From a personal standpoint, Luo Zheng hopes the war ends soon, bringing a peaceful developnt opportunity to the Hook Tribe, allowing his brothers to return ho safely; from a national interest perspective, Luo Zheng, on the contrary, hopes the war continues, as it will train talent for the country, drag Sam Country into the quagmire of this war, and create chaos in Sam Country's traditional areas of interest. As long as Sam Country's backyard is in turmoil, it will be distracted, reducing many obstacles for national developnt. This is the soldier's mission—why not enjoy it?
Punard's veiled threats frustrated Luo Zheng, who confronted him without hesitation. Punard said this only to gain initiative in negotiations and strive for more benefits, not expecting Hook to react so fiercely and even less expecting Luo Zheng's firm attitude. Startled, Punard swiftly changed tactics, smiling calmly and saying, "Don't rush, since we are sitting down, let's talk thoroughly."
"Sure, go ahead. It's best to lay out all your conditions at once; our ti is limited," Lan Xue said indifferently, smoothing out the atmosphere for both sides.
"Alright." Punard glanced at Lan Xue, surprised and suspicious, before focusing his gaze back on Luo Zheng. Vaguely, Punard sensed that whether the negotiations would succeed depended on Luo Zheng rather than Hook. Quickly adjusting his strategy, he stopped probing and provocations, and said straightforwardly, "Since the topic is opened, let's be direct. We want the rights to mine tantalum, supporting nation-building, withdrawal of troops, mining rights—these are our core interests. Now, tell your conditions."
Luo Zheng glanced at Hook, who discontentedly said, "All three points are nonsense. If there's no room for negotiation, then don't talk; brother, you decide how to negotiate, I'll listen to you."
"You heard it too; is there any need to negotiate further?" Luo Zheng coldly looked at Punard and asked.
"Of course there's a need to negotiate; I set the price, and you counter-offer," Punard replied with a smile.
"You're going against my principle of not haggling; this is the last chance, state your bottom line," Luo Zheng said coldly, his tone unquestionable.
"I've proposed the conditions; speak your requirents," Punard, not wanting to reveal his trump card, tossed the ball back to Luo Zheng, eager to listen.
Knowing the opponent was passing the ball, Luo Zheng didn't hold back, saying coldly, "First, withdraw troops back to your bases within two days, using the forest edge as the boundary. Do not enter the forest; otherwise, it's considered a war. Second, the base can't host more than a thousand troops, nor deploy missiles. First, can you agree to these two points? If yes, we can continue talking."
Withdrawal of troops is a must; Sam Country's forces absolutely cannot be in the forest. As for the military base, it's the strategic cooperation between the host country and Sam Country; removal is impossible, but reducing troop presence and restraining military power is necessary.
Punard's expression stiffened, pondering quietly. Luo Zheng didn't push, patiently waiting, occasionally glancing at Punard's ear, suspecting he had a hidden earpiece receiving instructions from above, signaling Lan Xue and Hook subtly, both nodding tacitly without speaking.
As minutes ticked by, after about three minutes, Punard's face suddenly changed, seriously saying, "The first point can be agreed upon; the second point can only be half agreed. A thousand troops are fine, but missiles must be present; what if you go back on your word? We can guarantee only two missile launchers for deterrence."
Luo Zheng pondered for a mont and said, "Let's shelve this issue first; talk about the subsequent conditions. Your attacks without reason have brought significant losses to the Hook Tribe—war reparations must be provided. We'll give you the specific compensation list later. Is that a problem?"
"No problem, but we must change the na—not war reparations, but nation-building aid, aning Sam Country supports nation-building and establishes formal diplomatic relations between us. My country will provide so materials to you," Punard said sternly, without a hint of concession.
Luo Zheng knew Sam Country was preserving face here; war reparations signify defeat, whereas nation-building aid has a completely different aning. With this premise, the negative impact of Sam Country's defeat can be cleared. Thinking carefully, he looked at Hook and said, "You decide on this issue."
"No rush, let's talk about what's next," Hook said calmly.
"Alright." Luo Zheng agreed, as long as compensation is given, Sam Country can call it whatever they want—it's deceiving ordinary people, having no impact on the Hook Tribe but affecting his country. After contemplation, Luo Zheng said, "It's not Sam Country supporting nation-building; rather, it's Huaxia Country acting as a third party diator, and both sides reconcile and establish diplomatic ties. Sam Country, for peace, assists the Hook Tribe with resources as a proof of diplomatic relations, this point is non-negotiable."
Punard saw Luo Zheng taking a step back but proposing another condition, becoming troubled, pondering silently. Luo Zheng estimated he was awaiting a decision from above, disinclined to drag things out, continuing, "I know you can't decide this; let lay out everything once, and you respond once you've thought it over."
"Alright, go on," Punard urged.
"The core of the war is the rare tal resource tantalum. I know you won't give this up; the Hook Tribe can handle developnt—naturally, you provide equipnt, while Huaxia Country holds exclusive sales rights. Huaxia Country sells fifty percent of it to you at international market price," Luo Zheng said earnestly, glancing at Hook, with an inquiring look since the resource is in Hook's tribe, requiring Hook's agreent.
Without hesitation, Hook nodded, saying, "I agree with the exclusive operating rights, and I will invite Huaxia Country to jointly develop together. The exact manner we can discuss elsewhere," his tone resolute and unquestionable.
Luo Zheng smiled in gratitude, looking at Punard. Punard saw their connection, looking bitter, knowing if he didn't agree, there wouldn't be a choice but to keep fighting. It's a significant matter, and Punard had no way to directly agree; he fell into deep thought. Hook took the opportunity, saying, "You have only one day to consider; after one day, I will continue the war and publicly invite Huaxia Country to jointly develop."
A public invitation implies Huaxia Country can openly send people, increasing war uncertainties. For Hook Tribe, it's positive, but for Sam Country, it brings many troubles. Punard isn't foolish; realizing Hook is indirectly appreciating and repaying Huaxia Country's support, if stopped, it will bring more trouble to the nation and more uncertainties to the war. His face turned serious, quickly saying, "No problem, give us a day to consider; I'll reply within a day."
"Start the clock now, respond within twenty-four hours," Hook said coldly.
"Anything else?" Punard looked at Luo Zheng, questioning further.
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