I'm reborn and I'm an international student again?

"I'm innocent! How could I possibly tip someone off?" In the office of the Environmental Protection Industry Promotion Association, several car company owners gathered together again.

Li Weibin's face turned red with anxiety, and he kept complaining.

"If you didn't do it, who did? We initially wanted to refuse their visit, but you said that would be too petty. Equipment and technology aren't so easy to copy. Now look what happened, they've poached all our people!"

"That's right, Dadao Group announced that the car's price is extremely low, but its appearance is just like a luxury car. This has a huge impact on our products, except for your Future Auto!"

"The initial investment in car manufacturing for Mr. Li's company came from others. Could these actions now be considered a pledge of allegiance?"

Several car company executives pointed at Li Weibin.

"Alright, I don't want to talk about this with you guys. Let's discuss it after President Duan finishes his meeting." Li Weibin angrily turned his head to the side.

At that moment, a large meeting was being held in the lobby of the Environmental Protection Association.

Duan Yixiong stood on the stage with a microphone, speaking animatedly.

Behind him, a huge LED screen flashed the words "Annual Green Pioneer Enterprise" in golden letters.

"These awards we just presented are not only honors, but also industry benchmarks. As business owners, we can't just focus on making money; we must have a sense of social responsibility. The companies that received the 'Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Protection Award' today are role models for everyone to learn from." Duan Yixiong's gaze swept over the large group of people in suits and ties below the stage, and his voice rose with a radiant smile.

"Clap clap clap!"

Thunderous applause immediately erupted from the audience.

The bosses sitting in the front row clapped their hands until they were red, as if afraid that Duan Yixiong on the stage wouldn't see them.

As the applause subsided, Duan Yixiong's smile faded somewhat.

He reached out and pressed down, getting to the point.

"Since there are benchmarks, there are rules. The association's newly formulated industry group standards have been distributed to everyone. This is not just a formality. Next, the association will organize expert groups to conduct on-site evaluations from time to time. Whoever meets the standards will be a national hero. Whoever does not meet the standards... Recently, several companies have been found to have serious pollution exceeding the standards, and their production lines have alarming energy consumption. For example, Feida Auto Parts in the south of the city, and Lanhai Battery in the east district. These companies are simply tarnishing the reputation of our industry!"

The audience was silent.

Everyone knows that the companies Duan Yixiong named are all troublemakers who stubbornly refuse to pay membership fees or join the association.

After giving them a good talking-to, it's time to offer them something in return.

Duan Yixiong put on that heartbroken expression again.

"Of course, the association was established to accelerate the country's environmental protection efforts. We can't condemn manufacturers that are weak or don't meet the standards. After discussion by the Standing Council, the association will release a green procurement list next week. The list contains environmental protection equipment that has undergone rigorous screening and fully complies with the new national standards. Companies that don't meet the standards can directly purchase from the list. As long as the equipment is in place, the assessment will naturally be passed."

Upon hearing this, the hundred or so members sitting below the stage all understood.

This is my ultimatum.

On the surface, it's about providing a way out for companies that don't meet the standards, but in reality, it's about telling all the members present.

From now on, when purchasing equipment, we can only choose from this list designated by the association.

If you don't buy it, you might be the one the expert panel finds problematic next time.

Duan Yixiong stood on the stage, taking in the various expressions below.

The equipment on the list is 30% more expensive than the market price.

But he doesn't care how much or how little the members buy. Even if they only buy a sensor or a few valves, as long as you pay, it means you've bowed down and accepted the association's rules.

Once these members take the lead in buying, the association's reputation will be fully established.

Once those companies that were still observing saw that even industry leaders had to obediently purchase according to the list, they would definitely try their best to get into the association.

With power and recognition, all that's left is to sit at home and wait for money to flow into your pocket.

Duan Yixiong looked at the fawning faces below the stage, held the microphone further away, and a smile appeared on his lips.

Although the CEOs in the audience had all paid, they had already cursed him and his ancestors for eighteen generations in their hearts. This guy was nothing but a bandit, and he even called himself the Green Pioneer of the Year. It was ridiculous.

As Duan Yixiong continued speaking animatedly, a group of people in uniforms walked in, and everyone turned their attention to the doorway.

Ignoring the curious stares of the crowd, the group strode onto the stage and pulled out a document.

The man leading the group, with his slicked-back hair, said expressionlessly, "Chairman Duan, someone has filed a formal complaint against you for allegedly committing multiple economic crimes and irregularities. Please come with us to cooperate with the investigation."

The hall fell silent.

Duan Yixiong's face turned bright red instantly when his place was disrupted in front of hundreds of members.

He shoved the microphone aside, pointed at the slick-haired man's nose, and started yelling, "Do you know who I am? Coming to my meeting and causing trouble! Which department are you from? I'm calling your boss right now!"

As he spoke, he reached for his phone in his suit pocket.

The slicked-back-haired man didn't even blink, coldly watching Duan Yixiong take out his phone, and calmly said, "Today, there are comrades from the Economic Investigation Detachment, the Industry and Commerce Bureau, and the Tax Bureau. Chairman Duan, which department leader do you want to call? I'll dial the number for you."

Upon hearing this, Duan Yixiong's hand, which was touching his phone, trembled violently, and he almost dropped the phone.

But he was used to being domineering and stubborn, refusing to show any weakness. He retorted, "Why should I go with you? I've been running the association cleanly and honestly. I haven't committed any crimes. Arresting people requires following the law. Show us the evidence."

"The evidence is all prepared for you. When you get back to the station, I'll pour you a cup of good tea so you can read it slowly, page by page. Take it with you." The man with the slicked-back hair raised his hand and beckoned.

As soon as he finished speaking, two men in uniform stepped forward, grabbed Duan Yixiong's arms from both sides, and pulled him back sharply.

"What are you doing? Let me go." Duan Yixiong struggled desperately, his bespoke suit was deformed in the pulling, and his tie was askew on his shoulder.

The president who was just moments ago pointing fingers and acting superior is now acting like a complete scoundrel throwing a tantrum.

The two men ignored his nonsense and dragged him off the stage.

Duan Yixiong was dragged past the front row seats.

The car company executives who had been clapping and fawning just moments before were now all leaning back in their chairs. No one stood up to help him up, and no one spoke up for him.

The bosses exchanged glances, their lips curling into mocking smiles.

The bandits were wiped out.

Today's show was far more exciting than any Green Pioneer Awards ceremony.

A few hours later, Chen Xi, who was lying on a lounge chair by the pool at her new mother-in-law's hotel, enjoying the fruit Saori was feeding her, suddenly received a phone call.

He glanced at the screen; it was Jiang Yu calling.

"Mr. Chen, you are truly amazing. You were able to wipe out the enemy in the blink of an eye."

"So-so, third in the world. It's everyone's responsibility to rid the people of this scourge." Chen Xi smiled.

"But could you please not do this next time? You're making me investigate secretly while sending other people to do the work. Even though this scourge has been eliminated, it makes us all seem like we've been working for nothing." Jiang Yu's tone suddenly became somewhat resentful.

"What the heck? Are you so busy you've lost your mind? You're talking incoherently." Chen Xi was completely confused. "No, Mr. Chen. Didn't you report Duan Yixiong and get him arrested? I just got the news, it even made the news. Mr. Chen, stop pretending. We're all on the same side, we won't talk about this to outsiders." Jiang Yu scratched his head, immediately making connections to other things.

"What am I pretending to be a ghost for? What's wrong with Lao Duan..." Chen Xi sat up from the recliner.

"Huh? You really didn't do it..." Jiang Yu briefly recounted the events in surprise.

"Uh..." Chen Xi didn't know what to say after hearing that.

"Then, Mr. Chen, if you didn't do this, then who did?"

"Alright, since Lao Duan can't come out for the time being, let's take this opportunity to quickly clean up the company," Chen Xi gave the order.

I had just hung up the phone when it rang again.

"Chen, you're something else! You took care of that old fox Duan Yixiong so quietly. I won't treat you like a young man anymore." Feng Yun's voice came from the phone.

Judging from his tone, he's in a good mood right now.

"Oh, Mr. Feng, please don't label me as scheming. This has absolutely nothing to do with me; I even suspect you did it."

"Hey, how could a guy from Zhijiang dare to lay a hand on Master Jing? That's giving me too much credit," Feng Yun said with a self-deprecating laugh.

"That means he's offended too many people, and he might get stabbed in the back."

“Oh dear, it might actually be true. I went to Mr. Xu’s place a few days ago to watch a song and dance performance… no, it was a business dinner. Mr. Xu cursed Duan Yixiong a few times in front of me, and I asked him what happened. He told me that the association had sent documents to Hengxiao, saying that it was threatening Hengxiao to manufacture cars. Do you think this matter could be related to Mr. Xu? But I don’t think it’s likely.”

"So you didn't call Mr. Xu first, but called me instead, which means you suspect me."

"That's not entirely true. After all, Duan Yixiong and President Xu only had that minor disagreement..."

"So you think I got him arrested because of the Huahetong thing?"

"Forehead……"

"Okay, I'm abroad now, I'll talk to you when I get back."

Two phone calls in a row, with almost the same content, gave Chen Xi a bit of a headache.

"What happened? Did something go wrong?" Jin Nana, who had sharp ears, had already overheard the conversation.

"Ah."

"You look so calm, do you know who did it?"

"How would I know? I don't want to get involved in this right now."

"So what do you want to do?"

“Deviya’s finally back, shouldn’t we have some fun tonight?” Chen Xi raised an eyebrow.

He'd been driven crazy by that Barbie-like bodybuilder lately. He'd originally wanted to get revenge for his past as a gigolo. But Divia was sleeping with Saori and Jin Nana every day, leaving him with absolutely no chance.

"Get lost, all you can think about is that." Jin Nana blushed upon hearing this and immediately kicked out with her leg.

However, her foot was grabbed by the other party, who then touched her leg, causing Jin Nana's face to turn even redder.

Chen Xi was in the same situation, but he was being hurt because Saori was pinching his flesh with her toes.

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in the land of kimchi.

Frog Terrace, the conference hall.

"Leader, we have already announced that the currency swap agreement with our neighbor has been signed and is in effect. The United States immediately held a press conference, which is very bad for us..." Park Sung-hoon, who had been humiliated at the negotiating table, now looked even more unpleasant.

In his view, this move was extremely risky, practically a complete break with the Big Brother.

If the other side withdraws all its military deployments, then South Korea's security will be completely unsecured.

Everyone knows perfectly well what kind of people their neighbors are.

The man at the head of the table picked up the warm water on the table, took a sip, and glanced across the long table.

"The Americans are saying this simply to stir up the pride of the Korean people. They want to imply that by signing the currency swap agreement, we're just going back to be a vassal state of that ancient Eastern country. They're trying to use public opinion to force me to break the agreement."

Park Sung-hoon's palms were sweating slightly: "The protests outside have already started to be organized. If public opinion gets out of control, coupled with the threat of the Black House withdrawing its troops, your situation will be very troublesome."

"Are you still worrying about our situation? If the Korean dollar keeps falling, we won't even be able to cover the expenses of FrogTV next month. If we go to the United States to borrow money, what kind of price will they ask for? They want several of our semiconductor giants to hand over core data and for us to have absolute control by capital."

The man tapped on the table.

"This is what you call ensuring safety? This is like pulling our tendons out of us."

The conference room was completely silent.

Everyone knows what a mess we're in right now.

The man sighed and loosened his tie a little.

"What Ming Dynasty, what 'all nations paying tribute'? Those are ancient history from hundreds of years ago. Our neighboring countries need to break through America's financial blockade, and we need foreign exchange to save our market and survive. Everyone gets what they need; that's what business is all about."

He turned to look at Park Sung-hoon.

"Is the Black House really willing to withdraw from its military springboard in the Far East? They're more afraid of losing this position than we are. They're just good at talking big in press conferences. Go do something for me now."

Park Sung-hoon quickly opened his notebook: "Whatever your instructions are."

"Go and spread the word to the media. Emphasize that the exchange rate terms our neighbor offered us this time are much better than the international market rate. Tell the people we got a great deal. As long as the people know that their money is safe, who cares who paid tribute to whom hundreds of years ago?"

In the context of Western international relations, the Ming Dynasty does not represent prosperity, but rather the hierarchical East Asian tributary system.

The subtext is that the American-led international order is ostensibly based on the equality of sovereign states under the Treaty of Westphalia.

If another major power were to restore the Ming Dynasty model, it would mean breaking down equality and establishing a class pyramid with itself as the absolute core, where all surrounding countries would have to kneel down and become vassal states.

The Black House's goal is to characterize the peaceful rise of a certain major power as a substantial threat to the sovereignty and dignity of neighboring countries.

This statement is not only directed at South Korea, but also serves as a warning to island nations.

After all, island nations have historically paid tribute to the Ming Dynasty, such as Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.

The United States is telling both countries: "You are with me now, at least as allies with independent sovereignty. If you side with another country for economic interests, or try to drive out your troops, you will become a vassal state of another country again, and your centuries of independence will have been for nothing."

The Black House official wants to awaken their historical anxieties about national subjugation, forcing South Korea and island nations to willingly spend on military spending and buy US debt, and to be wholeheartedly bound to the war machine of containing others.

However, South Korea has long since mastered the art of survival between powerful nations and naturally has its own methods for dealing with such situations. (End of Chapter)