208: Chapter 208 The White House Banquet! The Old Fox's Whispers!

Under the night sky, Washington's White House was brightly lit, resembling a brilliant diamond set in the center of a power-play chessboard.

The welcome banquet was of the highest specifications. Under the crystal chandeliers, the elite of American politics and business gathered, a sea of fragrant dresses and elegant silhouettes. Everyone wore a proper smile, and the air was filled with a melody woven from classical music and low-voiced conversation.

Holding a glass of champagne, Lin Zhou moved through the crowd with ease alongside Qin Yue and Chen Yuan. To every dignitary who came to test the waters, show goodwill, or scrutinize him, he responded with a perfectly measured smile and humility.

"Lord Lin Zhou, I have heard much about you. I am the CEO of General Dynamics."

"Hello, your products are world-renowned."

"My Lord, I heard you created an agricultural miracle in the desert; it is God's grace."

"You flatter me. We simply found the right key."

Following behind, Chen Yuan watched Lin Zhou's flawless responses and felt a secret admiration. This young lord showed no awkwardness in such a setting, calmly diffusing all verbal barbs, whether overt or covert.

Qin Yue was responsible for offering olive branches for business cooperation at the right moments or steering away from overly persistent topics, their coordination seamless.

An hour later, Secretary of State Anthony Thompson, glass in hand, cut through the crowd and walked straight toward Lin Zhou.

"Lord Lin Zhou, are you enjoying your evening?" Thompson's smile seemed a bit more relaxed than it had been during the day at the Department of State.

"Very much so, Mr. Secretary. Thank you and the President for your warm hospitality." Lin Zhou raised his glass in acknowledgment.

"Some things are not convenient to say here." Thompson scanned the surroundings, then lowered his voice. "I know a quiet place. Perhaps we could discuss the proposals from earlier today? I'd like to hear your true thoughts on some of the details in private."

Here it comes.

Lin Zhou's heart was as calm as water. The main course of this banquet was finally about to be served.

"Of course, I would be happy to." He set down his glass and gave Qin Yue and Chen Yuan a reassuring look.

Thompson led Lin Zhou not to a reception room, but through a long corridor to a terrace overlooking the garden. The night breeze carried a hint of chill, dispersing the indoor noise and the scent of alcohol. In a corner of the terrace sat only two rattan chairs and a small tea table, with security personnel guarding the entrance from a distance to ensure no interruptions.

"Have a seat," Thompson gestured, sitting down first.

"You've gone to a lot of trouble, Mr. Secretary." Lin Zhou sat opposite him.

The two were silent for a moment, with only the faint music from the distant banquet hall reaching them.

Thompson spoke first, but not about state affairs: "My niece, Lin Xi—she caused some trouble for you, didn't she?"

Lin Zhou's movements didn't change in the slightest, as if he had expected this question. He smiled. "You mean that time at the hospital? It was indeed memorable. Dr. Su and Nurse Lin were both very... professional."

He deliberately emphasized the word "professional."

Thompson caught the underlying meaning. Not showing a hint of embarrassment, he instead showed a touch of appreciation. "They were a bit mischievous. I apologize to you on their behalf. However, I must clarify that I was merely very curious about you personally—what kind of young man could build a country out of nothing in the desert. They were also curious; their methods were perhaps a bit... unconventional."

"Understandable," Lin Zhou said with an air of magnanimity. "Young people like to play around."

"More than that." Thompson shifted the topic, leaning forward slightly. "Lin Xi has reached the age to consider marriage. As her uncle-in-law, I must look for a sufficiently outstanding young man for her. Looking across the world, I'm afraid I couldn't find anyone more suitable than you."

Lin Zhou complained inwardly. This old fox was truly thick-skinned. To describe planting a spy in such a refined way, as if he were marrying off a daughter.

Yet his face wore a gentle smile. "Mr. Secretary flatters me too much. Matters of the heart depend on fate."

"Fate is also something people create." Thompson laughed heartily. Seeing that Lin Zhou wasn't taking the bait, he stopped pushing. Since the matter had been brought into the open, there was no need to keep acting.

"Alright, Lin Zhou, let's talk business." Thompson's address changed from 'Lord' to his name, and his tone became serious. "The three conditions from earlier—do you feel we are being too overbearing?"

"How could I?" Lin Zhou spread his hands. "I completely understand your country's position and concerns. It's just that one must eat one bite at a time and walk one step at a time."

"You are very clever." Thompson nodded approvingly. "Then I'll tell you the truth. Our original plan was to establish a military base in your country."

He stared intently at Lin Zhou, observing his reaction.

Lin Zhou's expression didn't change; he just listened quietly.

"We need a pivot in the southern Red Sea to deter forces attempting to move against Israel and our shipping lanes, while also better projecting influence across the Horn of Africa. Your country's geographical location is excellent," Thompson confessed.

"But this plan was rejected by Congress. As you know, our current fiscal deficit no longer allows for the approval of any new overseas base projects. That is why we proposed the arms purchase alternative."

So that was it. Lin Zhou understood instantly. It wasn't that they didn't want to; it was that they didn't have the money.

"Everything else can be negotiated slowly, but the arms purchase is the bottom line." Thompson's tone brooked no argument. "We must ensure that your armed forces are within the same system as ours. This concerns the strategic balance of the entire region for decades to come."

He changed the subject again: "You sent people to buy our retired 'Arleigh Burke' class ships; that was a good move. Although I know your next step is to drag it to a shipyard in the East for a 'heart transplant,' it doesn't matter. Our shipbuilding industry has declined, and they couldn't handle this refit order themselves anyway, so we might as well do you a favor. As for the small arms you bought for your army, we care even less."

Thompson extended a finger and tapped the table. "However, the radar and aircraft—especially the fighters—must be ours. Otherwise, the matter of the communique on establishing diplomatic relations might need to be reconsidered."

The old fox had laid all his cards on the table. Threats and interests were tied together, forcing a choice.

Lin Zhou pondered for a moment.

He had anticipated this; leaning completely toward any one side was unrealistic. Balance was the only way to survive.

"I understand," he spoke slowly. "Building an air force is indeed in my plans. However, as you know, my country has just started, and training pilots takes time. If I buy F-35s now, I'm afraid they would only sit in hangars as decorations."

"Then what do you mean?"

"We can first sign a memorandum of understanding for procurement. For the first batch, I can purchase several trainer aircraft, such as the T-7A Red Hawk, to establish a flight school and train our own pilots. Once our air force core is established, we will purchase more advanced combat aircraft in phases. As for which specific models to buy, I want my air force commander to discuss that in detail with your experts; after all, I am a layman."

This proposal was very reasonable; it gave the Americans both face and substance while buying himself precious time.

Thompson thought for a few seconds and nodded. "Acceptable. The total amount in the memorandum of understanding cannot be too low. That is very important to me."

"Name your price."

"A framework of at least three hundred million US dollars."

"Deal," Lin Zhou agreed very straightforwardly.

Seeing Lin Zhou so decisive, the smile on Thompson's face became much more sincere.

Lin Zhou seemed to recall something and asked curiously, "I've been wondering, how did you manage... to have them 'happen' to meet me at the hospital? Did you predict I would get sick?"

Thompson smiled and waved his hand. "It was a gamble. That girl Su Wanqing is meticulous. Back in Hainan, through some of your lifestyle habits and dietary details, she judged that you would have health risks in that area in the future. They were simply waiting in the right hospitals in advance. If you hadn't fallen ill this year, they might have changed the script. I didn't expect you to truly deliver yourself to the door."

Lin Zhou: "..."

"One last question," Lin Zhou composed himself, suppressing the sense of humiliation. "Mr. Secretary, why are you so easy to talk to today? I don't believe it's just because of a mere three-hundred-million-dollar arms deal. These terms, while harsh, seem to leave some room compared to the US's past behavior."

A hint of admiration appeared in Thompson's eyes. He knew that talking to smart people saved effort.

"My term is almost up," he said flatly.

Lin Zhou understood instantly.

"After I return, I will immediately push for the establishment of a National Supreme Strategic Advisory Committee," Lin Zhou said with a smile. "At that time, in the name of the Head of State, I will formally invite you to be our committee's first overseas senior advisor, enjoying the highest level of treatment and... stipends."

Thompson smiled with satisfaction. He took an exquisite business card from his pocket and handed it to Lin Zhou.

"This is the card for the manager of one of my family's charitable foundations. The global economy hasn't been great lately; we are considering moving it to a place with... friendlier tax rates and more flexible regulation."

A blatant exchange of interests.

"What a coincidence." Lin Zhou took the card. "Our Legislative Yuan is currently discussing a bill to implement the world's lowest tax rates and provide the most complete legal protection for all overseas trusts and charitable foundations registered in our country."

"Hahaha, that truly is a coincidence!" Thompson laughed heartily, stood up, and patted Lin Zhou's shoulder. "Lin Zhou, you are a young man with a boundless future. In the future, get along well with Lin Xi; that child has no guile."

He mentioned Lin Xi but did not say a word about Su Wanqing, who had a deeper background.

Lin Zhou understood perfectly. This was an attempt to force one of "his own" by his side—a pawn with a relatively simple background who was easier for her uncle to control. Whereas a "hunter" like Su Wanqing was someone even Thompson himself felt was difficult to manage.

This hot potato was hard to refuse.

"I will," Lin Zhou could only nod in agreement.

The two smiled at each other, everything understood without being said. They walked back into the banquet hall and re-merged with the crowd, as if that secret talk which decided the fate of a nation had never happened.

After the banquet ended, Thompson, in a departure from his usual manner, spoke highly of Lin Zhou to reporters, calling him a "visionary and pragmatic leader for a new era" and declaring that America would open its arms to welcome the Cyber Freedom Republic into the international family.

This statement spread across the world instantly through the camera lenses.