Chapter 285 - 264 International Allies

"Just now, an astonishing scene unfolded at this highly anticipated hearing,"

"The street gunfight in New York City has been confirmed to be orchestrated by CIA Deputy Director William Rollins. Their target was a distinguished former Marine Corps captain."

"Both sides have their own versions, and it has drawn out a case that could potentially trigger a humanitarian crisis, involving the CIA and the upper echelons of the Mei Country military..."

"At the same time, Mr. Lille Lee confirmed at the hearing that the high-tech cyborgs that appeared that day were stolen by Cyber Technology CEO Harren Reich from an employee, Michael Collins."

"Mr. Lee also stated that he opposes prioritizing the use of high-tech equipment and national resources for war. He hopes Congress will focus more on improving the living conditions of the populace..."

"His speech has already sparked significant controversy, with a large number of supporters and opponents emerging online..."

It had been a long time since such an irregular event had taken place, catching both parties off guard.

Everyone thought the new player was just a bit more powerful, but still just a player.

But with his first move, he caused a crack on the chessboard.

The Governor shook hands with Lille, forcing a smile.

Facing the media, the two took a friendly photo together.

"You know, you really tripped me up," the Governor said with a smile.

"In this field, you have to learn to feign compliance."

After the photo session was over, the two shook hands again, smiling at each other.

The Governor said, "A bold move, but I won’t be caught off guard the second time. I somewhat regret teaching you this."

Lille hugged him more affectionately, patting his back, "Most people need to be taught, but there are always exceptions."

They turned to face the media again. The Governor smiled at the cameras and said, "Bold."

"I’m just being sincere."

The same words from Lille’s mouth took on a different meaning.

The young photographer waved happily, "Hey, Governor, how about a few words?"

"I..."

The Governor started but paused, thinking, enjoying the chaos, are you? Can’t you read the room?

Alright, the atmosphere was harmonious, and from the surface, their opposition party hadn’t lost...

After all, they were doves—when in opposition, they were doves.

On closer thought, they were now forcibly bound to this position, without a way to openly oppose Lille.

Lille smiled, patting the Governor, "Then I’ll leave the remaining time to you. I won’t steal your thunder, looking forward to our cooperation."

The Governor’s smile stiffened: You, you’re not a decent person.

Thinking about the various agreements and concessions made with Lille’s enterprises, it was a significant loss of money!

He then lightly tugged Lille’s sleeve, appearing as though they were old friends setting a date for their next meeting.

"Don’t forget, this is Mei Country, you can’t act this way forever."

Lille also turned around amiably, "Don’t forget, this is Earth."

He slightly moved aside, allowing the Governor a view of a few cars parked on the distant street.

And in those cars... were representatives from other countries.

Lille had a busy day ahead.

The Governor pointed at Lille with a smile, shrugged, patted his shoulder, and returned to his stage.

Like old friends realizing their busy schedules didn’t allow for a meal together.

The Governor returned to face the media—he couldn’t dwell on this. Speaking in such settings was extremely important.

One couldn’t lose focus.

However, while speaking, he repeatedly glanced in Lille’s direction...

Among those watching Lille leave was Tony, the one who had delivered a passionate speech earlier. Standing among the media, he used the height of the stairs to peer over the throng, watching Lille get into the car.

Kermandgo, observing Tony’s distraction, cleared the media from his path.

Tapping on his mobile device as he walked, Tony asked, "Jarvis, is the situation improving?"

"I still feel something’s off. Full recovery will take some time."

"Off? Your wording is getting more human-like."

"Really? I don’t feel anything, maybe because I’m not human."

Tony continued typing on the terminal panel.

The day’s internet disruptions had severely damaged Jarvis, but some intriguing data was collected from Jarvis during the outage...

There were programming logics he couldn’t comprehend in this world.

Were those not just garbled codes?

"...Sir, your friends wish to arrange a club meeting," said Jarvis.

"Schedule it."

Getting into the car, Tony was caught off guard by Jarvis’s sudden question, "Sir, do you believe war is the key to solving problems?"

"Of course. Once we deal with those unworthy of resources, our world would be much better.

This guy is somewhat right; there will always be opportunists trying to gain during this time. In a way, this guy is helping us out.

I suppose I should also pay some attention to these small maneuvers."

"Understood—I considered I might also be involved in similar matters."

"Go on."

"Deploying highly intelligent mechanized forces can significantly suppress corruption and enhance war efficiency."

"You mean deploying a bunch of ’Jarvis Kamikaze Squads’—nice idea, but we lack the energy resources."

"Remember the technology your father used to power Hydra Crushers during World War II?"

"Vibranium?"

Jarvis’s proposal made Tony ponder, while a subtle glee flashed in Kermandgo’s eyes as he drove.

The recent network disruptions had damaged devices that were used for monitoring Tony and his AI, hence requiring manual surveillance now.

This was critical information: Tony intended to develop new technology for warfare.

But he decided to keep it secret.

The car started slowly, each person with their own agenda—

Except for Tony, who was wholly committed to Jarvis’s advanced war concept.

...

As for Lille, many sought him out after his performance at the hearing, just as he anticipated:

Though his actions had generated significant hostility from domestic parties in Mei Country, it made factions abroad eager to connect with him.

The reason being simple, in these turbulent times, people were seeking solutions, and advanced technology was always a priority.

Europe represented a vast market, and Lille sensed a great deal of goodwill in his first engagements with numerous diplomats.

These preliminary talks were brief, focusing mainly on exchanging contact information and learning about mutual stances.

After concluding meetings in Europe, Lille opted for an in-depth discussion with representatives from an unexpectedly interested country:

Wakanda.

The meeting took place at the Wakandan embassy, elaborately modern in its decor. King T’Chaka sat in a chair, pouring Lille a cup of African tea.

This weathered king looked well, his eyes deep, yet they reflected genuine worry and respect.

This puzzled Lille: King T’Chaka was relatively steady, but surely, he shouldn’t be so deferential?

Glancing further at T’Chaka’s son, T’Challa... equally composed.

That was the oddity: T’Challa wasn’t showing any arrogance typical of those looking down on Mei Country hicks?

Lille had gathered considerable information about Wakanda in preparation for the talks.

Filtering through extensive data, Lille confirmed that Wakanda was Africa’s largest agricultural nation with a strong presence, actively leading the formation of the African Union.

Under King T’Chaka’s guidance, the surrounding nations had stabilized considerably, although they were primarily agricultural countries...

But their agricultural profits were remarkably high, reports indicating astonishing fertility of the land, allowing repeated cultivation without fertilizers—

This defied external preconceived notions.

Vast agricultural profits, counterintuitive. Even more so, given such fertile lands, they remained an agricultural nation facing development hindrances.

Because the main threat to this African Union... came from warlords.

Wakanda appeared to be genuinely different, a bona fide agricultural state.

King T’Chaka began, "Mr. Lee, if you are willing to relocate your industries to Wakanda, we are prepared to offer you a unique tax policy, and the African Union will prioritize purchasing your company’s products."

Lille was taken aback, "Unique tax policy?"

He doubted his ears.

King T’Chaka continued, "Yes, we only levy a uniform 10% income tax. Besides that, we’d offer you land for industrial use at extremely low prices.

The only requirement is that you sell products at regular prices."

His deference was so pronounced that Lille began to suspect a fact:

This Wakanda lacked Vibranium, having only abnormally fertile soil.

"This is truly... may I ask why? Apologies, I might not know much about your country."