Major General Tommy.
Indeed, a wily old fox.
The way he spoke.
He was truly a fearless devotee filled with a spirit of dedication.
But.
As Major General Tommy's words fell.
The high-ranking US officials who had previously cornered and suppressed him fell silent.
As a nation built on commerce, the United States was essentially a massive conglomerate of its highest-ranking officials.
If the interests of the United States were harmed, it essentially meant the interests of these "shareholders" were harmed.
Of course.
When the profits were substantial enough, they wouldn't hesitate to "sell out" the interests of other shareholders.
But.
In the current situation.
All the high-ranking officials were present.
Even if some individuals harbored selfish intentions, they would undoubtedly outwardly project an image of absolute refusal to let the collective interests of the United States be harmed.
"Major General Tommy, we highly commend your noble integrity."
"Everyone, feel free to voice your thoughts."
"Should this military exercise proceed... or rather, should Meng Hao be returned to Great Xia to seek their forgiveness?"
Return Meng Hao to Great Xia?
That was utterly preposterous.
Meng Hao's importance was evident to anyone who wasn't a fool... In time, Meng Hao would undoubtedly lead the United States' scientific and research community to once again crush other countries worldwide.
It was even possible that he could ignite a new wave of technological revolution, allowing the United States to be great again.
Furthermore.
Major General Tommy had used less-than-honorable means to lure Meng Hao to the United States previously. If Meng Hao were to be returned to Great Xia... the reputation of the United States would likely be completely tarnished.
And.
Major General Tommy's plan had previously been discussed and approved by all high-ranking officials on Capitol Hill. At this point, it was impossible to solely shift the responsibility onto Major General Tommy.
"I agree, proceed with the military exercise... and I propose not just a military exercise, but a joint military exercise with the entire Western Alliance, to show Great Xia a thing or two."
"Great Xia's rise is unstoppable. Even without Meng Hao, it's a certainty that they will catch up to us in the next few years... Whether Meng Hao will truly dedicate himself to us, how much he will contribute, and whether he will collude with Great Xia again after the development of the Teste new energy vehicles, we cannot know..."
"What we need to do now is to ensure that Great Xia continues to fear the strength of us Western nations, so they do not pose a threat to us in the short term..."
A cacophony of voices.
After another half-day of discussion.
As lunchtime approached.
These high-ranking officials still couldn't reach a conclusion.
"Everyone."
"Your opinion is that the military exercise should not only proceed but should be a joint military exercise."
"Now, it's just the details that haven't been finalized, correct?"
The US highest official, around eighty years old, who should have been at home tending to his grandchildren in Great Xia, squinted his eyes and, suppressing his constant yawns, finally spoke.
Since the highest official had spoken.
These bickering individuals finally quieted down, for the time being.
They chose to echo the highest official's words... After all, outward courtesy and face had to be maintained.
"Alright."
"In that case."
"Major General Tommy will serve as the highest commander of this joint military exercise."
"Does anyone have any objections?"
My goodness.
Major General Tommy was again a winner in life.
He had once again seized the initiative... Just as Charles had said, this joint military exercise was indeed promoted by Major General Tommy.
"No objections."
"We agree."
"We choose to consent."
"..."
After all, it involved everyone's interests.
This time, all the high-ranking officials agreed.
Major General Tommy sighed.
Putting on an act of unwillingness to bear such a heavy responsibility, but claiming he had no choice but to reluctantly exert himself for the sake of national interests.
"Alright."
"It's fine if I lead this military exercise."
"However, there's one thing I need to emphasize: the expenses will require additional appropriations from Capitol Hill... You can't expect my military weapons research and development department to fund this!"
As expected.
After his scheme succeeded.
Major General Tommy immediately began demanding money.
"Approximately how much money will be needed?"
"Capitol Hill will discuss it and allocate funds immediately."
How much money could a military exercise cost?
The high-ranking officials present felt that perhaps a billion US dollars would suffice.
As a result.
Major General Tommy directly held up a single finger.
"1 billion?"
"Yes, that's about what we calculated!"
Major General Tommy merely shook his head.
"Then is it 10 billion? That's too high! Even for a joint military exercise, it shouldn't cost that much... Or perhaps, this military exercise is planned to last for a month?"
Facing everyone's doubts.
And their reluctant agreement to a 10 billion budget.
Major General Tommy shook his head again.
"Not 1 billion, not 10 billion, but 100 billion!"
What in the world?
100 billion?
That was a joke.
The United States' annual regular defense budget was only around one trillion.
And now, a single military exercise would consume a tenth of the defense budget.
This was absolutely outrageous.
Major General Tommy sighed.
He once again put on that familiar, reluctant, deadpan expression.
"As everyone knows, the primary target of this joint military exercise is Great Xia..."
"In recent years, our allies have become increasingly estranged from us..."
"Take this matter of detaining Meng Hao, for instance. Australia actually directly sided with Great Xia and demanded his return. If this were ten years ago, it would have been unthinkable..."
As Major General Tommy spoke,
Everyone understood.
A joint military exercise itself wouldn't cost that much.
However, to invite these allies, a massive amount of money would have to be spent.
If you don't pay them, why would they give you face and help you deal with Great Xia?
"Let me calculate... for Great Britain, it would need at least two to three billion. For France, Italy, Canada, and Australia, these major allies, each should receive no less than 3 billion... Countries like Japan, which are like lackeys, should at least get a billion to placate them, and then there are these other countries..."
As lunchtime approached.
These high-ranking officials' stomachs were growling with hunger.
Major General Tommy, however, seemed unconcerned and unhurried, his fingers counting as if he were a garrulous old man meticulously calculating.
"Enough, enough, stop, Major General Tommy!"
"It's almost one o'clock, and everyone hasn't eaten yet."
"Why don't we discuss the specific details this afternoon in another meeting? Let's go eat first!"
The sky is vast, and the earth is wide.
Eating is paramount.
At the command of the US highest official.
The high-ranking officials, who could no longer hold back, scattered like startled birds... and went to eat.