I Found A Planet

The various conditions proposed by Xing Hai Technologies in their recruitment for partners were both tempting yet harsh enough to make one take a step back. After all, Xing Hai technologies was too harsh on some aspects. It was OK if the performance of the products were reduced. But the two conditions of “collecting user data, which may infringe on user privacy” and “servers will be located in Z countries” were really difficult to accept. Individuals would not only lose their valuable privacy but, once Xing Hai Technologies cut off the data service, it would immediately become paralyzed and they would very much be under the control of others. This meant that you could only be a nice person in the future, and you could not afford to offend Xing Hai Technologies or Z citizens.

Of course, the resistance one felt towards these requirements or restrictions, could actually be overcome and tolerated. It was the era of big data. You could only have your so-called “privacy” if you lived like a caveman. There were even many apps which were unusable if you did not give your permission for certain authorizations. As for the relationship with Xing Hai Technologies and the attitude towards Z people, it could be more polite and friendlier. Even if there was nothing in it for them except lining the pockets of Z people, they should still put on a smiling face. But the most challenging thing to deal with was not the above difficulties, but the sanctions of Merica!

“Whoever dares to collaborate with Xing Hai Technologies will have to bear the most violent anger and the most brutal sanctions by Merica!” This was the original statement made by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Merica. Which headstrong country dared to try to go against Merica?

So, it was really difficult to be a bootlicker. Without a thick skin, without great courage, without the mental preparation to face fatal retaliation by Merica, it was impossible to make this step.

In addition, when the public in those countries with electoral systems saw how their government knelt at Xing Hai Technologies’ feet without an ounce of integrity and accepted such harsh conditions, public support for them would definitely go down. It was tantamount to political suicide. After all, many Westerners never experienced Xing Hai Technologies’ products. They did not think that this company from Z country was anything great. Instead, they were very contemptuous. They believed that the company’s achievements came from “technical theft.” This was a classic case of the Western media digging their own grave. They created too many false news reports, and in the end, they fell into the hole that they dug.

They created a situation where it was very difficult for them to become a bootlicker to Xing Hai Technologies. Therefore, it could not be said that no countries wanted to become bootlickers. In fact, there were a lot! However, due to various concerns, they were still in a state of balancing the pros and cons while watching from the sidelines.

However, the quota was limited and it was on a first-come, first-served basis. After the first attempt by Japan to become a bootlicker, the other countries felt a deeper sense of urgency. They stopped weighing the pros and cons. The second candidate quickly emerged.

Abraham Fred was a 47-year-old ordinary British businessman who ran a sweets shop. Due to his chubby figure, one could not distinguish his neck from the rest of his body, which made him look like a potato. One felt a sense of hilarity looking at him. At the moment, he was sitting across from Ling Jundong, and looking with some surprise at the sci-fi layout of the room. He lived in Z country for 20 years and could also speak Z language fluently.

“Mr. Fred, can you really represent the British government and discuss collaboration at this level?” Ling Jundong shook his head. He sighed in admiration at the savviness of the old imperialist. He did not send diplomats, but a candy merchant as the front while commanding from behind the scenes.

“Yes, Mr. Ling, my government and the king has given me the highest power to negotiate. I can discuss all matters regarding collaboration.”

“Then, do you understand the risks? Two days ago, I was talking to Ichiro Maeda, who was sitting where you are right now. He’s already dead. Do you know about that?” Ling Jundong nodded and asked.

“I know.” A trace of sweat appeared on Abraham Fred’s forehead. However, he continued calmly, “This is a very difficult task, but for the benefit of the country, I am willing to give all that I have!” He looked utterly fearless.

The current situation that their empire was in could be described as very dangerous. It was high praise to describe it as “an empire in its dusk.” The most appropriate description would be “an empire after its sunset.” Its GDP was ranked 8th in the world. Its science and technology was nothing to write home about. The number of its most advanced warships was only a fraction of its battle fleets during its heyday. It had more generals than tanks, and it was said that “one general commanded one tank.”

Although it was still one of the five Allied powers, it fell to the last of the five. Soon, it would become one of the five most shameful countries. At best, it was a second-rate world power. At the same time, it was like Japan, in its desperate attempt to reverse its decline in fortune and restore the glory of the past. But, it was all in vain. No matter how hard they struggled, they were still unable to resist the weakening trend.

It was under this kind of situation that the candy merchant, Abraham Fred, sat in front of Ling Jundong as Britain’s response to Xing Hai Technology’s announcement. And there was virtually no bargaining when it came to the various conditions for collaboration set forth by Xing Hai Technologies. He simply nodded in agreement.

For example, when it came to the reduced performance of the lite versions of the products, it was ok as long as it was usable. He supported the collection of user data for the purpose of providing better services. The infringement on user privacy did not have to be particularly emphasized and it could be categorized as part of “user data.” But, it had to guarantee that user privacy would not be exposed and accept appropriate supervision.

The core server would be placed in country Z. But a “cache server” would be set up in the UK to store a small amount of data for speeding up network access. In short, many problems could be solved in a flexible manner. There was no need to fix all the little details to their solutions right here and now.

Ling Jundong nodded. He began to appreciate and admire the way the British were carrying things out. Only savagery and arrogance were left of the imperialist states. This description was more suited for the Merican empire. But another description could be added for the old imperialist, Britain, and that was “cunning and savvy.” After all, the British ancestors had rich experiences and they saw more of the world. They had to deal with more troubles and experienced several ups and downs in the intermediate years. They had been through great periods of troubles! They knew how to judge the situation and seize their victory. When they saw something beneficial, they would reap it immediately.

It was an outstanding s**t-stirrer in the geopolitical field. It seemed to take great pleasure in stirring s**t up with all its might in the global hotspots of conflict. After entering the new century, the British became fully aware of their weakness. They yearned to recover their glory days. With these two major reasons, Britain, who was also an island country like Japan, began to learn from the expertise of other countries. For example, they introduced a new style of mathematics education from Z country and achieved remarkable results. Drawing on the national system of Z country, they won more medals in recent Olympic Games. They were also the first to join the Z country’s initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and so on. Now they planned to collaborate with Xing Hai Science Technologies and decided to seize this golden opportunity to rise again!

That the British, who were still arrogant down to their very bones, made such a decision, was completely within the expectations of Ling Jundong. Hence, he reported the situation to the boss.

Chen Jin was slightly stunned. “I didn’t expect the second applicant to be the s**t-stirrer. This is the elder cousin of Merica. By looking to collaborate with Xing Hai Technologies at this time, aren’t they afraid of Merica’s retaliation?”

“No, since they took the initiative to come to us, it showed that they are confident of dealing with Merica’s retaliation. Moreover, the United Kingdom is one of the five Allied powers. If this important ally completely turns against them, Merica will immediately be in a very isolated position. The UK has a large following behind them in the form of the Commonwealth countries! Would Merica dare to lose this ticket?” Ling Jundong analyzed.

Chen Jin nodded. “Then, let’s agree to collaborate in principle. We’ll confirm them as our partner if all the terms can be satisfactorily negotiated!”

…

On that same evening, Xing Hai Technologies posted a comment on its official Weibo, “Cousin, I am sorry, we want to collaborate with Xing Hai Technologies.”

This immediately caused a huge wave on the Internet! The netizens exclaimed collectively, “What? Has the cousin actually rebelled?”

The various countries were also in a state of turmoil. Seeing that the United Kingdom took action, many countries that were in a restless state suddenly became utterly flustered. They could not sit still. The next day, all of them sent their applications almost simultaneously.

A large wave of bootlickers was rushing in!