Chapter 383: Opposing the Humiliating Treaty

Major newspapers around the world began urgently printing special editions; although there was no real-time satellite broadcasting or internet, the speed of information dissemination was still astonishing.

The Star-Spangled Country's *Daily Telegraph* front-page headline: "Historic Ceasefire! Star-Spangled Country Accepts Conditions to End Conflict."

Long Country's *People's Daily* special edition: "Great Victory! Ceasefire Agreement Officially Signed, Strategic Initiative Won."

Beijixiong Guo's *Truth Daily*: "Dawn of Peace! Three Parties Work Together to Facilitate Ceasefire."

On radio broadcasts, commentators vied to analyze this event:

"This is the greatest change in the post-war international landscape! Long Country has leaped to become a world power, while the hegemonic status of the Star-Spangled Country has been severely challenged!"

"The Star-Spangled Country was forced to accept such harsh conditions; this is unprecedented in modern diplomatic history!"

"The power of the Mushroom Egg has once again proven that technology is the core pillar of national strength!"

The reactions of countries around the world were also quite different.

Sakura Country President Yamamoto urgently convened a cabinet meeting, his face ashen: "The Star-Spangled Country actually accepted Long Country's conditions, including withdrawing from our country's military bases! What does this mean for our security?"

Minister of Foreign Affairs Fujita analyzed: "Mr. President, we must reconsider our national strategy. The protection of the Star-Spangled Country is no longer reliable, and the rise of Long Country is a foregone conclusion. I suggest immediately sending a Special Envoy to Long Country to explore the possibility of establishing a new type of relationship."

Defense Minister Sato added: "Long Country's Mushroom Egg and increasingly powerful military technology have made them the dominant force in the region. We must adjust our policy toward Long Country to avoid becoming their next target."

President Yamamoto pondered for a moment and finally nodded: "Immediately draft a personal letter expressing our congratulations on the ceasefire and our desire to develop friendly relations between the two countries. At the same time, secretly contact the Long Country Ambassador to Sakura Country to probe their attitude."

……

Meanwhile, Taiji Tiger Country President Li Chengye convened an emergency meeting, his emotions agitated:

"How could the Star-Spangled Country do this? They promised to protect us forever, yet now they are withdrawing their troops? This is betrayal!"

The Minister of Foreign Affairs advised: "Mr. President, the situation has changed. Long Country not only possesses the Mushroom Egg but also holds a series of advanced technologies. The Star-Spangled Country is already unable to contend with them. We must rethink our national security strategy."

"Then contact Long Country!" Li Chengye slammed the table, "Tell them that Taiji Tiger Country is willing to be their friend! We can provide bases and resources, as long as they can guarantee our security!"

Defense Minister Jin Zhongmi reminded him: "Mr. President, Taiyang might take advantage of this shift in the situation. We must remain vigilant."

……

In the Star-Spangled Country, after the news spread, public opinion immediately exploded.

In front of the Capitol Building, thousands of citizens gathered spontaneously, holding up protest signs:

"Oppose the Humiliating Treaty!"

"Defend National Dignity!"

"Refuse Extortion!"

In Congress, lawmakers held an emergency meeting to discuss the legitimacy and subsequent impact of the ceasefire agreement.

"This is the greatest humiliation in our history!" The leader of the Harmony Party, Thompson, roared at the meeting, "The President and the State Department must be held responsible for this! We demand impeachment!"

People's Party lawmaker Johnson retorted: "In the face of the Mushroom Egg, we have no choice! Continuing the war will only lead to more young people dying!"

"But fifty billion in compensation! Thirty billion in humanitarian reparations! This will completely destroy our economy!" Finance Committee Chairman Rogers warned, "In the next twenty years, we will face severe fiscal deficits and inflation!"

Military Committee Chairman Patterson was even more blunt: "Withdrawing from military bases means we are abandoning the global strategic network we have built over the years. This is a fatal blow to our international influence!"

……

Meanwhile, inside the Black Palace, the President was meeting with the top military and political advisory group, the atmosphere heavy to the extreme.

"Gentlemen," the President said wearily, "I know this decision is very difficult, but we have no choice. Long Country's Mushroom Egg has changed the strategic balance; we must buy time to regroup."

Defense Minister Harrison retorted: "Mr. President, we also have the Mushroom Egg! We could have shown our strength and forced Long Country to make concessions!"

The President shook his head: "Two against their one or more? This is a gamble, gambling with the lives of millions of people! I cannot take that risk."

The Vice President pondered: "The key question is, how do we fulfill these conditions without losing our status as a world power?"

The Secretary of State said in a deep voice: "We need to re-evaluate our global strategy. First, strengthen relations with European allies; second, secretly contact Beijixiong Guo to explore the possibility of cooperation; finally, find Long Country's weaknesses to prepare for a future counterattack."

The President nodded in agreement: "Correct, this is not the end, but a new beginning. We will temporarily accept these conditions, but we will never submit forever!"

After the meeting ended, the President kept the CIA Director, Allen, behind alone.

"Dulesi," the President's voice was low and firm, "I need you to form a special operations team, codenamed 'Phoenix Project'."

Allen looked at the President alertly: "What is the objective, sir?"

A cold glint flashed in the President's eyes: "Li Mingyuan. He is the key to Long Country's rise. I want to know everything about him—his background, his way of working, his weaknesses. More importantly, I want to know how he mastered Modan Jishu in just a few months."

Allen nodded: "Understood, sir. I will mobilize our best agents."

The President added: "Remember, this must be absolutely confidential. If discovered by Long Country, the consequences will be unimaginable."

After Allen left, the President stood in front of the Black Palace window, looking at the distant Capitol Building and the protesting crowds, his face filled with humiliation and anger.

"This is only temporary," he muttered to himself, "we will be back."

In the underground office of the Star-Spangled Country's CIA, Director Allen had already assembled a secret team consisting of five top Intelligence Officers.

"Gentlemen," Allen scanned these elite agents, "from today on, you will carry out a top-secret mission, codenamed 'Phoenix Project'. There is only one target—Li Mingyuan, the scientific genius of Long Country, the father of the Mushroom Egg."

Intelligence Analyst Roberts asked: "What is the specific mission, sir?"

Allen's gaze became sharp: "First, collect all intelligence on Li Mingyuan—his living habits, his research direction, his social circle, and how he achieved these breakthroughs in such a short time."

Agent Team Leader Wilkinson was thoughtful: "Sounds like the preliminary preparation for an operation."

Allen did not answer directly, but continued: "Second, find channels that might reach him. Long Country officials, scientists, even service personnel—anyone who can get close to him is a potential source of intelligence."