Chapter 15 Chapter Fourteen

Destroying the Bangkok Tigers—this should have been more satisfying.But frankly, if it weren't for the knowledge that so many big names were involved, the ceremony itself would be no different from those inexplicable religious and social activities in Thailand.Even more surprising, in fact, was the extraordinary speed of the ritual. After Anderson entered the temple of the Ministry of Environment, only 20 minutes later, he saw Jaydi Royana Sukhichai humbly kneeling in front of the Minister of Trade, Akarath, and kowtowed.The golden statues of Buddha and Sewubu Nakasaten, glowing dimly, overlook the solemn scene.All the participants were expressionless, and even Akarat, who was the winner, didn't show a smile.After a few more minutes, the sound of the monks chanting scriptures stopped, and everyone got up and left.

That's it. Now, Anderson stands under the golden dome of Wat Phra Sewubu, waiting for staff from the Ministry of Environment to lead him out of the compound.After going through a series of strict security checks and body searches, he entered the compound of the Ministry of Environment, so he imagined that he might find a little intelligence here, and even get some information about the hidden location of the seed vault.It was a stupid idea, and he knew it all too well.But after a fourth round of frisking, he was almost sure he was about to run into Gibson himself, maybe the guy was cradling a newly designed Ngaw in his arms like a proud father.

Of course, he didn't see Gibson, only a group of white shirts with ugly faces, and then he was taken directly to the steps of the temple by a rickshaw.There, he was asked to take off his shoes and stand barefoot on the ground under strict surveillance until he and other witnesses were led into the main hall of the temple by the staff. There is a large area of ​​rain bean trees around the temple, so he basically sees nothing in the compound.The Nongji Company once arranged for an airship to "accidentally" fly over the compound of the Ministry of Environment, and the information obtained that time was more than what he obtained by personally entering the center of the compound this time.

"I saw you put your shoes back on." This is Carlisle, he walked over slowly with a smug smile on his face. "The way they check is pretty brutal," Anderson said. "They just don't like the franc smell on you." Carlisle pulled out a cigarette and handed Anderson one too.Under the vigilant watch of white-shirted security guards, they lit their cigarettes. "How did you feel about the ceremony?" Carlisle asked. "I thought there would be a lot of pomp." "No need. Everyone knows what it means: General Pracha has lost face." Carlisle shook his head. "For a moment, I almost felt that if I just raised my head, I could see Pa Sewubu's face." Statues crack in shame. You can feel the country changing with every breath you take."

Anderson thought of the buildings he had glimpsed by chance on his way to the temple hall.They all looked in a state of disrepair.Covered by vines, the exposed walls are covered with water marks.If the fall of the Bangkok Tiger wasn't enough evidence, the fallen trees and uneven ground in the Environment Ministry compound did. "You must be very proud of your achievement." Carlisle took a puff of cigarette, then exhaled slowly, "I would rather say this is a satisfactory step." "You impress them." Anderson nodded to the "Farran Five", who seemed to have received compensation and got drunk.Lucy was trying to persuade Otto to sing "Ode to the Pacific" under the serious gaze of the armed white shirt, but Otto saw Carlisle and stumbled over.His breath smelt of rice wine.

"Are you drunk?" Carlisle asked. "Totally drunk." Otto smiled dazedly. "I drank whatever I brought with me at the gate. The bastards wouldn't let me bring in the celebratory wine. I also smoked some Lucy." opium." He put an arm around Carlisle's shoulders. "You're right, you bastard. So fucking right. Look at the look on those damn white shirts, like they've been eating bitter melon all day!" He held out his hand as if to shake Carlisle's hand, but couldn't see where the other hand was. "It's so fucking good to see these guys get beaten. They and those 'goodwill gifts' deserve to die ! You're a good man, Carlisle. Very good man."

He smiled foolishly, "Because of you, I'm going to be very rich. Super rich!" He laughed and reached out to shake Carlisle's hand again, "Good man." He finally got a hand, He kept saying, "Good man." Lucy yelled at him to hurry back, "The rickshaw is coming, you drunk!" Otto staggered over and climbed onto the rickshaw with Lucy's help.White Shirt just watched indifferently.A woman in official uniform stood at the top of the steps and looked down on them all, her face expressionless. Anderson looked at the woman. "What do you think she's thinking?" He nodded at the female official. "These drunken Farangs are on her turf, making a fool of themselves? What is she looking at?"

Carlisle took a deep breath, slowed down, and then slowly exhaled, "The dawn of a new era." "Back to the future," Anderson whispered. "Sorry, what did you say?" "Nothing," Anderson shook his head. "Yates used to say that. We're in a sugar bowl right now. The world is shrinking." Lucy and Otto eventually climbed into the rickshaw.Otto was still yelling as they drove out of the yard, saluting all the venerable white shirts, thanking them for the huge sums of money they paid him for making him so rich.Carlisle shook his eyebrows at Anderson, asking the question silently.Anderson took a drag on his cigarette, thinking about the possibilities hidden behind Carlisle's question.

"I'm going to speak to Akarat directly." Carlisle snorted, "Only a child would want everything." "Children can't play this game." "You think you can play him around with two fingers? Turn him into a little governor who doesn't get in the way, like you guys do in India?" Anderson gave him a cold look, "I think it should be more like in Myanmar." Seeing Carlisle's expression suddenly stiffened, he smiled, "Don't worry, we don't do things that subvert the country anymore. We All that's interested is the promise of free trade. At least based on that common goal, I'm sure we have more to talk about. But I'm going to meet him."

"You are really cautious." Carlisle threw the cigarette butt on the ground and crushed it with his feet, "I thought you were an adventurous person." Anderson laughed. "I'm not here to take risks. That's what those drunks over there are supposed to do..." His voice trailed off, stunned. Emiko was among the crowd, with the Japanese delegation.He recognized her distinctive movement among the group of merchants and officials who clustered around Akarat, chatting and laughing. "My God!" Carlisle gasped, "Is it a clockwork man? The clockwork man entered this compound?"

Anderson tried to say something, but no sound came out of his throat. No, he was wrong.That's not Emiko, the action is the same, but it's not her.This clockwork man is dressed luxuriously, with golden jewelry around his neck; his face is also slightly different.She raised one hand—a clockwork man's pause-moving motion—and brushed the loose strands of black hair behind her ear.Looks alike, but not exactly the same. Anderson's heart started beating again. Not knowing what Akarat said, the clockwork girl showed an elegant smile.She turned around and introduced her master to Akarat - Anderson had seen a photo of this person in intelligence, he was the general manager of Sanxia Machinery.Her master said something to her, and after she listened with her head tilted, she quickly walked towards the rickshaw with strange and elegant movements. She looks so much like Emiko.Same stylized movement, same precision and subtlety.Every move of this clockwork man reminded him of another girl who was far more desperate than the one in front of him.He swallowed, thinking of Emiko sitting on his bed, how slender and lonely she looked.She is eager for any information about the Clockwork Man's village.What were those villages like?Who lives there?Do they really have no master?She was so desperate for hope.She is so different from this glorious clockwork man who walks among white shirts and government officials. "I don't think she has permission to enter the temple hall." After a while, Anderson said, "They shouldn't have gone too far. The white shirt will definitely make her wait outside." "Even so, they must be very depressed." Carlisle stretched his neck and looked at the Japanese delegation. "You know, Raleigh also has that kind of clockwork man. He does perverted performances in his shop." Anderson swallowed a mouthful of saliva, "Oh? I haven't heard of it." "Really? Anyone can do that thing, you should go see it. It's very eccentric." Carlisle chuckled. "Look, she's attracted a lot of attention. If you ask me, the Regent must have taken a fancy to her." gone." Somdej Chao Phraya was staring at the clockwork man, his eyes wide open, like a cow that had been slapped hard on the side of the head before being slaughtered. Anderson frowned, a little shocked, "In his capacity, he wouldn't take such a risk. At least he wouldn't get involved with the clockwork man." "Who knows? His reputation isn't clean anyway. From what I've heard, his life was pretty corrupt. He wasn't like that when the old king was around. Back then he was still strictly controlling himself. But now ..." Carlisle's voice weakened and stopped.He nodded at the clockwork girl, "I wouldn't be surprised if the Japanese gave her to the regent as a 'gift of kindness'. No one can refuse Somdej Chaophya's request." "Another bribe." "Always. But Somdej Chao Phraya was worth the price. All the information I have got is that he has basically controlled the court meeting and is very powerful. And his position will be given to you when the next rebellion occurs. Brings a considerable degree of security." Carlisle commented, "Everyone looks calm, but under the surface, things are boiling like boiling magma. It is impossible for Pracha and Akarat to maintain the current situation Status. Since the rebellion on December 12th, the two of them have been looking for opportunities to attack each other." He paused, "As long as we deal with it in the right way, we can decide who will be in charge." "Sounds expensive." "It's not expensive for you. A little gold and emerald, plus some opium." He lowered his voice, "According to your standards, it can even be said to be quite cheap." "Let's not talk about it. Can I see Akarat at all?" Carlisle patted Anderson on the back and laughed. "God, I really like doing business with Farang. At least you are direct. Don't worry, I'm making arrangements." He turned around and strode towards the Japanese delegation. , greeted Akarat.Akarat stared at Anderson with admiration in his piercing eyes.Anderson gave a Namaste.Although Akarat was unable to return the gift due to his status, he still nodded deeply to Anderson. Outside the gate of the Ministry of Environment, Anderson was about to greet Lao Gu to send him back to the factory, when two Thais approached him from both sides, sandwiching him. "This way please, Khun." They grabbed Anderson by the arms and carried him down the street.Anderson thought he was being caught by the white shirt, but soon saw a diesel limousine.Under the instructions of the other party, he got into the car and suppressed the fear in his heart. If they want to kill you, they can wait for a better time. The car door slammed shut.Trade Minister Akarat sat across from him. "Mr. Anderson," Akarat said with a smile, "thank you for coming." Anderson scanned the car, wondering if he could manage to get out.Perhaps the door locks are controlled from the front cab.Did he reveal his identity?The moment everything is revealed is the worst moment, too many people suddenly know too much.That's what happened in Finland: Peters and Ray ended up being nooses, their feet kicking in vain in the air, their bodies suspended above the crowd. "Mr. Richard told me that you have a proposal." Akarat started. Anderson hesitated, "I can only say that we have common interests." "No." Akarat shook his head, "You Westerners have been trying to destroy us for nearly five hundred years. We have no common interests." Anderson smiled tentatively. "Of course, we have different views on some things." The car starts to move forward.Akarat said: "This is not a matter of opinion. Ever since your first missionaries landed on our shores, you have sought to destroy us. In the previous age of expansion, you wanted to take everything we had. You cut The arms and legs of our country. Only because of the wise and wise leadership of His Majesty the past kings, we have been saved from the worst. Until now, you still have no intention of letting us go. In this age of contraction, the globalization you worship The economy starved us and we were completely isolated.” He looked at Anderson wryly, “And then you have your calorie plague. You almost took the rice out of our hands.” "I really didn't know that Mr. Trade Minister turned out to be a conspiracy theorist." "Which company are you from?" Akarat stared at him, "Nongji? Pure Cala? Whole Nutrient Fund?" Anderson spread his hands, "What I know is that you want to build a more stable government, and I have the resources to provide you. But before that, we need to reach an agreement." "what do you want?" Anderson stared sternly into the other's eyes, "Permission to enter your seed bank." Akarat's body jerked backwards, "This is impossible." The car turned a corner and began to speed up on King Rama XII Avenue.The streetscape of Bangkok was blurred, and Akarat's entourage had long since cleared the way. "We don't want to acquire the ownership of the seed bank." Anderson gestured for the other party to calm down. "We just need to take some samples from it." "The seed bank is where we don't have to rely on you. When rust and genetically modified weevils swept the world, we relied on the seed bank to get through the hardest times. Even so, our people died in great numbers .When India, Burma and Vietnam succumbed to your feet, we were still standing strong. And now, you are going to ask for our best weapons." Akarat laughed, "Perhaps I would like to see Pracha The general shaved his head and eyebrows, stayed in penance in a monastery in some forest, and was despised by all, but I agree with him on this matter. No farang must touch our The heart. You can take an arm or a leg from our country, but never the head, and certainly never the heart." "We need new genetic materials." Anderson said, "We are running out of materials, but the plague continues to produce mutations. We can share our research results with you. Even profits can be shared .” "There is no doubt that you offered the same to the Finns." Anderson leans forward, "What happened in Finland is a tragedy, and not just ours. If the world is going to continue to have edible food, we have to make sure we walk the path of second-generation tuberculosis, rust, and Japan." Genetically modify the front of the weevil. That's the only way." "You're saying that for so long you've gleefully controlled the world with mutated grains and seeds and enslaved everyone else - and now you finally realize that what you've done is dragging us all to hell." "That's what the Graham sect likes to say." Anderson shrugged. "The truth is, weevils and rust won't wait for anyone. And we are the only force in the world with enough scientific research power to fix this mess. We hope to find the key to the solution in your seed bank." "And what if you don't find it?" “That way, it doesn’t matter who rules Thailand. We’ll all cough up blood and die from the next wave of second-generation TB.” "I can't do it, the seed bank is controlled by the Ministry of the Environment." "I always thought we were talking about a change of stewardship." Akarat frowned, "You just want samples, nothing else? You provide weapons, equipment, profit sharing, and then just this?" Anderson nodded. "One more thing. We need someone, Gibson." He watched to see if Akarat would respond. "Gibson?" Akarat shrugged. "I've never heard of this man." "He's a Farang, one of us. We want to bring him back. He's violating our intellectual property." "I think he must have caused you a lot of trouble." Akarat laughed loudly. "It's very interesting to meet people like you face to face. Of course, we usually talk about those Calorie employees who are lurking on Angrit Island. , They are like demons, or hungry ghosts, plotting to devour this kingdom, but you..." He stared at Anderson, "If I want to, I can immediately dismember you with a giant elephant, and then expose your broken corpse to the wilderness, leaving behind To the vultures and the crows. No one will have the slightest objection. In the old days, it only took one calorie for a rumor that a company employee was among us to cause protests and riots in the streets. And now, here you sit, still confidence." "Times have changed." "Perhaps the change is not as great as you think. Are you a brave man? Or are you just too stupid?" "I have every reason to ask the same question," Anderson said. "There are not too many people who poke the sore spot of the white shirt and still remain calm." Akarat smiled and said: "I would have been very grateful if this proposal for funding and equipment had been made last week." He shrugged, "But this week, considering the previous situation and the victory I just won , I'm going to hand over your proposal to my consultant for consideration." He knocked on the glass behind the cab and signaled the driver to pull over. "Lucky for you, I'm in a good mood today. Another day, I'd be happy to see a calorie employee torn to bloody pieces." He motioned Anderson to go out, "I'll consider your proposal."