The phone was answered almost instantly.
Clearly,
Admiral Tommy had been waiting for Meng Hao's call.
"Ahaha."
"Young people are indeed full of vigor."
"I thought you'd fuss around for three or four hours at most before seeing my message."
"But look at the time, it's almost afternoon."
Meng Hao frowned.
He didn't want to get entangled with Admiral Tommy on such a personal matter, especially since their relationship wasn't that close... In fact, Meng Hao's dislike for Admiral Tommy had reached an immeasurable level.
"I have to admit, your strategy was very successful."
"Speak, what do you need me to do?"
Meng Hao perfectly mimicked a tone of being manipulated, trapped, and helpless.
"Oh?"
"From your tone, you agree to join the United States!"
This wasn't a rhetorical question. It was Admiral Tommy's strategy. With his meticulous nature, unless Meng Hao personally agreed to join the United States, there would still be room for change.
Meng Hao's tone became slightly impatient.
"What?"
"Besides joining the United States, do I have any other choice?"
Facing Meng Hao's slightly angry retort.
Admiral Tommy smiled even more happily.
He wasn't bothered by Meng Hao's poor attitude.
Indeed.
In this situation.
It was already very polite of Meng Hao not to curse him out.
"Oh, my dear Meng, look at what you're saying."
"From now on, we'll be the closest partners."
"You know my position... I'm the head of the United States Weapons Research Department... From now on, you'll be my deputy, reporting directly to me... If you want military rank, let's start with Major General, and then after you research one or two technological achievements, you'll be promoted directly to Lieutenant General, putting you on equal footing with me."
"When I retire, the entire United States Weapons Research Department will be your responsibility."
Meng Hao scoffed inwardly.
This Admiral Tommy was indeed a master manipulator.
His tactic of forcing someone's hand and then excessively praising them was executed flawlessly... and now, his ability to paint a grand future was equally impressive.
As for the promotion to Major General and then Lieutenant General, that was certainly achievable.
But, entrusting the entire weapons research department to Meng Hao after his retirement... handing over such a critical department to him? Even a ghost wouldn't believe it.
"Let's talk about the future later!"
Meng Hao changed his tone again.
Adopting a demeanor of helplessness and resignation.
"Alright."
"You rest first."
"I'll go to the White House now and discuss with them to see what simple tasks we can arrange for you to get started with."
After hanging up the phone.
Tommy was as delighted as a child who had received their favorite toy.
"Arrange a car."
"To the White House."
"That kid Meng Hao is finally in our grasp."
"Such exciting news shouldn't be enjoyed alone."
...
The White House.
Dozens of high-ranking officials.
Tommy, in a rare display, appeared extremely pleased.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to inform you."
"Meng Hao has officially agreed to join the United States."
"It was truly difficult to tame such a dark horse."
As Tommy spoke.
Thunderous applause erupted instantly.
Meng Hao's importance.
For those high-ranking officials attending the White House meeting, everyone understood.
Even more so.
Before this,
All strategies devised and implemented to deal with Meng Hao had failed without exception.
"However, as a precaution, I have recorded Meng Hao's personal agreement to join the United States, and I will upload it to the Chinese internet later."
"I estimate it will cause another wave of shock and outrage among Chinese netizens."
"But, most importantly, with our forged, highly similar application letter from Meng Hao, coupled with his recorded confession, Meng Hao will have no way back... Whether he truly joins us or is playing some trick, he will have no choice but to serve us obediently."
Amidst laughter.
The conversation quickly shifted to how to utilize Meng Hao to do their bidding.
After paying such a high price, expending so many resources, and even gambling with the United States' credibility to secure Meng Hao, they certainly wouldn't keep him as a mere decoration.
"Ladies and gentlemen."
"Do you have any good suggestions?"
Facing Admiral Tommy's inquiry.
Discussions immediately broke out.
Some suggested Meng Hao participate in the development of new-generation tanks, others proposed he help improve the United States' nuclear submarines, and some even suggested developing the latest weather weapons...
Faced with the multitude of suggestions.
Admiral Tommy held up a finger and wagged it in front of everyone.
"I believe that in the current situation, it's still somewhat risky to have Meng Hao directly involved in the United States' military equipment research... "
"The best approach is to have him help develop civilian equipment, and products with extremely high technological content..."
"Firstly, the risk is not as high; secondly, it can help us test whether Meng Hao is truly serving us; thirdly, after the civilian equipment is successfully developed, it can be launched into the market, earning back some money to offset the expenses incurred in the strategy of acquiring Meng Hao..."
Good heavens.
The older the fox, the more cunning.
The older the ginger, the spicier.
Admiral Tommy's suggestion instantly garnered widespread agreement.
"I think Tesst Corporation is a good option."
"Didn't Meng Hao mention developing new battery technology before? We can completely have him help Tesst improve their batteries."
"Furthermore, Tesst's new energy vehicles have extremely high unit values, and they should be able to contribute a significant amount of funds to us."
Admiral Tommy agreed with this suggestion.
"Good."
"I have some connections with Marshalek, the owner of Tesst."
"I also provided considerable technical support for his Starlink project before."
"I'll speak with him personally!"
...
Marshalek was having dinner when Admiral Tommy arrived.
"Well, what wind blows you here!"
Marshalek quickly stepped forward to greet him.
Although Tommy was only a Lieutenant General.
Marshalek knew better than anyone that.
Admiral Tommy's influence was in no way inferior to that of a five-star general.
"Haha."
"Something good has happened."
"Want to hear about it?"
Admiral Tommy chuckled as Marshalek ushered him to the dining table and watched a servant open a bottle of aged wine.
"Good news?"
Marshalek blinked, curiously observing Admiral Tommy.
He knew that.
This old fox never spoke without basis.
But, similarly.
This old fox never engaged in a losing business.
Since he said something good had happened, it must be true... However, similarly, for this good thing to fall into Marshalek's lap, he would likely have to pay a price.
"I'm all ears!"
Marshalek personally poured Admiral Tommy a glass of red wine, adopting a demeanor of humble listening!