Generally speaking, the more important a person is, the later they should arrive at such charity banquets. Those Present today were mostly ordinary wealthy businessmen, with the most prominent figures being a Deputy Mayor and two Councilors from Mist Capital; people like Marshal Paris wouldn't even arrive until tomorrow.
This isn't formalism; it's a conventional sense of ceremony!
Sure enough, for a big shot like General Schwartz to visit Vincent so early, there must be another reason.
Yu Lian felt that he was likely to encounter some secrets he hadn't even uncovered in his previous life. While his expression didn't change, his mood naturally became excited.
Their luxurious suite should have been divided into a living room, master bedroom, guest bedroom, and study. Lieutenant General Vincent and General Schwartz were currently in the study, and only the two of them were Present.
The hummingbird drone's probe passed through a gap in the ventilation duct, immediately revealing General Schwartz's gloomy face. The drone then slightly adjusted its angle, finally capturing Lieutenant General Vincent's face in the same shot.
“Old schoolmate… I fully support your desire to do something for retired veterans. Our government, frankly, often fails our retired servicemen. Therefore, I am willing to offer you some assistance within my capabilities.” General Schwartz paused, then showed an expression of upright integrity: “However, old schoolmate, this is all I can do. It’s very difficult for you to return to active duty now, and there’s no position available that matches your rank.”
His Excellency the Chief of Staff showed a look of shame and helplessness, stating firmly, “I am truly sorry! But I have my stance, and I must adhere to it! I can assure you that your treatment as a Lieutenant General is lifelong!”
Vincent pondered for a few seconds, then chuckled, “Haha.”
“Dawn, the military has already paid me the eighteen years of unpaid salary plus bank interest. I’m satisfied. Besides, given my current situation, if I were to really return to active duty, many people would truly be uneasy. I’m indeed better off staying in civilian life; it will put everyone at ease.” He paused, then changed to a solemn tone, “Did you hear about what happened in Big Apple City yesterday?”
General Schwartz’s expression remained unchanged as he said in a relaxed tone, “Of course I heard. However, such things happen every now and then.”
“So, behind this incident, it also involved the All-Unification Church, Lumina Planet rebels, and quite a few prohibited items. You should be aware of this too, right?”
The Chief of Staff’s smile faded, and he fell silent, a sharp glint appearing in his eyes.
“Lumina Planet and the three surrounding star systems have already been blockaded by the Outer Rim Fleet. However, we can’t starve all the Lumina people, so this so-called blockade is only military control in nature, and there are still quite a few who slip through. As far as I know, some time ago, a cargo ship named Honest Man, registered in Minlan Republic, just returned from the Outer Rim… Its captain, nicknamed Honest Man Planck, is a Human Federation citizen, but he is indeed a follower of the All-Unification Church.”
Minqi Vincent, colluding with the All-Unification Church? No, or rather, should it be a cooperative relationship? This is hard to say!
“A Human Federation citizen…” General Schwartz showed a difficult expression.
“Precisely because he’s a Human Federation citizen, such things can only be discussed privately. What, Dawn, don’t tell me you’ve become a law-abiding honest man now.” Vincent scoffed.
The Chief of Staff couldn’t help but smile, but his eyes grew colder: “Old schoolmate, how do you know all this?”
“I was imprisoned in the Empire for eighteen years, sitting idly for eighteen years. I didn’t learn much, but I made quite a few friends. Now I also have some of my own intelligence channels.” Vincent chuckled, “Let the Blue Standard Company follow this lead. Of course, whether you believe it or not is your freedom!”
General Schwartz scrutinized the other party, his eyes filled with suspicion and scrutiny.
“Old schoolmate, you’re not preparing to become an informant for me, are you?” he asked.
“No, just a small return. I do hope to do something for veterans like myself while I still can, but I am also a person who can’t stand loneliness. I never thought about rejoining the military, but trying to become a mayor or a councilor would also be good,” Vincent said with an extremely Frank attitude. Perhaps it was precisely because of his frankness that General Schwartz’s expression softened slightly.
“However, to achieve all this, I need prestige, and therefore, I need to make the foundation bigger and better. And all of this cannot be done without the support of the big shots in the military.”
Schwartz nodded, finding the other party's words quite reasonable. “Didn’t you also invite Marshal Paris?”
“Not just him, but also some other old gentlemen with great prestige in the military. But… they are, after all, outdated. I need their reputation among the civilians and ordinary soldiers, but that’s all.”
“Old schoolmate, you’ve really changed a lot.”
“I’ve been sitting idly for eighteen years, so if I were still the same, that would be an even bigger problem,” Lieutenant General Vincent chuckled. “Moreover, whether you believe it or not, I am indeed still an Earth soldier and I love our country. Dawn, I am very happy to see an excellent person like you in command of the military. So, don’t be too suspicious; just treat me as a partner.”
General Schwartz nodded.
Of course, he couldn't fully believe the other party, but he still smiled and said, “...I am still an active military officer, so I can't be an advisor to your foundation or receive a salary from you. However, I can introduce some people to you. The Military Personnel Department, oh, and the head of the Veteran Liaison Department, I will inform them in advance, and you can just go directly.”
“That would be truly appreciated.”
“You are too kind! On the contrary, it is I who should thank you on behalf of the retired soldiers.”
The two of them exchanged impeccable diplomatic pleasantries for a while, then shared a few more drinks, and their relationship seemed to have grown much closer.
“Very good, but at least”
“In a few days, I will have Frank personally visit you.”
“Frank? Brigadier General Francis Morey?” Lieutenant General Vincent’s tone seemed to have a hint of surprise.
Not just him, but even Yu Lian, who was observing from the shadows, was slightly startled. It wasn't surprise at hearing the name again at this moment, but rather surprise at General Schwartz's attitude. From his tone, it sounded like he had a very close relationship with the second-in-command of Blue Standard Company.
…No, no way? Yu Lian couldn't help but overthink a little, and he felt goosebumps again.
“Yes, he should have visited earlier, but now he has also found some clues in Big Apple City and is too busy to get away.” General Schwartz paused, then added, “Frank is trustworthy and an expert in this area! At that time, whatever you know, just tell him.”
“I’ve heard his name; he is indeed a trustworthy person,” Lieutenant General Vincent said with a smile. There was no flaw in his expression or tone.
Afterward, the two began to chat idly, seemingly hitting it off quite well.
The two of them even ate lunch in the room, displaying a camaraderie that made it seem like they had met too late, and they talked with great enthusiasm. Unfortunately, after that, there was no particularly noteworthy information.
Even so, Yu Lian couldn't leave and could only munch on red bean bread while continuing to observe and wait in the shadows. After all, no one could guarantee that they wouldn't drop some bombshells.
Intelligence gathering is truly not romantic; most of the time, it's this kind of drudgery!
Of course, there weren't absolutely no extra gains. For example, Yu Lian could basically confirm that General Schwartz had no intention of becoming Vincent's accomplice. In the previous timeline, he should have maintained his current attitude, treating the other party only as a cooperative and usable informant. How could he know that this outdated Lieutenant General, who seemed to have completely become a businessman, harbored a monster within him?
Later, there were the subsequent seminars and charity receptions.
Just as Yu Lian had gathered previously, the people attending the reception today were indeed very ordinary wealthy businessmen and politicians, considered the “grassroots” of high society. The most prominent figures, besides General Schwartz, were Meren Kolder, the CEO of Blue Standard Company.
The reception was boring, but Vincent’s eloquence was quite good. He successfully convinced everyone Present that the establishment of a veteran mutual aid organization and a charity foundation could bring them tangible benefits. As a result, overall, a considerable amount of donations was raised, which was a good start for tomorrow’s second reception.
Of course, Yu Lian was even more bored. He could only hide in his small hotel room, eating takeout while patiently listening to the adults engage in a whole evening of sanctimonious greetings and mutual flattery.
Finally, after the reception ended and Vincent returned to his room, he did say something substantial.
“Francis Morey is not easy to deal with. We need to finish things here before he arrives. At that time, it’s best if you also go out and avoid him.”
“Understood, I’ve already contacted Councilor Apwood. He agreed to meet tomorrow afternoon.” His secretary replied.
“Tomorrow afternoon? The reception is in the evening, right? Okay. And the location?”
“…At Foggy City Lumina Stadium! Two-thirty in the afternoon.”
“…I remember there’s a game tomorrow, right?”
“Yes, the Galaxy Champions Cup knockout match, Foggy City Arsenal versus Tamil Red Knights. There will be at least 200,000 fans Present.”
“Heh… I don’t know if that’s too creative or too cautious.” Vincent sneered, “Anyway, go prepare for me. To be honest, I’m quite interested in this match too.”
Finally home, meow. A little late, but at least I didn't drag it out until tomorrow, right?