The words of Elder Ouyang instantly silenced the gathered high-ranking officials.
Though everyone knew Elder Ouyang harbored a biased favoritism towards Meng Hao.
However.
This matter, involving defecting from one's country and joining the United States, was of great significance.
If Elder Ouyang couldn't provide a convincing explanation that left no room for doubt, then regardless of his esteemed position as the highest authority in the military, they would still refuse to be convinced.
Rank only earned superficial respect; only facts commanded credible justice.
Seeing everyone fall into a brief silence, Elder Ouyang continued.
"As it stands, all the evidence points to Tommy… almost all the so-called evidence of Meng Hao's defection is based on that purported handwritten application from Meng Hao in Tommy's possession, supported by the so-called credibility of the United States."
Elder Ouyang paused for a few seconds.
He leaned forward.
Rarely narrowing his eyes, his expression carried a hint of malice.
"What if, for the sake of their own interests, the United States doesn't care about their so-called national credibility at all..."
"What if that supposed handwritten application from Meng Hao is forged? In this day and age, even banknotes with security features can be faked, so replicating someone's handwriting is hardly a problem..."
"What if, all of this is a scheme by the United States to sow discord, to make Meng Hao completely disillusioned with his motherland?"
Indeed.
If all of this were a conspiracy by the United States.
Then to cease efforts to retrieve Meng Hao for Da Xia at this point, even for the government to tacitly permit the smearing, badgering, and vilification of Meng Hao online.
Even if Meng Hao never intended to join the United States.
Seeing all this, he would surely become disheartened, and play along, truly joining the United States.
Such a scenario, where friends grieve and enemies rejoice, must not happen.
"Elder, you truly have foresight..."
"Indeed, we were short-sighted..."
"You are correct. We will continue our rescue efforts for Meng Hao and intensify our diplomatic offensive against the United States… Provided Meng Hao's safety is guaranteed, we will choose a suitable opportunity to expose the United States' act of kidnapping Meng Hao, thereby creating public pressure on them..."
...
United States.
At the golf course where Tommy was.
He had spent over an hour admiring the chaotic online scene in Da Xia.
"Lieutenant General Tommy."
"Do we need to print out this chaos and show it to Meng Hao?"
"Let alone Meng Hao, even I feel extremely displeased seeing this series of smears, badgering, and curses!"
"Now, thanks to those Da Xia netizens who have been led astray, they are the primary accelerators of Meng Hao's genuine defection to the United States!"
Lieutenant General Tommy let out a hearty laugh.
His mood was extremely cheerful.
However.
He cautiously shook his head at his subordinate's suggestion.
"Be patient, caution is paramount."
"We cannot reveal all our cards too early."
"Let's wait a little longer!"
Oh?
Wait longer?
The subordinate looked at the seemingly favorable situation on Da Xia's internet, somewhat confused.
"Our diplomatic department has been keeping me informed, saying the pressure has eased considerably..."
"Not only has Australia, an ally, and India, that thoughtless country, believed that Meng Hao ran to the United States during this arms exhibition… even Da Xia's originally strong demands for Meng Hao's extradition have softened considerably..."
Lieutenant General Tommy took another sip of his red wine.
"Once the Da Xia government completely believes Meng Hao has joined us and gives up demanding his return, then we will inform him of the specific situation..."
"Have you heard of an idiom from Da Xia… this is called being forced onto Liangshan. The Jade Unicorn Lu Junyi back then was led astray by this very tactic..."
The subordinate quickly adopted an obsequious demeanor, as if addressing an otherworldly sage. He poured more red wine and offered a toast with utmost politeness.
"Lieutenant General Tommy, you are truly extraordinary."
"You understand these military strategies and tactics so profoundly."
"Your subordinate is truly in awe and prostrates himself before you."
Although.
He knew the other person was flattering him.
However.
Lieutenant General Tommy genuinely relished it.
To be honest, he was also very proud of his own strategy.
Now.
Everything was in place, just waiting for the Da Xia government to completely give up on Meng Hao, and then they would reap the final rewards.
...
Shilin.
Meng Hao's parents had been home for several days, uncharacteristically. They hadn't gone to the neighboring city to continue their business.
Currently, Meng Hao's home was a constant stream of visitors.
Countless relatives, seemingly unrelated, flocked to visit.
Meng Hao.
This young man, renowned globally.
He undoubtedly had a bright future ahead.
Moreover.
Upon learning that Huairong Technology, the biggest dark horse enterprise in Shilin, was founded by Meng Hao.
These relatives became even more solicitous.
One had to know.
That was a large conglomerate worth 2 billion yuan.
And it hadn't even gone public for financing… what did that represent? It represented that Meng Hao was the sole shareholder.
Many so-called listed companies worth 2 billion yuan were inflated to that value by stock prices.
Whereas Huairong Technology.
Even a screw, a metal plate, was Meng Hao's private property, not subject to the supervision of the board of directors, nor requiring regulation by other relevant financial departments.
At such a young age, possessing a market value of no less than 2 billion… and according to insider rumors, Meng Hao's Huairong Technology company had tens of billions of liquid capital in its accounts.
Such an impressive young tycoon.
One must curry favor with him.
"Oh my, you elders look like no ordinary people, otherwise, you wouldn't have given birth to such a prodigy as Meng Hao."
"Meng Hao is busy with his daily affairs and doesn't call often, we understand that. We are from a local bank and want to attract some deposits. We hope the elders can put in a good word for us!"
"Meng Hao is also not young anymore, it's time for him to find a partner. My daughter, she also graduated from a prestigious university and hasn't dated anyone, why not introduce them..."
"Get lost! My daughter works at the hospital, and it was my daughter who handled your precious daughter's abortion last time… why not consider my daughter? She's a doctoral student in medicine. Although it might be a bit of a high match, she's definitely much better than that girl who 'hasn't dated' and only had an abortion..."
For a time.
Meng Hao's home was filled with noise and clamor.
"Oh dear."
"Just stop it."
"Even if Meng Hao is that capable, if he has character issues and betrays his country for glory, that won't do."
The speaker was.
The plump woman who had been publicly humiliated at the dinner table a few days prior.
She had been shamelessly visiting Meng Hao's home every day for the past few days, fawning over the elder Meng couple.
But.
She had just received news from her son.
Her attitude immediately did a 180-degree turn.