Chapter 269: The Intersection of Falcon and Elephant

"We have already identified several key industrial facilities in Long Country, including that newly built special steel plant and a laboratory suspected of conducting semiconductor research. We plan to dispatch agents to infiltrate these facilities and carry out precise sabotage, causing their critical equipment to suffer 'accidental' failures while leaving behind no evidence of our involvement."

"What about the technical personnel?" Martins asked, his tone cold, "Especially their Chief Engineer, who is said to be a young man?"

"Li Mingyuan," Intelligence Director Coleman took over, pulling up a photo showing a young man in his early twenties directing work on the factory floor, "According to our intelligence, he is the key figure behind this series of technological breakthroughs in Long Country. He is the primary target of the 'Falcon Plan'."

"Eliminate him?" General Roberts asked.

Coleman shook his head, "No, that would be too obvious. Our plan is to first attempt bribery—offer him terms he cannot refuse and persuade him to 'defect'; if that fails, take measures to damage his credibility within Long Country, creating the illusion that he is 'leaking secrets' or 'making mistakes'; finally, if the first two methods do not work, only then consider... a permanent solution."

"But be extremely careful," Jackson emphasized, "This person has a powerful background among the high-level officials in Long Country; any action against him must be seamless and leave no traces."

"Regarding the 'Mist Project'," Finance Minister Stewart took over,

"We have already begun operations. Through controlled financial institutions and enterprises, we are purchasing large quantities of rare metals and strategic raw materials urgently needed by Long Country on a global scale, artificially driving up prices, while selling them off at the appropriate time to cause market volatility and increase the difficulty and cost of Long Country's procurement."

"How is the effect?" Martins asked.

Stewart shrugged, "Frankly, the effect is limited. Long Country seems to have anticipated this in advance and has already signed long-term supply agreements with Beijixiong Guo and several resource-rich countries, partially circumventing the impact of market volatility."

"This Li Mingyuan," Professor Hawkins said thoughtfully, "He always seems to be one step ahead of us... this is not normal."

"Finally, regarding the 'White Chess Game'," Jackson continued,

"This is the part where we have made the most progress so far. White Elephant Country is extremely dissatisfied with the rise of Long Country, and we easily persuaded them to take action. Currently, White Elephant Country has already organized multiple attacks against Long Country's southern transport lines, effectively blocking the flow of some supplies."

Secretary of State Thompson frowned, "But this strategy could have a counterproductive effect. Long Country could easily find an excuse to take military action against White Elephant Country."

"That is exactly what we hope to see," Jackson smiled slightly, "If Long Country is forced to increase troops at the southern border, it will disperse their resources and attention, slowing down the pace of their technological development. Moreover, regardless of the outcome, we can stay out of it and maintain a superficial 'neutrality'."

The conference room fell into silence again, with everyone weighing the pros and cons of these plans and their possible consequences.

"Time waits for no one," Jackson concluded, "Every day, Long Country is narrowing the gap with us. We must act immediately to nip their technological breakthroughs in the bud."

"Agreed," Martins was the first to express his stance, and the others nodded one after another.

"Good," Jackson closed the folder, "All departments are to execute according to the plan and report progress to the Presidential Palace every week. Remember, the existence of these operations is top secret; any leak will be considered treason."

……

One week later, a secret intelligence station of Di Guo stationed at the Long Country border.

Station Chief Colonel Wilson was holding a meeting with three agents, with a detailed floor plan of a factory in Dongbei, Long Country, and a map of the surrounding terrain spread out on the table.

"According to the latest intelligence," Wilson pointed to the area marked in red on the drawing,

"Research and development of some kind of cutting-edge equipment is taking place inside this factory building, which may be related to semiconductor technology. Your mission is to infiltrate, obtain more intelligence, and if possible, sabotage the critical equipment."

"What about the security situation?" one agent asked.

"Very tight," Wilson admitted, "Alert levels have been significantly increased recently. But we have an inside man at the factory who provided this pass and work certification."

He handed over an envelope, "Remember, this is an observation and sabotage mission, not an assassination. Unless absolutely necessary, do not harm anyone, especially this person—"

He pointed to Li Mingyuan in the photo, "Headquarters has specially emphasized that under no circumstances should you directly contact or threaten this person. He is under special attention from the high-level leadership, and any action against him must be approved by headquarters."

"Understood," the agents nodded, "When do we act?"

"In three days," Wilson replied, "The factory will have a batch of new equipment arriving, and there will be outside vehicles and personnel entering and exiting; you can take the opportunity to blend in. Remember, once inside, immediately activate the signal jammer to prevent detection by the electronic equipment in the factory."

The agents carefully studied the floor plan, noting security posts, camera locations, and possible retreat routes.

"This mission is of vital importance," Wilson emphasized at the end, "Long Country's technological breakthroughs have already attracted the attention of the highest levels. If they really make progress in the field of semiconductors, it will seriously threaten our country's technological advantage. No matter what, they must be stopped."

……

At the same time, the Di Guo Embassy in White Elephant Country.

Ambassador Oliver was in a secret talk with Military Representative General Vikram of White Elephant Country.

"Not enough!" General Vikram slapped the table, "These weapons and funds are far from enough to support us in confronting Long Country. We have already organized seven attacks against their transport lines, but their response has been tougher than expected."

Ambassador Oliver maintained the composure of a professional diplomat, "General, please understand, our country cannot openly provide large-scale aid for you to attack Long Country targets. This would violate the armistice agreement we just signed."

……

Meanwhile, a secret financial operation center of Di Guo.

"Long Country's procurement list has been obtained," a well-dressed financial analyst reported to the supervisor, "They are purchasing a series of rare metals in large quantities on the global market, including molybdenum, nickel, titanium, lithium, etc."

"Drive up the prices immediately!"

……

"Chief Engineer Li, an urgent telegram from the Military Department!" The communicator rushed in, panting, holding an express document.

Li Mingyuan hurriedly opened the telegram, his expression gradually becoming grave.

"What's wrong?" Lao Liu leaned over and asked.

"The situation has changed," Li Mingyuan frowned,

"After the ceasefire on the front line, Di Guo began to pull strings internationally, attempting to cut off our resource supply chain."

He quickly put away the document, "Lao Liu, you are responsible for continuing the debugging; I must rush to Jingcheng immediately for a meeting."