Chapter 379: Outrageous Conditions

A brief silence fell over the conference room, and Intelligence Director Karpov suddenly realized:

"They are playing psychological warfare! Proposing outrageous conditions, then gradually making concessions, and finally reaching an agreement favorable to them."

"Not only that," the Chief added, "they are manipulating public opinion, making the whole world believe that Di Guo is unwilling to negotiate, while Long Country is the advocate of peace. It is truly a brilliant strategy."

"Then what should we do?" Malinov asked, "Continue to act as the mediator?"

The Chief's gaze swept over every high-ranking official present: "We have no other choice. Under the leadership of that Li Mingyuan, Long Country's technological development speed is daunting. If we withdraw from the mediation now, we are very likely to face a dominant Long Country in the near future."

"But if this continues, aren't we helping Long Country?" Novikov said with dissatisfaction.

The Chief sneered: "On the surface, yes. But privately, we will continue to provide support to Taiyang to maintain regional balance. Letting Long Country and Di Guo keep each other in check is what serves our long-term interests."

Director Dobrov spoke hesitantly:

"Comrade Chief, I believe we should re-evaluate our attitude toward Long Country. The technological innovation capability that Li Mingyuan has demonstrated far exceeds our imagination. If we continue to confront them, we might miss the opportunity to cooperate with Long Country."

The Chief narrowed his eyes: "Comrade Director, are you suggesting that we bow down to Long Country?"

Dobrov shook his head firmly: "Not bowing down, but a strategic adjustment. Li Mingyuan has already demonstrated his ability to make Long Country leap from a technologically backward nation to a Mushroom power in a short period of time. We should consider establishing a closer technological cooperation relationship with Long Country, at least in the civilian sector."

The Chief pondered for a moment, then finally nodded: "That makes sense. Comrade Novikov, go back and prepare; continue to play the role of mediator well. At the same time, secretly contact Di Guo and tell them we will provide support at an appropriate time."

He paused, then added: "Additionally, have the Academy of Sciences prepare a list of possible technological collaborations with Long Country; we need to observe that Li Mingyuan at close range."

After the meeting ended, Novikov stayed behind to speak with the Chief alone:

"Comrade Chief, honestly, I don't hold much hope for this mediation. Long Country's conditions are too harsh."

A rare look of fatigue appeared on the Chief's face: "We just need to do our best. Remember, Comrade Novikov, this world is changing, and we must adapt."

……

Meanwhile, at the wartime command center of Di Guo, a tense meeting was underway.

"Absurd! Completely absurd!" Defense Minister Harrison threw the Long Country peace terms document onto the floor, his face livid with anger, "Who do they think they are? The victors?"

The Commander looked grim, his fingers tapping incessantly on the table: "Long Country is deliberately making things difficult; they don't want to negotiate at all."

The Vice Commander frowned and said: "But our current situation is indeed dire. The front line is collapsing, anti-war sentiment at home is rising, and our allies are beginning to waver. Can we really continue this war?"

Minister of Foreign Affairs Laiteli retorted: "Even if the situation is difficult, we cannot accept such insulting conditions! Fifty billion star-stripe currency in reparations? That is almost equivalent to our annual defense budget!"

Economic Advisor Green interjected: "Don't forget those resource supply clauses and low-interest loans. If we accept, our economy might need ten years or even longer to recover."

The Commander suddenly slammed the table hard, and the conference room instantly went quiet: "Enough! What we need now is not complaining, but a solution!"

Intelligence Director Wilson cleared his throat: "According to our analysis, although these conditions from Long Country are harsh, they are not without room for maneuver. They deliberately set an outrageous price precisely to make gradual concessions during the negotiations and finally reach an agreement favorable to them."

"So what is your suggestion? Accept the negotiations?" Harrison mocked.

Wilson replied calmly: "Exactly. We can agree to sit down and talk first, then raise our objections to each clause. Drag out the time while secretly seeking support from Beijixiong Guo."

The Military Representative, Chief of Staff General Thomas, added: "From a military perspective, we do need a chance to catch our breath. Long Country's ability to launch Mushroom eggs with Missiles has already changed the battlefield balance; if they decide to use more... the consequences would be unimaginable."

The room fell into silence, with everyone contemplating this terrifying possibility.

Finally, the Commander spoke slowly: "Very well, we accept the invitation to negotiate. But it must be clear that we absolutely cannot accept all of these conditions. Send our strongest negotiation team; we can make appropriate concessions when necessary, but the bottom line is to preserve our dignity and Hexin interests."

The Minister of Foreign Affairs nodded: "I will lead the team personally to ensure we argue our case firmly at the negotiating table."

The Commander's gaze swept over everyone present: "Gentlemen, this may be the most severe challenge we have faced since taking office. No matter the outcome, we must remain united and fight for the future of the country."

After the meeting ended, Minister of Foreign Affairs Laiteli and Intelligence Director Wilson spoke privately.

"Do you really think we can turn the tide at the negotiating table?" Laiteli asked.

Wilson gave a bitter smile: "Frankly, the hope is slim. But we have no choice; we must try."

"That Li Mingyuan... who exactly is he? How could he change the entire war situation in such a short time?"

Wilson's expression became unusually serious: "Our analysts believe he might be a super genius secretly cultivated by Beijixiong Guo. But regardless of who he is, he has already become our greatest threat."

Laiteli took a deep breath: "Then, may God bless us."

……

One week later, in the capital of a Zhongli Guo, the peace negotiations officially began.

Inside the magnificent Peace Palace, the atmosphere was so heavy it was almost suffocating.

On one side of the long negotiation table was the Long Country delegation, led by Minister Zhang, with a team including the Military Department director, Director He, and Li Mingyuan as the technology consultant.

On the other side was the Di Guo delegation, headed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Laiteli, including several Advanced diplomats and Military representatives.

Beijixiong Guo Minister of Foreign Affairs Novikov and his team sat at one end of the table, playing the role of mediator.

The conference hall was filled with reporters from various countries, and camera flashes went off one after another; everyone knew that this negotiation would change the world landscape.

Novikov spoke first: "Distinguished delegates, we are gathered here today in the hope of finding a peaceful solution to this long-standing conflict. As the mediator, Beijixiong Guo hopes that both sides will engage in an honest dialogue based on the principles of prioritizing peace and mutual respect."

As soon as he finished speaking, Di Guo Minister of Foreign Affairs Laiteli eagerly took the floor: "Thank you, Minister Novikov, for the mediation. As a responsible major power, Di Guo has always been committed to maintaining world peace. We hope to reach an agreement of no reparations and peaceful coexistence through equal consultation."