In a dictatorial, miserably underdeveloped nation, where the populace suffered under harsh conditions, a surge of unrest was entirely predictable. Thus, the international community adopted a wait-and-see approach, as the country was too desolate; so barren, in fact, that engaging with its affairs offered negligible returns. Only political entities like Taiwan would employ financial aid diplomacy to maintain long-term, mutually beneficial relations with such a state.

Eswatini was the world’s “poor friend,” extending its hand for handouts from anyone it befriended—it was certainly not well-regarded. Yet, at this poor friend’s persistent requests, the United States finally consented to the plea of King Mswati IV, agreeing to dispatch a “peacekeeping force” to help restore domestic order. As soon as the televised address concluded, Qu Jingyou immediately called Wang Zhuo, unaware that General Mann, Wang Zhuo’s ally, had not yet received any news.

“A perfectly good Christmas, and now conflict is about to erupt.” Hanging up, Wang Zhuo shook his head with resignation, patting Irene’s shoulder: “Hold on, darling, let’s take a shower first.” The girl’s body possessed a pleasing weight, and as Wang Zhuo easily carried her, their combined mass of over two hundred jin exerted a measurable pressure on the floor beneath them. Because the aircraft currently had no passengers exceeding 120 kilograms, the computer did not enter Visitor Mode, but instead automatically analyzed the situation and engaged “Fantasy Mode.” The two seemed transported into a palace of dreams; the surrounding scenery shifted moment by moment, sometimes filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers, sometimes romantically warm. The short distance from the room to the bathroom saw several transformations, and the final bathing pool resembled a courtly bathhouse from the Roman era—magnificent, opulent, and breathtakingly beautiful.

Although this was the perfect time for pleasure, there was an old saying: A man in the Jianghu cannot always control himself. Even a free spirit like Wang Zhuo could not abandon vital business to enjoy the exquisite English princess at this juncture. Thus, he could only endure for the moment, watching the blonde girl’s bathing display while simultaneously calling Mann through a secure channel.

This call was first routed to a private platform domestically, then interacted with another platform in the United States, crossing over to New South Wales in Australia, from where it was finally connected to Mann. Thanks to the broadband network of modern society, the communication delay between Wang Zhuo and Mann was merely half a second, in no way impeding their conversation. With this elaborate processing, even the mighty U.S.

Empire would sigh in frustration while monitoring Mann’s phone, unable to trace the identity of his correspondent. Unless they escalated their surveillance to the political level reserved for tracking figures like Uncle Laden, they would be unable, regardless of the cost in manpower and resources, to break through the layered jump points to unmask Wang Zhuo behind the scenes. Of course, this was merely Wang Zhuo’s side of the confidentiality measures.

In reality, the probability of the U.S. monitoring Mann was extremely low. Americans, accustomed to being the global boss, would never conceive that someone would oppose them on such a “minor affair.” Once the connection was established, Wang Zhuo went straight to the point: “General Mann, I am informing you of crucial news: the Americans have decided to deploy a small contingent to your country, under the guise of maintaining peace, to help restore Mswati IV to power.” Mann was silent for a moment before replying with a wry smile: “…That is truly bad news.” “The timing will be around the first day of the New Year, Washington time.

You can calculate the time difference yourself,” Wang Zhuo asked calmly. “How are things progressing on your end?” “Very smoothly. It looks like war is truly imminent,” Mann stated firmly.

“I currently have one thousand two hundred fighters ready to take up arms immediately. I am not lacking in logistics or reserves; over fifty people know how to drive, and the tribal chiefs who have secretly agreed to support me have reached six.” Wang Zhuo nodded with satisfaction. In a country with a population of just over a million, this was already a considerable force.

If all these people were armed with Type 38 rifles and equipped with diesel tractors, they could almost sweep the entire nation clean! However, such a scenario might have been possible before the coup. After the King went into exile, the various factions in Eswatini were recruiting and hoarding supplies through every available channel.

Today, one group acquired ten AK-47s; tomorrow, another secured three rocket launchers; the day after, someone else managed half a crate of grenades. General Mann, who had been busy with his “encircling the cities from the countryside” strategy, had only gathered manpower but obtained no weaponry, causing his strength to regress to the very end of the second echelon. But none of that mattered, because Wang Zhuo’s next move was about to begin!

“Wait for my next update. Before the American GIs land on your territory, I will certainly deliver a New Year’s gift that you will be pleased with.” As dawn broke, the Xiangyun carried a distinguished guest: Fu Zhongjing, flying directly from Lyon, France. Young Master Fu was an internationally renowned arms broker, and by all accounts, he should not have been aboard Wang Zhuo’s aircraft at this sensitive moment, as it risked inviting unwelcome speculation.

But Wang Zhuo had a purpose in this: he intended to display his strength in this manner, probing the limits of the U.S. Empire. Fu Zhongjing had not anticipated Wang Zhuo would be so audacious.

Recently, he and Wang Zhuo had communicated only via secure lines. He knew Wang Zhuo intended to acquire a shipment of weapons to stir things up in Eswatini. Frankly, from Young Master Fu’s perspective and judgment, Wang Zhuo’s actions seemed more like a military enthusiast playing a real-time strategy game.

Given that this was a time of peace, combined with domestic systemic constraints, someone like Wang Zhuo could only spend money to play such games in other countries—it seemed like sheer boredom stemming from having too much wealth. It was somewhat like the financial behemoth Soros; money had lost all meaning beyond its numerical value, yet he insisted on constantly churning the international markets—the thrill of riding the tide was what he sought! Therefore, he could not comprehend Wang Zhuo’s actions.

If it was about seeking a thrill, fine, but challenging the U.S. Empire head-to-head was senseless. Wang Zhuo was, after all, a businessman, an international one at that.

Often, one had to defer to the face of the United States, the world’s policeman. Wouldn't doing this only bring trouble upon himself? However, he would certainly never voice these concerns to Wang Zhuo; that would be overstepping the boundaries of their relationship.

There was no need. Thus, he planned only to make his profit and depart. If Wang Zhuo hadn't been so incredibly wealthy, he might not have taken this job at all, as Eswatini was barely the size of a fingernail and couldn't possibly consume many goods, certainly not high-value items.

Though Fu Zhongjing was only in his early thirties, the items he dealt in were large-scale cargo: attack helicopters, standard missiles, armored vehicles, and amphibious landing craft. He truly did not expect Wang Zhuo to purchase anything expensive; he merely intended to use this opportunity to cultivate a relationship with a potentially major client! Fu Zhongjing was slightly shorter than Wang Zhuo, but having served in the military, his physique, maintained by years of training, was top-tier.

Meeting Wang Zhuo today, he brought only two attendants. Wang Zhuo recognized one follower-like figure from a previous encounter aboard the Royal Princess; the other woman, however, was new, not the one he had met last time. For a man like Fu Zhongjing, who constantly traveled the globe, having multiple female companions was perfectly normal.

In this respect, he shared similarities with Wang Zhuo; neither had risen to prominence through advantageous marriages, and the women they chose were not necessarily of equal social standing, granting them supreme masculine prerogative. Since Young Master Fu had two guests, Wang Zhuo could not appear as a lone commander while accompanying him, so he brought Fu Xinran along. Fu Zhongjing’s companion was also of exceptional beauty; this woman possessed an aura of sharp competence that clearly surpassed the one seen previously on the Royal Princess.

According to Fu Zhongjing’s introduction, this individual was an expert in radar and electronic countermeasures, surnamed Liang—Miss Liang. After listening to Wang Zhuo’s account, Fu Zhongjing laughed heartily: “You still underestimate American ambition. They will absolutely use this opportunity to root a military presence in Eswatini.

Stationing troops there for ten or twenty years would be perfectly normal!” “I anticipated that,” Wang Zhuo chuckled knowingly, replying calmly. “That is why, from the very beginning, I devised a strategy. Although it is somewhat complicated to execute, it is certainly worth a try.” “Oh?” Fu Zhongjing was momentarily stunned, casting a curious glance at Wang Zhuo before slowly nodding.

“Since you put it that way, I shall wait and see!” Wang Zhuo’s “strategy” was obviously not for outsiders to know. Having navigated the world for so long, Fu Zhongjing understood which questions to ask and which to leave unasked. He was now somewhat intrigued: the King of Wealth was not known by that title for nothing.

Did he possess unexpected military capabilities beyond commerce and scientific research? “First, I need two thousand replica AK-47 assault rifles, along with corresponding accessories and ammunition,” Wang Zhuo stated with a smile. “Truthfully, I personally lean toward purchasing more advanced firearms, but my Black friends prefer these rugged weapons; they are easier for them to use.” “Two thousand units…” Fu Zhongjing managed a wry smile, then turned to tease Miss Liang: “An armament package like that is enough to dominate the entire country.” Miss Liang smiled sweetly and nodded slightly.

Wang Zhuo shrugged. “For them, this is an era of turmoil. While it may not reach the level of universal armament, every extra weapon increases the chance of victory.” “That is true,” Fu Zhongjing snapped his fingers.

“What else do you require?” Wang Zhuo raised an eyebrow slightly: “The price for this batch of weapons?” Fu Zhongjing burst into booming laughter, as if he had heard a joke, then responded robustly: “That depends on what kind of delivery you need—door-to-door service, or will you pick them up yourself?” “Uh,” Wang Zhuo scratched his head, chuckling sheepishly. “I haven’t decided on that yet. Tell me the price first.” “I’ll give you a preferential rate: $350 to $450 per bare rifle for self-pickup, and ten rounds of ammunition for one dollar,” Fu Zhongjing teased.

“As for spare parts, do you really think those are necessary?”