When I went home for Chinese New Year, I spent a million times more money on my foreign wife.

Er Mao's defenses are completely collapsing.

Without Western funding and military supplies, the soldiers on the front lines couldn't even get enough winter clothing.

When the Russian armored forces advanced to the east bank of the Dnieper River, a white flag had already been raised on the opposite bank.

When Chen Yue called Mo Cheng Manor, Chen Yang was having breakfast.

"Brother, Er Mao has cast his ballot."

"When did this happen?"

"Two hours ago, their presidential palace issued a ceasefire declaration, requesting to enter into negotiation procedures. Frontline commanders laid down their weapons directly, and more than 40,000 troops surrendered en masse."

"What's the reaction from the Russian side?"

"Fireworks are going off all over the country. Red Square in Morgen is packed with people. Ivan just sent me a video of the scene; the whole city is celebrating."

Chen Yang put down his knife and fork.

"Please send me a copy of the settlement data from the Kunlun system."

"It's all set up. Since its launch, the Kunlun system has accumulated a settlement amount of over 1.2 trillion Chinese Yuan, connecting to 37 countries. Bro, the Chinese Yuan is now the world's second largest settlement currency."

"What did Director Li say?"

"Minister Li called me personally last night, saying that the higher-ups' evaluation of you can be summed up in eight words—'Great achievements, a pillar of the nation.' The stealth coating for the sixth-generation fighter jet has entered the trial production stage, a full five years ahead of schedule."

"Okay, we'll talk about the rest later."

Chen Yang hung up the phone, and Ivan's convoy had already entered the manor gate.

Ivan was wearing a brand-new dark blue suit, and the smile lines on his face were three times more pronounced than usual. He strode into the restaurant, pulled out a chair, sat down, and patted the table.

"Son-in-law! What a joyous occasion!"

"I've heard about it."

"You've only heard half of it." Ivan pulled a document from his pocket and slammed it on the table. "Independent mining rights for six newly developed blocks in Siberia, personally approved by the Emperor. Combined with our previous share, the Ivan Group now controls 80% of Siberia's energy lifeline. Our assets have tripled."

Congratulations, father-in-law.

"Congratulations to me?" Ivan pointed to the last page of the document. "Take a look at the signature section."

Chen Yang glanced at it. Of the six blocks, four listed "Snow Palace International Energy Holdings" as the joint developer, with Ekaterina Ivanova as the legal representative.

"Is this the Emperor's will, or yours?" Chen Yang asked.

"The Emperor said that without your drones and the Kunlun system, this war would have lasted at least three more years. These blocks are his gift to you."

Katyusha came downstairs with a cup of coffee and glanced at the documents on the table.

"Are you putting things in my name again?"

Ivan smiled and waved his hand: "You are now the uncrowned queen of the entire Russian business world. Half of the energy corridor from Harbin to Moscow is yours, you have control over 30% of Europe's natural gas, plus that gold mine in South Africa—your net worth has already surpassed mine."

Katyusha put down her coffee cup.

"I don't want any queen."

She looked at Chen Yang.

"I want to go back."

Ivan's smile froze.

"Go back where?"

"Go back to Harbin. Go back to his home."

Ivan opened his mouth, then closed it again. He looked at his daughter, then at Chen Yang, and finally let out a long sigh.

"When are you planning to leave?"

"I'll leave after I finish this last thing." Chen Yang stood up. "I need to say goodbye to the Emperor in person."

-

The Kremlin, Golden Hall.

When Chen Yang arrived, the Emperor was already waiting at the end of the long table.

There was a red velvet box on the table.

Without exchanging pleasantries, the emperor rose and opened the box. Inside was a gold medal with a ruby ​​in the center and Russian script engraved around the edges.

"The Order of Friendship," the Emperor said, "is the highest honor bestowed by the Bear Nation upon foreign citizens. Only eleven have been awarded since the founding of the nation. You are the twelfth."

Chen Yang took the box.

"Thanks."

"You helped us win a war without gunfire," the Emperor said, his hands resting on the table. "The Kunlun system, stealth drones, energy routes—these things are more valuable than ten armored divisions. I owe you a favor."

"It's not a favor." Chen Yang closed the box. "China and Russia should stand together."

The emperor nodded.

"Are you leaving?"

"The business is done, it's time to go home."

"Ivan couldn't bear to part with his daughter."

"He can come to Ice City anytime. A building has been reserved for him in the Snow Palace territory."

The Emperor extended his hand, and Chen Yang grasped it.

The two of them didn't exchange any more words.

-

Chen Yue called as Chen Yang was leaving the Kremlin.

"Brother, is it over with the Emperor?"

"It's over. I got the Friendship Medal."

"I saw the news. The Russian government has issued a press release, and your name has been included in the list of achievements in cooperation between the two countries, alongside the Kunlun system and energy shipping routes. Minister Li from China also sent a congratulatory telegram."

"Never mind that. Is the fleet ready?"

"Three Gulfstream aircraft will take off from Mo City tomorrow afternoon and fly directly to Ice City. Lei Zi's security team has already set off, and the reception at Snow Palace Territory is all ready."

"What about your father-in-law's farewell banquet?"

"Ivan has hosted a dinner party at the estate tonight at seven o'clock. He has the kitchen prepare a whole roasted lamb and three cases of Romanée-Conti, saying it's for your farewell."

"Okay. Is there anything else?"

"The acquisition of the Howard family fund is complete. The entire $8 billion portfolio has been absorbed, and the assets have been incorporated into Snow Palace Ventures. In addition, the expansion of Wingship Technology's drone production line is progressing normally, and it should be able to increase its production capacity fivefold within three months."

"Thanks for your hard work."

"Brother, seriously—" Chen Yue paused, "your trip to Mo City crashed Wall Street's defense sector, swallowed Madison, launched the Kunlun System, and even won the highest honor from the Soviet Union. Do you know how the domestic financial media are evaluating you?"

"How so?"

"One person uprooted the foundations of the old order."

"That's too exaggerated. We'll have our PR team tone down these reports and keep them from being too high-profile."

"Got it. I'll go check on the production line now. See you in Harbin tomorrow."

The phone hangs up.

Chen Yang got into the car, and Lei Zi handed him a gold-embossed invitation from the passenger seat.

"Boss, Ivan sent over the seating chart for tonight's dinner. He's put you in the head seat."

"Where will he sit by himself?"

"He arranged for himself to be the deputy."

Chen Yang tossed the invitation onto his seat and leaned back in his chair.

The convoy drove along the main road of Mo City, where flags celebrating the victory were hung on both sides of the street.

With that settled, Chen Yang is preparing to return to China.

He carried a medal, a woman, and the energy lifeline of half of Europe.

Outside the car window, the sunset in Mo City bathed all the buildings in gold.

Lei glanced at Chen Yang in the rearview mirror and increased the car's speed.