Building a Conglomerate in Another World

Chapter 121: Doubts

On the morning of August 20, 1887, President Theodore Clay sat in the Oval Office, staring at a stack of newspapers that detailed Japan’s swift and decisive victories over China. The headlines were grim: "Japanese Forces Dominate with Advanced Weaponry," "China Retreats Amidst Devastation," and "The Balance of Power Shifts in East Asia."

Clay’s thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. His chief of staff, William Gardner, entered with a grave expression.@@@@

"Mr. President," Gardner began, "the Chinese ambassador has requested an urgent meeting. He’s already in the reception room."

Clay set the papers aside and nodded. "Let him in."

Moments later, Ambassador Li Ming entered the Oval Office.

"Mr. President," Li began, bowing respectfully. "I thank you for seeing me on such short notice."

Clay extended a hand toward a chair. "Please, have a seat, Ambassador. What brings you here so urgently?"

Li sat down, his expression darkening as he placed a leather-bound portfolio on the president’s desk. "The situation in my homeland has become untenable. The Japanese forces, bolstered by the advanced weapons and vehicles they have obtained, have decimated our troops along the Liaodong Peninsula. Entire divisions have been wiped out. Our cities are now under siege. Mr. President, China stands on the brink of collapse."

Clay leaned forward, his brow furrowing. "I’m aware of the conflict, Ambassador, but what exactly are you asking of the Republic?"

Li opened the portfolio, revealing detailed maps and reports of recent battles. Photographs of destroyed Chinese artillery positions, burning villages, and wounded soldiers painted a grim picture.

"We have reason to believe that these weapons and vehicles were manufactured by Hesh Industries, a company based in your nation," Li said, his voice tight. "Their firepower is unmatched. Our traditional strategies and defenses are useless against such advanced technology."

The president’s jaw tightened. "Ambassador, I understand your concerns, but the Republic has maintained strict neutrality in this conflict. We do not take sides in foreign wars." Explore more at novelhall.Côm

Li’s composure cracked slightly, his voice rising in desperation. "Neutrality? Mr. President, this neutrality you speak of is an illusion! By allowing Hesh Industries to sell these weapons to Japan, your nation has already taken a side. You may not have declared war, but your technology has empowered our enemies. And now we are asking for the same opportunity—to level the playing field."

Clay folded his hands on the desk, his expression neutral. "You’re suggesting that the Republic authorize the sale of weapons to China?"

"Yes," Li said, leaning forward. "Our government is prepared to offer substantial compensation. Millions of florins, paid directly to your treasury, in exchange for access to Hesh Industries’ vehicles and weaponry. With these tools, we can push back against the Japanese and restore balance to East Asia."

Charles raised an eyebrow. "Leverage? Are you suggesting the Japanese might have something on the president? That’s a serious accusation."

"I’m not accusing anyone," Matthew replied evenly. "I’m just trying to make sense of why the administration is so adamant about favoring Japan, especially when China is offering to pay millions of florins for the same technology."

Charles took a sip of his wine, studying Matthew over the rim of his glass. "You think there’s something the Japanese could use to pressure the president?"

Matthew nodded slowly. "It’s not unheard of. A scandal, maybe. Something damaging enough to force his hand."

Charles frowned, the idea clearly unsettling him. "If that’s true, it would explain a lot. But what kind of scandal could be big enough to make a sitting president risk international scrutiny by taking sides so blatantly?"

Matthew leaned back, his expression contemplative. "That’s what I’m trying to figure out. Scandals come in many forms—financial, personal, political. But whatever it is, it must be damning enough that the president sees no alternative."

Charles sighed, setting down his glass. "Even if you’re right, Matthew, what can you do about it? You’re not exactly in a position to challenge the administration."

"I’m not looking to challenge anyone," Matthew said firmly. "I just want to understand the full picture. Decisions like these have consequences, not just for the Republic but for my company. If we’re being dragged into something bigger than we realize, I need to know."

Charles nodded slowly, his usual confidence tempered by a rare moment of introspection. "Well, I can’t help you much on this front. Politics isn’t my game, and I don’t have the ear of the president the way you might think."

Matthew chuckled dryly. "You’ve got connections everywhere, Charles. Don’t play coy."

"Connections, yes," Charles admitted. "But nothing that would give me insight into something as sensitive as blackmail."

Matthew let the conversation hang for a moment before changing the subject. "Tell me this—if you were in the president’s shoes, what would you do if you were being pressured?"

Charles smirked, his confidence returning. "If I were being pressured? I’d turn the tables. Find leverage of my own. But that’s the businessman in me. Politics is a different beast."

Matthew nodded thoughtfully. "Leverage, huh? Sometimes I wonder if that’s all this world runs on."

"Don’t wonder," Charles said with a grin. "It does."