Civilization: Beyond Two Worlds

“They’re not specific. The information should be limited, but anyone with a discerning eye can tell. Comoros’s air and sea defense was outsourced to France, but they didn’t do anything when Gambia invaded on a large scale.”

Xie Ligan said, “This is very unreasonable because everyone knows that a legendary mercenary who retired from the French Foreign Legion is the Grand Emperor of Comoros… This seems even stranger.”

Kang De frowned. “What do you mean?”

“France,” Xie Ligan said. “Let’s put it this way. As long as it’s in Africa, the wars, coups, and conflicts that happen will more or less have the shadow of France.”

“You mean almost?”

“Yes, there are always exceptions.”

“For example?”

“For example, a few years ago, a real estate developer from Texas in the United States spent 220,000 dollars with his assistant to try to overthrow the Gambia government and become the new ruler.”

“…What happened in the end?”

“Of course, they failed. They bought two sniper rifles and wanted to assassinate the King of Gambia at that time. In the end, the other party went overseas to visit, so they planned to directly kill their way into the palace. In their expectations, they wanted to bring freedom to the oppressed Gambia. Then, when the gunshot sounded, the King’s Guards would definitely change sides and help. They didn’t expect that the King’s Guards didn’t surrender. Instead, they decisively counterattacked and beat them until they fled in a sorry state. These American devils have been doing liberal democracy for decades and even believed themselves. Idiot.”

“…So this was not done by the American government? The CIA or something?”

“Definitely not. If the CIA did it, they should be disbanded.”

That was true.

They could not afford to embarrass themselves.

Kang De asked, “So you mean… there’s a French shadow in this war?”

Xie Ligan replied, “Considering that France hasn’t moved, the possibility is very high.”

“…It’s none of my business,” Kang De said. “I’m only going to save my father. Even if the French are behind this, they don’t have any reason to kidnap the Chinese, right?”

This kind of thing was not a joke. No one would care if France played some tricks in his back garden colony. However, if he kidnapped a Chinese citizen, it would be a different matter.

The so-called world public opinion and international morality were usually nonsense—but if the victim was one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and was caught with concrete evidence, morality and justice were the most fatal weapons.

Generally speaking, France was unwilling to take this risk. There was no need.

This was because the benefits and risks were really disproportionate.

Xie Ligan pondered for a moment and said, “Generally speaking, there’s indeed no reason to do this, but it’s not certain if there’s any logic and inside story we don’t know.”

“It’s said that we’re actively negotiating, but this matter involves countries, so the efficiency will be greatly reduced. Moreover, it’s a crazy country like Gambia… Their efficiency is really low. Now, they haven’t given a precise answer, announced their responsibility for this seizure, or made any requests…”

Kang De said indifferently, “They won’t have the chance.”

Xie Ligan stopped talking.

Kang De said, “But no matter what, thank you for your information.”

On the other end of the phone, Xie Ligan was silent for a moment before saying, “I’m only thinking for myself.”

There was no need to make it too obvious.

If anything happened to Kang De’s father in Africa, it could be imagined that he would definitely become extremely violent. At that time, there would be as many reasons to vent his anger on Xie Ligan. He could not bet that Kang De was clear-minded and would always be rational. Helping him now was helping his future self.

“But I still appreciate it.”

Kang De raised his head. “I owe you a favor. Think about what you can use it for. If there’s nothing else, let’s leave it at that.”

“…Goodbye.”

The voice call was hung up. Kang De pushed open the door and returned to the cabin. He took out a bottle of wine from the wine cabinet at the minibar and broke the mouth of the bottle. He poured a large glass and drank it in one go.

One glass after another.

When he finished this bottle of wine, he threw the wine bottle on the bar and came to the window. He looked out at the 12,000-meter sky, clear and calm. Below was a sea of clouds, a beautiful scenery, far away from the mortal sky.

However, his eyes were not calm.

The buzzing of his phone interrupted his thoughts. Kang De picked it up and looked at it. There was a new friend request on WeChat. It was a shared business card from Xie Ligan. The ID was a string of Russian words. The avatar was like a red five-star in the cold wind. The friend request was a string of Chinese words, “Hello, Chinese comrade from a socialist world!”

“…”

Kang De clicked agree and sent Xie Ligan a message, “It seems that your firearms friend is still an old man from the former Soviet Union. Are there many such people?”

When the message popped up, the Soviet comrade sent an emoji—the classic soybean man. He widened his eyes and smiled.

He must not have known that this friendly expression had gradually evolved into a mockery in China.

Immediately, Xie Liqian sent a message, “According to the client’s background, country, and stand, he can change his attitude at any time. For example, foreigners who love Chinese food and culture, the white supremacists, fascists who support dictatorship, democratic warriors who advocate freedom, and environmentalists.”

As expected, after a short while, the Soviet comrade sent another message.

He should have seen Kang De’s approximate age through his Moments.

“Hello, Chinese friend. You can call me Kirov. I’ve been to China. I love China and your delicious food. I also like your broad, profound, and long-standing culture! It’s good to meet you!”

“…”

It seemed that this Soviet comrade’s impression of the Chinese should be updated.

It had been so many years since the reform. At the very least, to the young people of China, nonsense like the foreigners saying in stiff and broken Chinese on social media, “I love China, I love Chinese food and culture” could no longer make everyone dance in ecstasy and pride. This was because everyone’s national pride had already risen and they would not make a fuss over this. Moreover, they had already recovered and knew the tricks of these foreigners.

Everyone knew why they said this and why most foreigners who said this came to China for money.

He sneered and asked Xie Ligan, “This Russian has worrying integrity. Can we trust him?”

“Arms dealers are all like this. They’re bold and like to brag. They talk nonsense and act as if they’re familiar with each other. They speak the human language when they see people and nonsense when they see ghosts. These are all their business abilities and professional habits, especially death merchants who sell bulk goods in gray or even black areas.”

Xie Ligan directly sent a voice message, “However, you can trust him. This Russian has worked with me for a long time and his credibility is very good. I told him that you’re a big shot I have to respect and revere. He knows my value and energy and has a slight understanding of our country’s system and situation, so he’ll think endlessly and lie to himself. Therefore, from now on, he’s your most loyal, reliable, and interesting friend.”

President Xie sent another message, “Therefore, don’t worry. He definitely won’t ask what he shouldn’t ask. This is one of the most important qualities in this line of work. He’ll help you arrange everything. If you need anything, just ask. He’ll try his best to please you.”

…So that was the case.

This was equivalent to Xie Ligan using his social connections, wealth, power, and status to praise Kang De. Moreover, it was definitely quite effective. This was because, in the current world, the credibility and appeal of the rich were ridiculously high. Even if you were an ordinary person, as long as Jack Ma publicly said that you were a big shot he had to respect you, even foreign presidents had to smile politely when they saw you.

Not to mention this arms dealer who looked more ideal.

This was because Earthlings knew what the ultimate goal of an individual arms dealer with ideals was.

…Don’t say it even if you know.

“Thank you.”

“There’s no need to thank me. I’m telling the truth.”

Kang De left the chat and returned to the Soviet comrade. After a moment of silence, he shook his head and smiled. Then, he sent a message, “Hello, let’s get down to business.”

His communication with Xie Ligan lasted for at least two minutes, but the Soviet comrade was not impatient at all. When he saw the message, he replied instantly without thinking about Kang De’s name, “Of course! Chinese friend!”

Kang De directly clicked on the video call.

It was the same instant response, and it looked like the signal was not bad. The delay of the image transmission was relatively low, and the first thing he saw was the blue sky. There was also a guy in a military coat and a Soviet hat. The five stars in the center of the hat shone, afraid that others would not know that he was a descendant of the Soviet Union.

“Greetings, the good neighbor from China!”

His Chinese was relatively smooth, but just like the language habits of all Russians, no matter which language he spoke, he had a terrifying, belligerent, and bloodthirsty ferocious feeling.

“Praise the Grand Supreme Lord! You’re really a dignified and handsome man! If I have a daughter, I’ll definitely marry her to you. Our Russian girls like Chinese men the most!”

“…”

Ah, d*mn, such an idiotic rumor fabricated by a marketing account had actually been sent back to Russia and was calmly picked up by the arms dealer from here and used to make the Chinese happy?

—Also, you fake Chinese novelist.

Kang De sighed. “I don’t believe in Taoism…”

The Soviet comrade did not blush at all and probed, “Shakyamuni?”

Before Kang De could answer, the Soviet comrade saw the answer. The professional quality of this arms dealer was indeed not to be underestimated. In a flash, he thought of a new answer that definitely would not go wrong.

He roared loudly, “Praise Marx!”

“…”

“…”

‘You win.’

With this, Kang De’s mood improved a little—or did he do this on purpose?

The topic praised by the Soviet comrades had already changed from Kang De’s young and handsome face to the cabin background behind him. “Gulfstream G650! Lenin, this is my life’s pursuit.”

He was extremely excited, “The price of an unmodified machine is 65 million USD, which is equivalent to a Su-35S! Coupled with some custom-made modification decorations, it’s equivalent to an F35! Yes, a war machine that’s enough to wreak havoc in the air defense and even the army system of a small country is only a walking tool for important figures like you. Praise money!”

Kang De shook his head and said, “This is not mine. This is Xie Ligan’s.”

When Kirov heard this, he grinned and said, “Chinese friend, this matter depends on you. If you say this plane is Mr. Xie’s, it’s still his. If you say this is yours, it’ll be yours.”

Kang De only smiled.

The pupils of the Soviet comrade, who had been staring at the screen sincerely, constricted slightly, and his face froze for a moment.

He then laughed, “I’ll leave the warm hug and greetings after you arrive. Honorable client, please allow me to introduce you to the specific business and services of Victor Logistics Trading Company…”

The Russian brother held his phone and the scene began to tremble. As he walked, he said, “Our company accepts logistics and transportation operations. Our main customers are all over Europe, America, and Asia. Our main business areas are in underdeveloped maps like Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South America. We accept donation orders from philanthropists around the world and place humanitarian relief resources in less developed areas…”

He blinked at Kang De. “Let those who have nothing because of all kinds of encounters and suffering at least have the power to be free and… defend themselves.”

With the sound of the door opening, his phone turned. It was brightly lit. In the huge hangar, a huge transport plane stood quietly. In front of the open back hatch, the workers pushing the cart were busy.

Killing weapons with a metallic luster piled up like mountains.

There were also a few trucks unloading.

“Today is a day worth celebrating. Our righteous cause has been helped by another great benefactor, a friend from China. I’m very happy to see that your country is slowly taking on the international responsibility that belongs to you while developing rapidly. My friends are all very happy.”

It had to be said that this Russian brother’s words were so pleasant. He was indeed a talent.

The Soviet comrade walked back and forth and looked at it a few times. He suddenly began to roar in English. Unfortunately, it was too complicated, and Kang De had learned American English. In the other party’s series of angry roars, he only heard fragrant keywords like “as*hole”, “motherf*cker”, and “p*ssy”.

The other party cursed a few times, and the workers moved much faster. The Russian was furious and turned to look at Kang De, “I’m sorry, my friend, please forgive my vulgarity, but these Serbian workers are too lazy and stupid! These pitiful traitors who betrayed the Holy Soviet! Idiot!”

His saliva flew everywhere as he said, “They betrayed the great Marxist-Leninist path! They were deceived by the capitalist pigs led by the United States! Then, what did they obtain? The Bosnia and Herzegovina War? NATO bombing? Population outflow? Losing their dignity? This country has been corrupted by stupid capitalism! The lazy workers here can only be increased to 200% efficiency with three times the salary! In the past, it was enough to have a political commissar!”

This guy with a very Soviet atmosphere complained again, but in the end, he turned to a smile, “However, my friend, don’t worry. Everything will be completed before you arrive in Belgrade. I’ll use a pistol to press on their heads and make them work harder!”

“Now, let’s see the humanitarian resources you sponsor.”

This person’s expression and attitude were really seamless. He cursed at the workers and changed to the enthusiastic appearance of a simple and hospitable class brother to Kang De, “Mr. Xie said that you don’t want small-caliber assault rifles, so we’re urgently unloading them. Fortunately, this batch of humanitarian supplies has what you need. For example, this old man…”

The camera turned to a strong, simple, and very familiar big fellow.

“M2 Browning heavy machine gun! It has been serving in the US military since 1921. Hundred-year-old quality, Ma-Deuce. This is an improved version of FN. It’s firm and practical, and its operation is simple—d*mn, this is originally a patent term for the Soviet army. In short, even I have to admit that this is a good gun!”

“Add all of them to the conversion device to increase their performance. It’s operated by a single person and saves firing time. It’s safe to use. We’ll use a tungsten and chrome gun barrel to increase their lifespan. In terms of ammunition, other than the ordinary M33 bullets, we also sell other special ammunition. I recommend the APEI169 armor-piercing explosion incendiary bomb that FN Corporation participated in designing to greatly increase the combat effectiveness and increase the efficiency of the fragmentation walk and explosion combustion. Be it a helicopter, a transport plane, an armored vehicle, or even a low-flying combat aircraft, we can shoot them down!”

“This new machine gun and bullet system is extremely exquisite. Apart from being a little more expensive, there are no flaws!”

Kang De frowned and said, “Utility?”

The arms dealer said seriously, “My friend, are you not interested in the weak scrap metal of capitalism?”

“…No,” Kang De said. “I thought your weapons were all of the Su series.”

“Friend, you’re thinking too much. The economy is global and free trade. We have everything.” The arms dealer was relieved and smiled, “Due to the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia has everything. However, these M2HBs don’t come from here, but from another weak and corrupt traitorous country. They’re all military assistance from the United States. After this country obtained them, they were uploaded to the eBay website…”

Kang De said in surprise, “You can sell this?”

“What’s this?” The Russian gritted his teeth and said, “They even sell aircraft carriers…”

Kang De was enlightened. “So that’s…”

Kirov put his hand to his lips at the right time, shushed him, and smiled evilly. “Don’t say it. We have to keep it a secret…”

“I see.”

Kang De thought for a moment and said, “I don’t want ordinary M33 bullets. There are 20 heavy machine guns here, right? I want you to equip yourself with as many spare gun barrel parts as possible, then configure special explosives with the specifications of destroying all these weapons. I’ll take as many as you have.”

“…Praise the Tsar Bomba! My friend, you’re the most tasteful client I’ve ever seen! No wonder you’re not interested in small-caliber rifles. Ammunition that can’t explode can indeed only be considered a child’s toy!”

The Soviet comrade was extremely happy. As for what Kang De planned to do with so many terrifying weapons, it was not within his consideration. D*mn, who cared about this?

“No problem. Victor Company is at your service!”

He said happily, “In view of how tasteful you are, I think you’ll definitely like this equally classic Soviet cultural symbol, the righteous RPG! One of the three infantry weapons kings of the 20th century! Small investment, high return, good modification performance, flexible and convenient to use, and friendly price!”

“They’re all high-explosive shrapnel—forget it, give me some armor-piercing high-explosive bombs too.”

“As you wish. Mr. Xie also said that you need an automatic grenade launcher. This time, it’s from the Soviet family. You’ll definitely like it. AGS-17, codenamed Flame. The effective range is 1,700 meters, and the maximum firing speed is 65 rounds per minute. High firing speed, surface damage, and high-firing angle shooting. Two ammunition types…”

The hangar was used by the extremely eloquent Russian as a private exhibition venue. He introduced Kang De to the humanitarian resources he had obtained from his good friends in Eastern European countries. Kang De also displayed the ability to sweep goods that a Chinese person who was traveling overseas should have. Most were good, most were beautiful, and explosions were art.

To him, the most important thing was to win these two wars quickly and efficiently. As for how much it would cost, he did not care. Even if this guy brought him a nuclear bomb, he would dare to loot the Federal Reserve vault to pay the bill. He would definitely not stop until the last gram of gold from the United States and the elves was expended.

Who did not love such a customer?

“My dear brother, I’m very honored to list you as the supreme VIP client of our company!”

Kirov grinned happily.

In particular, he roughly calculated the total price of the resources on this plane and secretly contacted Xie Ligan. After obtaining the other party’s unhesitating promise, he was even happier.

“I have to thank you. This will make me earn a lot. According to the habits of our line, I’ll give you some personal gifts to express my gratitude and build a friendship.”

“Of course, arms dealers will send firearms, my dear Chinese comrade. A tasteful person like you should be matched with a more tasteful gun. Tell me, what type do you like? Soviets? American? Leverage? Flint?”

The other party’s tone was very sincere. Of course, who would not be sincere to earn so much in such a short period of time?

Kang De thought for a moment, “I happen to need a gun with actual combat value. I heard that there are many indicators for firearms. A good gun will take care of these indicators and achieve balance. My current request is to pay a little attention to portability. I don’t have to consider questions like self-respect, ammunition supply, and sitting back. I pursue extreme power and precision. I need such a gun, and a cannon is fine… Don’t worry about whether I can use it or not. I have enough bullets.”

The Russian was stunned for a moment. It was their professionalism not to ask further. After thinking for a moment, he smiled, “I thought of it. There’s a gun that perfectly meets your requirements… Leave it to me. When you arrive in Belgrade, everything will be settled… I’ll pick you up.”

“See you later then.”

“See you later.”

The long call ended. The Russians’ endless sales and introductions took a long time. It was not very dark yet, because the plane was traveling from west to east. Kang De poured himself a glass of wine and looked out the window at the white clouds and the dark blue sky.

The excellent and powerful arms promised by the Russians gave him a little peace of mind. This would increase the chances of winning the war. At the same time, he knew that some powerful weapons controlled by the governments were actually very difficult to circulate and trade—but in some special places, nothing was a problem.

In his casual conversation and communication with the Russians, he saw a wider and more primitive world. The appearance of a world outside his peaceful and stable motherland, the chaos of freedom, the freedom of chaos. In many parts of the world, killing weapons could be transported, traded, and owned without restraint.

This was unimaginable in the country.

As an ordinary person, it was naturally very good to be able to stay away from these.

However, now… chaos was actually a convenience. It was the convenience he needed now.

As the intensity of the war in the other world further expanded, this incident also brought him an even greater sense of danger. His previous preparations for the war were still insufficient, so when it happened, he was still flustered.

If he stayed in a freer and more convenient place with greater convenience, power, connections, energy, wealth, and even martial strength, there was no need for him to be in such a sorry state and anxious.

The glass of the plane’s porthole reflected a blurry shadow. Kang De took a small sip of wine.

He suddenly recalled the story Xie Ligan had told him.

The story of two Americans trying to occupy an African country.

…