Mercenary’s War
Chapter 1171 - 1171 One Thousand One Hundred and Fifty-Four A Good Teacher and Helpful Friend

1171: Chapter One Thousand One Hundred and Fifty-Four: A Good Teacher and Helpful Friend 1171: Chapter One Thousand One Hundred and Fifty-Four: A Good Teacher and Helpful Friend Gao Yang never considered himself a good person, but neither was he thoroughly despicable scum.

Being a mercenary, he still maintained a conscience in his dealings with others.

At most, he could perhaps be considered a bad person with a line he wouldn’t cross.

However, following a long conversation with Morgan, Gao Yang felt that he was sprinting down the path of an ambitious and scheming manipulator.

It wasn’t surprising, given his constant interactions with the likes of Grand Ivan, Morgan, Uriyangko, Justin, and Polovich—people whose company largely consisted of various and sundry mercenaries.

It would be strange if he had turned out virtuous.

Especially having been around heavy hitters like Grand Ivan and Morgan, arms dealers who discussed overthrowing a country or secretly instigating a war as if it were nothing, Gao Yang found himself disturbingly unperturbed by it all.

After all, mercenaries are creatures of war by nature.

The fact that Gao Yang had managed to hold on to his own principles after so long in that circle was quite commendable.

To become an unseen king who could influence the global situation was something Gao Yang dared not even contemplate—it was just too unrealistic.

But to be an underworld figure who could swing the fate of a small country and decide the direction of wars for one or more of such countries was something he found intriguing.

Gao Yang wasn’t a good drinker; just after less than two glasses of whiskey, he already felt tipsy.

As he swirled his glass, pondering how he could truly become a figure straddling both legal and illegal circles—ensuring both he and the entire Satan became masters of their own destiny—Morgan spoke leisurely.

“Gao, you’ve already gained considerable influence within the mercenary circle, but that’s not enough.

Once you’ve set up a big company and command your own formidable armed force, you’ll truly have become a boss—a major player in the dark world,” Morgan said.

Gao Yang smiled and responded, “I will strive to become the kind of major player you speak of.”

Morgan shook his head, his voice deep, “No, that’s not what I mean.

What I’m asking is, are you ready with your disguise?

Have you started preparing your exit strategy?”

Gao Yang shook his head, “Not yet, isn’t it too early to talk about that?”

With a sigh, Morgan explained, “No, it’s not too early.

You need to start preparing for your future.

Listen, Gao, you understand that much of my business cannot be exposed.

Yet I can live comfortably in America.

In the public eye, I have a legitimate identity, a legitimate job, and I’m also a philanthropist.

Besides, my business is tied to many powerful families, so I can live peacefully in America.

I don’t worry about police suddenly busting in to take me away—no one dares to do that, even those in control of America are well aware of what I do.”

After a smile, Morgan continued, “Grand Ivan and I are different.

I tread the line between light and darkness, whereas Grand Ivan purely walks the world of darkness.

Therefore, his way of self-preservation is the possession of tremendous power—such that even when nations are aware of his existence, they dare not easily provoke him.

Because if they fail to obliterate Grand Ivan at once, they must prepare for his ferocious retaliation.”

Gao Yang wanted to mention that Grand Ivan had been dealt with by America, but he stopped himself.

Because what Morgan said was true—after Grand Ivan’s fall, America showed no signs of further interference with Grand Ivan’s channels, and that in itself was telling.

With a serious tone, Morgan articulated, “The world is far from as peaceful as it appears.

Ordinary people live in the illusion of stability because everyone follows a mutual understanding.

There are many big players in the underworld, but the world is still in the hands of the official government.

This underworld don’t frequently antagonize the official government because the power disparity is still too great.

On the other hand, the official government sometimes strikes down significant figures from the underworld, representing inherent justice.

They must combat those who disrupt the natural order.

The law of the jungle is universal at all times.”

Waving his hand, Morgan insisted firmly to Gao Yang, “Right now, you are still a small fry.

You don’t attract too much attention, which makes you relatively safe.

But should you ever become a big figure, that changes everything.

You will draw a lot of attention and mere concealment won’t suffice.

Gao, as you rise, you cannot expect to fool everyone.

You must employ methods to protect yourself—to make it so that even if the entire world knows you’re a bastard, they still cannot touch you.

Only then will it work.”

Gao Yang bitterly laughed, “Isn’t that too difficult?

To be so formidable that no official government dares to mess with you—sounds like a joke.

Even if I had a powerful army, how formidable can I be to remain untouchable by any official government?

It’s a complete fallacy.”

Morgan’s voice was grave, “It’s difficult, but not impossible.

If put simply, it’s actually quite straightforward.

If you have a formidable armed force, then you’re a boss, but being just a boss isn’t enough.

You also need connections.

For example, let’s say you have complex and solid networks backing you in America, like myself.

I would do everything in my power to ensure you don’t become a target.

But just me alone isn’t enough.

You need to cultivate a wide and robust network of influential connections to vouch for you.”

Gao Yang frowned and said, “For instance…?”

Morgan chuckled, “Like campaign contributions, Gao.

America is very practical, very much so.

If you’re friends with the military-industrial complex, they’ll speak for you.

You’re good at gunmanship, so get on good terms with the Rifle Association.

They have significant influence.

Most importantly, you need to pave your political paths.

You could provide campaign contributions to some very promising senators, congressmen, or even offer substantial financial support to future presidents of America during their campaigns.”

Gao Yang gaped, exhaling, “That’s possible?”

Morgan laughed.

“Of course it is.

Listen, pal.

The officials are very realistic.

If you’re willing to fork out a big sum of money to help with their campaign, they have to speak for you.

In this respect, America’s officials have quite the professional ethics.

Mercenaries need professional ethics, so do officials — none are nobler than the others.”

Gao Yang let out a long breath, “I see, I get it.

So specifically, what should I do?”

Morgan smiled, “I’ll introduce some people to you, my base, but just my faction alone isn’t enough.

You need to find your own main circle of influence.

Having more than two political networks vouching for you, you don’t need to worry about any trouble in America.

You can go around the world causing trouble, just don’t bring it onto America’s doorstep, and no one will bother you.

Mutual use, mutual help, a happy cooperation for all.”

Gao Yang snapped his fingers, “Understood, how to do it, shall I start preparing now?”

Morgan nodded, “Yes, start preparing now.

But it’s just preparation.

To be frank, you’re not yet on the radar of those big shots.

Only when you have enough strength will you be eligible to work with them as equals.

Otherwise, if you offer up a large sum of money now, you might just get swallowed whole.”

Gao Yang scratched his head as Morgan, with a smile, said: “You’re lucky to know me and also Grand Ivan.

Pal, while you’re still weak, I’ll help you so you have time to grow.

When you’ve grown sufficiently strong, then you’ll need to forge your own paths.”

Gao Yang said with emotion, “Morgan, I truly don’t know how to thank you.”

Morgan waved his hand, “Thank me?

Why?

Gao, we’re friends, but my help isn’t purely out of friendship.

To put it bluntly, we can use each other.

You know, what I currently lack is strong military force, this prevents me from smoothly handling many issues.”

After finishing, Morgan looked seriously at Gao Yang, “You needn’t thank me.

Your growth will benefit me.

For me, this means my protective forces will be stronger.

I trust you, I know you’ll help me with anything, so I’m also willing to help you with anything.

Buddy, as for who will be more powerful in the future, that remains to be seen.

I’ve witnessed too many cases of newcomers surpassing the old guard.”

Morgan, seemingly enthusiastic, waved his hand and continued seriously, “Gao, you should know, I’m backed by a certain prominent family.

This is both a good and a bad thing.

It means I can’t escape the family’s control, so there’s a glass ceiling above me.

But it’s different for you, you don’t have any restraints above your head.

I’m helping you now, but in the future?

It’s really uncertain who will rely on whom.”

Morgan appeared to have more to say, but Gao Yang remained silent, just quietly looking at Morgan.

As expected, Morgan waved his hand again and smiled, “There’s another very important reason.

I am old.

I can still manage now, but what about in five years?

Or ten years?

If I can’t handle things anymore, what about Bob?

His temperament isn’t suited for big ventures, and I’ve made too many enemies from my deeds.

Gao, I have to think about Bob’s future, and you are his friend, a very good friend at that.”

Gao Yang exhaled, saying, “Morgan, I can say this much: no matter what I become in the future, as long as Bob needs my help, whatever it is, I’ll use all my power to assist him.

I didn’t want to say this, but thinking about it, it seems better to say it out loud.”

Morgan smiled, “You don’t really need to say it, because I know you’ll do it.

If I wasn’t confident about your character, I wouldn’t be helping you like this.

Gao, you always say you’re lucky to have met me, but in fact, Bob and I are the lucky ones.

You are a common friend of our father and son; having you here makes me worry less about Bob’s future.”

After finishing, Morgan took a deep breath, “Think over what I’ve said.

Your thinking is still stuck in the mercenary era.

You don’t understand politics.

I’ll teach you the specifics.

After coming to America this time, I’ll take you to meet a few people, consider it as practice for the future.”

(To be continued.

If you enjoy this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes, monthly tickets, and support me.

Your support is my greatest motivation.

Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)