[Chapter 546: The Despair of the Soviets]
The Soviets weren't afraid of fighting. The toughness of the fighting nation wasn't just talk.
But this time, their troubles came from within. No matter how solid a fortress was, if issues arose inside, there was no way to resolve them.
"Master, shouldn't we pick up some of the Soviets' goodies?"
"What kind of goodies are we talking about?"
"Mainly light weapons. The sheer quantity is terrifying. We can't even figure out why they produce so many."
"Ha, forget it. If they have some T-72 tanks, we can grab a few, but let's ditch the arms deal."
William White, though a jerk, still had some principles. He understood that these items, which cost very little, could be traded for a decent number of diamonds or exchanged for jade raw stones.
However, his experience in returning to this world was just too bizarre. Unless absolutely necessary, he preferred to maintain some boundaries. What if that deity got fed up with him and threw him back?
Selling arms was akin to selling death. Africa had too many guns already, and if they could swap grain instead, that would be better. Though it was foolish, he wouldn't have to deal with any consequences.
"By the way, Tanner, their missile defense system is impressive. We can buy a few of those. Even if we won't use them right away, they can serve as stock."
"Sure thing, master. Their large hovercraft is pretty good too, though it's a bit noisy."
"Tsk, let's get one or two of those back. The price isn't a big deal. The next Bond film might use this thing."
"Master, you can't just rent such a massive thing. It has to stay on Dinosaur Island. It would be a hassle if we can't dismantle those weapons."
William shot him an annoyed look. "Tanner, you want the evil Soviets piloting American water buffaloes? That would be a joke."
"Uh, okay, I'll make the call. All the arms dealers in the world have been flocking there. Good materials are still in high demand."
...
On the surface, the U.S. had asked for the Soviets' opinion.
You see, Saddam was ridiculous, directly going after my little buddy. I'm not saying we should wipe out him, but helping my little buddy shouldn't be a problem, right?
If this matter had arisen three to five years ago, the Soviets would have never agreed. Rest assured, there wouldn't be any military assistance.
But in the current environment, they dared not act so openly.
Assistance?
Don't joke, we're in the middle of a famine here. One wrong move could jeopardize my import channels.
The U.S. could now negotiate, acting as if they were being reasonable. Of course, they had no intention of provoking the Soviets at the moment. A wounded beast was still very dangerous, and unless absolutely necessary, it was best to keep a safe distance.
...
Nicole Kidman visited Lanai Island for the first time. She had only heard stories before. Stepping onto that land, she truly experienced what a paradise felt like.
Standing at 5'11" in a short skirt, she looked quite delightful. Upon seeing the bastard across from her sneak a peek with his head down, she couldn't help but laugh. "Seriously, how can you not act more mature?"
"Not yet. I need to take another look. Ahem, look, the weather's just great today."
"Let's hurry up and play; why can't I ever play well?"
"Come on, I'll teach you. You know I'm a pretty good teacher."
"Don't, there are people on the green over there."
"Aw, that's too bad. Otherwise, we could come back and play tonight."
"Hmph, no way!"
"How about we go soak in a hot spring? Your skin's too pale. The sun just came out, and you're already turning pink. Honestly, you're not cut out for this sport."
"Hmph, I grew up in Australia. The sun there is way harsher than in Hawaii."
"Ha, I remember a joke. They say golf is just a game the Scots played while tending sheep. By the way, did you ever herd sheep as a kid? I bet if you blended in with the flock, only a shepherd dog would find you."
"Asshole, you went to herd sheep and came back without clothes."
"Damn it, how did I forget that?"
William knew Nicole had never herded sheep. Her family in Australia was quite prominent. Of course, she didn't have the right to inherit the Kidman family name.
Even so, this beauty born with a golden key didn't need to hustle in the fashion world. It would be best for her to find someone to marry; that was what her family needed from her.
The hot spring was located inside the luxurious villa. At this place, nobody would disturb their enjoyment.
"Did you know, Nicole? Soaking in hot springs is really good for your skin."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course."
"Though there are many hot springs on the island, the one with the highest sulfur content is right here. There are many indicators for determining the quality of a hot spring, and sulfur content is the most important."
"How come I heard that the best hot springs are in Japan?"
"Tsk, don't listen to those Japanese folks. The hot springs there are famous because they indulge in all kinds of nonsense. You know, many famous places really don't separate the men and women."
"No way? My God, you've been there."
"Of course! Not only did I go, but I also shamelessly reacted. You wouldn't believe how awkward it was."
"Pfft, how hungry were you? My God."
"Tsk, what's the big deal? I'm thinking about it again now. Someone said, 'When you're hungry, you ought to eat.'"
In an instant, splashes of water erupted.
In fact, it turned out that hot springs were really just for bathing. If you had some other ideas, the effort and sweat spent would be considerable. The most important thing was that William White's gear wasn't exactly top-notch. If the temperature was too high, the raincoat wouldn't really be necessary.
Watching the man devour his meal, Nicole's appetite improved significantly. Now it made sense; no wonder this guy had so much energy.
"The lobsters today are great. They were just caught in Australia. You should eat more."
"I can't eat like that; this one meal is about two days' worth of calories."
"Don't worry, with me around, you won't put on extra calories. You must trust me and never go on a diet. Rest easy; any weight you lose will be the part you care about the most, and I'm not about to let that happen."
"Hmph, if I turn into a fat woman, I'll be miserable."
*****
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