are a mess, the nation can never be truly strong.”

Tang Han and Zhou Qiang responded, “Zhao Qian, Li Qi explained it very clearly to us. Don’t worry. Although we are still students, we are confident we can handle things well and will never betray the trust you and Li Qi placed in us!”

The hands of the three men clasped tightly. Perhaps we were just classmates and friends before, but from this moment on, it felt like we truly became comrades. Our goals were all aimed at realizing the dream of a powerful Huaxia Empire!

It’s just that we are walking different paths now. However, following the route Li Qi set for me, I will likely have to gather some political capital sooner or later. But the South China Sea situation currently prevents me from focusing. Perhaps as soon as things there conclude, I will receive my orders to take office.

“Damn it, what are you yelling about in the middle of the night!” A jarring voice suddenly interrupted the emotionally charged singing of Zhu Da and Cai Bao’er. As the shout came, a squid slapped down into Zhu Da’s large beer mug, splashing beer all over his face.

Zhu Da wiped the beer off his face and asked Cai Bao’er, “I won’t get angry first. How should we handle this? Didn't we agree to be humble and cautious? Am I doing the right thing?”

Cai Bao’er took a bite of a skewer. “Screw him! Make that punk drink the whole mug of beer, then dance and sing for our entertainment. Damn it, I was really into the song; what a mood killer. First, ask him whose subordinate he is—mine or my father’s? It doesn’t matter if you embarrass yourself, but don’t disgrace the Cai family and make me lose face in front of my brother-in-law.”

“Brother-in-law? Who are you talking about?” This was the first time Zhu Da had heard Cai Bao’er use that term.

Cai Bao’er retorted, “Brother Zhou Qiang called Commander Zhao brother-in-law, so isn’t it right for me to call him brother-in-law? Does Commander Zhao only have Zhou Ni as a wife? Don’t forget he promised to marry my sister.”

Zhu Da got up. “That’s right, he is your brother-in-law. You brothers-in-law should have a good reunion. I’m going to find people to entertain us. Damn it, it’s been a while since I tested my skills. I wonder if these guys can take a beating.”

I had no inclination to deal with these street thugs. I turned to Zhou Qiang and Tang Han. “Go ahead with confidence! I still have some resources at my disposal, and I can support you anytime. Whatever you believe is right, whatever is feasible and beneficial, go for it with full force. No matter the resistance, I will take the blame if anything goes wrong!”

Fearing they wouldn’t believe me, I specifically showed them my work permit booklet. Tang Han exclaimed while looking at it, “Wow! You’re something else, Zhao Qian! National Security Advisor, National Economic Advisor, Director of the National Rectification Office, Deputy Director of the National Security Bureau, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Public Security—any one of these positions signifies the status of a high-ranking official. Why are you even applying for a civil service job? I never imagined the Director of the National Rectification Office would be you! Outside, they’re calling you Judge Bao now.”

I said, “These titles are all nominal. Because the Chairman has my back, people below me have to obey my orders, but without a solid foundation, it’s easy to get into trouble, especially with the Tan family working against me behind the scenes. Li Qi’s proposal to develop a political path is entirely correct. Otherwise, relying only on the military to move forward will cause us to stumble.”

Tang Han and Zhou Qiang agreed. “You’re absolutely right. Politics is different from running the military. Soldiers are bound by obedience to orders, executing even wrong commands without hesitation at critical moments. But the masses are different. They have a strong sense of right and wrong, and with increasingly developed media and communication, their opinions can even influence many government decisions. Therefore, those in power must constantly pay attention to public sentiment and understand the real thoughts of the masses. Only by truly serving the masses can we gain more support!”

I told them, “This depends on you two. ‘When spring brings good news, we shall meet again!’ Let’s have a toast!”

Three large beer mugs clinked together, and three young, fiery hearts united. Young people never know what difficulty or fear is; they possess endless strength and dreams, willing to dedicate their lives to striving for a seemingly unrealistic vision! Young people are the backbone of a nation and the hope for its prosperity!

Tang Han wiped the beer foam from his mouth and shouted, “Call Hu Qing over too! Zhou Qiang knows him, and we used to burn down the Japanese Embassy and smash their shops together. More people means a better drinking session!”

“Good!” I pulled out my phone to call Hu Qing. Hu Qing answered, groggy from sleep. “My good leader, you’re not calling me out for drinks in the middle of the night, are you?”

I laughed. “That’s right. Tang Han, Zhou Qiang, and I are at a street stall eating barbecue. Hurry over. Those two are starting their new posts in the Great West tomorrow morning, and we’re sending them off.”

Hu Qing sprang out of bed. “Why didn’t you say so earlier? These two kept it quiet!”

“Tell me the address, and I’ll be right there!”

The table that had interrupted Zhu Da and Cai Bao’er’s singing was now rowdy. The four young punks were no match for Zhu Da; they were subdued in just a few moves. Zhu Da pressed down on one’s neck. “Weren’t you acting tough? Drink this whole mug of beer first!”

The punks’ faces were half-swollen, but he dared not disobey. He began gulping down the beer. “Boss, I really can’t drink anymore; my stomach is going to burst. Just kill me instead.”

“Then sing and dance, or I’ll break your legs!”

“We don’t know how to dance.”

“You know how to slap yourselves, right?”

Soon, the sound of smacking could be heard as Zhu Da sat aside, watching the four punks slap each other. One young man with a green dragon tattoo suddenly snarled fiercely, “Enough!”

Zhu Da asked, “Who do you follow? Why do you have no respect for the rules?”

The tattooed youth replied defiantly, “We follow Big Head Shoe Brother. Are you scared now?”

Zhu Da said, “Yeah, I’m scared. Who is Big Head Shoe?”

The Dragon tattoo guy sneered, “If you’re not convinced, I’ll call him over. Don’t you leave. Don’t think just because you have a bit of brute strength you can beat us. Let me tell you, Big Head Shoe Brother runs this whole area!”

Zhu Da said, “Fine, hurry up and call him. I’ve already memorized your faces, and if he doesn’t show up, I’ll settle the score with you later.”

The four thugs scrambled up and fled. Having been forced to slap their own companions, their faces were almost unrecognizable. They would certainly seek revenge. That fat slob, he must be tired of living.”

Hu Qing indeed arrived shortly after. Seeing him walking, I asked, “Why didn’t you drive?”

“I parked over there. A police car driving up would look bad. Come, I’ll fine myself three drinks first. Order me a few more beef tendons; I love to chew on those.”

Cai Bao’er grinned. “How about two bull penis skewers too? After we drink, we can go relax together.”

Hu Qing waved him off. “Cut it out, Cai Baozi. You know my immediate superior is here, and you’re trying to lure me into crime. Let’s drink first.”

Tang Han said, “Old Hu, I heard you got another promotion. I was planning to congratulate you, but since I’m leaving tomorrow, let’s celebrate tonight.”

Hu Qing said, "The Director of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Kyoto Municipal Public Security Bureau. I just received the transfer order yesterday. I was planning to settle in for a couple of days before letting everyone know, but it seems you found out early." Tang Han replied, "Li Qi told us." Hu Qing clapped me on the shoulder.

"Zhao Qian, you have a good girlfriend. Li Qi is a political prodigy; she’s going to be a huge help to you in the future. Cherish her." I asked, "Have you seen her recently?" Hu Qing nodded.

"She spoke with me a few times. We had very pleasant conversations. Judging by her appearance, I expected her to be arrogant, but I didn't expect her to be so beautiful and articulate—her insights are truly compelling." All three of them held Li Qi in high regard, which genuinely pleased me; after all, she needed their support.

What they didn't know, however, was that beneath Li Qi's proud, beautiful, and convincing exterior lay a hidden, perverse psychology. Of course, this was a secret only I knew, and only I could experience the pleasure of sexually dominating her. Several more large mugs of beer went down, and suddenly the periphery of the food stall area erupted in noise.

As three Toyota vehicles screeched to a halt, more than twenty young men spilled out, each wielding an iron pipe or a machete, charging furiously toward our table. The stall owner, sensing trouble, dove beneath his counter and quietly called the police. "It's those guys!

They clearly have no respect for Brother Xie. They said even if your esteemed personage showed up, they'd still slap you around!" The man called Brother Xie had a face full of scars, and indeed, he was wearing a pair of heavy leather boots. He looked like a veteran tested by fire.

He merely sneered, "Chop them up!"