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Chapter 1055: Chapter 927: To Fight or Not to Fight (Subscribe please!)
In Lang Cai’s home.
Inside the study.
Smoke filled the air.
Sitting opposite Lang Cai was an old man of roughly his age, his best friend, and also the second most powerful military big shot in Myanmar, controlling nearly half of the nation’s military might.
Lu Sang.
One of Lang Cai’s own trusted proteges and a person he trusted immensely.
Both were heavy smokers.
The only difference was their preferences: Lang Cai liked cigarettes, while Lu Sang preferred cigars.
"Cough, cough..."
Lang Cai had taken only a few drags before he couldn’t help coughing.
"You too, the doctor told you not to smoke and yet you insist on doing it, even dragging me into it," Lu Sang said with a wry smile as he put out his cigar, looking at the increasingly aged Lang Cai and sighing at how unforgiving the years were.
Time is fair to everyone.
It doesn’t just kill you.
It can also erase your glory.
"Not smoke? That’ll be the death of me," Lang Cai hurriedly drank some tea, which stopped his coughing, though the discomfort in his lungs was still intense. However, he was used to it.
"How about we get a renowned foreign doctor to examine you, or invite a famous traditional Chinese medicine practitioner from Huaxia?" suggested Lu Sang.
Upon hearing this,
Lang Cai shook his head.
"My own doctor is no worse than those foreign experts. We have advanced diagnostic tools and medical conditions here. If he can’t find a good method to treat me, what can I expect from those foreigners?
As for traditional Chinese medicine from Huaxia, to be honest, I don’t really believe in it. A president in desperate illness throwing caution to the wind, how could that be proper?"
In cutting-edge medical care,
the local Myanmar services might not be remarkable, but for people like Lang Cai, they never skimped on buying the most expensive equipment for their own use.
"Traditional Chinese medicine does have much to offer," Lu Sang said with a smile.
Lang Cai smiled faintly, without directly countering.
"I admit that traditional Chinese medicine in Huaxia has its merits, with acupuncture and massage being quite effective. But it can’t be denied that compared to experimental medicine, the diseases that experience-based medicine can treat are pitifully few.
Moreover, even their own people are increasingly losing faith in it. Many regard it as a last hope for comfort, seeking folk remedies far and wide. Once sick, their first thought is still to visit a hospital for western medicine."
"Heh, that’s true. If folk remedies really worked, among the top one hundred tycoons in Huaxia, at least one third would be those traditional practitioners. However, in giving people hope, it does have some effect," Lu Sang chuckled.
Feeling the conversation drifting off-topic, Lang Cai quickly steered back on course, "We’ve strayed off the point. Let’s discuss the issue at hand. Those on the other side are getting restless, and I’d like to resolve them all during my term."
In matters of Myanmar’s military actions,
the decision was down to the two of them, with others merely raising their hands in assent at the end.
"If this were the past, I’d certainly support you in fighting, but now, Myanmar is on the cusp of a great economic development opportunity. Once the flames of war ignite, if the situation goes well, that’s one thing, but have you considered what to do if things don’t go smoothly?" Lu Sang posed the question in response.
After hearing Lu Sang’s words,
Lang Cai sighed deeply.
And continued smoking.
What Lu Sang said was also his greatest worry.
Myanmar is largely a hilly region, and the reason why they haven’t been able to resolve these two brothers wanting to split off after all these years is due to the complex terrain that simply doesn’t allow for the full use of mechanized power.
High mountains and dense forests.
Even airborne forces had difficulty finding worthwhile targets.
If it came to jungle warfare,
all their firepower advantages would be greatly diminished, and the potentially lengthy duration of the conflict made it hard for Lang Cai to calculate its end—definitely not within a year.
A war lasting more than a year,
what impact would it have on Myanmar’s economy? It would be catastrophic. Who would want to invest in a country at war, even if it was an advantageous war, given that fortunes can change?
Moreover, once the enemies started sabotaging from behind, there would be no safe place left.
"If we agree to their demands, it means that Myanmar will see the emergence of two more Special Zones, and these Special Zones will have even more formidable military power than Ling. That would make things even harder to resolve," Lang Cai sighed.
He found himself between a rock and a hard place.
Fight.
The consequences are imaginable.
Don’t fight.
The consequences are also imaginable.
All the consequences were unfavorable to their side.
The two parties opposite this time not only want to have the same treatment as the Myanmar Economic Zone, including retaining military command and defense rights but also want the right to engage in free trade, and even demand a deputy leadership position like Ling’s. 𝚗ov𝚙𝚞𝚋.c𝚘m
A long list of conditions.
They had directly compiled a list and sent it to him, and even dispatched an envoy to negotiate. However, Lang Cai had detained him for now since they hadn’t decided yet; of course, negotiations couldn’t start.
Once they agreed.
What’s the difference from splitting the family?
But the other side also said.
If they didn’t agree, they would take necessary actions to fight for their "deserved" rights and economic interests, or even declare independence outright, in short, it was a threat.
The other party clearly knew.
Once they declared independence.
Lang Cai would definitely deploy troops, and once troops were deployed, it was essentially the same as a direct conflict.
"Could it be that I really need to leave this problem to the next administration?" Lang Cai’s face showed helplessness. As the highest official of the country, holding immense military power, he still had absolute control...
Yet there were still so many things requiring compromise.
His heart was so tired.
"Are you talking about Kundun?" Lu Sang asked.
"Who else?"
"With Kundun’s temperament, he likes to compromise even more than you. The problems you’re facing now will also be what Kundun has to face over the next ten years—the outcome, I can completely imagine," Lu Sang shook his head.
"I know if I compromise now, Kundun and his successors will continue to compromise. That’s why I want to resolve this mess during my term; I don’t have a choice."
As he said this.
Lang Cai’s mind suddenly conjured up two people: Kan Qin and Ling.
But he immediately shook his head.
Neither of these two was possible.
"What do you think Kundun could lead Myanmar to?" Lu Sang suddenly said.
Lang Cai thought for a moment and said, "Right now, Myanmar is developing in a positive direction in all aspects. As long as there are no disruptions, Myanmar’s economy is definitely going to rise to a higher level and gradually ascend in status among Southeast Asian nations."
"Have you considered the future internal conflicts?" Lu Sang said.
Lang Cai narrowed his eyes, "Oh? Let’s hear it."
"If the three Special Zones unite, the future path for Myanmar is uncertain," Lu Sang said slowly.
"Really?" Lang Cai exclaimed in surprise.
Lu Sang shook his head, "Heh, what’s impossible about that? Once Kundun takes over, he definitely won’t deal with Ling like you do now. You can tell from the economic disputes of these past few days. If Kundun can’t control it..."
"This... So what should we do?" reminded by Lu Sang, Lang Cai then remembered the current difficult problem within Myanmar—the Myanmar Economic Special Zone.
"All I want to say is, we can’t have two more economic special zones. Otherwise, once they develop, the future situation will become even more uncontrollable," Lu Sang said, staring at Lang Cai in a low voice.
"But... then why did you advise me earlier to consider carefully?" Lang Cai said with a wry smile.
Lu Sang looked innocent, "My point is to resolve it without resorting to war. This war cannot start; Myanmar’s economy cannot bear it. Complete capitulation is also unacceptable; Myanmar’s future cannot bear it."
Lang Cai: "..."
Seeing Lang Cai’s deflated expression, Lu Sang laughed heartily. However, in the end, Lu Sang’s expression became solemn: "Lang Cai, honestly, I think Ling is better suited for Kundun’s future position."
"Do you think that’s possible?"
"Of course, it’s impossible. That’s why I’m disappointed. Such an outstanding talent is wasted," Lu Sang said, shaking his head. Ling wasn’t one of their own; the idea of him rising to power was out of the question, but his capabilities were undeniable to Lu Sang.
Decisive.
Ruthless.
Business savvy.
Brave and strategic.
Low-profile and unassuming.
Strict in conduct.
All the qualities of an excellent leader were seen in Ling, almost perfect.
"Yes, Ling is truly a natural-born leader, exceptionally strong in execution and self-discipline, but even if Kan Qin takes over, he still wouldn’t get a chance," Lang Cai, having worked with Ling for so long, understood him more than Lu Sang did.
He had also simulated in his mind.
If Ling took over.
What changes would occur in Myanmar.
The result was in line with his ideals, just by looking at the achievements of the Myanmar Economic Special Zone.
