97: Chapter 97 Bern's Opening: Tough Battles and Counterattacks

Bern, Switzerland.

Ancient clock towers, cobblestone streets—this city was steeped in centuries of history.

It was the headquarters of the Universal Postal Union.

Three days before the opening of the congress, the delegation from the Cyber Freedom Republic, led by Qin Yue, had arrived quietly.

They didn't attend any cocktail parties or visit anyone; instead, they locked themselves in a hotel conference room to begin their final sprint.

A Niu, the legend who had once gained fame online for his hand-drawn maps, was now dressed in a sharp suit, his tie feeling a bit too tight for comfort.

Facing the PowerPoint presentation on the projection screen, he used stumbling English to repeatedly introduce the General Post Office building that had just risen from the desert.

"This... this building... it... it represents our country’s... determination."

Beads of sweat rolled down his temples.

Speaking at an event that would decide the nation's fate felt much more nerve-wracking and difficult than drawing blueprints under the scorching desert sun.

Qin Yue didn't interrupt A Niu, waiting quietly for him to finish.

Then, Qin Yue handed him a glass of water and corrected a few of his pronunciations in a gentle tone.

"Director A Niu, don't be nervous. This isn't a CET-4 or CET-6 exam."

Qin Yue's voice was soft, yet it carried a reassuring power.

"You are showing your own work to the world. No one understands it better than you do. Forget about the grammar and vocabulary. Use your pride and sincerity to tell them what an incredible thing you've built."

"Yes, an incredible thing!" A Niu clenched his fists, as if he had found his pillar of support, and his eyes filled with a bit more confidence.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the conference room, the atmosphere was completely different.

A young diplomat, looking solemn, handed a newly compiled list to Qin Yue.

"Minister, the situation isn't looking good."

The diplomat's voice was very low.

"Those who have clearly stated they will vote against us are several established Western countries led by the United States, along with their close ally, Japan."

Qin Yue took the list and scanned it quickly, her brow furrowing involuntarily.

"Their reasons?"

"The same old rhetoric," the diplomat said with a hint of disdain. "They claim our sovereignty is illegitimate, just an internet joke. They also say that admitting us would damage the seriousness and authority the Universal Postal Union has maintained for over a hundred years."

Another person immediately added, "They're not just opposing us themselves; they're also pressuring wavering small nations behind the scenes—especially those island nations in the Pacific and Caribbean. Their economic lifelines are almost entirely in the hands of the United States."

The entire conference room fell silent instantly.

Pressure weighed heavily on everyone's hearts.

Before coming, everyone knew this would be a tough battle, but no one expected the opposition's tactics to be so aggressive and ruthless.

"What about those who support us? What's the situation with Egypt?" Qin Yue's voice broke the silence.

"General Mubarak has indeed done his best and has already lobbied across Africa on our behalf. Currently, most African nations are on our side. Vatican City has also played a role; several Catholic countries in Europe and South America have taken an ambiguous stance, leaning towards us."

"But..." The person reporting paused before stating the core issue. "Even if we count all these solid support votes, the total is only just over sixty."

"The Universal Postal Union has a total of 192 member states. According to the charter, we must obtain more than half the votes—at least ninety-seven—to be admitted."

Ninety-seven votes.

They were still short by nearly forty votes.

Those forty votes were held by middle-ground countries with vague stances, who didn't want to offend anyone.

The next two days would be the critical moment.

"We can't wait anymore."

Qin Yue stood up abruptly, her eyes resolute.

"We can't just sit here and wait for others to pronounce judgment on our fate. We must take the offensive."

Qin Yue immediately began issuing orders, her speech rapid and her thoughts clear.

"Director A Niu, you'll be in charge of the technical side. Take all the information on our post office building—blueprints, construction videos, and functional area introductions—and turn them into exquisite brochures and USB drives. We need everyone to see that our infrastructure is second to none in the world."

"Xiao Li, contact all the African delegations immediately. Tell them that to thank them for their aid and support during the West Africa epidemic, the Cyber Freedom Republic will host an appreciation banquet tomorrow evening."

A slight curve appeared at the corner of Qin Yue's mouth.

"I want to thoroughly solidify our friendship with the African nations in front of everyone."

"Xiao Zhang, your task is a heavy one. Give me the list of all the wavering countries and analyze them one by one. What are they lacking? Is it money or technology? We will talk to them and visit them one by one."

"Tell them that the Cyber Freedom Republic is new; we have no history, but we have a future. The 'yes' vote they cast today is a venture capital investment in a future power. We will surely repay this favor many times over in the future."

With a series of orders issued, the entire team immediately began operating with high efficiency.

For the next forty-eight hours, Qin Yue barely slept.

Tirelessly, she navigated the major hotels and conference centers of Bern in her high heels.

Using fluent and elegant French and English, Qin Yue tirelessly told the story of the young nation born in the desert to face after face of different colors.

Qin Yue didn't just talk about postal services.

She spoke about how "Plant Genetic Improvement Technology" could solve Africa's food crisis.

She spoke about how "Atmospheric Water Generation" could make oases bloom in the desert.

She also discussed the Royal Entertainment Company's future global cultural export plans.

In Qin Yue's description, the Cyber Freedom Republic was a vibrant city holding the keys to future technology and brimming with immense business opportunities.

A Niu also completely let loose.

No longer rote-memorizing his script, he acted like a proud old craftsman, pulling aside every delegate interested in that "Desert Spaceship" and enthusiastically introducing his masterpiece.

A Niu's sincerity, his professionalism, and his suit—which looked awkward no matter how you viewed it—created a strange contrast that instead won the goodwill and respect of many.

On the night before the congress opened, the "Friends of Africa" appreciation banquet was held as scheduled. The atmosphere was incredibly lively, with representatives from dozens of African nations gathered together.

At the climax of the banquet, Qin Yue took the stage and publicly announced a major piece of news.

The Cyber Freedom Republic would immediately establish the "Sino-African Medical Development Fund," with an initial injection of fifty million US dollars specifically dedicated to helping African nations improve their underdeveloped primary healthcare conditions.

The entire hall erupted in thunderous applause.

The eyes of all the African representatives lit up. This was a true friend—generous enough.

However, amidst the jubilation, a diplomat, his face pale, squeezed through to Qin Yue's side and whispered a sentence into her ear.

"Minister... something has happened."

"The American delegation... they are also holding a reception in the banquet hall next door, and they've invited all the representatives from the wavering island nations."

"Just now, they announced on the spot that they will provide these countries with a total of two hundred million US dollars in 'Climate Change Adaptation Aid'."

Qin Yue's hand, holding the champagne, froze in mid-air.

The golden liquid in the glass rippled slightly.

It had come.

The opposition had begun to use heavy-handed tactics.

The simplest, crudest, and most effective way.

Crushing you with a monetary offensive.