The next day.

Gu Dadong couldn’t spare time for lunch, hurriedly donning his uniform and marching outside.

Elder Li notified all Hall Masters to gather at the military district’s conference room.

After Gu arrived, he found that all the Elders were present. He asked curiously, "Has the negotiation with Longteng fallen through?"

The high-level attention Longteng Group commands is closely tied to the current global environment.

These past two years have seen worldwide chaos, with Dragon Nation’s citizens’ overseas enterprises hanging by a thread. Efforts were made to seek help through embassies, but with 47,000 overseas enterprises and a citizen workforce of 1.8 million abroad, it would be overly burdensome and thankless for the nation to protect their lives and property investments.

For starters, the astronomical cost of expanding the overseas military personnel alone would be significant.

Thus, the situation left the country in a passive position.

Out of desperation, these companies that couldn’t count on distant help turned to Longteng Company for assistance, and they fulfilled their duties admirably, a fact well known within the nation.

Since its inception over two years ago, Longteng Group has solved two major issues for the country.

First, it ensured the safety of Dragon Nation overseas citizens’ properties.

Second, it took care of the training and employment resettlement for veterans.

Current investigations reveal that Longteng Group employs over 3000 personnel.

All of whom are veterans from Dragon Nation.

Don’t be fooled by the fact that Longteng Group earns about 20% share of the global mercenary security market annually, which approximates to an annual revenue of 20 billion US dollars.

But if the country were to make the same investment, the return might not even surpass the amount invested.

It would be a loss-making endeavor.

This is why countries around the world also wish to recruit Longteng Group, as everyone wants to outsource the safety affairs of their overseas citizens at the least expense possible.

Elder Li shook his head, "Not yet. This morning, I took them to the Equipment Department and showed them all the equipment we had agreed to supply. However, they were not quite satisfied with our previous conditions for cooperation and wanted all the Elders and Hall Masters gathered to talk things over in person."

The primary purpose of Dragon Nation’s interaction with Longteng Group this time was to offer, henceforth, at least 20 billion worth of military equipment support to Longteng Group every year free of charge!

Additionally, all public opinion management and logistical work after operations would be handled by Dragon Nation.

The condition being that all Longteng members must be under institutional control, including regulation over all personnel actions and basic compliance conditions.

Of course, the original security business of Longteng was not included.

The senior level promised that these soldiers who had retired and were working at Longteng could be reinstated to military rank, and those with numeral cards would be treated at least as Junior Officers, while personnel on Spade A roster would start at Senior Officer treatment!

"Our terms are quite generous compared to other countries, aren’t they?"

Someone expressed their bewilderment on the spot.

Elder Li stated, "They believe they deserve higher treatment!"

One of the military bigwigs snorted, "Haven’t even flexed their muscles and they dare to demand higher terms?"

The secretary walked over and whispered a few words in his ear.

Elder Li nodded, "Then let them come in."

The conference room at the military district level was spacious enough to accommodate hundreds of people.

After the Longteng employees entered, they saluted the bigwigs before sitting down, with Spade A from the Dragon Zodiac Group representing the negotiations.

"Since all the leaders are here, we’ll put forward the conditions we want," he said.

"First, we agree to the range of demands put forward by the higher-ups, and we are willing to return to the military as the founder’s initial purpose for training us was to serve our motherland!"

"However, we demand an independent department’s operational rights and a seat as Hall Master!"

Boom!

The pupils of the leaders present trembled.

Waves of shock crashed within each person’s heart, causing an uproar.

Gu Dadong slammed his hand down on the table, "Do you even hear what you’re saying? Each Hall Master position corresponds to a major category of projects, differing from the military to market state-owned enterprises, and covering a vast range of fields. Do you think the few hundred people in your new department can encompass all of that?"

Take Gu Dadong, for example, he was in charge of military arms, of the armed forces!

And other administrative Hall Masters overseeing tobacco and such major taxpayers were all crucial pillars!

Plainly put, the groups within Longteng were not sufficient to hold the position of a Hall Master.

At most, they could barely reach the level of provincial enterprises.

Dragon Group Ace of Spades listened to the noisy scene and said, "We promise to provide jobs for 50,000 demobilized soldiers within the Group."

Elder Li shook his head, "Not enough!"

Dragon Group Ace of Spades continued, "We guarantee to train these 50,000 men into elite forces." 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

Elder Li still shook his head.

Dragon Group Ace of Spades chuckled softly, "What if these 50,000 men all had our level of capability?"

A curious Hall Master asked, "What kind of strength is that? Can you demonstrate?"

"Of course!" Dragon Group Ace of Spades turned to the surrounding security guards and said, "Excuse me, have them shoot at my man."

"???"

The bigwigs thought they must have heard wrong.

Elder Li narrowed his eyes, "How exactly should they shoot?"

Dragon Group Ace of Spades calmly ordered a nearby guard, "You, aim your gun at me, go ahead!"

"Don’t be afraid, just think of this as part of our demonstration!"

The bosses on site were collectively dumbfounded.

After a few Elders exchanged glances, they nodded slightly to the soldier.

The soldier unholstered his gun and from about 2 meters away, took a shot at Dragon Group Ace of Spades.

Quickly, Dragon Group Ace of Spades made a feint in front of everyone’s eyes.

Following closely, a bullet appeared between his index and middle finger.

Everyone present was stunned.

Dragon Group Ace of Spades tossed the bullet onto the table, allowing them to clearly see its type and match it with the soldier’s gun.

"Again, fire all your bullets!"

The soldier, already confused, came to his senses and, unable to believe someone could truly be bulletproof, continuously shot at Dragon Group Ace of Spades, emptying the remaining six bullets in an instant!

One bullet, not caught by Ace of Spades, nearly hurt the people nearby.

In a flash, another member of the Dragon Group intercepted the bullet in midair, leaving the Hall Masters close by dumbfounded.

A rattle.

All six bullets were scattered onto the table.

Although there was a slight mishap, the Dragon Group Ace of Spades still casually swept a glance over the crowd and asked, "Is this enough to prove our worth?"

All the Hall Masters present swallowed hard.

After calming himself, Elder Li asked, "How long would it take to train someone to your level of expertise?"

Dragon Group Ace of Spades squinted, "Very soon, we could have them combat-ready and on the battlefield in 2 years! But only our founders possess this capability."

Elder Li asked curiously, "What makes it possible to cultivate such strength within 2 years? What do you rely on?"

"Of course!" Dragon Group Ace of Spades produced an elixir, "Thanks to the elixir created by our founders, we can quickly enhance the soldiers’ strength!"