Warlords: Rising from the Northwest Border and Sweeping Across the Powers

The applause gradually died down, and Sukarno stood up with a sincere smile on his face: "General Chen said it very well! This is exactly the purpose of our Asian Alliance - mutual benefit, win-win and common development!"

He looked around and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, China has shown us its sincerity. Not only has it promised to provide technical support and financial assistance, but more importantly, it has given us an opportunity for an equal dialogue. This has never been seen in the colonizers of the past!"

Voices of approval were heard in the meeting hall.

"Speaking of this," Sukarno suddenly changed the subject, "I have a suggestion. Since China is so supportive of the development of the Asian Union and is willing to bring us so many benefits, I think we should also show our sincerity."

He looked at Chen Tong and said, "I propose that General Chen be appointed as the chief arbitrator of the Asian Union Conference."

As soon as these words were spoken, there was an uproar in the conference hall.

Everyone knows the importance of the position of Chief Arbitrator. It not only has the final say over disputes within the Asian Union, but also holds the power to make decisions on military cooperation.

"Isn't this...inappropriate?" Wen Ang was the first to stand up and express his objection.

"Why not?" Sukarno asked, "General Chen not only has rich military experience, but also has outstanding diplomatic skills. Most importantly, he represents China's attitude. With him in this position, our cooperation with China can be truly deepened."

Rahman's face turned pale. This proposal was obviously beyond his expectations.

However, Chen Tong maintained a calm expression throughout, as if all this was within his expectations.

"I totally agree!" Song Yimingde suddenly spoke up in support, "Having General Chen as the chief arbitrator will definitely bring greater development to the Asian Alliance."

The discussion in the meeting room became louder and louder. Some agreed, some opposed, and many more were weighing the pros and cons.

This unexpected proposal plunged the entire meeting into a heated discussion again.

And Chen Tong still maintained his unfathomable smile.

"Everyone," Song Yimingde stood up calmly, "Although I am not a formal member of the Asian Alliance, as a businessman who has been operating in South Asia for three generations, I think I am qualified to express some opinions."

&34;General Chen's ability is obvious to all. He not only...&34;

"Please sit down!" Wen Ang suddenly interrupted, with obvious dissatisfaction in his tone, "Mr. Song Yi, you are indeed a famous entrepreneur in South Asia, but this is a formal meeting of the Asian Alliance, not a business reception."

"That's right," Ruan Wenming said coldly, "You are not even a member of the Asian Union, what qualifications do you have to stand up for others here?"

"This is a political meeting, not a business meeting," said Laotian representative Song Sa.

Song Yimingde's face looked a little ugly, but she still maintained an elegant smile: "I just want to express..."

"That's enough!" Ramos, the representative of Feilu, stood up and said, "Mr. Songyi, please forgive me for being frank. It is an exception that you can attend the meeting today. But this does not mean that you have the right to interfere in the internal affairs of the Asian Union."

The atmosphere in the venue became somewhat tense.

Song Yiming looked around and found that most of the representatives looked at him with disapproval. He smiled bitterly and was about to sit down.

Just then, Chen Tong coughed lightly.

Everyone's eyes turned to the Chinese general, waiting to see what he would say.

"Everyone," Chen Tong slowly stood up, his voice calm but with a hint of irony, "I saw important figures from South Asian countries, but I didn't see their proper demeanor and broad-mindedness."

These words caused the venue to suddenly become quiet.

"Although Mr. Song Yi is not a member of the Asian Alliance, he is a respectable elder who has been operating in South Asia for three generations. I am afraid that many people would not agree that he does not know as much about South Asia as you do."

Chen Tong looked at everyone present and said, "Besides, if we don't even give a businessman a chance to express his opinion, how can we talk about tolerance? How can we talk about openness?"

Wen Ang looked a little embarrassed, and Ruan Wenming lowered his head.

"Besides," Chen Tong said meaningfully, "the Song Yi family's shipping network is spread all over South Asia, and their factories and docks provide tens of thousands of jobs for various countries. To say that he has no right to speak is a bit... "

He didn't finish, but everyone got the gist of it.

Song Yimingde looked at Chen Tong with gratitude.

Sukarno, who was sitting in the chairman's seat, was secretly observing all this. He keenly noticed that this was the second time Chen Tong spoke for Song Yiminde.

"Why did this Chinese general take such good care of the Songyi family?" Sukarno was alert, "What kind of agreement did they reach?"

But on the surface, Sukarno still maintained the dignity of a chairman: "General Chen is right, we should indeed have a bigger mind. Although Mr. Song Yi is not a formal member, his opinions are also worth referring to."

The atmosphere in the meeting hall calmed down, but everyone was thinking:

The relationship between Chen Tong and Song Yi's family is obviously not as simple as it seems.

The implications behind this relationship may affect the future of the entire Asian Alliance.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Sukarno decisively changed the subject, "Regarding the proposal for General Chen to serve as the chief arbitrator, I suggest that a vote be held now."

The atmosphere in the conference hall immediately became solemn.

&34;Please raise your hands if you agree. &34;Sukarno looked around.

Almost immediately after he finished speaking, three representatives from Indonesia raised their hands, followed by Song Sa from Laos.

After a moment's hesitation, Ramos of Feilu also slowly raised his hand.

Under Sukarno's slightly majestic gaze, two more representatives raised their hands.

Eight votes.

There were twenty-two people present, and only eight raised their hands.

Chen Tong saw all of this. He noticed that the first person to raise his hand was Sukarno's confidant, while the last two representatives who raised their hands were obviously reluctant.

Wen Ang and Ruan Wenming sat upright, their hands motionless.

Rahman lowered his head, seemingly trying to avoid looking anyone in the eye.

"Eight votes in favor," Sukarno announced, with a hint of disappointment in his voice. "The proposal was not passed."

But Chen Tong's expression remained calm, as if he had expected this result. He even nodded slightly to Sukarno, indicating that he didn't care.

Sukarno saw this scene, and it made him feel something: This Chinese general did not seem surprised by this result, and even... did he not want to accept this position in the first place?

But now is not the time to dwell on this issue.

"Then," Sukarno continued, "let's discuss the next topic..."

The meeting continued, but everyone knew that the outcome of this vote would have a profound impact on the future of the AAF.