Chapter 88: Three Hundred Million Dollars in Joyful Aid!

Ravis continued his inquiry, his tone betraying a profound curiosity toward this most unusual guest. “Commander Jiang, after reviewing your background, we noticed your uncompromising stance toward certain factions. Unlike those warlords who have chosen to collaborate with them, you seem positioned in absolute opposition. What is the reason for this?”

Jiang Bai nodded, a faintly ruthless and resolute smile curving his lips, the look of a hunter contemplating his prey.

“To answer that is actually quite simple,” he replied, his voice low yet brimming with power. “In my eyes, those people are not even to be counted among normal humans—they are my quarry. Perhaps a hunter only feels a trace of pity when his prey lies dead. But as long as the prey lives, the hunter will never set down his gun. Is that not so?”

Jiang Bai’s words startled the assembled officials anew. They had expected empty rhetoric or grandiloquence, yet he had chosen such a unique and penetrating metaphor to express his views. At last, his position was clear to them: as long as he remained in opposition to those factions, they could rest easy.

Knock was the first to rise, his gaze earnest and respectful as he extended his hand. “Commander Jiang, on behalf of our dynasty, I wish to express our deepest sympathy for the calamities your region has suffered. Now we share a common enemy—those factions. At this phase, we are willing to offer you support and assistance.”

A profound gratitude shone on Jiang Bai’s face as he gripped Knock’s hand, his eyes alight with resolve and hope. “Mr. Knock, I truly appreciate your help. With your support, it will be much easier for us to resist their attacks. We may even, before long, take the fight to their territory. That is no idle boast.”

Knock’s declaration was not merely a personal gesture; it reflected the attitude of the great consortium as a whole. Thus, Jiang Bai’s visit seemed at last to bear the first glimmers of success.

“Commander, we are prepared to grant you two loans totaling thirty million dollars, but this sum must be used to purchase weapons and military equipment from our dynasty,” Knock continued, the shrewdness of a businessman evident in his tone.

At this, Jiang Bai frowned slightly, his expression conflicted—hopeful for the future, yet not entirely satisfied with the terms offered.

After a moment’s reflection, Jiang Bai looked up, a subtle and inscrutable gleam in his eyes, as though his mind were made up. Addressing the gathered officials, his voice was firm and unwavering. “Mr. Knock, first let me thank you for your support. But I foresee that, within a year at most, we will be forced into a brutal war with certain factions.”

His brow was deeply furrowed, his gaze reflecting not only worry for what was to come, but an unyielding resolve. Ravis’ question had struck a chord; Jiang Bai offered a faint, complex smile—a blend of confidence in the face of looming trials, and a deep contemplation of the uncertain future. “My reasoning is simple. Those dynasties, as principal export-oriented economies, are suffering deep economic crises. To resolve their internal conflicts, war is their only recourse. And the most desirable target is, of course, the resource-rich lands of the New Dynasty.”

His words, calm yet full of force, seemed to pierce the tangled web of worldly strife.

Locke and the others nodded in agreement, their eyes brimming with respect and trust. If those factions truly dared to encroach, they knew it would cross Jiang Bai’s line in the sand. For a young and passionate leader like Jiang Bai, this would be the greatest test of his resolve and courage. They saw in him not just a warrior, but a strategist of deep foresight.

Ravis fixed Jiang Bai with a searching gaze, as though seeking his answer in the lines of his face. “Commander, do you believe you can defeat them?”

At this, Jiang Bai’s lips curled into a confident smile, his eyes sparkling with unwavering determination, as if he could already glimpse the dawn of victory. “Whether I can defeat them depends on the level of support I receive from you.”

Afterward, Knock and the others raised several crucial questions. Jiang Bai, well prepared, gave each a thorough and rational reply. Following a period of hushed discussion, they reached a consensus and addressed Jiang Bai:

“Commander Jiang, we are willing to provide you with thirty-five million in military aid, free of charge. Additionally, the total loan amount can reach three hundred million dollars, to be paid over ten years.”

At this news, a smile spread across Jiang Bai’s face. He had not expected these financial giants to be so generous as to offer such vast support. Still, his ambitions were far from satisfied.

He went on, “Mr. Knock, besides the loans and industrial development, I hope your dynasty can assist us in building a major shipyard. Remember, our opponents possess formidable naval power. If we can assemble a powerful fleet, not only can we relieve the pressure in the Pacific, but we will also be prepared to strike at their bases in return!”

Before Knock could reply, Ravis interjected eagerly, “That will depend on your performance from here on. If your forces can defeat the enemy in the coming battles, we will help you build a large shipyard.”

After a round of discussion, Jiang Bai left the professionals to handle the practical arrangements. Under Locke’s arrangements, he traveled home aboard a luxurious liner and, after half a month at sea, returned safely.

When he arrived at the Chengyun Railway Station, Li Jian and Chen Shan from the Inspectorate greeted him in welcome. Nearly two months had passed since Jiang Bai’s departure. His return was, without doubt, a vital shot in the arm for both the Inspectorate and the Seventh Strengthened Division.

Li Jian’s face was markedly worn, his eyes brimming with respect and a trace of unconcealed worry. “Commander Jiang, you’ve finally returned after so long away!”

For two months, he and the other subordinates had shouldered immense responsibility, keenly aware of the burdens Jiang Bai bore in his daily command. Beside him, Chen Shan too appeared weary, though his eyes flickered with relief and the light of redemption. “Commander Jiang, now that you’re back, every problem can be solved!”

Jiang Bai smiled and nodded. He was well aware that during his absence, his subordinates had been under tremendous pressure and faced daunting challenges—especially men like Li Jian and Chen Shan, who, though accomplished in the art of war, were almost entirely unversed in administration. The mountain of paperwork and bureaucratic affairs had surely been a torturous ordeal for them.