The expeditionary force began to dominate Southeast Asia by recruiting defeated soldiers

Inside the communications center, Major James was anxiously awaiting a call back from headquarters.

Zhang Chi was also somewhat anxious. He had already convinced the special envoy, James, but he still needed the approval of Stevenson, the real decision-maker in the distant world, before his "self-reliance plan" could truly get on the fast track.

Finally, a familiar ticking sound came from the radio.

James quickly translated the message according to Morse code. He quickly scanned the contents of the telegram and then an excited look appeared on his face.

He hurriedly walked up to Zhang Chi and spoke in a hurried tone.

"Colonel Zhang, General Stevenson has agreed! The request for 100 tons of supplies per month has been approved. He hopes that you will remain where you are for the time being and give him some time to communicate with the Qian Kingdom. The general will do his best to transfer your command to the newly established garrisoned poison troops."

Zhang Chi looked at James, and all the anxiety in his heart disappeared, and he smiled happily.

He knew very well that he had achieved his goal.

Stevenson's line not only meant a steady supply of material support, but also brought him status and power, and even freed him from the constraints of the White Party in Qianguo.

He knew that according to the course of history, Stevenson would set up a training camp in Ramgarh, Sindhu, and establish a Qian army stationed in Sindhu. The command of this army would belong to Stevenson, who would appoint himself as the commander-in-chief of the Qian army headquarters in India.

The new 38th Division, the new 22nd Division and other expeditionary forces will form the main force of the army stationed in Shendu, and 5 new recruits will be transported by air to join the Ramgarh training camp.

If Zhang Chi's independent regiment joins the Qian Kingdom's poisonous army, it will be in a strange situation where it is ostensibly under the dual leadership of the Qian Kingdom and the Allied Forces, but in fact, due to the wrangling between the two sides, he can refuse orders from either side.

His independent regiment is located in this mountainous area with dangerous terrain. At that time, it can be said that "the emperor is far away and the sky is high". The day when he can truly take control of the situation is just around the corner.

Zhang Chi nodded and said softly, "It seems we have reached a very fair deal, isn't it? You provide the supplies and reputation, and I provide the results of the battle."

When he said this, he deliberately emphasized the word "transaction", and there was a hint of playfulness in his eyes.

James frowned slightly, as if he felt the deep meaning in Zhang Chi's words, but at this moment he had no choice but to nod silently.

"Well, I think the independent regiment's radio station may temporarily 'experience some malfunctions' due to weather reasons in the next week, so I'm afraid the urging telegram from the White Party will not be received." Zhang Chi smiled and spoke lightly, as if he was talking about a trivial matter.

"That's enough time for you to argue with the White Party leaders, right?"

James finally understood Zhang Chi's plan after hearing this. He was stunned. He had never expected that the young leader before him could be so shrewd and cleverly use a "malfunction" to delay time.

Zhang Chi turned around and called out, "Xiao Qi, come here."

Xiao Qi, who was always following him, came over immediately. James saw a baby-faced orderly appear in front of his eyes in a flash.

Zhang Chi whispered to Xiao Qi, "Go and inform those newly rescued Allied prisoners to prepare to gather in the mess hall. Our Mr. James has an important task—take a group photo for them. Remember to have the mess hall prepare some hearty food for them, forget about the salted potatoes."

Zhang Chi turned to James and said, "Major James, I'm sure you'll agree that Time magazine will soon publish a wonderful report - 'Under the heroic leadership of General Stevenson, Allied prisoners of war tortured by Fusang are rescued.'"

"As for the subtitle, I think 'Hungry People Spend Their Meals Talking About the General's Kindness' would be a good idea. That story will surely please your superiors, won't it?"

James was stunned for a moment, and after he realized what was happening, he could only nod helplessly.

He originally thought that as a special envoy of the headquarters and a confidant of General Stevenson, he would become the object of flattery by the commander Zhang when he came to the independent regiment.

But unexpectedly, during their first meeting, Zhang Chi was in control of the situation from beginning to end, as if he, the young talent, was a veteran at the negotiating table.

Not to mention that the other party had made him confused with just a telegram from Qian Country urging him to return home. He was completely led by the other party today.

James had to admit that the young leader in front of him was unfathomable.

"Colonel Zhang, you are such a shrewd negotiator," James sighed, forcing a smile.

Zhang Chi smiled and said nothing.

He was determined to win the negotiation with James.

Stevenson needed him to maintain the exposure of the Bald Eagle Army in this war zone, and he needed to use all this to gradually build his own power.

He knew very well that the independent regiment had gradually grown from an isolated force to the backbone of the Allied forces in this enemy-occupied war zone, and that he, Zhang Chi, would be more than just a regimental commander in the future.

------

On July 13, the weather was hot and humid, and the indoor humidity was as high as 90%, like a sauna.

Bai Minghui, whom Zhang Chi had been thinking about for a long time, finally came back with gold.

"Captain, look what good stuff I brought back for you this time?" Bai Minghui took the initiative and pushed the door open with a smug smile on his face.

Behind him followed four soldiers, all of whom were sweating profusely, carrying a heavy wooden box in their hands and walking with difficulty.

Zhang Chi raised his head and saw the scene in front of him, a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

"Oh? Captain Bai, what treasure did you get this time?"

He put down the information in his hand and asked casually, with a hint of ridicule in his tone.

"Commander, guess what?" Bai Minghui blinked proudly, as if he was trying to keep the other person in suspense.

Zhang Chi raised his eyebrows slightly, guessing that Bai Minghui had achieved great results, but he still pretended to be calm.

He waved his hand, signaling Xiao Qi to take Tan Zhijie and several other staff officers to leave first. He didn't plan to let too many people know about the gold matter.

Then, he turned to Bai Minghui and said half-jokingly, "100 kilograms of gold?"

"Hmph, Commander, you really underestimate me." Bai Minghui patted the wooden box, a sly smile on his face, "This thing alone weighs far more than 100 kilograms."

As soon as he finished speaking, Bai Minghui signaled his men to open the wooden box.

As the lid slowly opened, a dazzling golden light instantly filled the entire command center.

Zhang Chi couldn't help but narrow his eyes. The golden light was too dazzling, as if the sun was shining on the ground.

After his eyes adjusted to the dazzling light, Zhang Chi looked closely and was stunned.

In the wooden box was a golden Buddha half the height of a human, its surface shining with a golden luster, as if it was made of pure gold.

Zhang Chi was so surprised that he was speechless for a moment. The weight of this golden Buddha was self-evident. The heavy wealth was right before his eyes.

"Old White, Old White..." Zhang Chi couldn't help but raise the corners of his mouth, and then burst into laughter, "Hahahahahaha..."

Bai Minghui also laughed. He knew that the commander in front of him could transform these dead objects into weapons to fight the Japanese. This was why he did not run away with the gold but came back happily to report.

Zhang Chi walked forward, stroked the golden Buddha, and made some estimates in his mind.

This golden Buddha weighs at least 150 kilograms. Even if the ancient metallurgical technology was poor and the gold was not pure enough, it still weighs at least 130 kilograms of gold.

This was a great harvest, not to mention that according to Bai Minghui, this golden Buddha was just one of the spoils of this operation.

Zhang Chi was overjoyed. With this golden Buddha alone, he could exchange for at least 13 synthetic pilots who could withstand 17G overload.

Wasn't the main force of the independent regiment's air force here? Coupled with the trainees who were learning from the rescued Allied pilots, his independent regiment would soon be able to operate a fighter squadron.

"Old Bai, you have done a great job this time!" Zhang Chi said with a smile, his tone full of gratitude and affirmation.

This means that he is a group leader rather than a station manager.

Otherwise, based on this "Golden Buddha on the Jade Throne", he would have to appoint Bai Minghui as the deputy station chief of Tianjin Station.