Indeed, Li Du had guessed right .
Remonin rarely rang him up . However, the last two times he called, he talked about how
he had made use of the cash Li Du gave him in trying to get himself to a higher position
in Mozambique .
When he called previously, he had used his satellite phone . This time, he dialed using a
legal international IDD and he sounded ecstatic . Hence, Li Du guessed that he must
have achieved some sort of new position .
It was simple logic . Remonin must have been successful in rising from a tribal chief to
an official of Mozambique . That was the only thing that could explain why he used a
new number and sounded so happy .
Indeed, Li Du returned the call and Remonin said, "You're supernatural . I cannot help
but suspect that you have a pair of eyes by my side . "
Li Du smiled . "Those were just logic-based guesses . I surmise I have guessed
correctly . "
Remonin's spirits rose again and he said excitedly, "You were right . I have joined the
national military . Our government has just established a southwest military region, and I
am its commander . "
Li Du was stunned . He sat straighter in his car seat and exclaimed, "Commander of the
southwest military region? God, you have really caught a big fish!"
Remonin cleared his throat and said with affected modesty, "This is not fishing, Mr . Li! I
am contributing to my country!"
Li Du said, "Congratulations . It sounds like the beginning of good days for you and your
tribe . "
Remonin, however, sounded dispirited as he said, "No, it's not that simple . In fact, these
days are not easy at all . "
"Why would that be?" Li Du could not understand . "You are now the leader of a military
region . You have many soldiers, more advanced weapons, a higher rank . Besides, your
diamond mine can now become a legal asset . "
Remonin said, "No, no, no . Although you are a smart man, you don't understand the
situation in my country . "
"First, I don't have more soldiers . Of course, if I have enough money, I can recruit more
men . "
"Second, this southwest military region is only nominal . I am a commander in name
alone . The area had been drawn but did not receive any resources from the
government . Fortunately, they did send a few people here to help . "
"Also, if my diamond mine is discovered, the government will confiscate it and declare it
national property . I have to keep it hidden . "
Remonin started to complain . It turned out that the Mozambique government was very
smart . Although he had spent money to bribe officials in the central government and the
parliament, these people only gave him minimal assistance .
They assigned Remonin official status, drew a circle on a map around the territory of his
tribe and told him that this was now his military region . He could build a military camp,
buy horses and recruit soldiers to defend the border area against South Africa and
Swaziland .
However, the government did not have the money to provide him with soldiers or
weapons . Remonin had to build everything from scratch by himself .
They only sponsored a couple of military officers to help Remonin build the camp and
manage the region .
Li Du frowned and said, "Be careful, General, your government has gone too far . They
might have ill intentions towards you . The officers they sent might have other things in
mind but helping you . "
Remonin sighed . "That's right, I know that . I gave those guys high positions, but those
are all office roles . They can forget about interacting with my army directly . "
Li Du could tell that Remonin was low-spirited and tried to encourage him . "Don't
despair, General, at least you have a good start . You are now truly a leader in your
country's military . You are a legal high official . With money, you can develop very
quickly . "
"Where's the money?" Remonin asked .
Li Du had a swift revelation . That was the reason for his phone call!
He had underestimated Remonin's strategy . He had not just called to boast of his new
position after all .
Li Du asked, "Have you got diamonds? General, if you can produce diamonds, you will
have money . "
Remonin said, "My people have been doing their best to search for diamonds . However,
as you know, the production is low . I still have to guard my mine against those people
the government sent here . So there has not been much yield lately . "
"But, Li, my diamonds are all meant for you . Even if I become the national military
commander or the president, my diamonds are all yours . I gave you my word, and our
friendship has survived it all . "
Li Du said, "Thanks for the trust, General . Our friendship has indeed been tested by war
and hardship . "
He started to beat around the bush with Remonin . He would not be the one to broach
the subject of money .
Finally, Remonin could take it no more and said, "Li, I need cash for the army now . Can
you lend me some? Consider it as a loan . I will pay you back with diamonds in the
future . "
Li Du hesitated and said slowly, "I do not have much cash on hand right now . That's
because I have not sold off all the diamonds . However, you can tell me what you need,
and I will see if I can help you out . How much do you need?"
"Five hundred million US dollars!"
Li Du was stunned . "Sh*t, how much?!"*
Remonin quickly amended, "With hundred million dollars, my military region would be
complete . But for now, um, five million to ten million will do . "
Li Du rolled his eyes and said, "I will check my bank account . Then I will give you an
answer . "
After he hung up, Hans looked at him . "Did you say General?"
Li Du told him the main points of the conversation and Hans looked impressed . He said,
"So now you have connections with a military region commander? This is unbelievable . "
"This commander has put me in a difficult situation," Li Du said . "I would rather not have
known him . "
The sum that Remonin asked for was not very large . However, he knew that it was just
the beginning . Once he lent Remonin the money, he would not stop borrowing from him .
Li Du was troubled . Brother Wolf said, "Boss, can I give my opinion on this?"
"Of course you can . "
"Some of the government and warlords in the smaller African countries relied on
overseas financial help to grow . Their funds all depended on such sources . "
"You are now faced with a choice . If you have sufficient funds, you can assist
Remonin's developments . He needs someone to support him and is trying to find a
powerful ally . "
"If you cannot afford that, cut it off immediately, stop keeping in touch with him .
Otherwise, when he's done leeching away all your funds and needs new sponsors, he
will eventually throw you and then you will have greater losses . "
Chapter end
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