In the history of Western nations.
Regarding celebrations.
It was nothing more than popping champagne, uncorking aged wine, or lighting a cigar.
Evidently.
Vice Admiral Tommy was in high spirits.
The Cuban cigar in his hand was a rare, top-quality item.
He trimmed the tip with his cigar cutter and, refusing the waiter's eager offer to light it, personally took the butane torch lighter, roasting the cigar until it crackled.
A large puff of cigar smoke spewed from Vice Admiral Tommy's mouth.
He then glanced at the coffee, shook his head with a hint of disdain, and instead picked up his wine glass, gesturing for the waiter to pour him a generous serving. He took a few sips, allowing the cigar's aroma to blend fully with the wine, before swallowing.
As a man of the mind.
Vice Admiral Tommy rarely indulged in alcoholic beverages... after all, a clear head was paramount.
Yet, at this very moment.
He was uncharacteristically enjoying red wine with a cigar.
This clearly indicated.
His exceptionally joyful mood.
However.
It was understandable.
According to his plan.
The two steps to force Meng Hao to join the United States had already been completed.
Only one step remained to achieve complete success.
With Meng Hao joining the United States and entering his weapons research department, the future technological prowess of the nation would be immeasurable.
Heh!
For the future of the United States, it was merely a matter of nominal representation.
As a sophisticated and intelligent self-interested individual.
Tommy had never cared for superficial matters.
Otherwise, he would not still be a mere Vice Admiral... given his contributions to the United States, he deserved to be ennobled as a four-star general, or even a five-star admiral.
The reason he so diligently strategized to "incorporate Meng Hao into the United States" was.
In reality, his underlying motives were quite evident.
With a person of Meng Hao's extraordinary caliber existing.
Upon joining the United States, he would undoubtedly be recruited into the weapons research department under Tommy's command.
And relying on Meng Hao's capabilities.
The United States would surely remain the global leader in technology, military might, and economy for the next ten, twenty, or even thirty to fifty years.
The military weapons department, in particular, was the most lucrative and strategically vital sector.
As long as he maintained a firm grasp on Meng Hao and clung tenaciously to the weapons department.
Then, in the not-too-distant future.
He could, using the weapons research department as his base, continuously climb the ranks of the U.S. leadership... perhaps even challenging for the presidency.
Taking a few more sips of the red wine and puffing vigorously on his cigar.
Vice Admiral Tommy's face glowed with a happy flush.
He hadn't had alcohol in so long.
The sudden intake of red wine.
Seemed to set his blood ablaze.
He hadn't felt such a surge of energy in years... it was as if he had regained his youth, returned to his younger days.
"I've actually been counting on my fingers,"
"I estimate that good news should be arriving any day now."
"What is the current situation?"
The subordinate, who had rushed in to report, had patiently waited for Vice Admiral Tommy to finish his wine and cigar.
Just as he was about to deliver his report.
Vice Admiral Tommy patted his forehead.
"Oh dear."
"Look at me."
"I'm a bit too excited."
"No need to ask, it must be good news... Come, have some wine, light a cigar, let's celebrate together."
The flattered subordinate obediently lit a cigar and poured more red wine.
Then, he quickly reported the situation.
"Currently, the entire internet in Da Xia is in chaos."
"Almost all Da Xia netizens are fiercely criticizing Meng Hao, with many even calling him an ungrateful white-eyed wolf, a lapdog of the United States that only knows how to eat shit."
"Coupled with our information warfare deployments, Meng Hao's reputation domestically has been thoroughly ruined... If Meng Hao were to be allowed back into Da Xia at this moment, he would likely be drowned in spit by the uninformed Da Xia citizens who have been incited."
Vice Admiral Tommy paused, then burst into laughter.
Without a doubt.
His plan of "praise to destroy" had been largely successful.
"Good, good, very good."
"Da Xia has a saying, the people are the water... water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it."
"However, anyone with a modicum of logical thinking can understand."
"In this current era, water can also be harnessed... for example, hydroelectric power, or flood control dams, or even diverting rivers!"
"..."
It had to be said.
Tommy, the old rascal, had truly mastered the ancient Chinese texts on warfare.
He was even using Da Xia's strategic tactics to deal with Da Xia's Meng Hao.
Tommy, immensely pleased with his stratagem, snapped his fingers.
"Computer, bring me a portable laptop!"
His subordinate quickly set aside his wine and cigar and stood up.
"Your Excellency, do you require an encrypted internal military computer?"
Vice Admiral Tommy, in his excellent mood, shook his head.
"No, no, no, just a laptop that can connect to the regular internet will suffice."
"After all, for such a grand occasion, I must witness it personally to truly savor it!"
In forensic psychology.
Fugitive suspects often return to the scene of their crimes to admire their "masterpiece."
Clearly.
Vice Admiral Tommy was currently experiencing the same sentiment.
Soon.
A laptop was placed before him, its external connections and all processing completed.
Tommy, who possessed a respectable command of the Da Xia language and script, could directly access the Da Xia network and read various posts and comments without any translation software or personnel.
In fact.
Tommy didn't even need to search intentionally.
Upon entering the Da Xia network, almost all media headlines were discussing matters related to Meng Hao.
"Meng Hao, hurry up and get out of Da Xia, you mad dog of the United States... tsk tsk, well said, we want Meng Hao to be our dog in the United States!"
"I've long disliked Meng Hao, and as expected, this guy ultimately chose to betray Da Xia and defect to the United States... Gosh, this smarty-pants anticipated my moves better than I did, how come I never knew we had already been working on Meng Hao?"
"As an intelligent person, I see very clearly and understand perfectly, Meng Hao is completely unreliable... Hahaha, indeed, our cognitive warfare and public opinion warfare are very effective. Even if Meng Hao himself sees these messages and comments, he will probably be heartbroken to death."
"..."
Tommy, the old rascal, casually browsed a few mainstream social media platforms in Da Xia.
He saw nothing but unanimous criticism and slander directed at Meng Hao.
*Sizzle*.
He took another deep puff of his cigar and downed half a glass of red wine.
His face was beaming with a smile!