After entering the tunnel, there were about a dozen square meters of internal space which was connected to electric lights, and a ventilation pipe was connected from the entrance of the tunnel directly into the interior, thus constantly sending fresh air into the interior. Upon entering, Hamed introduced to Charlie, “We are currently fully excavating a large number of hidden fortifications and tunnels. It will not be long before all these tunnels will be directly connected to one another. Even if it cannot all be fully connected, at the very least, the ventilation, water supply, and power supply will be opened up first. After that, we will continue improving the internal environment and strive to make the tunnels more livable!”Charlie nodded slightly and said, “I can see that all of your buildings in the valley have already basically been flattened. Do you have any plans for such a large space?”“How can I have any plans?” Hamed said, “As soon as the opponent starts firing, the ar
Hamed initially did not know about the modality for the collaboration between Ten Thousand Armies and the government. He had originally thought that the government had paid to hire Ten Thousand Armies. However, after putting some thoughts into this matter, Hamed constantly felt that something was not quite right. This was because the government’s biggest problem had always been their shortage of funds. Even their own soldiers lacked medication, guns, and ammunition. So, how could they possibly have enough money to hire mercenaries from Ten Thousand Armies? It was just yesterday that he had received news that the terms of the collaboration between Ten Thousand Armies and the government were that if Ten Thousand Armies were to help the government eliminate the opposition forces completely, the government would then allocate a piece of land with an area of one hundred square kilometers to Ten Thousand Armies so that they could build their first mercenary base in the Middle East. How
As he spoke of this, Hamed then said, “Although it is also very chaotic in Africa, to put it bluntly, all the war-torn countries in Africa are all extremely poor, and it is indeed very difficult for mercenaries to make a living in those kinds of places. However, the Middle East is different. Many countries in the Middle East are very rich, and even Iran, which has already been sanctioned for a long time, is actually very rich. Moreover, all of them have a demand for mercenaries, and they are all willing to spend money to hire them. So, this is actually a very huge market for mercenaries.”“Besides that, there is a lot of heavy weaponry and equipment in the Middle East. It is basically an exhibition hall of the weapons and equipment from both the East and West, and amongst them, Russian-made weapons and equipment are the most. As long as anyone has money, there is basically nothing that they cannot buy. If Ten Thousand Armies were to really build a base in Syria and acquire a batch of
Charlie felt that it would really not be realistic at all if he were to truly search for the whereabouts of the opponent’s supreme commander amongst all the soldiers from Ten Thousand Armies so that he could have control over him.Everything else aside, Charlie still did not even know who the opponent’s supreme commander was or what he looked like.At that time, there would be more than ten thousand men inside. Even if Charlie could successfully infiltrate them, he was afraid that it would be very difficult for him to find and determine the identity of the other party within a day or two.However, if he were to look at this problem from a different perspective, it would not be so complicated.Charlie could just go over there and meet with him directly. When Hamed heard Charlie’s words, he immediately exclaimed in shock, “How can we do that? Brother Wade, you will have a very slim chance of surviving this! How can you go and take this risk?!”Charlie simply smiled indifferently
Charlie laughed and said, “Why should you be afraid even if you are a turtle in a jar? As long as the jar is strong enough, it would simply be impossible for the opponent to break your strong jar in such a short time.”As he spoke, Charlie then said, “Moreover, you have to understand one thing. Your current situation is completely different as compared to theirs. Although you might be trapped inside the jar, at the very least, the jar is your own lair. You are just trapped inside your own home, and you have food and drinks in your own house, so what do you have to be afraid of? It’s not only that you do not need to be afraid at all, but the quality of your life will not decline at all because you’re trapped here.”As he spoke of this, Charlie then laughed and said, “But the people who are besieging you outside are not having it as easy as you are. The twenty to thirty thousand soldiers from Ten Thousand Armies and the government will have to brave the wind, be deprived, and also endu
Ten Thousand Armies’ Zayne’s condition during these few days was indeed as Charlie had guessed. He felt incomparably tormented.He had originally thought that if their army suppressed and pressured Hamed’s base by besieging him without fighting, this would definitely place huge psychological pressure on Hamed and his men. That way, it would not even take long for Hamed’s internal forces to become disorganized or even defect from Hamed’s army.However, what Zayne really did not expect was that even after a few days had passed, not even a dog had run out of Hamed’s base.In this kind of siege war, what a person would fear the most was if the enemy was strong and united. Once the enemy was not afraid, they would have continued besieging the enemy indefinitely until Hamed ran out of ammunition, food, or if he could not continue holding on any longer.Over the past few days, Zayne’s financial deficit had been alarmingly high. His adjutant had looked for him and reported to him worri
As he spoke, the adjutant then said, “The basic level soldiers from Ten Thousand Armies are the purest mercenaries. They train hard to fight, and they are willing to risk their own lives while doing it just because they want to make more money so that they can enjoy life. Otherwise, why do you think they would be willing to risk so much and come out here to do this kind of work?”Zayne suddenly had nothing to say.He understood Ten Thousand Armies’ current situation very well.Although Ten Thousand Armies had the Four War Kings as well as up to more than a hundred excellent War Generals, almost all of the tens of thousands of ordinary soldiers in Ten Thousand Armies had only joined Ten Thousand Armies exclusively for the sake of making profits.These mercenaries did not have any loyalty to Ten Thousand Armies at all. All of them only felt that Ten Thousand Armies had a pretty good organizational profit, scale, and also popularity. So, that was the reason why they chose to work so h
“Peace negotiation?!”Upon hearing Hamed’s initiative for a peace negotiation, Zayne immediately said angrily, “This b*stard killed more than two thousand soldiers from Ten Thousand Armies and embarrassed us, making us lose our reputation in the international mercenary field. Now, he still dares to come and ask for a peace negotiation with me?! Let me tell you, that is absolutely impossible! Our Ten Thousand Armies will never agree to it!”The supreme commander of the government then asked rhetorically, “You’re not willing to have a peace negotiation, and you’re not willing to attack either. So, are you going to continue wasting time here?”Zayne said coldly, “Didn’t we already reach a consensus on not agreeing to any peace negotiations a few days ago? At that time, everyone’s opinions were all unified, and that is for us to wipe out Hamed’s army. Could it be that you have already changed your mind now after just a few days have passed?”The other party spoke up and said, “The situ
Jacob certainly agreed with Mr. Bay. When going to a dinner where alcohol would be involved, having a designated driver would be most convenient.Still, Jacob had another plan in mind.Since he had a Cullinan and this was the perfect chance to show off, it would kill him not to drive."Actually, we should go on our own," Jacob told Mr. Bay right then. "We will take my car and get a designated driver to take us home. We can hang out in the backseat to chat—I mean, you'd be in a bad mood if you get a bad driver, bringing a car that stinks of tobacco. You know how bad it can get."Mr. Bay nodded cheerfully. "Alright! I'm counting on you!""Oh, it's only right!"Coming to an agreement, they hurried outside, with Jacob driving and Mr. Bay riding shotgun.They were having a pleasant conversation when Jacob suddenly got a call from Walker, who was his sub at Senior University.Answering with the in-car Bluetooth system, he said, "Hey, Walker. What's up?""Mr. Wilson! I'm done with cl
As such, Albert did not hesitate to say right then, "Don't worry, Mr. Wilson—since they are your friends, I will offer the half-price rebate as you've suggested! When the guests take their seats, I'll personally deliver a couple of nice bottles over as a token of my sincerity!"Oskia truly sets the bar when it comes to being humanistic.There were times when one must show due respect, but not too much either in case it changed the status quo.It was just like a couple eating out with a third-wheel.Even if the third-wheel was better off and happily took the check as the girl watched, there would inevitably be competitiveness. The generosity might even lead to the girl getting attracted to the third-wheel.As such, since Jacob was actually secondary in importance at the event, Albert would have to make sure not to rain on the host's parade while showing his respects to Jacob. Otherwise, the host may hold a grudge against Jacob even if everything was free of charge.And when it cam
Jacob put a hand on his chest. "Don't worry—everything is going to be fine when my son-in-law takes the stage."As soon as he finished speaking, an unknown number called his phone.He answered, hearing a familiar voice he couldn't quite place, "Good afternoon. Am I speaking to Mr. Jacob Wilson?""Yes. May I ask who I am speaking to?""Albert Rhodes, owner of Heaven Springs at your service. Would you happen to remember me?"Hearing that, Jacob turned on the speaker excitedly as he continued, "Oh, yes, Don Albert! Of course I remember!"Mr. Bay's eyes lit up when he heard Albert announce himself, and he mouthed, "Is that really Don Albert?!"Jacob nodded repeatedly, his vanity burgeoning.Mr. Bay was naturally thrilled too, and he leaned closer to listen just as Albert spoke humbly, "If it's alright with you, Mr. Wilson, please don't address me as Don Albert. It's just a title some brats came up with—you are Master Wade's father-in-law, which means you have seniority over me. So,
Mr. Bay was overjoyed, seeing how quickly Jacob agreed to it. "Thanks, Jacob! I owe you!" He exclaimed, but soon added, "It's past four now, and that bunch like to fraternize in the room before they eat. Could you get the room soon? I think they'll be arriving soon."Then, he moved closer to add quietly, "If you can get a Diamond Room like before, I will bring you along. I'm not going to lie, these are officials with decision-making authority. Being friends with them might propel us to new heights!"Jacob already knew that Mr. Bay was sucking up to his friend, otherwise, he wouldn't be so concerned when the dinner was organized by said friend. Understanding that the friend must be important too, Jacob was at once buoyed.After all, he had presumed that becoming vice president was the most he could achieve.Now, if he could attend that dinner with Mr. Bay and establish a good relationship with those bigwigs, he would have his turn when Mr. Bay got promoted too.With that in min
Reservations in Heaven Springs had always been unpredictable, and most rooms weren't open to the general public—even if said rooms were vacant for the night.It was not as if Albert Rhodes didn't want to make money when he built Heaven Springs. He simply didn't do it solely for profit, but only mostly for social events and posturing.Back when he was a humbler member of society, he realized that many bigwigs and even his fellows cared for pride a lot. Be it food, liquor, or even simply everyday consumption, they always strove for the best and the most expensive.That was why polite society valued their privacy and established their respective social circles, which was why Heaven Springs ensured that everything was first-rate: atmosphere, service, food, and clientele.Just like how bigwigs wouldn't dine at the same table as their goons, said goons wouldn't eat at the fancy places those bigwigs frequented even if they had money, as it may appear as if they were overstepping.That wa
As such, intent on keeping up his pretense, Jacob answered the phone, "Looking for me, Matilda?""Uh-huh," Matilda replied, and asked, "You didn't show up at Senior University, and your sub is saying you probably won't be coming for a while? Is that true?""Oh—right, that," Jacob quickly said. "Well, it's true—the gist of it is that the Association is getting busy with a project. As the vice president, I probably shouldn't be staying at Senior University all the time, right?""Heck, Mr. Bay called me last minute, telling me how busy we're going to be and that I was needed. That's why I had to go back, but I will head over to campus again when I have the time."Matilda knew right then that those were all excuses.However, she did not expose Jacob, instead asking, "Well, when are you free? So that I can send you my wedding invitation?""Oh, the invitation?" Jacob quickly chuckled. "You really didn't have to come to me—just pass it to Walker, my sub lecturer. He can pass it to me wh
The next afternoon, there was a sudden change of lecturers for the calligraphy class.Despite being the vice president of the Calligraphy and Painting Association, Jacob never showed up, instead getting a substitute instructor to replace him.Matilda had come with the invitation Yolden had written for Jacob, but seeing that Jacob wasn't at the lecture hall, she waited until the class was over to ask the sub, "Excuse me, can I ask why Mr. Wilson wasn't teaching this class?""He's busy at the association," the sub replied. "So, I'm taking over his class."Curious, Matilda pressed, "Then, would you happen to know when he will be coming?""Probably not for a while," the sub replied. "He delegated other classes to me as well, telling me that I could just stick to the PowerPoint slides."Then, he asked, "Do you have business with Mr. Wilson?"Matilda nodded. "Yes, but I can call him myself. Thank you."Leaving the lecture hall, Matilda called Jacob, who was goofing off in his office
On the other end, Matilda was left staring at Jacob's reply in confusion.She had presumed that Jacob would understand when she mentioned inviting his whole family that he should be coming up with an excuse to skip attending her wedding.That was the most ideal solution.As such, she was shocked that instead of playing along, Jacob's reply was short and blunt.[No problem. The four of us will be there!]Perplexed, Matilda was left wondering what Jacob meant. Was he really going to attend her wedding with Elaine?The thought left Matilda frowning as she absolutely didn't want to see Elaine—especially not at her own wedding.Yolden was writing an invitation when he saw the somber look on her face, and he couldn't help asking, "Is there a problem?""Jacob replied," Matilda admitted. "And he's saying that he will bring his whole family.""Really?" Yolden was confused too, as he was hardly as eccentric as Jacob. "But he's afraid of his wife and shouldn't be telling her at all…
Charlie was driving Jacob to Thompson First when the latter received the text from Matilda.Seeing that they were reaching the front gates, Jacob promptly snapped at Charlie, "Charlie, stop the car now!"Charlie did so and asked in curiosity, "What's wrong?""Matilda just texted me," Jacob replied, showing the chat log between him and Matilda.Charlie was just glancing at it nonchalantly when he saw that Matilda's contact name was 'AAA July Florist'."Wait, why is that Aunt Matilda's contact name?" He exclaimed in surprise."I changed it."Jacob explained gingerly while reading through the text Matilda sent. "Her profile picture is an iris, so I changed her contact name to a florist since I'm mostly worried Elaine would peek into my phone.""Anyway, she's asking if I'm attending her wedding with Yolden. They would send us an invitation if I accept, extended to our whole family… what do you think I should say?"Charlie asked in return. "You're planning to skip it, aren't you? T