After a long time, Vladimir leaned forward, his gaze sharp as a blade, as if trying to penetrate Song Heping's soul: "Song, now I understand completely where your confidence comes from. You're not just flexing muscles... you're pressing a gun to the Americans' temples and giving them two choices—negotiate or annihilation."
Song Heping met that gaze, which was enough to break an ordinary person, with a calm reply: "Mr. President, chaos is a ladder for adventurers, but also a grave for the reckless. I am an adventurer, but not reckless. I don't do things I'm not sure of, just as I don't fight battles I'm uncertain of winning."
Vladimir stared deeply at Song Heping, in silence, for a full ten seconds.
Those ten seconds seemed as long as a century.
Everyone held their breath, waiting for this ruler to make the final decision.
Finally, Vladimir slowly leaned back against his chair, his knuckles made two slight taps on the smooth tabletop.
"I must say, you truly impressed me."
