Conquer a Country

"Something's off?" Kang De narrowed his eyes. "How so?"

"They were vague about the specifics, probably because their intelligence was limited. But it's obvious to anyone with eyes that Comora's naval and air defense was outsourced to Fr*nce, yet they did nothing during the massive invasion of Gambia."

Xie Liqian said, "This is very unreasonable, because everyone knows that a legendary mercenary who retired from the France Foreign Legion is the de facto ruler of Comora... This makes it even stranger."

Kang De frowned. "You mean...?"

"The Fr*nce," Xie Liqian said. "To put it simply, almost every war, coup, and conflict that occurs in Africa has, to some extent, the influence of the Fr*nce."

"You mean, almost?"

"Yes, there are always exceptions."

For example?

"For example, a few years ago, a real estate developer from Texas United States, along with his assistant, spent $220,000 in an attempt to overthrow the Gambia government and become the new rulers."

"... And then what happened?"

"Of course they failed. They bought two sniper rifles, intending to assassinate the then King of Gambia, but he was away on a foreign visit. So they planned to storm the palace directly. In their minds, they were going to bring freedom to the oppressed Gambia, and once the gunfire started, the royal guard would surely turn against them and help them. Unexpectedly, the royal guard did not surrender, but instead decisively returned fire, routing them in a sorry state. These United States devils have been promoting that nonsense about freedom and democracy for decades, and they've even come to believe it themselves. What idiots!"

"... So this wasn't done by the United States government? The CIA or something?"

"Definitely not. If it were the CIA, they should have been disbanded."

That's true.

I'd be utterly humiliated.

Kang De asked, "So you mean... the France were involved in this war?"

Xie Liqian replied, "Considering that Fr*nce are holding back, it's highly likely."

"... It has nothing to do with me," Kang De said. "I was just going to rescue my father. Even if the France were behind it, they have no reason to kidnap China person, do they?"

This is no laughing matter. Fr*nce engage in petty tricks in their own backyard colonies, basically no one will care. But if they kidnap China citizens, that's a different story.

The so-called world opinion and international morality are usually nonsense—but if the victim is one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and there is solid evidence against them, then morality and justice are the most deadly weapons.

Generally speaking, Fr*nce would not take this risk; it's simply unnecessary.

Because the returns and risks are simply disproportionate.

Xie Liqian pondered for a moment and said, "Generally speaking, there is indeed no reason to do this, but whether there are underlying logics and inside stories that we are unaware of is another matter."

"It's said we're actively negotiating, but when it involves countries, efficiency suffers greatly, especially with a country like Gambia, which is so erratic... Their efficiency is truly appalling; they haven't given a definite answer, haven't claimed responsibility for the detention, and haven't even made any demands..."

Kang De said calmly, "They no longer have that chance."

Xie Liqian fell silent.

Kang De said, "But in any case, thank you for your intelligence and information."

Xie Liqian was silent for a moment on the other end of the phone, then said, "I'm just thinking of myself."

There's no need to make things too obvious.

If Kang De's father had met with misfortune in Africa, it's easy to imagine that Kang De would have become extremely violent. At that point, he would have had countless reasons to vent his anger on Xie Liqian. Xie Liqian wouldn't gamble on Kang De's clear sense of right and wrong and his perpetual rationality. Helping Kang De now is helping his future self.

But I still appreciate your kindness.

Kang De tilted his head back. "I owe you a favor. Think about how you'll use it. If not, let's leave it at that for now."

"... goodbye."

The voice call was disconnected. Kang De pushed open the door, returned to the cabin, took a bottle of wine from the mini bar, broke off the bottle neck, poured a large glass, and drank it all in one gulp.

One cup after another.

After finishing the bottle of liquor, he slammed it on the bar, went to the window, and looked out at the clear and calm sky 12,000 meters above the ground. Below was a sea of clouds, a beautiful view, a sky far removed from the world.

But his eyes were not calm.

The buzzing of his phone interrupted his thoughts. Kang De picked it up and saw a new friend request on WeChat. It was from Xie Liqian, whose shared business card had a Russian ID and a red five-pointed star in the biting cold wind as his profile picture. The friend request itself read in Chinese: "Hello, comrade from the socialist family of China!"

He suddenly felt better.

"..."

Kang De clicked "agree" and then sent Xie Liqian a message: "It seems your arms-dealing friend is a remnant of the former Soviet Union. Are there many people like that?"

A message popped up, and the Soviet Union comrade sent an emoji—the classic soybean-shaped figure, staring with big eyes, laughing.

He probably didn't know that this friendly expression had gradually evolved into a mocking one in China.

Immediately, Xie Liqian sent a message: "Depending on the client's background, country, and stance, he can switch his persona at any time. For example, a red foreigner who loves China food and China, a white supremacist Ku Klux Klan, a fascist who supports dictatorship, a freedom-loving democratic fighter, and an environmentalist."

Sure enough, a little while later, the Soviet Union comrades sent another message.

He probably found out Kang De's approximate age through his WeChat Moments.

"Hello, China friend! You can call me Kirov. I've been to China, and I love China. I enjoy your food and your profound and long-standing culture! It's a pleasure to meet you!"

"..."

It seems this Soviet Union comrade needs to update his impression of the China.

So many years have passed since the reform and opening up. At least for young people in China, foreigners saying things like "I love China, I love China food and culture" in broken Chinese on social media no longer makes them excited or proud. This is because people's national pride has risen, and they are no longer surprised by it. Moreover, they have come to understand the tricks of these foreigners.

Everyone knows why they say that, and they also know how most of these foreign devils came to China and what they came here to do.

He chuckled and asked Xie Liqian, "This Russia's integrity is questionable; can he be trusted?"

"All arms dealers are like that: bold, boastful, full of empty talk, overly friendly, and adept at saying one thing to one person and another to another. This is their business acumen and professional habit, especially for these deadly merchants who sell small quantities of goods in the gray or even black market."

Xie Liqian sent a voice message directly. "But you can trust him. This Russia has been cooperating with me for a long time and has a good reputation. I told him that you are a big shot whom I must respect and revere. He knows my worth and power, and also has some understanding of our country's system and situation, so he will have endless fantasies and deceive himself. Therefore, from now on, he is your most loyal, reliable, and interesting friend."

Mr. Xie sent another message: "So don't worry, he definitely won't ask anything he shouldn't. This is one of the most important qualities in this line of work. He will arrange everything for you. If you need anything, just ask, and he will do everything he can to please you."

... I see.

This is equivalent to Xie Liqian using his social connections, wealth, power, and influence to promote Kang De, and it is bound to be quite effective, because in today's world, the credibility and influence of the wealthy are ridiculously high. Even if you are an ordinary person, as long as Ma Yun publicly says that you are a great person whom he must respect, then even a foreign president will have to smile politely when he sees you.

Moreover, this arms dealer seemed to have some ideals.

Because everyone on Earth knows what the ultimate pursuit of an ideal individual arms dealer is.

Even if you know, don't say it.

Thanks.

"You're welcome, I'm just telling the truth."

Kang De left the chat and returned to his Soviet Union comrade. After a moment of silence, he shook his head and smiled, then sent a message: "Hello, let's get down to business."

The conversation with Xie Liqian lasted at least two minutes, but the Soviet Union comrade showed no impatience whatsoever. He replied instantly upon seeing the message, without dwelling on Kang De's name. "Of course! My China friend!"

Kang De immediately initiated a video call.

It was a one-second call, and the signal seemed good with low image transmission latency. The view was of a clear blue sky, and there was a guy wearing a military overcoat and a Soviet Union- style woolen hat with the five-pointed star in the center shining brightly, as if afraid that others wouldn't know he was Soviet Union remnant.

Greetings to you, dear neighbor from China!

His Chinese was quite fluent, but like all Russia, regardless of the language he spoke, he exuded a terrifying, warlike, and bloodthirsty aura.

"Praise be to Taishang Laojun! You are such a dignified and handsome man! If I had a daughter, I would definitely marry her to you. Russia girls love China men the most!"

"..."

Damn it, how did this idiotic rumor fabricated by marketing accounts actually get back to Russia and be picked up by arms dealers there without any anger, and used to amuse the China?

--And you, you fake China expert.

Kang De sighed, "I don't believe in Taoism..."

The Soviet Union comrade, without blushing, tentatively asked, "Shakyamuni?"

Before Kang De could reply, the Soviet Union comrade had already figured out the answer. It must be said that the professional competence of this arms dealer was truly remarkable; in a flash, he came up with a new answer that would absolutely not cause any problems.

He roared with great force, "Praise be to Marx!"

"..."

"..."

You won.

This disturbance actually improved Kang De's mood somewhat—or perhaps it was intentional?

The Soviet Union comrades' praise had shifted from Kang De's young and handsome face to the cockpit backdrop behind Kang De: "Gulfstream G650! Lenin, this is my lifelong pursuit."

He was ecstatic. "The bare aircraft costs $65 million, equivalent to a Su-35S! Add some custom modifications and embellishments, and it's equivalent to an F-35! Yes, a war machine that's enough to wreak havoc on the air defense and even the army system of a small country is nothing more than a tool for you big shots to stroll around and praise money!"

Kang De shook his head and said, "This isn't mine, it belongs to Xie Liqian."

Upon hearing this, Kirov grinned and said, "China friend, this matter depends on you. If you say the plane belongs to Mr. Xie, it still belongs to Mr. Xie; if you say it's yours, it will be yours."

Kang De simply smiled.

The Soviet Union comrade, who had been intently staring at the screen, slightly narrowed his pupils and his face stiffened for a moment.

He then laughed heartily, "I'll save the warm hugs and greetings for when you arrive, esteemed customer. Now, please allow me to introduce you to the specific business and services of Viktor Logistics and Trading Company..."

The man, holding his phone, the screen began to shake. As he walked, he said, "Our company undertakes logistics and transportation services. Our main clients are located throughout Europe, America, and Asia, with our primary business areas in underdeveloped regions such as Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South America. We accept donation orders from philanthropists around the world and deliver humanitarian aid supplies to underdeveloped areas..."

He winked at Kang De: "So that those who have lost everything due to various misfortunes and sufferings may at least have freedom and... the power to defend freedom."

The sound of a door opening, a cell phone spinning, bright lights—in the vast hangar, a huge transport plane stood silently, and workers pushing carts busily worked in front of the open rear cargo door.

Weapons gleaming with metallic luster, and wooden crates piled high.

There were also several trucks unloading cargo.

"Today is a day to celebrate. Our cause of justice has once again received the help of a great philanthropist. Friends from China, I am delighted to see that while your country is developing rapidly, it is also beginning to shoulder its international responsibilities. My friends are all very happy."

... I must say, this Russian guy speaks so eloquently; he's truly a talented individual.

The Soviet Union comrade paced back and forth, glanced around a few times, and suddenly began to roar loudly in English. Unfortunately, his English was also heavily influenced by Maoism, and since Kang De had only studied exam-oriented English and American TV show English, all he could hear in the other party's series of angry shouts were fragrant keywords such as "asxhole," "motherfxcker," and "pusxy."

The other side cursed a few times, and the workers sped up considerably. The Russian, indignant, turned to Kang De: "Excuse me, my friend, please forgive my rudeness, but these Serbia workers are so lazy and stupid! These pathetic traitors who have betrayed the Holy Soviet! Idiots!"

He spoke with great enthusiasm, "They abandoned the great Marxist-Leninist path! They were deceived by the capitalist pigs led by the United States! And what did they get in return? The Bosnian War? NATO bombing? Population exodus? Loss of dignity? This country has been corrupted by stupid capitalism! The lazy workers here need three times the wages to increase their efficiency to 200%! Before, political commissars were enough!"

This guy, with his distinctly Soviet, complained again, but eventually smiled and said, "But my friend, rest assured, everything will be done before you arrive in Belgrade. I'll put a pistol to their heads and make them work harder!"

"Now, let's take a look at the humanitarian aid you've sponsored."

The man's expression and attitude switched seamlessly; he was cursing and swearing at the workers, but when he turned to Kang De, he became the warm and hospitable class brother. "Mr. Xie said you don't want small-caliber assault rifles, so we're expediting their unloading. Fortunately, this batch of humanitarian supplies already included what you need, for example, this old gentleman..."

The camera then panned to a robust, unassuming, and very familiar large machine.

"The M2 Browning Heavy Machine Gun! A perennial favorite in the US military since 1921, a century of quality, Ma-Deuce, this is an improved version from FN Company, robust and practical, easy to operate—damn, that was originally a Soviet patent term. Anyway, even I have to admit, it's a good gun!"

"All are equipped with QCB Conversion Device to improve performance, allowing for single-person operation, saving firing time, and enhancing safety. They feature tungsten-chromium alloy barrels to increase service life. Regarding ammunition, in addition to the M33 Ball Cartridge, we also sell other special ammunition. I recommend the APEI169 armor-piercing explosive incendiary round, designed with FN Company's involvement, which greatly enhances combat effectiveness, increasing fragmentation dispersion and explosive incendiary efficiency. It can shoot down helicopters, transport planes, armored vehicles, and even low-flying fighter-bombers!"

"This new machine gun-ammunition system is absolutely brilliant; aside from being a bit pricey, it has no flaws!"

Kang De frowned and asked, "American machinery?"

The arms dealer said sternly, "My friend, aren't you interested in the weak, scrap metal of capitalism?"

"... No, not exactly," Kang De said. "I thought all your weapons were Soviet-made."

"Friend, you're overthinking it. With economic globalization and free trade, we have everything." The arms dealer relaxed and laughed. "Because of the Bosnian War, Serbia has everything, but these M2HBs didn't come from here. They came from another weak, corrupt, traitorous country—all United States military aid. After receiving them, that country immediately put them on eBay..."

Kang De asked in surprise, "These can be sold?"

"What's so special about that?" the Russian said through gritted teeth. "They even sell aircraft carriers..."

Kang De suddenly realized. "So it was a crow..."

Kirov placed his hand to his lips at just the right moment, shushed him, and grinned mischievously, "Don't tell anyone, we're keeping it a secret..."

"I see."

Kang De thought for a moment and said, "I don't want M33 Ball Cartridge. There are twenty heavy machine guns here, right? I want you to equip them with as many spare barrel parts as possible, and then configure them with special armor-piercing incendiary rounds to the extent that they can destroy all these weapons. I want as many as you can."

"... Praise be to the Tsar Bomba! My friend, you are the most discerning customer I have ever met! No wonder you're not interested in small-caliber rifles; non-explosive ammunition really is just a child's toy!"

The Soviet Union comrades were overjoyed. As for what Kang De intended to do with so many terrifying weapons of mass destruction, that was not within their consideration. Damn it, who cares?

"No problem, Viktor Company is at your service!"

He said with delight, "Given your refined taste, I'm sure you'll love this equally classic Soviet Union cultural symbol, the righteous RPG! One of the three kings of infantry weapons in the 20th century! Low investment, high return, good modification capabilities, flexible and convenient use, and affordable price!"

"We need high-explosive fragmentation rounds for everything—oh well, a few armor-piercing high-explosive rounds too."

"As you wish, Mr. Xie also mentioned that you need an automatic grenade launcher. This time it's a Soviet-made one, which you'll definitely like: the AGS-17, codenamed Flame. It has an effective range of 1700 meters, a maximum rate of fire of 65 rounds per minute, high rate of fire, area-effect damage, high-angle indirect fire, and two types of ammunition..."

The hangar was turned into a private exhibition hall by the eloquent Russian guy, who introduced Kang De to the humanitarian supplies he had obtained from his good friends in Eastern European countries. Kang De, in turn, demonstrated the shopping prowess expected of a China tourist traveling abroad: big is good, big is beautiful, and explosions are art.

For him, the important thing is to win these two wars quickly and efficiently. He doesn't care how much it costs. Even if this guy gets him a nuclear bomb, he'll dare to plunder the Federal Reserve's vault to pay for it. He won't stop until he's spent every last gram of gold in the United States and the Elven American Empire.

Who wouldn't love a customer like that?

"My dear brother, I am honored to have you listed as our company's most valued VIP customer!"

Kirov grinned from ear to ear.

He was especially pleased after he roughly calculated the total value of the supplies on the plane, secretly contacted Xie Liqian, and received Xie's unwavering promise.

"I must thank you; this will allow me to earn a lot. Following the custom in our line of work, I will give you some personal gifts to express my gratitude and to build our friendship."

"Of course arms dealers will supply weapons, my dear China comrade. A person of your taste deserves a gun of even higher quality. Tell me, what type do you prefer? Soviet? American? Lever-action? Flintlock?"

The other party's tone was very sincere. Of course, who wouldn't be sincere if they could earn so much in such a short time?

Kang De thought for a moment, "I happen to need a gun with practical combat value. I've heard that firearms have various specifications, and a good gun will take all these specifications into account and achieve a balance. My current requirements are that portability is a little important, but I don't need to consider issues such as weight, feeding, or recoil. I want the ultimate in power and high accuracy. I need a gun like that, or even a cannon... Don't worry about whether I can use it or not, just make sure I have enough ammunition."

The Russian paused for a moment, but as is their professional practice, they didn't ask too many questions. After a quick thought, he laughed and said, "I've got it! There's a gun that perfectly fits your requirements... Leave it to me. Everything will be taken care of once you arrive in Belgrade... I'll come pick you up."

See you later.

See you in a bit.

The long call came to an end. The Russian had been talking non-stop about his sales pitch and introduction for quite some time. It wasn't very dark yet, as the plane was traveling from west to east, taking in the sun. Kang De poured himself a glass of wine and looked out the window at the white clouds and dark blue sky.

The Russia's promise of superior and powerful weaponry gave him some reassurance, which would increase his chances of winning the war. At the same time, he also learned that some powerful weapons, controlled by various governments, were actually difficult to circulate and trade—but in certain special places, none of that mattered.

In his casual conversations with the Russians, he saw a broader and more primitive world, a world beyond the facade of a peaceful and stable homeland, a world of free chaos and chaotic freedom, where weapons of mass destruction could be transported, bought, sold, and possessed with impunity in many parts of the world.

This is unimaginable in China.

As an ordinary person, staying away from these things is certainly a very good thing.

But now... chaos is actually a convenience, the kind of convenience he needs right now.

As the war in the other world intensified, this incident brought him an even greater sense of crisis. His previous preparations for the war were still insufficient, so when the incident occurred, he was still flustered and overwhelmed.

If he were in a place where he had more freedom and could use his abilities more effectively, with greater convenience, power, connections, energy, wealth, and even military strength, he wouldn't be in such a sorry and anxious state as he is now.

A blurry reflection appeared in the airplane window, and Kang De took a small sip of his wine.

He suddenly remembered the story Xie Liqian had told him earlier.

The story of two United States attempting to occupy an Africa country.

￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥

PS1: Six thousand words and five hundred words! Almost seven thousand words! And it's a little early today! Time for bed!