Ling?
Three years.
Three years to reach this point—a developnt that profoundly stimulated India’s upper echelon. They are individuals who have ascended to the highest positions, the dispensers of interests, contemplating the future of an entire nation.
And how they might be rembered by history.
If there is an opportunity.
It must not be missed.
"Ling only gave a one-month tifra, and now a week has passed. By next week, internal voices must align."
"Aligning voices is easy, but passing Congress will be difficult. This year, we’ve already had the budget session and just signed off on massive dical debt in the pilot program for remote states. Legislators across states are unlikely to agree."
If it were a dical loan.
The entire nation would benefit.
As long as the pharmaceutical interest groups don’t make a ss, it wouldn’t be a big deal. But this ti it’s different; only that state benefits, and they’re the ones borrowing money. When legislators from other states see this... Wishful thinking!
"I know, but if we miss this chance, we may only be able to watch in the future. Alternatively, we let the local state borrow in na." The elder expressed his thoughts.
"That could work, but will Ling agree?" Lunda responded uncertainly.
"That area is mountainous but rich in minerals and close to Myanmar. Besides, we won’t designate a specific state. Don’t forget, there are two states suitable for the trial. Let them compete a little."
"I’ll handle it right away."
Lunda nodded.
...
Nagaland.
State Governnt Office.
"What? A city loan?"
State leader.
Chief Minister Du Te was ecstatic upon hearing Lunda’s words. They lived in truly impoverished backcountry—a mountainous area with a lagging economy. Fortunately, being next to Myanmar allowed so trade profits.
In the past.
They exported goods.
Now it had turned into imports.
Yet it didn’t cause much disruption; the only difference was shifting from Indian goods to Myanmar goods.
This is such a great opportunity.
If successful.
This state might turn itself around.
Lunda said, "Yes, but there’s only one slot. It’s intended as a trial. If a decision isn’t made within the month, they will look for the next trial location. If we agree later, it will be aningless."
"What are your instructions?" Du Te asked urgently.
"If the Indian governnt were to provide the loan, it might face obstacles passing Congress. Therefore, there is a plan—let the state governnt take on the loan, using local mineral resources as collateral."
Du Te nodded thoughtfully.
This makes sense.
The Indian governnt represents the nation.
It can offer credit loans.
The state?
For a poverty-stricken state, its credibility is laughable at best. Its fragile fiscal situation would hardly inspire confidence in anyone. Thus, if a state borrows without collateral, it’s almost inconceivable.
"However, there’s another option available—the state of Manipur. Barring surprises, the trial will choose between your two states. You should act quickly."
"Understood," Du Te said.
What more could he say?
When there’s an opportunity, you must try.
Soon after.
Du Te began gathering his team.
At the ntion of city-building.
Interest surged among them. This place was so remote; even the neighboring Langyu County seed prosperous by comparison, which filled them with envy. But who could bla Ling for having an ironclad grip and incredible money-making abilities?
Myanmar Bank Group.
Rich enough to rival a nation.
Its major core businesses generated huge daily revenues. Even adding their state’s revenue to neighboring "brother-in-hardship" Manipur would still pale in comparison to the annual profit of the Myanmar Pharmaceutical Group.
No.
Pale hopelessly.
The heart aches.
"Only one month."
"This kind of opportunity, once missed, is gone forever."
"Everyone has seen Langyu County across the border. I won’t even ask for a major city—just one comparable to it would suffice. If Manipur snatches away this trial, we’ll have no way to explain ourselves to the people."
"I’ll head to New Delhi right away. We can’t afford to procrastinate."
"..."
Shortly after.
They reached a consensus.
Fight.
They had to fight for it.
Even if it ans the state falling into debt, so be it. Already marginalized as a state—with few people, little land, and scarce money—if they fail to seize this chance or let others take it, they may as well step down.
Elsewhere.
Manipur.
Similarly.
A group of people scrambled into action.
Lunda and his team successfully shifted responsibility. With this, only approval from the Ministry was necessary. Transforming Indian governnt debt to state debt—with collateralized state-owned assets—was far more straightforward.
...
That afternoon.
Naypyidaw.
A middle-aged white man carrying a briefcase walked out of the airport.
"Are you Mr. Bluem?"
"Yes, that’s ."
"I’m the embassy driver, Erye."
"Hello."
In the car.
Bluem observed the cars and people along the way. This was his first visit to Myanmar, his designated base for the next few years. Thinking about his posting here, Bluem felt sowhat at a loss.
The previous envoy, Annesley, had resigned.
He was the successor.
Previously stationed in Algeria, this was essentially a lateral transfer.
Before coming, he t Annesley, and to this day, he couldn’t forget the look in Annesley’s eyes—containing encouragent, joy, and... sympathy. Yes, sympathy.
He could see it.
And.
Bluem understood sowhat.
Over the years, Annesley had been utterly ineffective in Myanmar’s diplomacy. Aside from the barely managed $10 billion loan to Ling, progress in tariffs negotiations, intelligence gathering, weapons sales... there had been zero breakthroughs.
Had he not resigned.
His next transfer was likely Africa.
Recalling the helpless expression on Annesley’s face, Bluem preferred to believe that Annesley was incompetent. Surely, he could perform better than Annesley. After all, outside of isolated cases, the U.S. rarely encountered adversaries it couldn’t handle.
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