Immediately, some students responded, and the driver and passengers were pulled out by many hands. When I looked, I actually recognized one: it was Ichiki Ibe, the heir to the R Nation Imperial Petroleum Group, rushing out of the R Nation Embassy. Could he be trying to flee?

“Turns out he’s an R Nation national! Damn it, he hits people and tries to run away! Students, beat him up!” Other students also recognized the passenger as an R Nation national, and one waved his arm and shouted.

Ichiki Ibe had undoubtedly incurred the wrath of the public. Anti-R Nation sentiment was already running high, and he had the audacity to cause an accident right in front of the embassy. The enraged crowd not only smashed the Lexus to pieces but also didn't spare his driver. Fortunately, the driver was a Great Dragon Country citizen and kept apologizing profusely to the students, which saved him from further beating. But Ichiki Ibe, speaking entirely in R Nation tongue and refusing to beg for mercy, was already unrecognizable by the time the crowd turned its attention toward the M Nation Embassy.

I didn't follow the surging crowd; I stayed behind. Ichiki Ibe steadied himself against a small tree by the roadside, still muttering curses: “Baka! All Great Dragon Country people must die! The Great Dragon Country will inevitably be ours!”

I said coldly from behind him, “R Nation pig, still spouting nonsense? Believe it or not, you’ll be the one dead soon! This isn't your first time in our Great Dragon Country. You must already know how formidable we are, yet you dare to speak such rubbish here. If the students dare not kill you, it doesn't mean I won't!”

“It’s you! I thought you were already dead.” Ichiki Ibe and I were old adversaries. We first met in a coffee shop and since then have clashed fiercely several times. He certainly wouldn't forget my appearance.

I replied, “I won't die even if you do. I won't die even if every R Nation person is wiped out, because I intend to stay and watch the destruction of the R Nation island, to see the extermination of the R Nation people!”

“Baka! Don't you dare insult the noble Yamato race!” Ichiki Ibe roared and charged forward. I sent him flying to the roadside with one kick.

“Noble? Your so-called nobility is comparable to beasts, right? Even when compared to dogs, you don't measure up! Look at what you have done. Do you think your R Nation people can still be called human? Calling you dogs would be a great insult to dogs! The crimes you committed back then were worse than those of pigs and dogs! And you still show no remorse to this day. Your disappearance from the Earth is only a matter of time!”

The temperament of the Japanese is notoriously stubborn. Ichiki Ibe struggled to get up and declared, “No matter what you say, the rise of our Great Japanese Empire is unstoppable, and our Imperial Petroleum Company stands at the forefront of that rise. The East Sea will belong to our Imperial Petroleum. No one can compete with us for resources. We Japanese are naturally the masters of this world—we were, we are, and we always will be!”

“Fine, I’ll spare your life for now. Let’s watch it unfold together. Japan was no match for our Great Dragon Country in the past, it isn't now, and it certainly won't be in the future! If you continue to overestimate yourselves, the destruction of the Japanese island will come tomorrow!”

I didn't want to kill Ichiki Ibe right then, not out of fear of trouble, but so that he could witness the demise of Imperial Petroleum and Japan, to let him know that I, Zhao Qian, never speak falsehoods—those who offend me will die! A tiny island nation like Japan dares to strike a stone with an egg, overestimating its own strength!

I ignored the blood-soaked Ichiki Ibe. In the grand scheme of war between nations, his personal power was negligible. The most pressing matter was determining the course of the East Sea situation. If the R Nation truly launched a war, was it necessary for Red Dragon to intervene? This required seeking the Chairman's opinion.

However, I couldn't reach the Chairman. Instead, Fang Yanmeng found me first, representing her father, Fang Chaoyang. Hearing that I was near the R Nation Embassy, she drove over to pick me up.

“Husband, you’re joining the students’ demonstration? Given your status, it’s not quite appropriate, you’re a grown-up now.”

I settled into the car, “Just came out with everyone to take a look, to gauge the public sentiment. What did your dad want to see me about? It’s not about us, is it? You said everything was settled after the financial war.”

Fang Yanmeng turned serious. “With the nation in peril, how can we have the mind for personal matters? Comrade Zhao Qian, can’t you think about things in a more serious light?”

I chuckled, “Stop pretending to be serious with me, or I’ll strip you bare.”

Fang Yanmeng wasn't intimidated. “Go ahead, strip your wife bare and let the people on the street watch! Humph, who’s afraid of whom? If you don't care about me, I care even less.”

I had to concede, “I’d rather die than strip you. Anyone who dares look at your body, I’ll gouge their eyes out. Hurry up and tell me what’s going on.”

Fang Yanmeng shot me a sharp glance. “In any case, my body belongs to you. If you treat me badly in the future, I’ll abuse myself! My dad wants to see you because of the two oil and gas wells in the East Sea. Since you came to demonstrate at the R Nation Embassy, you must already know about Japan’s decision. Two of the three oil fields that Japan has newly included in its air defense identification zone are being developed by Chaoyang Energy. The situation there is perilous right now, and my dad wants to solve this issue through you.”

I leaned my head back against the car seat and let out a long breath. “Let’s discuss it when we get to your place. This isn't something I can decide lightly.”

“Why?” Fang Yanmeng asked as she drove.

“Red Dragon cannot excessively involve itself in the military and political affairs of the Great Dragon Country, as it easily provokes public resistance. After all, very few people truly know Red Dragon’s identity. For instance, when Red Dragon entered the South China Sea, a significant portion of the Great Dragon Country populace felt resistant. Moreover, relying on Red Dragon to take the lead will eventually affect the prestige of the Republic’s forces. I think I need to discuss this with the Chairman before giving you an answer.”

Fang Yanmeng nodded seriously. “I haven’t considered these major issues thoroughly enough. Let’s talk more after you see my dad.”

Fang Chaoyang, the head of the Great Dragon Country’s second-largest enterprise, was as calm and rigid as ever. However, he engaged me in conversation more than before. After some pleasantries, we sat down.

Fang Chaoyang said, “Mr. Zhao, you are busy with official duties. I apologize for disturbing you and causing you further trouble this time.”

Fang Yanmeng chuckled, walked behind Fang Chaoyang, and began massaging his shoulders. “Dad, what are you saying? Didn’t I tell you? Zhao Qian is my future husband, your future son-in-law. You already agreed to our engagement privately; why are you speaking so formally now?”

Fang Chaoyang’s face reddened. “Children should step aside when adults are talking. Aren't you afraid Zhao Qian will laugh at you?”

I interjected, “Let’s drop it, Uncle Fang. Let’s tear off all those hypocritical facades. You can call me Zhao Qian, or Xiao Zhao. Since you already agreed to the matter between Mengmeng and me, we are family now. Don't be so distant.”

Fang Chaoyang nodded. “I agree with what you said. Since we are tearing off the hypocritical facades, why not tear them all off? The behind-the-scenes boss of Earth Energy, my son-in-law Zhao Qian.”

Both Fang Yanmeng and I were stunned. This identity had never been exposed before. I hadn't expected the old ginger to be so sharp, using my own words to immediately expose my other identity.

Fang Yanmeng laughed and hugged Fang Chaoyang. “Dad, you guessed wrong. I’m the boss of Earth Energy.”

Fang Chaoyang calmly glanced at his daughter. “You? Do you think I don’t know your capabilities? Don't forget you are my daughter! Without Zhao Qian, you are just a spoiled young lady who only throws tantrums.”

Fang Yanmeng looked displeased. “Dad, how can you speak about your daughter like that in front of your future son-in-law? Aren’t you afraid I won’t get married?”

Fang Chaoyang laughed, looking at me without speaking. These seniors and masters were all cunning old foxes. Having wrestled in the economic arena for many years, and since Fang Yanmeng and I weren't careful about keeping secrets from them, they had likely figured things out long ago and only chose this moment to reveal it. This made things easier to discuss and also showed my father-in-law my strength, so they wouldn’t dare refuse to marry their daughter to me later.

“Uncle Fang, it’s not that we deliberately hid this from you. It’s just that Earth Energy has such a huge influence, we were afraid you wouldn't feel secure about Mengmeng. But her safety is absolutely guaranteed, even more secure than the Chairman’s protection.”

Fang Chaoyang sighed. “Actually, I guessed that you two were behind Earth Energy a long time ago. Otherwise, why would I let Mengmeng stay with you for so long? I was indeed worried about my daughter’s safety, but you are very cautious in your dealings, which reassures me. Now that there’s trouble in the East Sea, Japan's comeback this time will surely be no weaker than the last incident. My connections with the military are not as close as yours. What do you think we should do? Should we seek government support, or outside aid?”

I looked troubled. “Uncle Fang, can you give me some time? In truth, Mengmeng and I aren't hiding anything from you anymore. Huanyu and Red Dragon are both our properties. Right now, I’m in a dilemma. Logically, I should have Red Dragon step up for the Great Dragon Country and drive the Japanese back hard. But Red Dragon is not currently seen as the righteous force, and many citizens of our Great Dragon Country harbor complaints because, compared to the Republic’s forces, it seems Red Dragon did nothing. This isn't good for national cohesion. Red Dragon will certainly not retreat from the conflict in the South China Sea, but regarding the East Sea, please allow me to discuss it with the Chairman before giving you a definitive answer.”

Fang Chaoyang nodded. “Pan-American Media was also acquired by you, right? Knowing one thing reveals the whole picture. You need to strictly manage external secrecy in the future. If these matters were known by the M Nation people, I fear it would greatly hinder your future actions. You decide the East Sea matter yourself. Chaoyang Energy will be yours eventually anyway. I’ve worked hard for half my life to prepare such a dowry for Mengmeng, and seeing you two grow up, I am relieved to hand it over to you now.”

Fang Yanmeng asked, “Dad, what do you mean by that? Are you planning to hand Chaoyang Energy over to me? I won’t do it! My own affairs are currently a mess; how can I have the mind to manage your company? Besides, many of your projects are losing money—I don’t want them!”

Fang Chaoyang smiled at me. “Xiao Zhao, you’ve spoiled my daughter. She’s been through major storms with you now and doesn't think much of my little rundown company.”

I said earnestly to Fang Chaoyang, “Uncle Fang, you absolutely cannot think of retiring yet. You have accumulated countless experiences from decades in the energy sector. This is extremely valuable and necessary for us right now.”

Fang Yanmeng reminded me, “Brother Zhao Qian, my dad’s company has been losing money recently. Stop flattering him, or he’ll blush.”

Fang Chaoyang replied to his daughter, “Are the losses not because your Earth Energy is squeezing us? You little brat, you don't even spare your own father.”

Fang Yanmeng stuck her tongue out at her dad and hid behind me. I said to Fang Chaoyang, “Uncle Fang, since the development of Earth Energy has severely impacted the prospects of ordinary energy companies, why don't we merge? Earth Energy will be under your leadership, and I am confident we can dominate the global energy market!”

“Good!” Fang Chaoyang slapped the table. “I’ve been waiting for you to say that. New energy replacing old methods has become a reality. Earth Energy established a solid foundation worldwide in its early stages. With necessary guidance and management, dominating the global energy market within five years will be unstoppable!”

“Uncle Fang, five years is too long! With the assistance of Red Dragon, Huanyu, and Peach Blossom Financial Investment Company, how much shorter can you shorten that timeframe?”

“Well…” Fang Chaoyang pondered for a moment. “Two to three years, maybe even one to two years. It depends on how well Red Dragon performs in these few battles. You must know that the energy market is closely linked to wartime dynamics.”

Fang Yanmeng said, “Dad, you don't understand Red Dragon’s strength. Forget Japan; even the M Nation is no match for us now. But we cannot push them too hard, or it will trigger a world nuclear war.”

I stood up. “Forget about discussing timelines. As long as Uncle Fang is leading, I believe Earth Energy will develop faster and stronger. Mengmeng, you handle the merger. Discuss the specifics with your dad; you don’t need to notify me about the details.”

Fang Yanmeng asked me, “Who is acquiring whom? How will it be announced publicly? What will the new company be registered as, and what will it be named? Don’t just leave it all hanging!”

I replied, “Who acquires whom? You merge with yourself. Earth Energy is yours, and Chaoyang Energy is yours. What do you think should be done?”

Fang Yanmeng suddenly realized. “That’s right, Chaoyang Energy will be mine eventually anyway; what merger is there? But, Dad, between the two of us, who should be the CEO? As your daughter, perhaps I should be modest and listen to your son-in-law. How about you take the helm, and I act as the deckhand?”

Fang Chaoyang said, “You little girl, do you think your dad enjoys these worries? Your mother and I were planning to send you off to tour Europe!”

Fang Yanmeng grabbed her father’s arm. “Dad, that won’t do! I’ve finally caught you. You aren’t allowed to retire until you’re sixty! At the very least, you have to help Zhao Qian and me raise our son. Since we don’t have a child to look after right now, you can manage the company for us. Hee hee, we promise to pay you a salary—the highest tier!”

Fang Yanmeng is happy, and so am I. It’s not just because Fang Chaoyang no longer objects to the relationship between Fang Yanmeng and me, but because I’ve gained a treasure. Who is Fang Chaoyang? He’s a top figure who has commanded the energy sector of the Great Dragon Country. He isn’t like the executives of some state-owned enterprises who are only full of fat; this man built Chaoyang Energy into the second strongest enterprise in the Great Dragon Country through sheer ability. He is true talent. With a figure like him, coupled with the high-energy batteries launched by Earth Energy and the vast resources already acquired globally, it will be hard not to unify the world energy market.

As for which company merges with which, I don't care. My wife is mine, his daughter is his—there is no question of who loses or benefits. Of course, everything will ultimately belong to my son. Haha, the Zhao family will still profit in the end.

Fang Yanmeng also hadn't spoken to her father so openly and intimately in a long time. The father and daughter sat on the sofa, affectionate as when she was a child. “Dad, after the merger, what’s the first thing you want to do?”

Fang Chaoyang said, “Control the Japanese energy market, crush the Japanese energy companies, and hold the island nation's energy firmly in our hands. We tell it to live, and it lives; we tell it to die, and it dies!”

“Great! Dad, you have ambition! We at Earth have too much money to spend, and Red Dragon’s fleet is invincible! Starting tomorrow, we sweep the Japanese energy market and make them sell a single pound of iron ore for one hundred dollars!”

When I left Fang Yanmeng’s house, my heart felt exceptionally light. I was calculating which of my wives’ fathers I could rope onto the Zhao family’s grand ship next. Our team has youth, so we dare to fight and strive. Adding the seasoned 'old ghost,' with his steady experience, we complement each other perfectly—how could great success not be achieved!