"We have quite a few projects going on recently, and I'm a bit short-handed. I'm planning to borrow a thousand or so people from the US to help out."
"I've already sent you the list. It's not a lot, just over a thousand."
"If you agree, we can sign the contract, and I'll immediately send people over to help you repair the nuclear power plants."
Upon realizing that Jing Mingqiu wasn't demanding a reduction in the US's military strength, nor prohibiting US citizens from participating in anti-Dragon movements, nor resorting to killing, the US high-level officials breathed a collective sigh of relief.
"Professor Jing, please wait a moment. We need to review this list and will get back to you as soon as possible."
"No problem. Take your time. My roommates are calling me to play games. I'll go play a few rounds of LoL. Call me when you've made your decision."
With that, Jing Mingqiu hung up, opened his computer, selected his favorite mobile champion, and happily started cleaving through minions on the Rift with his long sword.
Meanwhile, Saloyan Primo, upon receiving the personnel list, promptly swept everything off his desk in front of all the US high-level officials.
"This is outrageous! Utterly outrageous! Jing Mingqiu is trying to cripple the US!"
Everyone looked confused. "Mr. President, who exactly does Jing Mingqiu want that you're this angry? Does he want the boss of Microsoft, the CEO of Tesla, or is he demanding US officials be taken as hostages?"
"Neither," Saloyan Primo shook his head and tapped his tablet twice, sending the list over. "It's a bit complicated, you can see for yourselves."
After a quick scan, someone with a more impatient disposition broke the silence. "Titus Alger, Nehemiah Cyril, Croft Troy... I've never heard of these names. Who are they?"
A sociable US official replied, "I don't know either, but I can guarantee they aren't high-level officials, not even senators. I know all the senators."
A US official in military uniform added, "Not high-ranking officers."
Then, a bald, middle-aged man with a prominent belly chimed in, "Nor are they big businessmen. I'm in contact with all businessmen with assets over a hundred million."
"Not high officials, not military officers, and not wealthy merchants. What does Jing Mingqiu want with these people?"
As everyone was scratching their heads, a relatively younger official suddenly exclaimed, "Titus Alger, isn't he the chief chip engineer in the US? Nehemiah Cyril is his deputy. Could these all be US scientists?"
Once they found a direction, the identities of others were quickly recognized.
"Croft Troy is the US's most brilliant engine designer, Bloomfield Donahue is a professor of material science..."
The more they tallied, the more panicked they became. Realizing that the list comprised the top scientists in various fields in the US, they all collectively gasped.
A discerning US citizen trembled as they summarized, "This is too ruthless. They want to completely cut off our research path! We absolutely cannot agree to this demand! Otherwise, we'll truly become sinners of the US!"
"That's right. Without these top scientists, the US will be left far behind by the Dragon Country. Backwardness leads to being beaten. At that time, we'll be doomed..."
As the saying goes, few people reach the highest levels without being smart. After identifying the people on the list, the US officials present quickly reacted and firmly opposed Jing Mingqiu's third demand.
Just as the crowd was getting worked up, a loud explosion suddenly echoed, followed by a dusty messenger rushing in.
"Bad news! Bad news! Mr. President, nuclear power plant No. 372 near the base has suddenly exploded! Nuclear radiation is spreading! Helicopters are ready, please evacuate immediately!"
Upon hearing about the radiation leak, the pampered US officials immediately panicked. Forgetting all about maintaining their image, they scrambled out of the conference room, rushing to grab seats in the helicopters.
After a chaotic scene, US helicopters, carrying a group of bruised and battered US officials, slowly took off.
Mid-flight, Saloyan Primo once again asked everyone for their opinion on Jing Mingqiu's third demand.
Looking out at the lingering mushroom cloud, a US military official with a black eye and a bleeding mouth adopted a righteous demeanor.
"The US spends so much funding on them every year, yet US technology has been caught up by the Dragon Country. These top experts in scientific research are all just garbage who swindle funding."
"It was already troublesome dealing with these people, and now that the Dragon Country wants to be a recycling station, it's perfect to send them all over."
"Exactly. My great America is full of talent. Without these few蛀虫 (zhù chóng -蛀虫 means worms/parasites that eat away at things, often used metaphorically for corrupt individuals) who swallowed funding, we will only develop better..."
Faced with the threat to their lives, the top scientists they had previously held in high regard were instantly devalued and blamed for America's decline.
Soon, with unanimous agreement, they consented to sign the humiliating aid treaty with Jing Mingqiu.
Without delay, seeing that more and more nuclear power plants within the US were reaching their limits, Saloyan Primo urgently called Jing Mingqiu to inform him that he agreed to all demands and they could sign the electronic contract immediately.
Facing the intimidated US President, Jing Mingqiu paid no attention. He casually set his phone aside and began directing his roommates in a team fight.
"Third brother, stop picking mushrooms in the wild. Come to the team fight quickly."
"Coming, coming. My ultimate is almost ready..."
Jing Mingqiu left Saloyan Primo on hold for over twenty minutes, only picking up his phone leisurely after winning the match by destroying the enemy's nexus.
"I don't like electronic contracts. If you want my help, you must sign a paper contract in front of the whole world."
Saloyan Primo had hoped that an electronic contract would save them some face and perhaps even allow them to keep the matter quiet from the general public.
He never expected Jing Mingqiu to not only demand a paper contract but also to broadcast it worldwide.
Saloyan Primo wished to resist, but at this point, they were the ones being carved and he was the fish. He could only grit his teeth and agree.
"No problem, I'll arrange it immediately. Please, Professor Jing, make your preparations in advance. Many of our nuclear power plants are running out of time!"
"Don't worry," Jing Mingqiu clicked his fingers, his tone flippant. "I'm well prepared. You just need to sign obediently."
Faced with the threat to their lives and livelihoods, the US officials' efficiency surged this time.
Soon, on the ruins of the White House, a makeshift platform was erected.
Below, reporters from various countries gathered, whispering about why the US had suddenly called a press conference. Suddenly, their vision went dark, and looking up, they saw a colossal object hovering in the sky above the White House.