206: Chapter 206 Washington's "Trap"

The news Qin Yue brought caused Lin Zhou to instantly cast his personal trivial matters to the back of his mind.

"A state visit? Signing a communique to establish diplomatic relations?" Lin Zhou's brow furrowed slightly as he sat on the sofa in his hotel room. "The timing is very subtle. And they named me specifically to go? Why do I feel like these Americans are up to no good?"

"Yes." Qin Yue nodded from the other side of the video call; her background was the conference room at the headquarters in the Beijing Suburbs. "Since our 'Miracle Seed' reached a cooperation agreement with China and achieved great success in Africa, Washington has been quiet. This sudden invitation with such high protocol is likely not that simple."

"This is an attempt to 'bring us into the fold,'" Lin Zhou said, cutting straight to the point. "First, they use their status as a superpower and the honor of establishing diplomatic relations to pressure you, inviting you over and placing you in the position of 'being received.' Once you're on their turf, they hold the initiative on how to negotiate and what terms to set."

"Minister Chen and I see it the same way," Qin Yue agreed. "To put it bluntly, this is a 'Hongmen Banquet.' The UK has already sent private word that as soon as we establish diplomatic relations with the US, they will follow suit immediately. France's attitude is ambiguous, but they won't fall behind either. Russia's process is still ongoing. Therefore, the US hurdle is our most critical and difficult step toward the United Nations."

To go, or not to go?

This wasn't even a choice.

To make the Cyber Freedom Republic the 194th member state of the UN and complete the system's main quest, he couldn't afford to offend any of the five permanent members of the Security Council.

Knowing there were tigers in the mountains, he had to head straight for them.

"Do they have any additional conditions?" Lin Zhou asked.

"It wasn't mentioned in the diplomatic note; it only said they wish to exchange views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual concern," Qin Yue replied. "But that's exactly the most troublesome part. No price tag on the surface means they want more at the negotiating table."

Lin Zhou's finger tapped rhythmically on the armrest of the sofa.

He thought of the phone call from Davis of the Blackstone Group.

The Wall Street capital represented by Davis was his greatest ally of interest within the United States.

The 'Oasis One' data center had already become an 'extraterritorial land' for those capital and technology players operating in gray areas; it was a new money-printing machine for Davis and his peers.

From this perspective, the interior of the US was not a monolithic block.

While some wanted to suppress him, there were naturally those who wanted to win him over and use him to make a fortune together.

This was his opportunity.

"Reply to them; I accept the invitation," Lin Zhou made his decision. "Keep a low profile and show that we are 'honored' and 'anticipating' the establishment of relations with the US. If they want face, we'll give them plenty of it."

"Understood." Qin Yue immediately grasped Lin Zhou's intention. "I'll go arrange it now. Regarding the delegation list..."

"You, Chen Yuan, and Zhang Zhe—the four of us as core personnel will go," Lin Zhou said. "He Jun will stay behind to guard the home front, and Jack will be responsible for global intelligence support. This trip to Washington is a tough battle; we must face it with our strongest lineup."

"Alright."

After ending the call with Qin Yue, Lin Zhou stood up to pack his luggage.

His days of "recovering from injuries" in the hotel were coming to an end.

A negotiation gambling with the future of the entire Republic was waiting for him ahead.

Three days later, a small but high-profile delegation departed from Beijing and flew to Washington on a private jet.

Under the continuous effect of expensive ointments, Lin Zhou's physical condition had basically returned to a normal sitting posture, which gave him a great sigh of relief.

At least he wouldn't have to be distracted by enduring piercing pain while shaking hands with the US President.

The plane landed smoothly at Andrews Air Force Base.

The cabin door opened, and a gust of salty, humid sea breeze blew against his face.

Below the air stairs, the red carpet was already laid out. The Chief of Protocol from the U.S. Department of State and several officials were waiting there with smiles.

The scene was warm and formal, but beneath the smiles on those officials' faces was nothing but scrutiny and appraisal; Lin Zhou could smell it.

It was exactly like a wealthy man sizing up a poor relative who had come to claim kinship.

Lin Zhou didn't care at all, wearing a perfectly timed, humble yet detached smile as he shook hands with each of the welcoming officials.

The motorcade proceeded without obstruction, driving directly toward Blair House, located across from the White House.

This was the highest-specification residence used by the US President to host foreign heads of state.

"Lord, it seems they have indeed given us full courtesy," Chen Yuan said in a low voice, looking at the tight security and grand architecture outside the car window.

"The sweeter the sugar coating, the harder the cannonball inside will be." Lin Zhou's expression didn't change. "Courtesy before force—it's an old trick. Everyone, stay sharp. From now on, every word we say and every person we see must be treated as a trap."

Qin Yue and Zhang Zhe both nodded solemnly.

Upon arriving at Blair House, the liaison officer arranged by the US side handed over a schedule.

"Excellency Lin Zhou, the Secretary of State will meet with you tomorrow morning at ten o'clock in the Truman Drawing Room at the Department of State. In the evening, the President will host a welcoming dinner for you at the White House."

"Very good, thank you for your thoughtful arrangements," Lin Zhou responded politely.

After entering the room, Jack sent the first piece of intelligence through an internal encrypted line.

"Lord, I've just confirmed the meeting list for tomorrow. In addition to Secretary of State Anthony Thompson, three Under Secretaries from the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Defense, and the Department of Energy will also attend."

Hearing this lineup, Lin Zhou and Qin Yue exchanged a look; nothing needed to be said.

The Ministry of Commerce was coming for the 'Miracle Seed' and future trade.

The Ministry of Defense was coming for arms sales and regional influence.

The Department of Energy was likely eyeing the massive energy consumption and strategic value behind the 'African Data Ark' project.

"Heh, they're preparing for a joint trial," Lin Zhou sneered.

It seemed the other party couldn't wait to reveal their true objectives.

He sat on the soft sofa, poured himself a glass of water, and looked at the spire of the White House outside the window.

"Come then, let me see how the world hegemon plans to talk business with a 'Desert King' like me."

Meanwhile, Jack sent a second message, which was not about official business.

"Lord, regarding the deep investigation into Su Wanqing and Lin Xi, there has been a... very strange discovery."