Chapter 173

Geneva, Switzerland, an independent villa next to the old site of the Palace of Nations.

This was once the private residence of a nineteenth-century banker, now temporarily converted into a venue for the four-party negotiations.

In the main conference room on the third floor, a twenty-meter-long mahogany table ran through the center; there were no decorations on the table, only four sets of simple stationery and nameplates.

At nine o'clock in the morning sharp, the four delegations entered simultaneously.

The Longguo delegation sat on the east side, with the chief representative being the veteran Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zhou Mingyuan.

Feng Yan sat to his left as a technical consultant, and to his right were Major General Lei Jindong from the military and Wang Hao.

The latter had been forced in, with the reason being "someone is needed on-site to explain technical terms."

Sitting opposite were three groups of people: the Foot-Basin Chicken delegation was on the far north side, looking the most miserable;

The White Elephant delegation was in the middle, their expressions stiff;

The Eagle Country delegation was on the far south side, trying to remain calm but with flickering eyes.

Zhou Mingyuan was sixty-five years old, his hair gray but his back still straight.

He opened his folder and, without any small talk, spoke directly:

"According to the temporary ceasefire agreement reached by the four parties, today we are here to negotiate the follow-up handling of this conflict."

"Our position is very clear, there is no room for any bargaining, and this is also a reckoning for the past."

He used Chinese, but simultaneous interpretation accurately delivered this sentence to everyone's ears.

"Reckoning for what?" the chief representative of the Foot-Basin Chicken, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Onodera, asked in a deep voice.

"Reckoning for three accounts," Zhou Mingyuan held up three fingers.

"First, historical old accounts. Second, losses from this conflict. Third, guarantees for future security."

He looked at Onodera: "Starting with you."

The conference room was so quiet that one could hear the sound of the air conditioning vents.

"This is a detailed record of your side's illegal intrusion into our country's territorial waters and airspace during this conflict," Zhou Mingyuan pushed over a tablet.

On it was the timeline, coordinates, and video evidence organized by the "Torch Dragon" system.

"Including the data link of six ships, twelve fighter jets, one disguised reconnaissance ship, and four hundred armed personnel illegally entering the country."

"According to international law and the conventions of war, these actions constitute aggression."

Onodera wanted to refute, but looking at the terrifyingly clear evidence on the tablet, there were even recordings of internal communications from the ships.

He opened his mouth but couldn't say anything.

"Therefore, our requirements for the Foot-Basin Chicken side are as follows," Zhou Mingyuan began reading the list.

"First, regarding the historical war of aggression against China and colonial crimes, issue a formal, written apology to our government and people, and have the Prime Minister read it publicly in the Diet."

"That's impossible!" Onodera blurted out, "That was last century's—"

"Second," Zhou Mingyuan interrupted him, his voice steady but unquestionable.

"Compensate for all losses from this conflict."

"Including our coast guard ship repair costs, ammunition consumption, laser defense system operating costs... the specific amount will be calculated by our technical team."

Wang Hao timely handed over a bill: "Here, it's calculated."

"Towing fees for six ships, port occupancy fees, salvage fees for the wreckage of nine fighter jets... oh right, and the 'harmless disposal fees' for those four hundred sets of exoskeletons."

"Total... let me see, 12.7 billion US dollars. We'll round down the fraction, let's call it 12 billion."

Onodera's face turned green.

"Third," Zhou Mingyuan continued.

"Return all illegally possessed historical archives and cultural relics."

"Including but not limited to the original records of the Nanjing Massacre, the list of cultural relics looted during the war, and all evidence of war crimes that have not yet been made public."

"Fourth, limit armaments."

"Reduce the scale of your Self-Defense Forces to the minimum required for exclusive defense, do not possess offensive weapons, and do not develop power projection means such as aircraft carriers, long-range missiles, or strategic bombers."

"Fifth—" Zhou Mingyuan paused.

"Execute the terms not yet fulfilled in the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation."

"Including the thorough reckoning of those responsible for the war, and the final confirmation of our country's legitimate rights and interests in the relevant islands."

Each point was heavier than the last.

Sweat from Onodera's forehead dripped onto the table.

He knew that if these terms were sent back to his country, the cabinet would collapse collectively.

But what was even more terrifying was that he knew Longguo now had the strength to enforce them; if the negotiations broke down, those mechs and lasers might not be at sea next time.

"These... we need time to study," Onodera said with difficulty.

"Fine," Zhou Mingyuan checked his watch.

"I'll give you thirty minutes. Now, let's talk about the White Elephant side first."

The White Elephant representative, Foreign Secretary Singh (who had the same surname as the captured brigade commander but was unrelated), sat up straight.

"Your side illegally crossed the border by fifteen kilometers on the southwest border, established military strongholds, and fired the first shots," Zhou Mingyuan pulled up satellite imagery.

"This is a comparison before and after the shelling. According to monitoring by the 'Torch Dragon' system, your side fired a total of over 1,400 rounds of various artillery shells and rockets, causing damage to our border facilities, and... psychological trauma."

He deliberately paused to let the interpreter emphasize the term "psychological trauma."

"Regarding this, our side demands: First, formally acknowledge the current actual line of control, withdraw all disputed claims, and dismantle all military facilities built across the border."

Singh gritted his teeth: "That is our traditional—"

"Second," Zhou Mingyuan interrupted again.

"Compensate for the losses of this conflict. Including the energy consumption of our mech troops, ammunition depletion, and the cost of restoring the plateau's ecological environment."

Wang Hao handed over another list: "Here, this one is cheaper."

"It's mainly the fuel cost for the fusion reactor; although one gram of deuterium-tritium lasts a long time, it was used after all."

"There's also the depreciation cost of the 'Silent Wall' system, the replenishment cost of the mechanical spiders... oh right, and those forty-eight rocket launchers and other little gadgets of yours, we confiscated them all, but it costs shipping fees to bring them back."

"Total... 8.3 billion US dollars."

Singh's hands were shaking.

"Third, hand over all captured Eagle Country advisors and related communication records. This is key evidence proving that this conflict was instigated by external forces."

"Fourth, establish a demilitarized zone on the border; your side's garrison in that area must not exceed the scale of one border defense regiment, and no heavy weapons may be deployed."

"Fifth," Zhou Mingyuan looked at Singh.

"Compensate for part of the reparations with resources. Our country needs strategic minerals such as lithium, rare earths, and chromium, calculated at 70% of the international market price, offsetting 3 billion US dollars."

Singh closed his eyes.

He knew that if these conditions were signed, his political life back home would be over.

But if he didn't sign... those mechs might not just be patrolling the border.

Finally, it was Eagle Country.

The Eagle Country representative, Deputy Secretary of State Williams, tried to maintain his composure:

"Minister Zhou, I would like to remind you that our country and yours have extensive common interests, and this incident was just a... misunderstanding."

"Misunderstanding?" Major General Lei Jindong spoke for the first time, his voice like a knife.

"Sending a carrier battle group to my doorstep, firing forty-eight cruise missiles, sending a submarine to lurk and attack—you call this a misunderstanding?"

Williams choked.

"There are three responsibilities for the Eagle Country side," Zhou Mingyuan turned to a new page.

"First, instigating and planning this three-front conflict, providing intelligence, equipment, and tactical guidance. We have complete communication interception records."

"Second, direct participation in the war. The attack by the Carl Vinson carrier battle group and the torpedo launch by the Charlotte submarine have both constituted acts of war."

"Third, the long-term technological blockade and containment policy have seriously infringed upon our country's right to development."

Williams wanted to argue, but Zhou Mingyuan didn't give him the chance.

"Therefore, our side demands: First, promise not to conduct so-called 'freedom of navigation' provocations in the Asia-Pacific region, and not to deploy offensive military forces within one thousand kilometers of Longguo."

"Second, compensate for the losses of this conflict. Including the wear and tear of the laser system that intercepted the missiles, the maintenance costs of the underwater mechs, and the launch costs of the 'Kuafu-2' test missile."

Wang Hao handed over the third list, smiling very brightly:

"This one is more expensive. The lenses of the laser cannons have a limited lifespan; every shot reduces it. The few times the 'Flood Dragon' mechs grabbed the submarine, the joints wore out and needed to be re-coated;"

"The most critical is 'Kuafu-2'; that is Brother Hao's hard work, and it needs a full overhaul after one launch... so, let's call it a round number, 20 billion US dollars. However—"

He blinked: "You can pay off the debt with technology."

Williams was alert: "What technology?"

"The list is here," Feng Yan finally spoke, pushing over a piece of paper.

"Including but not limited to: the full set of technology for EUV lithography machines, the composite material process for F-135 engines, the silencing technology for Ohio-class submarines, and part of the source code for the Aegis system."

"That's impossible!" Williams stood up, "These are all core secrets of our country!"

"Then pay money," Wang Hao spread his hands, "20 billion, cash. Or equivalent gold, minerals, or food will do. We are easy to talk to."

Williams sat back down with a livid face.

"Third," Zhou Mingyuan continued.

"Reduce your military presence in Foot-Basin Chicken and White Elephant. Close half of your military bases in both countries and withdraw deployed tactical nuclear weapons."

"Fourth, promise not to interfere in our subsequent resolution of historical issues with Foot-Basin Chicken."

"Fifth," he closed the folder, "Join the 'New Asia-Pacific Security Framework' led by us, and abide by the technical standards and arms control rules we have formulated."

The conference room was deathly silent.

All three delegations were quickly recording, calculating, and weighing.

Feng Yan watched this scene, remembering what Wang Hao said a few days ago in the control center when the team was staying up late to calculate these figures:

"Brother Feng, are we calculating this too finely? Even charging for the paint worn off by mechs walking?"

He replied at the time: "We must calculate. Not only must we calculate, but we must calculate until they feel the pain."

"We must make them remember that every bullet, every missile, and every soldier that provokes us must pay a hundredfold price."

Now, the list of costs was laid out on the table.

Onodera was the first to speak, his voice hoarse: "Minister Zhou, these terms... especially the historical apology and armament restrictions, we need domestic deliberation."

"Can we... be granted some time?"

"Yes," Zhou Mingyuan nodded.

"But the temporary ceasefire agreement is only valid for thirty days. If a formal treaty is not signed after thirty days, it will be deemed that your side has abandoned the path of peaceful resolution."

He paused and added: "At that time, we will take all necessary means to defend our national interests, including but not limited to enforcing the above terms by force."

A naked threat.

But no one dared to refute.

Because everyone knew he meant what he said, and he already had the strength to do it.

A thirty-minute recess.

In the lounge, Wang Hao took a big gulp of water and wiped his mouth: "Minister Zhou, your momentum just now was amazing! I saw those bastards' faces turn white!"

Major General Lei Jindong frowned: "They won't submit easily. Especially Foot-Basin Chicken; those historical terms will cost their politicians their lives."

"Then replace them with a new batch of politicians," Zhou Mingyuan said calmly.

"Domestically, we have already launched a sanctions list against the descendants of Foot-Basin Chicken war criminals and right-wing forces."

"Economically, rare earth export quotas, semiconductor material supply, even travel visas... we have too many cards to play."

Feng Yan looked out the window; Lake Geneva was sparkling in the sunlight.

This city, famous for peace negotiations, had witnessed too many unequal treaties.

But today, it was different.

"They are delaying, waiting for domestic reactions and international mediation," he said.

"So we need to add some fire."

"How to add it?"

Feng Yan opened his tablet and pulled up a report he had just received: "Domestic online public opinion monitoring shows that the public has high expectations for the negotiations."

"The topic 'Historical old accounts must be settled' has had 400 million discussions within twenty-four hours."

"We can... moderately disclose part of the negotiation content, letting public opinion become our support."

Zhou Mingyuan mused: "Diplomatic convention is for negotiation content to be confidential..."

"Convention is the rule of the weak," Lei Jindong took over, "Now we are strong, we set the rules."

Ten minutes later, the Longguo delegation's official account released a brief statement simultaneously on domestic and foreign social media:

"The four-party negotiations are underway. Our position is clear: history must be faced, justice must be upheld, and the future must be guaranteed."

"Any behavior that attempts to delay, blur, or evade responsibility will be regarded as lacking sincerity."

The statement did not mention specific terms, but it was accompanied by a picture: an overhead shot of the long table in the conference room, with the Longguo representatives sitting upright and the representatives of the other three parties lowering their heads to take notes.

The comment section exploded instantly:

"That's how it should be! Tough!"

"A century of humiliation, settled in one day!"

"Did you see that picture? They are writing down our conditions!"

"Crying, Grandpa definitely couldn't have imagined today when he signed the 'Treaty of Nanjing' back then."

International media quickly reposted it, with headlines more sensational than the last:

"Longguo issues astronomical war bill"

"The moment of historical reckoning has arrived"

"A new order begins from Geneva"

After the session resumed, the attitudes of the three parties softened significantly.

The White Elephant representative Singh was the first to express: "Regarding the actual line of control and border demilitarization, we can... agree in principle. But the amount of resource compensation needs to be discussed further."

Eagle Country's Williams also loosened up: "Technology transfer is impossible, but we can compensate in other ways—such as canceling some technical bans on China and opening certain market access."

Only Foot-Basin Chicken's Onodera was still holding on: "Historical issues involve national sentiment and need more time..."

"Then we'll give you time," Zhou Mingyuan stood up.

"Today's talks end here. Same time tomorrow, we continue. I hope that by then, your side can provide a substantive response."

He packed up his folder, and the Longguo delegation rose to leave as a group.

When walking out of the villa, the Geneva sun was just right.

Wang Hao stretched: "Brother Feng, do you think they will sign tomorrow?"

"Some will, some won't," Feng Yan looked at the lake in the distance.

"Foot-Basin Chicken won't be reconciled; they still have fantasies, fantasies that Eagle Country will protect them with all its might, fantasies that international public opinion will exert pressure, fantasies that we don't dare to really fight."

"Then what to do?"

"Then break their fantasies," Feng Yan's voice was calm, "In the way they fear most."

He took out his encrypted communicator and issued an order:

"Order the East Sea Fleet to begin 'routine training' in the waters around Foot-Basin Chicken tomorrow."

"Order the southwest mech troops to advance five kilometers tomorrow and establish a new observation post. Order the 'Kuafu-2' No. 2 test missile to prepare for launch."

Wang Hao's eyes lit up: "Going to take action?"

"No," Feng Yan shook his head, "It's to let them watch, we can take action at any time."

He looked up at the deep blue sky:

"This time, everything that belongs to us must be taken back."

"Every bit, not a single cent less."