Chapter 87: Jiang Bai Really Is a Cunning Fellow!

Although some members of the consortium still regarded Jiang Bai with disdainful eyes, as if he were hardly worth mentioning, there were nonetheless many business magnates who watched him with enthusiasm and genuine interest. Jiang Bai knew well that the focus of these entrepreneurs was not truly on him as an individual, but rather on the vast market represented by Chengyun Province, which they coveted with an almost feverish longing.

Since the occasion was merely a welcoming banquet in his honor, the event did not delve into any substantive discussions. For most of the evening, introductions were exchanged, and conversations flowed with an air of pleasure and ease. Yet, Jiang Bai’s fluent command of foreign languages and his keen insights into global affairs took many among the consortium by surprise. Especially so was his handsome appearance, which quickly made him the object of admiration for many consortium noblewomen, drawing considerable attention.

In just the span of an hour, Jiang Bai received seven or eight bouquets from these noblewomen, each carrying the unmistakable implication of an invitation to share a delightful night together. Faced with such a scene, Jiang Bai did not refuse them outright, but instead chose one young and beautiful noblewoman with whom he discussed the meaning of life, spending an unforgettable evening together.

With the coming of dawn, Jiang Bai, accompanied by Wang Yang, made his way swiftly to the office of Deputy Commissioner Knock. Upon entering, Jiang Bai immediately sensed the importance of the moment, for present alongside Deputy Commissioner Knock were Director of Defense Lavis and Director of the Navy George.

Confronted with these three senior officials of the consortium government, Jiang Bai understood that key matters were about to be discussed. Whether he could secure large-scale military support and loans from the consortium would depend entirely on his performance today.

Jiang Bai had expected that both sides would move straight to the heart of the matter, but to his surprise, Deputy Commissioner Knock suddenly posed an unexpected question: “Commander Jiang, what is your impression of our consortium’s noblewomen?”

The question caught Jiang Bai slightly off guard, but he quickly responded with a radiant smile, saying, “They are wonderful, truly impressive.” At that moment, a polite smile played on his lips.

As his words fell, the previously tense atmosphere in the office instantly melted into one of ease and good humor. Yet, this lightness was soon replaced by a renewed sense of tension, for the dialogue soon steered toward more sensitive topics.

“By the way, Commander Jiang,” Knock continued, pouring Jiang Bai a cup of tea, his eyes alight with curiosity and expectation, his tone both courteous and interested, “your journey must have been quite fruitful, I imagine?” He continued softly, “This is a rare red tea from Bana—do give it a try.” It seemed that this gesture of warmth was intended to ease the tension of their exchange.

Jiang Bai accepted the cup with a smile. Before answering, he drew a deep breath, a look of resolve and depth shining in his eyes: “Indeed, Mr. Knock, the Welders have provided me with tremendous support. However, at present, Oudi’s economic outlook grows ever more troubling, which has further intensified social strife in every country, and may ultimately spark a fierce struggle.”

He paused, his gaze drifting into the distance, as if recalling scenes of deep concern. “After exhausting vast sums of money, Welders’ assistance to me is actually rather limited.”

Lavis, hearing Jiang Bai’s rigorous and coherent analysis, could not help but raise his brows in surprise. He had not expected this young man to possess not only clarity of thought, but to speak with a quiet firmness and resilience. Clearly, his understanding of Jiang Bai was still far from complete.

Lavis’s expression grew grave, a glint of approval flickering in his eyes. He realized that the man before him was not merely a simple soldier; his insights could very well influence Lavis’s own judgment of the coming situation.

“Commander Jiang, your observations are indeed profound. Please, go on,” Lavis said solemnly, his tone betraying a hunger and respect for Jiang Bai’s words.

Jiang Bai took a deep breath and continued, his gaze sharpening as though he could pierce the mists of the future: “The Versailles Treaty is simply too harsh—this isn’t just punishment, it is an attempt to annihilate Welders altogether. In doing so, not only will it fail to bring safety to the High Furnace, but it may well inflame hatred within Welders and urge them toward unity in resistance.”

His words quickened in pace, each syllable falling like a heavy bomb, shaking the officials to the core. “At that moment, should anyone rally them, Welders could fully mobilize their war machine and strike back at the High Furnace! Should that long-accumulated hatred erupt, it would surely set off a world-shaking war!”

The officials exchanged glances, surprise reflected in each other’s eyes. It was undeniable—Jiang Bai’s reasoning matched their own predictions, and their faces grew graver still, realizing that this conversation might well alter their strategies for the future.

In other words, the great consortiums had long been plotting behind the scenes, striving to turn Oudi into a powder keg of war. Their scheme was to wait until the old dynasties had bled each other dry in mutual slaughter, then seize the opportunity to supplant them as masters of the world.

Knock’s gaze bore intently into Jiang Bai, his eagerness plain to see. “Then, Commander Jiang, may I ask further—having approached Welders of your own accord, what is your next step?”

His voice was tinged with unconcealed anticipation and tension, as if the secret about to be revealed would determine their fate.

The moment the question was asked, all eyes fixed upon Jiang Bai, the air thick with a sense of expectation.

Jiang Bai did not hesitate. His expression was calm, touched with a faint trace of regret, his eyes steady and clear, as though every word had been weighed carefully: “I am sorry, Mr. Knock. Though I, too, would like to speak fairly for the Welders, the reality is that my current strength is too weak. In economic and military terms alike, I am no match for my adversaries—let alone capable of participating in such a great war.”

“In the end, if I am to join the struggle, it can only be after the situation becomes clear, when I can choose my moment.”

Hearing Jiang Bai’s analysis, the officials could not help but think to themselves, “What a cunning fellow!”

Their gazes grew complex, mingling admiration for Jiang Bai’s far-sightedness with a hint of wariness at his inscrutable strategies.

Though Jiang Bai had not spoken his intentions outright, they could already sense the depths of his designs. In this old, industrially advanced great power, to be so deftly maneuvered by a warlord from a backward, new regime—this forced them to reassess both Jiang Bai’s abilities and his ambitions.