108: Chapter 108 Sincere Arms Negotiations

After dealing with the Police Force's affairs, Lin Zhou did not even have time for a drink of water before arranging another meeting.

The location was chosen at an unassuming teahouse in Beijing.

Inside the private room, steam rose from the purple clay teapot, diffusing the faint fragrance of premium Longjing tea.

Yet, the man sitting opposite Lin Zhou had a tense expression, completely out of place in the serene atmosphere of the tearoom.

Director Zhou, a powerful figure in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was holding a teacup, his knuckles white from gripping it tightly. He studied the young man in front of him—who was several years younger than his own son—and pondered for a moment.

"Comrade Lin Zhou, you've been causing quite a stir lately."

He took a sip of tea and continued, "Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs has practically become your personal hotline. From Europe to Africa, we're getting over a dozen inquiries a day, all asking what exactly this Cyber Freedom Republic of yours is all about."

"I've caused you trouble, Director Zhou." Lin Zhou smiled calmly; although his words were polite, there was no trace of apology in his expression.

"Trouble? No, it's a shock." Director Zhou set down his teacup, leaned forward slightly, and stared directly at Lin Zhou. "Tell me, what earth-shattering plan do you have today that requires an old man like me to clean up after you?"

He knew people like Lin Zhou too well; if he came to visit, there must be a reason.

Lin Zhou did not beat around the bush, tapping his fingertips lightly on the table.

"I want to buy something."

"Oh?" Director Zhou raised an eyebrow. "What big item has the genesis Agricultural Company set its sights on now? No problem, as for large agricultural machinery, I'll help you coordinate it and guarantee you the best price."

Lin Zhou shook his head, interrupting him.

"It's not agricultural machinery."

His words were clear, his volume low, yet it made the sounds in the private room come to a halt.

"It's arms."

"I want to arm my Police Force."

The smile on Director Zhou's face faded bit by bit. He re-examined Lin Zhou, his tone deepening. "Lin Zhou, do you know what you're saying?"

"Arms trading is no child's play. Furthermore, given your current status, any sovereign state selling you weapons would be tantamount to publicly recognizing your legitimacy. Have you thought about the kind of international dispute that would cause?"

"I have thought about it." Lin Zhou nodded. "That's why I came to see you."

He held up one finger.

"I need equipment for a reinforced company."

Upon hearing this, Director Zhou started to breathe a sigh of relief, thinking this kid still had some sense of proportion.

But Lin Zhou's next sentence made the teacup he had just brought to his lips pause, nearly spilling the tea.

"A combined arms armored company."

"Cough, cough... What did you say?!" Director Zhou choked and coughed repeatedly. He stared at Lin Zhou with wide eyes. "A combined arms armored company? Do you think this is a vegetable market where you can buy cabbage? You want as much as you want?"

He was so angry he laughed. "Do you know what that concept entails? Infantry fighting vehicles, assault guns, self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, electronic warfare units, plus a full set of command, communication, and logistical support! You're trying to raise a small army! I'm a diplomat; where am I supposed to conjure up these iron beasts for you? You've found the wrong person, really!"

Director Zhou waved his hands repeatedly, signaling a "don't drag me into this" attitude.

"No, I haven't found the wrong person."

Lin Zhou's expression remained calm. He took a few sheets of A4 paper out of his briefcase, his movements steady, and pushed them gently toward Director Zhou.

"Director Zhou, take a look at this first."

Director Zhou suspiciously picked up the papers.

The paper was covered in dense English, looking like a personnel list.

He only glanced at it, and his motion of holding the cup stopped there, his wrist suspended in mid-air, motionless.

On the list, every name was followed by a long string of alarming information: codenames, positions, affiliated organizations, contact information, and even... clear, undeniable records of financial transactions with a certain foreign intelligence agency!

There were even a few names he recognized! They were promising mid-level leaders in certain overseas institutions or large state-owned enterprises!

Director Zhou's hand began to tremble uncontrollably.

He wasn't afraid; rather, he was pinned to the spot by the bottomless betrayal and darkness behind this list!

This was an unimaginably massive spy network lurking within the body of the country!

"This... this is..." His throat tightened, his voice becoming dry.

"An intelligence network developed by the US National Security Agency in Asia; this is just a small part of it." Lin Zhou calmly stated a fact that could shake the entire situation. "A friend named Edward James gave it to me, as... a severance package."

Director Zhou looked up abruptly. The eyes that were originally examining him were now churning with turmoil.

He finally understood.

Lin Zhou did not come to request anything today, let alone to negotiate.

This was a trade!

A trade that no major power could ever refuse!

"This thing," Director Zhou put down the document, using all his strength to keep his voice from shaking. "How much... do you have in your hands?"

"The complete list for the Asia region is all here with me." Lin Zhou picked up his teacup and gently blew away the foam. "I can hand it all over to the state, free of charge."

Director Zhou was completely speechless.

His brain worked at an unprecedented speed, weighing the pros and cons.

The value of this list completely exceeded the scope of money!

It was enough for the national security department to launch a thorough purge, pulling out those deeply hidden malignant tumors by the roots and avoiding enormous, immeasurable losses that might occur in the future!

Trading these for a company's worth of arms?

Never mind a company, even the equipment for an armored brigade could be traded for! It was more than enough!

But that was precisely where the problem lay.

The nature of this matter was extremely sensitive!

Exchanging top-secret national intelligence for arms with a "private head of state" whose legal standing was still ambiguous?

If this were to get out, it would trigger a violent upheaval, both procedurally and politically!

"Lin Zhou, this matter... is too big." Director Zhou's voice was hoarse. "So big that I have no authority to decide. I need to report this to my superiors."

"Fine." Lin Zhou stood up decisively. "I will wait for you for three days."

His words were unfinished, but the unspoken meaning had become an invisible blade pressed against Director Zhou's throat.

Three days.

If there was no satisfactory answer within three days, this list might just appear on a desk in the Kremlin, or somewhere else.

Watching Lin Zhou push the door and leave, Director Zhou picked up the weight-bearing A4 papers and dialed a top-secret number on a secure line with trembling fingers.

The call connected, and he lowered his voice, issuing orders with a strength bordering on a roar.

"Immediately! Connect me to Line 1! I have an emergency to report!"

"Yes! Highest priority!"