Tommy, the Lieutenant General, was quite satisfied with Marchek’s attentive demeanor.
“Marchek, do you know Meng Hao?”
Tommy got straight to the point without any unnecessary preamble.
Meng Hao?
Marchek naturally knew him. In fact, the name was music to his ears.
Previously, one of his subordinates, the CEO of NG New Energy Batteries, had failed in his attempt to assist Marchek in a joint effort to eliminate Meng Hao. Subsequently, he had “accidentally” fallen from a 33-story luxury apartment and met his end in regret.
As for Marchek himself, he had suffered a devastating loss in a three-way bet over an order from India, losing a staggering one billion US dollars.
Meng Hao, who had caused him so much loss of face and dignity, was a figure Marchek loathed with bated breath.
He had even begun treating Meng Hao as his lifelong adversary, repeatedly proposing plans to eliminate him and cripple Huarong Technology in private or at shareholder meetings.
Strangely, for over half a month, Meng Hao had completely vanished. Rumors online even suggested that Meng Hao had become a US citizen.
Marchek, a man of extreme caution, was not easily fooled like those netizens who were so readily swayed by online narratives. Unless he saw with his own eyes that Meng Hao had joined the US military, he simply refused to believe Meng Hao would defect to America.
“Meng Hao.”
“Very familiar.”
“To be precise, his name rings a loud bell.”
“As a professional in the tech industry, I admire his capabilities… However, there can only be one king in a jungle. There can only be one big shot in the commercial field… and naturally, that must be me, Marchek.”
Faced with Marchek’s suddenly serious expression, Tommy nodded imperceptibly.
It seemed that this Meng Hao was indeed extraordinarily capable. Otherwise, a world-class tech and business magnate like Marchek wouldn’t display such a vigilant expression.
Sensing that his expression had become somewhat inappropriate, Marchek immediately reverted to his smiling facade.
“My apologies, Lieutenant General Tommy.”
“This Meng Hao genuinely makes me feel threatened.”
“Although his current company is only valued at two billion, give him another five or ten years, and he will undoubtedly become my formidable rival… He might even lead Great Xia to challenge our position as the technological superpower in America.”
It was evident that Marchek held Meng Hao in very high regard.
Tommy laughed heartily at Marchek’s solemn and earnest demeanor.
“It’s alright, it’s alright.”
“No need to be so formal.”
“However, you are correct on one point. If Meng Hao is given time, he will surely be able to lead Great Xia’s scientific research to challenge us Americans… and even shake our dominance!”
Marchek was somewhat bewildered. Meng Hao’s existence was a serious threat to America’s status as the leading scientific and technological nation. This was hardly something to celebrate. How could this American beneficiary, a big shot in the arms development department, appear so joyful?
Suddenly, Marchek recalled the recent rumors about Meng Hao joining the United States. Could it be?
Marchek, a seasoned fox himself, maintained a poker face and quietly waited for Lieutenant General Tommy’s laughter to subside.
“If I told you that Meng Hao is currently in our hands and will be serving us in the future, would you still consider him a threat?”
Huh?
Meng Hao was in Tommy’s custody. Could it be that… the rumors about Meng Hao becoming a US citizen were true?
Marchek carefully weighed his words, inquiring politely and respectfully, “Are you saying that Meng Hao has truly joined us in America?”
“However, based on my understanding of Meng Hao, that seems highly unlikely.”
“I heard that America once sent spies and agents, offering 50 billion US dollars, to entice Meng Hao to join us, but he refused.”
“Meng Hao is not only a genius but also an extremely patriotic individual.”
In response to Marchek’s doubt, Lieutenant General Tommy smugly wiggled his fingers.
“I said, Meng Hao is in our hands, serving us, and even becoming a US citizen – it wasn’t something he did willingly!”
At this moment, Lieutenant General Tommy resembled a hunter who had single-handedly captured a large prey. He was like an avid angler who had just landed a hefty catch, his face beaming with pride. Even though Lieutenant General Tommy was usually stoic and possessed deep reserves, rarely revealing his true emotions, capturing Meng Hao was enough to become the pinnacle of his life's achievements.
He unhurriedly revealed the entire scheme of how Meng Hao was cornered into joining America, leaving Marchek dumbfounded.
“Indeed, even the most cunning fox cannot outwit a skilled hunter!”
“Your strategy, and the gamble you took with America’s reputation, truly earns my admiration!”
These words were truly Marchek’s heartfelt sentiments. The intricate strategies of deception, manufactured praise, and coercion that Tommy employed to bring such a valuable asset as Meng Hao under his wing were executed with masterful precision.
Lieutenant General Tommy roared with laughter at Marchek’s genuine admiration, which was far from mere flattery.
After a round of mutual praise, Lieutenant General Tommy steered the conversation back.
“Therefore, from now on, both you and Meng Hao will be serving America. No internal conflicts!”
Marchek raised an eyebrow. Although he was somewhat reluctant, since Lieutenant General Tommy had spoken, he couldn’t disobey. However, was this what Lieutenant General Tommy meant by the “good news” that concerned him?
Meng Hao joining America and serving the US military was indeed good news. But what did it have to do with him, Marchek? After all, Marchek was, on the surface, still a private businessman, while Meng Hao served the military.
Tommy, a figure of extreme astuteness, a seasoned fox who had perfected the art of reading faces and fathoming hearts, perceived the subtle flicker of resentment and dissatisfaction on Marchek’s face.
“It seems you’re still upset about the loss of one billion US dollars and the downfall of NG New Energy Batteries, aren’t you!”
Marchek’s smile was somewhat forced. He repeatedly waved his hands, denying any such feelings.
“Forget it, you don’t need to put on a brave face and force a smile!”
“Do you think your little maneuvers can escape our military and official notice?”
“I also know that deep down, you’re not entirely happy about Meng Hao joining America… This would have given you an opportunity to contend with him, to prove yourself.”
“However, as a historian of Great Xia, I must advise you: it is better to resolve enmities than to let them fester.”
Faced with Lieutenant General Tommy’s counsel, Marchek’s smile grew even more strained. He was a businessman and lacked Meng Hao’s patriotic fervor. Meng Hao joining America would undoubtedly bring decades, even centuries, of technological, military, and economic leadership to the nation. But what tangible benefit would that bring him, Marchek?