I transformed into a cute girl and lived a carefree life in the apocalypse.

“That’s right. Once they’ve fully developed, we won’t have any room to survive.”

The one who spoke was a ninth-rank member of the German Federation, who refused to accept that China had taken the lead over them.

“That’s true, but the key is… what should we do to get them to agree? Let’s not offer any useless advice,” Hyde said solemnly.

In the past, they might have been able to threaten China with joint sanctions, but now that would be much more difficult.

They have long lost the support of the people in Asia. Apart from a few countries that claim to be the world's second largest country, a cosmic empire, or the third strongest country, almost all others are siding with China.

"How about... we make an issue of food security?"

A national leader spoke up, saying that China imports a significant amount of grain from them every year, and he thought it was worth considering.

"No, China's population is not as large as it used to be. We don't know how much grain they have secretly hoarded."

"Then in terms of military aid?"

Several ninth-level cultivators burst out laughing.

What have they helped since the end times began?

The firearms, grenades, and other junk they themselves didn't want were just for show on the international stage. If it weren't for the Chinese side's willingness to accept even a small amount, they wouldn't have taken this junk.

However, those junk items would never be used on the battlefield. At most, they would be used for training new recruits. They would have absolutely no reliability on the battlefield.

"Sigh... I think that taking a hard line against the Chinese government is no longer feasible at this stage... We should change our approach; brute force won't work on them."

Among this group, there was a discerning person. He was a ninth-rank member from France named Adrian, who was at the Qi Evolution stage of the ninth rank.

Over the years, witnessing the rise of China and comparing it with his own decline, he knew that their era had passed.

That Eastern superpower will not heed their threats and intimidation. Unlike the aging Russia, they have plenty of confidence!

Without a doubt, their development model is absolutely successful. China is currently in its fastest period of development and is far from reaching its peak.

Against this backdrop, any nation that remains indulging in the outdated dream of reaping enormous profits through mere intimidation is destined for destruction sooner or later.

"Oh God, Adrian, how could you think such a thing? We are the noblest of people!"

"We have been very lenient with China now, and we must dampen their arrogance."

"If they can make it, what reason does great capitalism have not to make it?"

The meeting room became noisy, as if someone had touched a sore spot, and everyone started refuting Adrian's point of view, making comments that were as foolish and unconstructive as possible.

Adrian sighed helplessly, "Well, whatever you want to think, I won't comment."

A group of people living in the past, or a group of people who know the reality but still pretend to be asleep, are hoping for that sliver of possibility that only exists on the other side of the imaginary number.

People like that can't be woken up. It doesn't matter what happens to these guys who can't be woken up even with urine; just mind your own business.

—Not good.

Hyde felt helpless. It was always like this. When would this argument ever end?

In the end, they'll definitely shift the blame onto them again and make the United States figure out a solution.

"Cough cough."

A soft cough silenced the room instantly, as everyone craned their necks, hoping this ninth-tier expert from the Blue Star's hegemony would offer some good advice.

Hyde looked around and said in a deep voice, "Let's not talk about this for now, there's no rush. The most important thing I've called you all here for is the Civilization Cup."

To be honest, he didn't have any good suggestions, but saying it so bluntly would definitely damage their prestige as the big brother in front of a group of Western countries, so he had to change the subject.

What are your country's thoughts on this?

"Is there any change?"

“No, no, no…hehe…” Hyde shook his head with a smile. “What I’m trying to say is, how well is the secrecy being maintained, and…it’s time to settle some things.”

Upon hearing this, the space in the meeting room fell silent once again.

An international event with a global reach, comparable to the Olympics, will undoubtedly generate enormous revenue and influence, bringing unparalleled benefits to whichever country hosts it.

In other words, this is a huge cake that everyone wants to devour!

Although it's the United States' turn to succeed the previous one, they still need to go through the necessary procedures to avoid offending other countries.

"Please say."

"I think... I'd like to hold the event in the United States. Nobody will object, right?"

"..."

No one dared to speak of resistance. Among them, might makes right, and the United States' fist was bigger than all of theirs combined, so they didn't even dare to harbor any discontent.

Weak nations have no diplomacy. Their domineering behavior abroad relies solely on the name of the Western alliance; their actual hard power is inferior to that of some second-rate countries.

Seeing that no one responded, Hyde smiled and said:

"Since no one objects, let's set the location in District Seven, and the competition will be held on October 1st, one month from now. Everyone is welcome to participate. The prizes for the top three winners will not disappoint you. Now, let's talk about other matters..."

After some more bickering, and having secured huge benefits for the United States, everyone in the meeting room dispersed.

Adrian is not included.

"looking for me?"

He lay back on the sofa and said weakly.

Hyde had a servant bring up two cups of tea, and smiled, "Actually, I agree with your point of view, but just now... as you know, I was forced by circumstances."

"You agree with what I said?" Adrian's eyes lit up, and his tone, which had been flat since the beginning of the meeting, began to show some emotion.

“Yes,” Hyde affirmed.

If he was still living in a dream before that naval standoff, then after that, he was completely awakened.

They suffered a crushing defeat in that battle, and dared not vent their anger. They not only lost their wives and soldiers, but also had top-secret supplies transported by the Seventh Fleet stolen, which dealt a huge blow to their confidence.

At the same time, he also discovered that they really dared not go to war with China, nor could they go to war with China. Putting aside the probability of using nuclear weapons to wipe out the world, even if they won in a conventional war, they would perish soon and be divided up by other countries, just like that red empire.

"Talking to them directly is completely unproductive, which is why I wanted to talk to you face-to-face..."

"That's simple. Every Civilization Cup comes with academic exchanges between countries. As long as we are willing to offer real benefits in exchange with China, it's not impossible to succeed."

"That makes sense... As for the various fees, I think we should charge China relatively less during the Civilization Cup, and then..."

The two nations' leading figures discussed matters unknown to outsiders in the conference room...

Chapter Two: You've Been Conscripted!

"Hey, have you guys heard? I heard the Civilization Cup is going to be held in the United States!"

"Who doesn't know about something this big? It's been all over the place for ages!"

"It seems to be an international event even bigger than the Olympics. All the participants are people with superpowers. It's going to be very exciting!"

"The President of the United States himself said that the round-trip expenses for all Chinese citizens will be halved. Do you want to go and take a look? It looks very lively."

"I'd love to go, but it's only ten days away, isn't that too rushed? How will I be able to make it?"

"Who knows? But this is a rare opportunity. I'll order a plane ticket first. Do you want one?"

Inside a small restaurant, all you could hear were shouts like this. Yan Ziming, who was watching TV in a private room, was also listening to international news about the same thing.

After taking a bite of sea cucumber, Yan Ziming mumbled, "What's wrong with this?"

"Eat first before you speak. You have no manners at all," Mu Mu said with a hint of disdain.

Tian Tian picked up a piece of braised pork and placed it in Yan Ziming's bowl, saying respectfully, "Master Mo, come, have some braised pork, and grow stronger!"

"She's still so tall! She probably won't be able to walk steadily in the future!"

"Qianxue thinks it would be better if Big Sister grew a little older, right, Moxin?"

"Ok!"

"Yes, Xiaoqi thinks so too. There's nothing wrong with being a little older."

"From a scientific point of view, being too big is not a good thing, but I don't mind."

Yan Ziming was very annoyed. In the short time it took her to eat a bite of sea cucumber, these guys had suddenly started talking about so many strange topics, and they all seemed to be implying something.

After swallowing the food in his mouth, Yan Ziming retorted, "I wish I could shrink down. It's so sad to have such a big lump on my head all the time."

"..."

"What's wrong? Why are you all standing there like that? Eat your food!" Yan Ziming asked, puzzled.

"Little Momo, people will dislike you if you keep doing this."

Yan Ziming's face fell, and he said bitterly, "I just said I didn't want it to be this big, do you have to look at me like that?"

"I've already warned you. If you attract hatred because of this in the future, you can't blame anyone else," Mu Mu said helplessly.

"...Qianxue seems to be catching up with her older sister..." Ye Qianxue proudly puffed out her chest, creating a 'wave', and everyone stared in amazement.

"Huh? Really? Don't be so disrespectful in public. Let me take your measurements when we get back."

Yan Ziming said dreamily, and the faces of the others, except for Mu Mu, couldn't help but turn red.

The relationship between the two sisters was already quite obvious, but everyone just pretended not to know, even though they had caught them. But who knew...

"To utter such shameless words in public, and you call yourself an eighth-level ability user!" Mu Mu seemed determined to argue with Yan Ziming to the end, and kept nagging.