Capítulo 1466: Chapter 692: Old Man Ao! (Part 4)

“They have everything, so they are most afraid of losing it.”

Victor turned off the water, took a tissue, and slowly wiped his hands. Through the mirror, he looked at Lunacharsky behind him and smiled meaningfully:

“Remember, all those American Imperialists and their aggressive factions, at the end of the day—”

He paused, crumpled the tissue into a precise ball and tossed it into the trash can, delivering that famous judgment:

“Are all paper tigers.”

He patted Lunacharsky on the shoulder: “They have a lot of internal problems right now, the economy is teetering, anti-war sentiment is high among the populace, and Wall Street tycoons are more concerned about their stock accounts than the deserts of Texas. Little Bush, that playboy, doesn’t have the guts or the resources to engage us in a full-scale war. How long can he squander the political legacy and connections his Old Dad left him?”

“What he needs most is an excuse to step down gracefully, a ‘victory’ he can report to the country.”

“This is called the art of winning.”

“And we’ve already pushed him to the edge of the cliff. Now, it’s time to throw him a seemingly strong rope. Just wait; after the break, you’ll see a much more humble President of the United States.”

After speaking, he adjusted his collar: “Let’s go, let’s go back and offer our American friends the rope. Don’t forget, later the task of playing the bad cop is up to you and Casare.”

The break ended, and both parties retook their seats.

Little Bush’s expression was still grim, but his previous tough stance had noticeably softened. Clearly, during the break, he had indeed engaged in urgent communication with his domestic contacts, and the instructions he received must not have been optimistic.

Victor no longer pressed aggressively; instead, he leaned back in his chair, leisurely drinking his newly replaced coffee, as if the person who had been banging the table and cursing wasn’t him.

Little Bush took a deep breath, as if all his energy was drained. The previously forced tough stance dissipated, replaced by a sense of extreme exhaustion, or perhaps resignation.

His eyes swept across the calm Victor opposite him and the two expression management experts beside him. Lunacharsky showed just the right amount of concern, while Casare maintained that Buddha-like smile.

Little Bush’s voice was somewhat hoarse. He deliberately avoided looking at the other side and stared at the table,

“We all understand the current reality. For the next possible steps and for stability, the United States of America requires some basic assurances.”

Victor said nothing, just lifted his chin, signaling him to continue.

Little Bush chose his words carefully, “Firstly, the Mexican Government must publicly and clearly stop asserting claims over the occupation or annexation of Texas. You could use a more… neutral term, like maintaining order upon request or a special administrative arrangement during the transition period. Any provocative official statements concerning changes of sovereignty must cease.”

What is this?

You don’t claim, and I don’t lose face?

Victor looked at him with a subtle smile, then gestured for him to continue.

“Secondly, during the transition period, Mexico’s military presence and administrative influence in Texas should consciously and gradually decrease in visibility. This will help… reduce domestic media pressure.”

After saying these two points, he paused, observing Victor’s reaction.

“Continue,” Victor said.

“Lastly, and most importantly, the Mexican Government and all media channels under its control must immediately cease all public attacks and defamatory propaganda against the United States Government, its system, and me personally. Not only that, when necessary, Mexico must step forward to criticize those attempting to undermine the stability and legitimacy of the U.S. Government, no matter where these statements originate. You must publicly acknowledge that a stable and legitimate U.S. Government is in the common interest of the region.”

He finally finished speaking, but his eyes remained fixed on Victor.

This almost amounts to requiring Mexico not only to stop criticizing the United States but also to turn around and help condemn those who criticize the United States. This is undoubtedly a spiritual “surrender document.”

But it was the most effective cover Little Bush could take back with him to disguise the military and territorial debacles.

The conference room was silent for a moment.

Victor leaned slightly back, his gaze slowly shifting to his left, where advisor Chris Russell Qi was sitting.

He subtly raised an eyebrow, his fingers making a gentle rubbing gesture under the table, implying that more value could be extracted or some procedure could be set to create favorable ambiguity for us.

Victor understood clearly.

He resumed dragging Little Bush into further conversations.

They talked continuously until around three in the morning.

When it ended.

Little Bush’s eyelids were about to droop.

This tactic is called exhausting the Old Man!

Only then did Victor stand up and extend his hand, “George, you really are a very qualified politician!”

It was unclear if this was a compliment or mockery.

In any case, the Old Man was nearly exhausted to death.

…