Mashake deliberated for a moment, then cautiously began.
"Admiral Tommy did contact me before..."
"He stated that the military and the government wanted to cooperate with me. I would provide Starlink usage rights to them, and in return, I would receive technical support and production permits for a new energy vehicle..."
"However, Admiral Tommy's sudden death meant that while I received the technical support for the new energy vehicle, I didn't get the permits. Yet, your military and government are still using my Starlink to monitor the globe. This seems somewhat unreasonable..."
Mashake was Mashake.
An old fox was an old fox.
To become the world's richest man, this seasoned player was truly no joke.
These words flowed from his mouth with remarkable smoothness, without any hesitation.
In fact, his tone carried a hint of complaint.
He didn't mention Meng Hao at all, thus avoiding angering the US government and military...
He spoke of Admiral Tommy with great respect, as if he knew nothing about why Tommy had died...
His tone, when mentioning production permits and Starlink usage, even carried a touch of grievance...
This gave the impression that he was deeply dissatisfied.
Moreover, this was a project in cooperation with the US government and military.
It was an exchange of equivalent interests.
There was no other hidden agenda.
Even the prior communication with Admiral Tommy had been within the concerns of the US government and military.
Wilson raised an eyebrow.
He wasn't as squeamish as the deceased Tommy.
Nor did he adhere to the principle of not touching any alcohol to maintain a "clear mind."
Quite the opposite of Tommy, Wilson believed in seizing the day.
Life, after all, required striving for fame and fortune.
However, the pursuit of fame and fortune was to ensure a better life for oneself and one's family.
If one had to live like an ascetic, constantly struggling for power and money, what was the meaning of such a life?
After finishing his red wine, he unhesitatingly ate a few slices of steak.
Then, Wilson's eyes fixed directly on Mashake.
"I can see you are a smart man."
"Rest assured, after Admiral Tommy's passing, many things have vanished with him... You understand what I mean, don't you!"
Mashake was an exceptionally intelligent individual.
As Wilson's words fell, his suspended heart finally relaxed.
It seemed he wasn't here to settle old scores.
There was no need to mention Tommy's name anymore.
After all, Mashake's dealings with Tommy had only been within the sphere of mutual interests.
There was no need to risk his own safety and fortune for that deceased man.
"I understand perfectly, sir."
"I understand your meaning completely."
Mashake busily and solicitously refilled Wilson's red wine, a cheerful smile on his face.
"Very good."
"We don't need to mention Tommy or the past anymore."
"Now, let's talk about the new energy vehicle."
Mashake was a businessman.
To him, as long as there was profit, it didn't matter who he dealt with or who he connected with.
After all, making money from ordinary citizens was still making money, and making money from the government and military was also making money.
As for who he was interacting with, whether it was Tommy or Wilson, it was utterly unimportant.
The subsequent time was spent discussing the issues of the new energy vehicle shipments.
Ultimately, the outcome satisfied both parties.
The US military would provide subsidies and production permits.
Mashake would be responsible for the production and sales of these products.
Of course, which countries these would be sold to and at what prices would be decided by the US military and officials.
"So, this car sales plan actually carries official objectives?"
Whether it was the past Apollo moon landing program or the so-called "Star Wars" initiative, they looked like businesses.
In reality, they were all military offensives.
As their discussions deepened, Mashake and Wilson became much more casual with each other.
"Yes."
"That's how it is."
"This car dumping plan is actually a lure... to ensnare those countries cooperating with Greater Xia... Of course, this is just the first step. As long as officials or large enterprises in these countries agree to be your distributors, the subsequent work will be much easier."
"And, I have a premonition that you will eventually clash with Meng Hao!"
Wilson sighed and spoke each word deliberately.
In fact, he had already learned a lot about Meng Hao from his son, William.
If it weren't absolutely necessary, he would have preferred not to confront Meng Hao.
"So,"
"I still have to consider Meng Hao as my opponent."
A hint of regretful excitement flickered in Mashake's eyes.
When Tommy was still around, he had confidently assured that Meng Hao had been brought into the US sphere of influence.
For this, Mashake felt some regret.
After all, such a technological genius was a rare opponent in the world.
Of course, if Meng Hao had truly joined the US, he would certainly have sought amicable relations with him.
After all, it was for mutual benefit.
And now, from Wilson's slightly displeased tone, he could discern that Tommy had botched things completely, driving Meng Hao to the opposite side of the US.
And he, Mashake, had once again gained the opportunity to confront Meng Hao.
For this, he felt a little excited.
After all, while merchants pursued profit, Mashake was still human, not a robot... Every human had their emotions.
Especially someone who considered himself a technological titan and business magnate who had no rivals for half his life.
Having an opponent like Meng Hao truly made him excited.
"Understood."
"I know what needs to be done."
"To be honest, someone like Meng Hao truly presents a crisis, and at the same time, it excites me."
"I will do my utmost to face this opponent."
At the pinnacle, a duel of masters.
Mashake had long considered Meng Hao his strongest opponent.
It was just that Tommy's interference had disrupted his rhythm before.
And now, he would once again have the opportunity to face Meng Hao.
Wilson nodded.
He drained the crimson liquid in his wine glass.
Then, he stood up.
"Then, I'll leave the specific operational aspects to you..."
"If there are any issues, we'll communicate anytime. The US government will fully support you..."
After uttering a few more perfunctory words of encouragement, Wilson stood up and prepared to leave.
Before departing, Mashake offered to send Wilson several cases of good wine.
To this, Wilson directly refused.
"No need."
"I am just doing my duty."
"There will be plenty of opportunities to sample your red wine in the future... I won't accept gifts."
Mashake raised an eyebrow.
He had absolutely not expected this.
This Wilson seemed completely different from Tommy.
Could it be that he was truly a good person who abstained from all indulgences?
Not the slightest hint of taking advantage or seeking personal gain!