Chapter 579: Only My Unique Law Chapter 579 Internal Strife (2)

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Protagonist:

Chen Yi

Committee Member Zhou was bound to oppose Chen Yi's plan, but negotiations ultimately had to proceed, and during the process, what opinions the dragon's owner wanted to raise was something he could not control.

Later on, seeing that most committee members were inclined to talk it out, Committee Member Zhou could only lower his flags and silence his drums, retreating under the guise of "reserving his opinion."

That very day, Chen Yi dragged a dozen or so hairy Russians off to the West Continent. The procedure was much the same as the inspection delegations of years past, and moreover, with the port district's monthly throughput of a million tons, West River City-State — even if it could not compare with a modern industrial city — had no problem rivalling one or two resource-based African cities.

The last time Russians saw a colony dated back to their grandfathers' generation, and moreover, their modern era of brilliance and their era of decline were equally long, pain and glory intertwined...

"If you agree, I'll open up 1 million square kilometers of land for you on the West Continent, effective immediately." Chen Yi supported the two leading old Russians, laughing: "The West Continent is absolutely the best gift Heaven has bestowed upon us; the day of world transformation is before us, our two nations should unite tightly and seize this opportunity, just like in the early 20th century."

Hearing this suddenly, the two old Russians were moved to tears right under the tower crane.

The early 20th century was precisely Lenin's era; regardless of whether today's Russians miss that period, historical education at least tells them what a colossus the former Soviet Union was.

Objectively speaking, in the occasions of human history, only a handful of empires have been able to control the globe — the Roman Empire, the British Empire, the Soviet Union, and the United States; apart from these, they can only be called countries with global influence, which are two entirely different things from empires possessing executive power.

Russians may never want to return to the embrace of planned economy and ideology, but they have long yearned to possess similar power and interests.

The bewilderment lasted a while longer; in the sweltering climate, the leading Slav snatched a laugh: "1 million square kilometers of land? Just if we support you?"

"And Siberia."

"What?"

"Exchange 1 million square kilometers of land for Siberia, respected Mr. Pavel."

Pavel was a politician of military origin, dressed crisply yet slightly stiff, a small paunch protruding slightly, resting on his belt, bearing quite the posture of a general.

Hearing Chen Yi's words, Pavel's face hardened: "There is nothing to discuss. You truly harbor no good intentions; this is simply... this is simply... we cannot possibly trade our own land for someone else's land."

"Would you rather let slip an opportunity for a new era?"

"There is no need to continue talks." Pavel made to leave, showing not the slightest lingering before the canal.

Using one's own country's land to exchange for foreign land in who-knows-where — anyone's first reaction would be refusal.

Chen Yi followed alongside him laughing heartily, his expression turning serious: "Mr. Pavel, don't rush to conclusions; let's talk about something else first — are you willing to enter the West Continent for development?"

"Free development?"

"Naturally there must be certain rules."

"Whose rules?"

"At present, the West Continent belongs entirely to China, so all laws not specially stipulated follow Chinese law..." Chen Yi cut off Pavel's inquiry, stating directly: "If you want to amend laws, that's fine — amend while building. The current question is: are you willing to send people into the West Continent to jointly pursue development?"

Pavel did not hesitate much, nodding: "Of course."

"Then send people in." Chen Yi no longer mentioned the matter of Siberia, and naturally would not discuss the issue of transport tonnage either.

Pavel seemed to feel things had gone too smoothly; harboring suspicion, he began a further inspection.

The Siberian settlements fell quiet for a month.

Moscow's attention was entirely seized by the West Continent; previously they could only indirectly learn bits and pieces about the West Continent, yet now they had inexplicably entered it.

In his report to Moscow, Pavel stated: "The thinking of China's power-holders is strange."

He was referring precisely to Chen Yi.

As long as one is in the West Continent, it is not hard to learn who the true leader is; however, that is where it ends.

With no further intelligence, they could only determine policy based on the environment.

From a human perspective, this is the most unsafe approach.

The Moscow people's joy and encouragement had just begun when it stopped; just as they were tasting the benefits, the Siberian settlements continued to expand.

The scale of expansion precisely matched the benefits they had gained.

Two small towns, separated by 30-odd kilometers, bordered the railway line; for convenience, Chen Yi even shipped some resources directly there. Siberia is not the barren wasteland many imagine; near Lake Baikal the railway channel's capacity is considerable, and nearby there is heavy industry consumption.

Given the West Continent's current production situation, Siberia is a region easier to dump goods into than Jiangning.

Of course, the total population here is still sufficiently small that even if settlements migrate at will, it won't truly drive Russians into a dead end.

In a strange tacit understanding, the Moscow side raced to study and develop the West Continent, while Du Yilong utilized the dragon to continuously expand the settlement borders.

Due to geographical remoteness, it was nearly the third month before global media reported on the matter.

At this point, the Xijing committee members were all stunned.

"Finally exposed by the media." Committee Member Zhou felt grateful to the media for the first time. If the Siberian settlements had continued, his face would have been completely lost.

The one who had insisted the talks were "absurd" was him, yet the exchange was proceeding substantively.

"Moscow has decided to let 30,000 people into the West Continent, and demands basic living supplies be provided." Lin Junren acted as intermediary, introducing at the committee meeting: "Mr. Chen Yi's meaning is, however many people Moscow sends in, we'll send that many people to Siberia."

"Is that necessary?"

"He thinks so." Lin Junren naturally would not help Chen Yi explain; he paused, then added: "540 kilometers from West River City-State, we discovered the first major oil well, a gusher, reserves certainly exceeding 1 billion tons, already verified by the Geological Research Institute's survey team."

1 billion tons of oil, equivalent to over 7.3 billion barrels of crude oil. Those familiar with this know that so-called proven reserves are often less than actual reserves!

7.3 billion barrels!

Committee Member Zhou took a deep breath, immediately saying: "Can extraction proceed? What preparations are needed?"

"This... Mr. Chen Yi announced that the oil belongs to the Chen Family Martial Arts Hall."

A group of committee members stared at each other in blank dismay.

Usually it's so-called "state ownership"; ownership by a "Martial Arts Hall" was something they were hearing for the first time.

... (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian. com) to vote Recommendation Tickets and Monthly Tickets; your support is my greatest motivation.)