62: Chapter 62: Meeting Sets the Tone, Dragon Kingdom Sends Warmth

At nine o'clock the next morning, Meeting Room No. 1 of the Bangkok Camp.

The meeting room was filled with smoke, mostly from the newly promoted local officers—some who had just learned to smoke and others who were long-time chain smokers—puffing away. These people used to be small-time leaders or militia captains, and while they sat upright in their crisp new uniforms, the 'jianghu' air in their bones hadn't quite faded yet, and their excitement was written all over their faces. In contrast, the core circle of Death Soldiers, like Zhang Cheng and Old K, were much calmer, even cold.

When Zhang Cheng walked into the meeting room, everyone stood up with a 'swish,' the sound of chairs scraping against the floor echoing through the room.

"Sit." Zhang Cheng walked to the head of the table and didn't waste any time, getting straight to the point. "I've called everyone here today for one thing: to set the tone."

He looked around, his gaze sweeping over everyone's face before finally resting on the map. "Our territory has grown, and we have official status now. I know many of the brothers are feeling fired up, thinking we should strike while the iron is hot to wipe out Bao Youxiang in the south or go head-to-head with other factions."

Several local officers scratched their heads sheepishly, clearly having their thoughts read.

"I'm telling you, nip that thought in the bud right now!" Zhang Cheng slammed the table suddenly, raising his voice several notches. "Our current assets might look substantial, but in reality, we're just a 'false fat man'! One poke and we'll pop!"

He didn't mention the system upgrade directly but used a more easily understood explanation. "Our resource channels have been opened up. The supplies and funds we can mobilize every day are more than ten times what they used to be! It's equivalent to having a hundred million dumped in every single day!"

"Hiss—"

A chorus of sharp intakes of breath immediately rang out from below.

Li Lanzhi looked up sharply, her eyes sparkling like little stars, and she nearly snapped the pen in her hand. Heaven knows how much hair she had lost worrying about money and supplies lately; every single expense had to be meticulously calculated.

The local officers were even more excited, their hands fidgeting as they exchanged glances. A hundred million a day? They wouldn't have dared to dream of this before! Back when they were with the old warlords, seeing a few million in a month was like New Year's!

"Don't get happy too soon." Zhang Cheng poured cold water on them. "With more money comes more trouble. Right now, we're like a toddler walking through a busy market holding a gold bar. Who wouldn't be envious? Naypyidaw is watching, the south is watching, and even those foreigners are watching! As long as we dare to show even a hint of wanting to dominate, believe me, planes and cannons will be bombing us tomorrow."

"So," Zhang Cheng stood up and walked to the large map on the wall, holding a pointer and drawing a heavy circle around the North Wa region. "For the next six months, our strategic policy will be eight words: Dig deep tunnels, store grain everywhere, and be slow to claim kingship!"

"Additionally," Zhang Cheng added, "issue a public notice in the name of our Autonomous Region government, along with a foreign propaganda document, stating our determination to crack down on crime, restore production, and welcome investment. Use a polite tone and keep a low profile; don't let people think we're troublemakers."

Once the meeting ended, the entire machine began to move. With her 'Imperial Sword' of authority, Li Lanzhi provided funds and materials wherever needed, and various construction projects that had been strapped for cash immediately accelerated. In Old K's barracks, recruit training became even more intense, and they began to incorporate some strange 'theory classes' about impressive-sounding tank and aircraft parameters.

While Zhang Cheng kept a low profile, Dragon Country's reaction was very swift.

A few days later, Zhao Gang returned, this time with an even broader smile and a briefcase in hand.

"Chairman Zhang," he said, his form of address having changed to something more intimate. "The domestic leadership is very appreciative of your recent measures! Cracking down on crime and restoring people's livelihoods is the right path. To show our support, we've decided to increase the scale of our previous aid several times over! Not just food and medicine; this time, we've also approved a batch of building materials and small mechanical equipment."

Zhang Cheng saw right through it; Dragon Country saw his immense potential and was increasing its investment. He also put on a smile. "Thank you so much to the motherland! We will certainly not let you down and will build this place well."

"And we're not just giving materials, but people too." Zhao Gang pushed up his glasses. "The country is preparing to send an expert advisory group—specialists in agriculture, water conservancy, medicine, and education—to help you with construction! This is a rare opportunity for hands-on teaching."

"That's wonderful!" Zhang Cheng was genuinely happy. What he lacked most right now was professional talent.

"There's one more good thing," Zhao Gang lowered his voice and leaned in closer with a hint of mystery. "CCTV International wants to do an exclusive interview with you. This is a window to the whole world! It's the perfect chance for you to personally speak about our policies and development ideas. The country also hopes to establish a model of 'successfully eradicating the breeding ground for crime and committing to peaceful development.' This is a great chance to clear your name!"

A CCTV interview? Zhang Cheng was delighted; it was truly like someone handing him a pillow just as he wanted to sleep. He had been worrying about how to shape his image to the outside world, attract talent and investment, and incidentally annoy his rival in the south.

"No problem!" Zhang Cheng agreed immediately, his eyes flashing with sharpness. "I'll definitely prepare well and let the whole world see the new face of Northern Myanmar! And let certain people see that we aren't just bandits who only know how to fight!"

After seeing Zhao Gang off, Zhang Cheng began to ponder. This interview was a powerful weapon and had to be used well. Not only to speak to the outsiders but also to that old rival in the south, just to spite him.