Many rejoiced while others grieved.
When Tommy’s orders reached the research center military base in Australia, where Meng Hao was located.
Bruce was ecstatic.
As a complete mama’s boy, the only commendable trait he possessed was his absolute obedience to Lieutenant General Tommy’s commands.
It was beyond doubt that if Lieutenant General Tommy had asked him to eat, he would have cheerfully gone to the toilet, produced a portion, sprinkled it with butter and mustard, and then happily devoured it.
And this time, after Lieutenant General Tommy ordered him to prepare to take over the entire research center military base, to assist with joint military exercises, and to fully support Meng Hao in building vehicles, Bruce complied without question.
He even had no objections to Lieutenant General Tommy’s directive that during the period until Meng Hao completely finalized the design blueprints and achieved mass production of new energy vehicles at the base, he was not to have any friction with Meng Hao and was to fully respect Colonel William’s management.
After all, temporary patience could yield greater benefits.
According to the messenger, after successfully handling this matter, Bruce would skip the ranks of Colonel and Brigadier General, and be directly appointed as a Major General. He would become one of the youngest generals in the history of the United States.
As for William, whom he had always disliked, even with all the efforts of his faction, he would at most be promoted one rank, to Colonel. After all, Bruce had completed three important tasks, while Bruce had only delivered blueprints. The credit was incomparable.
To ensure his nominal nephew—actually his foolish son—could operate more smoothly, Lieutenant General Tommy had even overruled objections and dispatched a large number of management and military talents. All newly expanded military bases, in addition to the original Meng Hao research base, were under Lieutenant General Tommy’s control.
This way, there would be no fear of Bruce acting recklessly or being trapped and exploited.
…
Meanwhile, in Meng Hao’s work vehicle.
William looked like he had lost his parents.
“Sigh.”
“Lieutenant General Tommy’s actions were too swift. Before my uncle could even react, the key figures in the entire military base had already been replaced.”
“I have been completely sidelined. All I can do is return to the United States mainland under the 'escort' of three military helicopters after you complete the final design blueprints.”
“It’s estimated I’ll be promoted to a Colonel at most, while that idiot Bruce will be promoted to at least a Major General.”
Indeed, leaning on a powerful patron made things easier, and having connections in high places facilitated career advancement. This was an unchanging reality everywhere.
Seeing William’s dejected appearance, Meng Hao didn’t know how to react and could only pat his shoulder comfortingly.
“However,”
“During this period, the strict supervision over us will undoubtedly be significantly relaxed.”
“I’ve already arranged for a large cruise ship, which will be docking soon… Actually, Brother Hao, a significant part of the reason I’ve been trying to curry favor with you and flatter you was for my own future.”
“Now that our collaboration is ending… I don’t need to treat you with such deference anymore… If you don’t mind, we can be brothers.”
It had to be said that William was open-minded and of good character. Ever since Lieutenant General Tommy’s orders were issued, William’s mission had been completed. After months of companionship, all he gained was a one-rank promotion.
However, this guy’s character was good. He didn’t abandon him after his usefulness was over. Instead, he was sentimental. Even though he hadn’t achieved his desired outcome, and even saw his rival step over him and play a trick on him, he still held no grudges against Meng Hao. Instead, after his mission was accomplished, he completely let loose and took Meng Hao out to enjoy life.
“When you return to the United States, you will surely become a favored subordinate of Lieutenant General Tommy and an important figure in their faction.”
“Their weapons research department faction has always had an uneasy relationship with my uncle’s navy faction. We will have fewer opportunities to dine and drink together in the future.”
“I hope we won’t be adversaries in the U.S. political arena in the future… Actually, I don’t have that much ambition. I just want to eat, drink, and have fun, to be a decadent second-generation heir, but I have a whole family on my shoulders, and they’ve placed heavy responsibilities on me!”
Meng Hao chuckled as he watched William.
This guy truly considered Meng Hao a friend. Moreover, this guy was indeed intelligent but also very lazy. If not for his internal principles and a sense of responsibility, he could completely abandon his duties and spend his days eating, drinking, and having fun.
Meng Hao deliberated for dozens of seconds and slowly spoke.
“Do you know the story of Prince Xiaobai from the Spring and Autumn period in our Great Xia Kingdom?”
Huh?
William was taken aback. Although this guy was smart, his primary skills were in interpersonal relationships. He truly didn't know much about history, research, or technology.
“Back then, Prince Xiaobai, to avoid disaster, stayed away from the vortex of struggle…”
“After traveling abroad for decades, he eventually returned to the state of Qi and became the leader of the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn period…”
“What I want to say is that temporarily staying away from the center of the vortex is not a bad thing…”
Meng Hao paused, as if he had made a great decision before slowly speaking.
“When the old man lost his horse, who knew if it was a blessing or a curse?”
Huh?
William suddenly felt as if he had been struck by lightning. His mind reacted instantly, and then he smiled subtly and calmly.
“Brother Hao, thank you.”
“We are now ironclad brothers.”
“I can vaguely sense that you are planning something.”
“But what does that have to do with me… My mission is complete, and the next thing is our time to eat, drink, and have fun.”
“Let’s go, the cruise ship has docked, let’s go wild.”
…
In the following days, just as William had said. His mission was complete, and under the guise of being the highest-ranking official in charge of the research center military base, he did nothing.
And his loyal subordinates were, one by one, transferred away from the military base and returned to the United States mainland.
In response, not a single one of them was an exception, as they all held farewell banquets on the cruise ship, expressing their hope to meet again on the U.S. mainland.
For William’s sensible behavior and his relinquishing of power, the people sent by Lieutenant General Tommy granted him the greatest degree of “green light.” They did not interfere with any of William’s actions and smoothly took over all important positions from William and his subordinates.
As for the cruise ship docked in the harbor, it was simply ignored. Let them party and indulge every day and night.
Regarding this, those subordinates of William who had received rewards and were leaving, always expressed their dissatisfaction at every farewell banquet.
“Brother William, we are truly unhappy in our hearts.”
“Although we have received rewards, they are completely disproportionate to our contributions.”
“Especially you, once Mr. Meng Hao’s design blueprints are finalized, you will definitely not be able to return here. Your losses are the greatest!”