However, if the hunters are so rampant even in a relatively safe kingdom, it seems we need to be careful when investing in Krobel... Zhou Mingrui pondered to himself.

Living in China for too long... sometimes I really forget that we don't live in a peaceful world, but in a peaceful country.

The Dayu began to slow down and slowly approached the port of the royal capital, Gran.

Sailors in white uniforms stood on either side of the ship's gunwale. The white Dayu immediately attracted the attention of the locals and, guided by a ship resembling a guide vessel, docked at the shore.

This also signifies that Xirang has finally reached one of the political, economic, and cultural centers of the local forces.

The gangway was set up on the dock, and the honor guard was the first to disembark. Their tall and handsome figures made the people on the dock whisper among themselves.

The Kingdom's reception staff, who were waiting at the dock, stepped forward. The leader was a woman in military uniform with a serious expression.

The diplomats handed the translation device to the other party. After the female officer put the device to her ear, the two sides had a brief exchange. The real high-level talks would have to wait until they met with the Queen of the Kingdom.

Soon, Corliss, carrying a suitcase and the gifts given to her by Zhou Mingrui, walked down the gangway.

When she saw the female officer, Corliss's expression froze for a moment, then she walked silently to her.

"I'm sorry, Yuri..."

The female officer named Yuri looked helpless, but at the same time, she breathed a sigh of relief.

"It's alright, I understand... I'm just glad you're alright."

Yuri never expected that Corliss, who had always been a well-behaved girl, would suddenly leave her behind and board a ship belonging to an unknown force. In order to catch up with Corliss, she had to requisition a royal airship to reach the capital in time.

Fortunately, Corliss encountered no accidents along the way, or rather, accidents did occur, but the forces of the Abyss Sea managed to resolve them with their own strength.

The downed airship has been found, with fewer than three survivors... This has prompted the kingdom's military to take the matter seriously. The airship was purchased from the Kingdom of Bel and, although it was privately modified, it was not far from being a military airship!

Soon, the members of the Cat Hunter Sky Pirates walked down the gangway dejectedly and were then taken away by the kingdom's police.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, several vehicles equipped with orbal energy stopped at the port. The Xirang diplomatic team boarded the vehicles and headed towards the castle, preparing to begin formal diplomatic activities.

Zhou Mingrui sat in the magic-powered car, observing the streets of Grand: bustling commercial streets, a relatively rich entertainment scene, and some buildings resembling martial arts schools...

Although the goods are not as abundant as those on Earth, there are still quite a few types, and some of them clearly bear the cultural traces unique to the kingdom.

"Sir, may I ask your name?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Mingrui looked at the red-haired soldier sitting in the passenger seat as his companion. Shi Qiang, who was next to him, glanced at him but ignored him after confirming that the other party posed no threat.

"Zhou Mingrui, who are you?"

"Just call me Charlie, captain of the Kingdom's intelligence department."

The intelligence department... Zhou Mingrui became secretly wary; those who work in intelligence are all dirty!

"Welcome to the kingdom. I never imagined that such a powerful nation existed in a place like the Abyss Sea. If I had the chance, I would love to pay a visit..." Charlie offered a brief compliment before changing the subject, continuing, "...We have located the hunters who attacked you and are currently pursuing them. They will be apprehended soon..."

"...However, after interrogating the survivors of the attacked airship, it was discovered that an unidentified force hired them to attack your ship. The identity of this unidentified force is still unknown..."

However, the intelligence department is conducting a full investigation, and will share the information with you as soon as possible after the investigation is complete.

After discovering that Richard had uttered some statements that were 90% nonsense, Zhou Mingrui said softly:

"We appreciate this (and agree with some of it)."

Charlie's formulaic answer made his eyes flicker, and he immediately realized that this young-looking guy was not as easy to deal with as he appeared.

"I heard that you used a special weapon to shoot down the Hunter's airship. I wonder if we could cooperate on this matter?"

Zhou Mingrui knew very well what he could and couldn't say. Even though he showed Ellie all sorts of things, everything she saw was something that could be shown to the outside world. He would never reveal the truly core information.

“I’m sorry, Captain Charlie…” Faced with Charlie’s probing, Zhou Mingrui said politely, “...it’s too advanced for us to demonstrate.”

Chapter 35 is all formulaic (1/3)

As for native civilizations, let them see the outer shell of high-tech guided weapons such as missiles and rocket launchers; the launching method is also acceptable... More detailed technical information is too advanced to be displayed here.

"That's...what a pity," Charlie said nonchalantly.

"Of course, it is not impossible for the two sides to cooperate on this matter after reaching a consensus with the Queen."

Zhou Mingrui dodged the question, saying cooperation was possible, but only if they reached a consensus... How could they be friends if their values ​​didn't align?

Charlie smiled and said nothing more, but Zhou Mingrui felt that this "scoundrel" seemed to have been observing him the whole way.

As the motorcade arrived at the palace gates, the royal guard stood on both sides. Some of the palace maids were decorating the castle with flowers and colorful flags, and a festive atmosphere permeated every corner of the castle.

"It seems your Queen is very beloved by her people..."

It's easy to tell whether the people support their country's leader; a bad leader can't make the people smile.

"Queen Estée is an excellent queen..."

Charlie spoke meticulously, but Zhou Mingrui always felt that he had only said half of what he meant... He had another reason to dislike the other man: a liar!

"Mr. Zhou Mingrui, what is the main purpose of your visit this time?"

"Captain Charlie, the specific policies are beyond my knowledge. As Mr. Zhou Shuren once said: 'If you are not in a position, do not concern yourself with its affairs...' which means that if you do not hold this position, you should not meddle in matters within the scope of that position."

"Those who are not in a position should not meddle in its affairs? What a philosophical statement!"

After being rebuffed, Charlie just smiled indifferently, not caring at all.

With a sizzle, the car stopped, and a soldier opened the door. Zhou Mingrui stepped out and saw an old woman in a gorgeous dress not far away...

"This is our beloved Queen Estée."

"Thank you for the introduction, Captain Charlie. Goodbye..."

After mentally adding "I hope we never meet again," Zhou Mingrui consciously integrated himself into the diplomatic team.

He's just here to broaden his horizons and be a background figure; the real diplomatic team doesn't need him. There are professionals to handle the problems.

In modern society, everyone is a cog in a machine with a different role, and only through mutual cooperation can the machinery of the state function properly.

"How is it? Isn't this place quite nice? Although it can't compare to your history, the history of the Bel Kingdom is the oldest on the continent of Sem."

Ellie stood beside Zhou Mingrui, her hands behind her back, and said playfully in his ear.

"Yes, that's the charm of culture..."

Culture is the sum of material and spiritual wealth created by humankind in the course of social and historical development. The most important spiritual wealth is... Zhou Mingrui immediately realized, how did Ellie end up in the diplomatic corps of Xirang?

"By the way, aren't you going to the other side?"

"You want me to go to the other side?" His gray eyes flashed, and he asked, puffing out his cheeks and pretending to be angry.

"No, it's fine here."

Ellie's lips curled up, and she stood obediently beside Zhou Mingrui. Shi Qiang glanced at her and then continued to stand like a wooden statue.

Suddenly, Zhou Mingrui caught a glimpse of Corliss out of the corner of his eye. She was standing somewhat uneasily beside the Queen. After exchanging a few whispered words with her, Corliss turned and left as if fleeing... It seems that her identity is not simple either, as she is able to be connected with the royal family.

Then, as is typical in diplomatic exchanges, the two sides engaged in a cordial and friendly conversation (we bumped into each other, friends), during which a brief introduction to the history of China was given (version 2.0, tracing back to the "Classic of Mountains and Seas" version):

They fought against the heavens and the sea in the Abyss Sea. Through the continuous struggle of their ancestors, they finally gained a foothold in the Abyss Sea and fought against the sea monsters... Now they have left the Abyss Sea and come into contact with other countries.

It reiterated the five principles of good neighborliness and friendship (mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence).

The Queen wore a polite smile and highly praised China's ideals. In her heart, she couldn't help but wonder why this Abyss Sea power's diplomatic procedures were so smooth... but at least it wasn't as aggressive and domineering as the Empire.

The Empire's amassed a large number of mech legions on the border, which already put pressure on the Kingdom of Bel. If another powerful force with a strong navy were to emerge across the sea, it would undoubtedly put the Kingdom on the grill.

What are your views on mainland China?

Our view is...

In summary: seek common ground while reserving differences, seek differences while reserving common ground, attract those nearby and those from afar...

The Queen nodded, and after exchanging some questions, the first meeting came to a successful conclusion.

The initial meeting is just a simple contact between the two parties, and it's impossible to reach any conclusions. To put it simply, it's similar to a blind date, where you see if your values ​​are compatible.

Besides the first meeting, there will be a second... a third... as both sides continue to get to know each other, exchange opinions, and observe each other.

...........

The Orbal Car stopped at the regular airship station in the capital of the Kingdom of Bell. The airship station was like a light rail station, and a green airship was already parked there, about to depart.

Zhou Mingrui got out of the car and opened the door for Ellie. Ellie got out of the car with a somewhat downcast expression, looked up at the airship station, then turned to look at Zhou Mingrui with a serene smile on her face.

"I'm leaving!"

"Okay, be careful on the road..." Zhou Mingrui handed over the gift box: "...This is a gift I prepared for you."

"Thanks..."

After receiving the gift box, Ellie stared at him with her expressive eyes, as if waiting for something. Zhou Mingrui opened his mouth, but didn't know what to say.

"Take a picture," Shi Qiang said, leaning against the car and watching the two who hadn't spoken for more than ten seconds.

“Okay!” Zhou Mingrui said in a deep voice.

After handing the phone to Shi Qiang, Zhou Mingrui stood side by side with Ellie. This was the first time he had been so close to Ellie. The pleasant fragrance kept wafting into his nose, and his heart couldn't help but beat faster.

"Come find me in Krobel soon."

A faint sound accompanied by a click from the phone reached Zhou Mingrui's ears.

After the photo was taken, Ellie waved and turned to walk towards the regular airship station. Watching her back, Zhou Mingrui said in a deep voice, "I'll come find you after this matter is resolved."

Upon hearing this, Ellie stopped and turned around to tidy her long, silver-gray hair, which had been ruffled by the wind. A strange light flickered in her gray eyes.

"I'm waiting for you."

As he watched the airship slowly ascend and fly towards Krobel, Zhou Mingrui suddenly felt a void in his heart.

Chapter 36 The Complex Situation (2/3)

"Have you seen them off?"

He chuckled as he flipped through the files on the Kingdom of Bel, the Rebonian Empire, and the Republic of Calva, asking without looking up.

"Mm." Zhou Mingrui nodded.

He chuckled, a man with experience, and said, "Young people are normal. Ellie is practically his student; the little girl is very eager to learn."

"...According to the plan, the supplies from the Xirang base will be brought to the cordon in a week, just in time to celebrate the Queen's birthday and make substantial diplomatic progress with the Kingdom of Bel."

As is characteristic of the rabbit's development, each step of construction is carried out in accordance with the plan, completing one goal after another. However, the characteristics of Zhou Mingrui's teleportation portal are very flexible. It can be opened for a whole month at once, with explosive and crazy material transportation, or it can be opened every three days for a steady flow.

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like