<h4>Chapter 1146: Military Commander</h4>


    Trantor: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio


    Indeed, Li Du had guessed right.


    Remonin rarely rang him up. However, thest 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 sessful in rising from a tribal chief to


    an official of Mozambique. That was the only thing that could exin 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 itsmander.”


    Li Du was stunned. He sat straighter in his car seat and eximed, “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, “Congrattions. 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 be 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 amander 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 dere it


    national property. I have to keep it hidden.”


    Remonin started toin. 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


    Swaznd.


    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 revtion. 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 yieldtely.”


    “But, Li, my diamonds are all meant for you. Even if I be the national military


    mander 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 dors!”


    Li Du was stunned. “Sh*t, how much?!”*


    Remonin quickly amended, “With hundred million dors, my military region would be


    plete. But for now, um, five million to ten million will do.”


    Li Du rolled his eyes and said, “I will check my bank ount. 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 regionmander? This is unbelievable.”


    “Thismander 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 veryrge. 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.”