Toscano and Joanna sat opposite Chen Jinzhao, their eyes constantly appraising the God of War from Hua Guo.
Yes.
To these two, Chen Jinzhao was worthy of the title God of War.
And deserving of their respect.
Toscano smiled and said, "I must admit, I truly admire your courage. To come for a duel knowing it's a certain death, you are a model soldier. It's a shame you are not a soldier of our Mitrili, or I would be even happier."
"Enough with the pleasantries. How do you wish to decide the victor?" Chen Jinzhao had no interest in such talk.
Joanna pushed a document towards Chen Jinzhao. "Here, these are the terms Mitrili offers. You may look them over."
"Terms?"
Chen Jinzhao frowned, clearly not understanding.
Joanna explained, "These are favorable terms Mitrili is offering you. If you were to join Mitrili, the Mitrili military command would grant you the rank of intermediate general and appoint you as the Deputy Commander of the Mitrili Asia-Pacific War Zone. If your performance is outstanding, you might even have the opportunity to become Commander in the future."
"These are all secondary. As for financial matters, you need not worry at all."
Chen Jinzhao, who had been about to examine the document, dismissed the thought upon hearing Joanna's words. He directly pushed the document back to Joanna and Toscano. "Then there's no need to look. Tell me, how do you intend to proceed?"
Toscano frowned at this. "So, you are unwilling to join Mitrili?"
"You must understand, Mitrili is the most powerful nation in the world. I acknowledge that Hua Guo has the potential to rise, but who can predict the future? Joining Mitrili is your best choice."
The two tried to persuade him with earnest words, but Chen Jinzhao remained resolute.
He shook his head and said, "I know you are sincerely advising me. Hua Guo has an old saying, 'Wealth and high status cannot corrupt the pure, poverty and lowliness cannot move the steadfast.' So, please put away this idea and let's discuss how we will decide the victor."
"Or rather—"
"In what manner do you wish to kill me."
Joanna and Toscano exchanged glances, seeing disappointment in each other's eyes.
Truthfully.
If they could persuade Chen Jinzhao to defect to Mitrili, it would be a significant blow to the overall morale of Hua Guo and would allow Mitrili to make great strides in the Asia-Pacific region.
Alas.
Chen Jinzhao's willpower was too strong, leaving them no leverage.
Joanna shifted her gaze and made one last effort. "Zhu Long, I respect your accomplishments on the battlefield, and therefore, I sincerely hope you will consider this carefully. Your death would be a loss to the world, and we at Mitrili do not wish to see that happen."
A mocking smile appeared on Chen Jinzhao's face. "Do you know why I have achieved such remarkable military merits? It is because I have something to hold dear in my heart. If I were to abandon these ties and defect to Mitrili, then the world would no longer have Zhu Long."
The two were stunned.
Joanna was about to say something more, but Toscano shook his head. "Enough. Zhu Long will not betray Hua Guo, just as we would not betray Mitrili. Our previous ideas were merely beautiful fantasies, not grounded in reality."
Joanna fell silent.
But she had to admit, Toscano was correct.
Toscano looked at Chen Jinzhao and said, word by word, "Since that is the case, then all we can do is respect your choice."
"The decisive battle will take place on an island in the waters of Dongying. This island is also located at the center of the current tri-party military exercise zone. At that time, you will be surrounded by land, sea, and air. Even if you survive the duel, the Mitrili military command will not let you go."
"This tri-party military exercise is being held specifically for you, serving as a double layer of insurance."
Upon hearing this, a great weight was lifted from Chen Jinzhao's heart.
It seemed his suspicions were correct; the tri-party military exercise was indeed aimed at him.
"To kill me, you truly resort to any means necessary. But is it not a waste to spend so much money to kill me?" Chen Jinzhao chuckled.
Joanna also smiled. "How could it be?"
"The expenses for this military exercise will be borne by Xinluo and Dongying. Mitrili only needs to provide personnel."
Chen Jinzhao also began to laugh.
In the global power structure, Xinluo and Dongying were merely lapdogs, having no decision-making power of their own.
"I understand. However, with just the two of you, I doubt you have the confidence to kill me, do you?" Chen Jinzhao said with a smile, causing the temperature in the command center to drop sharply.
The smiles on Toscano and Joanna's faces gradually faded. The latter snorted, "Naturally. To kill you, we will not take it lightly. Besides the two of us, several others will join the fight. We can satisfy any way you wish to die."
Chen Jinzhao gave a self-deprecating laugh. "If I am defeated by you, I hope you will grant me a swift end. It is impossible to extract secrets of Hua Guo from me."
Joanna smiled without answering.
The two said no more. Chen Jinzhao sat there, resting with his eyes closed, until the phone rang. Toscano then stood up and walked out of the command center. Joanna looked at the handsome Chen Jinzhao with a smile. "Zhu Long, I wonder if you are interested in me? I am very interested in you?"
"What do you mean by that?" Chen Jinzhao frowned.
Joanna blinked. "You are the prince charming of my dreams, and only a man like you is worthy of me. If you agree to be with me, it might not be impossible for me to help you escape."
Chen Jinzhao laughed. "I am a man on the brink of death. I have no interest in making such jokes."
Joanna's beautiful eyes sparkled. "I am not joking with you."
Chen Jinzhao gradually stopped smiling. "I'm sorry, I'm not interested in you. I already have a wife."
Joanna's interest instantly waned. "You Hua Guo people are so uninteresting, you don't even know how to seek excitement. Since you are not interested in me, I will no longer pester you."
As soon as she finished speaking.
Toscano returned into their line of sight.
He said calmly, "Chen Jinzhao, it is time to go."
Chen Jinzhao stood up without a word and walked towards the door. On the deck, a Osprey tiltrotor helicopter was parked. Toscano pointed to the helicopter and said, "Get in. The helicopter will take us to that island for a decisive battle."
"Thank you for your trouble," Chen Jinzhao said calmly.
Under their watchful eyes, Chen Jinzhao boarded the helicopter directly. After exchanging a glance, the two also boarded the aircraft.
The helicopter slowly ascended, flying towards the coast of Dongying.
After this helicopter took off, four more fighter jets lifted off from the warship, escorting the helicopter.
Chen Jinzhao saw this scene through the window, which made him chuckle.
"I never imagined that I, a dignified general of Hua Guo, would one day board a Mitrili war machine. It seems I am truly destined to perish in these waters today."
"Such is fate!"