North Vladivostok

Lin Chenran's words exploded beside Old Master Lin's ears like a thunderclap, carrying an impact far too great.

Old Master Lin had never imagined that his own grandson could make such a bold prediction.

Mao Xiong Country would fall?

That was simply absurd. Such a thing was almost impossible, yet Lin Chenran said it was highly likely to happen, perhaps even within ten years.

But when he saw the grave, earnest expression on Lin Chenran's face, Old Master Lin could not help but waver.

After all, Lin Chenran was not someone who liked to make wild claims or spout nonsense.

"Grandpa, even the once-incomparably powerful State of Qin eventually fell apart, didn't it? Mao Xiong Country is facing countless problems now, and it is surrounded by capitalist countries. On top of that, it has all kinds of internal conflicts and issues..."

Lin Chenran spoke with a solemn expression.

"Mm!"

After hearing this, Old Master Lin nodded slightly in agreement.

Yes, if Mao Xiong Country truly fell, Flame Nation would have to make thorough preparations in advance.

Especially since Mao Xiong Country possessed a vast number of heavy industry enterprises, military-industrial enterprises, as well as specialized talent and advanced technology in every field.

These were all exceptionally precious resources. If they could be absorbed, Flame Nation's overall national strength would be greatly enhanced. And that was precisely what Flame Nation urgently needed at present.

Old Master Lin strongly agreed with something Lin Chenran had said: "Even if Mao Xiong Country does not truly fall, the intertwining of various complex factors will still make it extremely fragile. We must prepare in advance, wait for the right moment, seize the opportunity to exploit its weakness, and fish in troubled waters."

Old Master Lin asked calmly, "Are you opening up this International Speculator route to Mao Xiong Country in order to make arrangements there?"

Looking into his grandfather's deep eyes, Lin Chenran knew that Old Master Lin had already guessed his intentions. He nodded. "Mm!"

"That's right. I do have that in mind."

Lin Chenran did not conceal anything and said it outright.

"So that's it!"

Old Master Lin came to a sudden realization. He had not expected his grandson to have such plans, and he could not help but silently marvel.

Seeing that his grandfather understood his intentions, Lin Chenran said directly, "Yes, Grandpa, that's exactly what I intend to do. I want to use this International Speculator route to make arrangements in Mao Xiong Country and secure more benefits for our nation."

A trace of approval flashed through Old Master Lin's eyes after hearing Lin Chenran's words, but he soon frowned. "This matter involves far too many aspects. I will need to discuss it with the military leadership before I can give you an answer."

Lin Chenran nodded in understanding. He knew how important and complicated this matter was; one move could affect the whole situation. "All right, Grandpa."

Old Master Lin smiled in satisfaction, then reminded him, "Continue carrying out your plan. But you must pay attention to your safety. After all, you are taking the fruits of someone else's victory. If you are discovered, the consequences will be unimaginable."

Lin Chenran knew that his grandfather was concerned for him, so he hurriedly nodded in agreement and promised to act carefully.

Old Master Lin sighed and instructed, "You must stay safe. Going to Mao Xiong Country this time is no joke. You absolutely cannot let your guard down."

Lin Chenran answered seriously, "Grandpa, don't worry. I'll be careful."

After thinking for a moment, Old Master Lin made a decision. "When the time comes, let Little He go to Mao Xiong Country with you."

Lin Chenran was somewhat surprised upon hearing this. "Grandpa, there's really no need for Brother Yi to accompany me to Mao Xiong Country."

Old Master Lin explained, "Little He is one of the people I trust most. He is highly capable and can help you handle many matters."

Hearing this, Lin Chenran fell silent for a moment, then shook his head. "Grandpa, no! Brother Yi is your personal guard. Having him stay by my side would be improper, and your safety also..."

Without even thinking, Lin Chenran directly rejected Old Master Lin's suggestion.

Old Master Lin frowned and said in a deep voice, "Mm?"

Seeing this, Lin Chenran immediately fell silent.

If it had not been to avoid alerting the enemy and drawing the attention of Mao Xiong Country's elite agents—

Three days later, all the transaction documents were ready. Lin Chenran left the Imperial Capital without stopping, heading north toward Mao Xiong Country.

He Yi also remained at Lin Chenran's side, protecting him.

If it had not been to avoid alerting the enemy and attracting the attention of Mao Xiong Country's elite agents—the KGB—Old Master Lin would have wanted to arrange several more security personnel for Lin Chenran.

After a week of arduous travel, Lin Chenran and the others finally left Flame Nation, entered Mao Xiong Country, and arrived in its largest Far Eastern city—Vladivostok.

Lin Chenran and the others settled into a hotel near the Far East Fleet's garrison.

"Little Lin, we're unfamiliar with this place. How are we supposed to make contact with the people on Mao Xiong Country's side?"

He Yi voiced the doubts in his heart.

"Hehe! I have my own plan. Just follow me."

Lin Chenran then led He Yi and the others to the tavern closest to the Far East Fleet's garrison!

"Uh?"

"A tavern?"

A whole string of question marks popped up in He Yi's mind.

Would that be useful?

A smile curled at Lin Chenran's lips. He leaned close to He Yi's ear and lowered his voice. "Brother Yi, alcohol—especially strong liquor with a high proof—is deeply woven into every Mao Xiong person's life! They can go without anything else, but they absolutely cannot go without high-proof liquor."

He paused, then continued, "I've already looked into it. The soldiers and officers of the Far East Fleet often come to this Red Romance Tavern to drink."

As he said this, a sly smile appeared on Lin Chenran's face. He continued confidently, "As long as we wait here for the rabbits to come to us, are we really going to lack chances for a chance encounter?"

"When the time comes, making connections will be effortless!" With that, he smiled and strode into the Red Romance Tavern.

He Yi and the others exchanged glances, excitement flashing in their eyes, before they hurriedly followed Lin Chenran into the tavern.

After entering the tavern, Lin Chenran's group found a relatively secluded corner and sat down.

The moment they sat down, a uniformed waitress approached them and warmly asked in Russian, "Hello, gentlemen. What would you like to order?"

Lin Chenran waved a hand grandly and answered with bold gusto, "A bottle of vodka for each of us!"

The waitress froze slightly, apparently surprised by their capacity for alcohol, but quickly recovered and nodded with a smile. "All right, please wait a moment."

With that, she turned and left to get the drinks.

"This..."

He Yi and the others were also shocked by Lin Chenran!

This was high-proof vodka, not beer. Was one bottle per person really all right?

Not long after, a middle-aged man with the bearing of a soldier entered the Red Romance Tavern.