American Strategic Deception Bureau

　After a week of fierce fighting in torrential rain and mud, the 1st Marine Division never reached the outskirts of Phnom Penh. The incessant rain also made it difficult for the US Air Force and Naval Aviation to deploy, and trucks transporting ammunition and supplies became stuck in the mud, significantly reducing the US military's firepower advantage.

　On the other hand, the Khmer Rouge and Vietnamese forces also faced logistical challenges due to the onset of the rainy season. However, they were ultimately fighting on their own soil and on the defensive, requiring far less logistical support than the US. Relying on inland waterways along the Mekong River, they were ultimately able to hold out longer.

　Meanwhile, the South Korean Blue Dragon Unit, which had attacked Sihanoukville, was met by a head-on defeat by a Viet Cong force four times its size, forcing them to flee in disarray back to Kampot. These South Korean soldiers then disobeyed orders, deserting the battlefield without authorization and fleeing by boat across the sea to Phu Quoc Island, leaving a devastating mess for the US forces. Enraged, General Westmoreland exclaimed, "I should have known better. The Koreans are just faster runners!"

　To make matters worse for the US military, a typhoon swept across Phu Quoc Island on May 13th, making landfall in Kampot. It caused extensive damage to urban buildings, the port, and the US military's logistics base. Phu Quoc Island itself, serving as the base for the strike, was also severely damaged by the typhoon.

　The fighting in Takeo Province continued until May 15th. Seeing that it was impossible for the 1st Marine Division to reach Phnom Penh, General Westmoreland had no choice but to give the order to abandon the battle and retreat. However, the problem was that at this point, even if the 1st Marine Division wanted to retreat to the sea, it would not be so easy.

　Because, after pushing back the Koreans, more than 5 Vietnamese troops under the command of the famous North Vietnamese general Nguyen You An continued to fight eastward from Sihanoukville, dozens of kilometers away, and defeated the few remaining American troops. On May 17

　Attacked Gongbu City and cut off the retreat of the 1st Marine Division!

　Seeing that the Vietnamese devils were about to attack, a number of high-ranking officials of the "Provisional Government of the Khmer Republic" were immediately frightened and fled the city of Kampot early. They even had no time to destroy the logistical supplies brought by the US military, and all of them became Nguyen Youan's spoils of war.

　Well, the Koreans and their Cambodian allies fled, only to leave the 1st Marine Division surrounded by the enemy! Is that reasonable?

　The helpless 1st Marine Division could only turn around and attack backwards, fighting bloody battles under the enemy's pursuit and blockade, trying to carve out a way to survive.

　Finally, in late May, the main force of the 1st Marine Division managed to break through Nguyen Huu An's blockade, reaching the beach and then retreating by boat to Phu Quoc Island. However, during this period, they suffered permanent losses of over 30% due to wounds and illness. Approximately 7000 soldiers were killed, missing, or captured during the Battle of Kampot. The remaining troops were also injured or sick, causing the entire 1st Marine Division to lose its combat effectiveness again and be forced to lie low.

　Adding to the losses suffered by the US Air Force, Naval Aviation, and other supporting forces, the total casualties in this clumsy and foolish Battle of Kampot reached nearly 10,000! While not a serious loss, it was enough to cause an uproar in American public opinion!

　Even more indefensible for General Westmoreland was the fact that the Battle of Kampot, which was largely fought against typhoons and torrential rain, resulted in heavy losses and completely failed to achieve a tactical deterrent effect. Neither the Americans were able to capture Sihanoukville and cut off the Vietcong's sea supply lines, nor were they able to advance into Phnom Penh and establish a pro-American "Free Khmer" regime. Furthermore, the heavy losses inflicted by the US military emboldened the Vietcong and the Khmer Rouge.

　For example, Pol Pot boasted, "The Cubans had to use atomic bombs to destroy the 1st Marine Division, but we did it with just rifles!"

　In addition, there were rumors in the news media that the Khmer Rouge's front-line commander, Ta Mok, a monk who had loved killing and arson since childhood, imitated the "death march" of the Philippines battlefield 20 years ago for about 4000 captured American and South Korean officers and soldiers, forcing the prisoners to walk 200 kilometers in heavy rain and parade them through the streets of the capital Phnom Penh. During this period, they lacked medical care, medicine, food and clothing, and fully half of them died on the way.

　As soon as this matter was exposed, there was panic on campuses in various states of the United States. At this juncture, Secretary of Defense McNamara suddenly announced the expansion of the scope of conscription and the cancellation of the exemption of many people from military service in order to fill the troop gap caused by the recent large number of casualties.

　Now, everyone from high school students to college students and some social migrant workers took to the streets to protest against the war.

　"It's really strange. It seems like the entire university is filled with indignation whenever the Vietnam War is mentioned. Almost everyone seems to be against the war, but on TV news and in newspapers, they say that according to polls, patriots who support the war are in the absolute majority. What's going on?"

　Watching the droves of USC students spontaneously pouring out of the campus and noisily joining the anti-war protesters, Marita couldn't help but feel a little confused. She asked Fieri, "It seems that all the polls in the newspapers show that more Americans support the war than oppose it. But why is it that what I see is completely opposite? It can't be that all the media are making things up, right?"

　"Ah, about that. Well, the polls aren't fake. As far as all citizens are concerned, there are indeed many more pro-war voters than anti-war voters. But this is actually a numbers game that masks the underlying age structure—those who support war are mostly middle-aged and elderly, while those who oppose the war are mostly young people."

　Fili explained to Marita, "Middle-aged and elderly people are in favor of war because they are no longer of military service age and can shout patriotic slogans to urge others to go to war; young people are marching against the war because they will actually be sent to the battlefield to fight for their lives!

　The current situation in the United States is that a group of people who don't have to go to the battlefield are advocating for war, singing patriotic slogans, and forcing those who do go to the battlefield to bleed and die. And the young people who do go to the battlefield are not stupid at all. They refuse to be fooled by the government and their elders to go to Vietnam to die.

　Because, as you know, the treatment of American soldiers... there is absolutely no possibility of promotion. Being a soldier is all about dedication..."

　"But don't those middle-aged and elderly people have children? Are they really willing to send their children to the battlefield?" Marita asked.

　"Well, some older people still have young children, and they don't think the Vietnam War will continue until their children grow up. Others only have daughters, so they don't have to worry about their daughters being drafted. So they can show their patriotism by donating to others."

　Fili shrugged. "Families with boys of military age are still a minority..."

　"Ah, such a selfish thought, but also very true - letting someone else's son die to show your patriotism."

　Marita sighed, "Will this affect us in any way, dear?"

　"For us, the biggest impact is that the 'miracle drug' business will get better. The number of young people who want to use drugs to avoid passing the military conscription physical examination will definitely usher in a new round of explosive growth..."

　Fili replied, "But what's more important right now is that Monroe's club is about to open, and we have to go and help..."

　Chapter 323: Beautiful Lies (Part 1)

　Marilyn Monroe's spa and beauty salon in Malibu Beach, Los Angeles

　Under the scorching sun, California Highway 1 was as hot as an oven, and the hot air on the surface distorted the scenery.

　Accompanied by rising dust, a Chevrolet Stingray sports car slowly drove down the main road and arrived at the door of this rather imposing building.

　Then, the car door opened, and a beautiful middle-aged woman in jeans, a red plaid shirt, and sunglasses on her nose stretched out her slender legs and stood at the door of the club surrounded by cacti and small shrubs, looking at this seaside manor converted from a monastery with a slightly critical look.

　"Is this Marilyn's new property after retirement? Hmm, the house looks quite old-fashioned, and it's so remote—it's not in the countryside anymore, it's in the middle of nowhere! Even for world-famous stars, is this the only life they live after retirement?"

　Jamie said this with a slight disdainful expression, but inside she was nervous, excited, and a bit cocky.

　If Marilyn Monroe hadn't retired for two years, but had been at the height of her fame five or six years ago, even having an affair with the president and holding the title of "chief mistress," how could they have invited a minor figure like her to their home?

　Jamie had only worked as Monroe's assistant for a while. Even though she later found a wealthy man and opened her own photo studio, achieving some success, she was still a far cry from the status of a superstar like Marilyn Monroe.

　Fortunately, Marilyn Monroe has been out of the spotlight for a long time now, and even a small shop owner can become a guest of honor!

　It's undeniable that the Hollywood entertainment industry is known for its rapid pace of change. Even a goddess as famous as Marilyn Monroe, who left her name in history, had become somewhat obscured after two years of retirement to raise her children, her popularity and limelight being snatched away by the new generation of young actresses.

　——Just like old houses always burn down quickly, out-of-date stars are always forgotten quickly.

　So, when Marilyn Monroe finally finished her pregnancy and motherhood in the summer of 1965 and officially began operating her long-planned spa and beauty salon, she was unsurprisingly surprised to find that the once fawning women who surrounded her had long since ceased contact. Even when she called or sent letters, they often either politely declined or simply read the letters without replying.

　Of course, if Monroe had been willing to "publicize" her image by placing an ad in the newspaper, she would have undoubtedly attracted many fans, and even paparazzi would have flocked to interview her and help promote her. People's memories don't fade so quickly, and former fans don't forget their former idols so quickly. Even celebrities who have been out of the spotlight for countless years can still occasionally be revived and appear in entertainment news.

　However, Marilyn Monroe, who believed she had mastered the "secrets of beauty", did not want to sell her "secrets of beauty" at such a low price, nor did she plan to publicize her industry from the beginning. Instead, she wanted to spread it slowly and safely in the form of a secret society.

　In the end, she only found a few people she knew who were willing to come to Malibu Beach to support the opening of her club.

　In this way, Jamie, who was fortunate enough to be invited to Malibu Beach, picked up her brand-name bag, got out of the car and walked into the manor.

　Then she was warmly welcomed by the hostess.

　"Hi, Jamie! Long time no see, I'm glad to see you today!"

　The radiant Marilyn Monroe opened her arms with a smile on her face in the living room and gave Jamie a warm hug.

　"..." On the other side, Jamie looked as if she had seen a ghost.

　Well, this is not to say that Marilyn Monroe, who retired from the screen after marriage, has become completely different from her former screen idol and is unrecognizable.

　On the contrary, after getting married and having children, Marilyn Monroe looked as radiant as ever.

　Her figure hadn't been distorted by childbirth, her lush, undyed red hair was cut into perfectly even waves, and her lovely ivory skin gleamed in the sunlight filtering through the curtains, a captivating sheen rippling over her body, stretching seductively.

　Her hips are still as broad and firm as ever, her waist is still as slender as ever, and even her thighs, which were criticized for being a bit thick in the past, now seem to have more perfect lines, which makes people envious.

　But the most important thing is that everything is completely exposed. Marilyn Monroe in the living room is not wearing a single thread on her body!

　"Well, I'm glad to meet you too. Thank you very much for inviting me, Marilyn. But why are you dressed so... boldly today?"

　Because this star, naked and welcoming guests, looked so visually striking, Jamie was stunned for a long time before she stammered, "Nothing but slippers? Did she just run out of the bathroom?"

　"Ah? Didn't you read the invitation letter I gave you carefully? I run a nude spa club!" the other party asked in confusion.

　A spa in a nudist camp?

　Uh, yes, that's exactly what happened.

　Jamie was stunned when she heard this, but she initially thought that after the sauna and aromatherapy, everyone would strip naked and stay in the bathhouse, taking a bath together and drinking drinks. At most, they would sit on the balcony wrapped in bath towels and admire the waves of the Pacific Ocean...

　did not expect

　, she is actually serious about setting up a nudist camp?

　If you think about it, when Monroe didn't have a job, she liked to just stay at home and rest naked without any clothes on.

　So, it's not unusual that she likes to stay naked now?

　“Yes, guests here are not allowed to wear clothes. Marilyn Monroe’s figure is too perfect. It would be a crime to cover it up.

　Of course, the same will be true for you later. Unless I tell you otherwise, your default state here will be nudity."

　A strange female voice rang out, "Don't worry, ma'am. There won't be a single man here today. All the people working in the club are maids. Ms. Monroe's husband has also gone to San Francisco with the children. We can relax here and be free..."

　Jamie looked up and saw a woman wearing glasses and looking quite bookish walking out from behind the screen.

　Monroe smiled and introduced that this was the witch Zoe Connors whom she specially invited from the University of Southern California. She knew many secrets of beauty and health preservation. She and several assistants would provide spa and health care services to the first batch of members including Jamie, and guaranteed that the effects would be magical and incredible.

　Uh? Witch?

　In Jamie's superficial impression, witches seemed to be evil-looking old gypsy women. But the witch before her, Zoe, was well-dressed, with a round bun and elegant jewelry. She was no more than thirty-five years old. Her smile seemed quite simple and friendly.

　In short, at the invitation of Monroe and Zoe, Jamie was quickly treated to sit on the sofa, enjoying snacks and chatting.

　A little later, another woman, Gilberte, the editor of Playboy, arrived. These women were all talkative, and Los Angeles had been in a turbulent period in recent years, so they naturally had no trouble finding topics to talk about.

　That being said, the elephant in the room was clearly Monroe's nudity, a primary concern for several guests.

　Apparently, despite being nearly 40, Monroe's body was still alluring. Even Jamie, a woman, couldn't help but be mesmerized by it.

　Because her sexiness and beauty are simply beyond words!

　Oh my God! She wasn't this beautiful before!

　Jamie still vaguely remembered that she had several encounters with Monroe when she just moved back to Los Angeles from New York more than three years ago. Although Monroe was wearing heavy makeup at that time, she still couldn't hide her aging. Her once slim figure became bloated, bags were faintly visible under her eyes, wrinkles appeared on her face, and the texture of her skin was much rougher than when she was young. Various spots and bruises emerged one by one, and they had to be covered up with cosmetics.

　Even her hair had become of poor quality due to excessive dyeing. It looked okay, but felt like a rag.

　Jamie felt a little sad about this, thinking that even if she was a blonde beauty admired by the whole country, her beauty would still fade with time.

　But now...oh my god! Marilyn Monroe has completely aged backwards!

　At this moment, Marilyn Monroe looked to be in her early twenties at most.

　Her movements seemed more graceful, her muscles more defined, and her features more refined. Her cheekbones receded, her wrinkles vanished, her crow's feet disappeared, her features rounded, and her eyes seemed larger.

　That pair of perfectly shaped and upright breasts shows no sign of sagging, while the elastic and round buttocks exude youthful charm.

　Damn it, she is obviously six years older than me, why does she look younger than me?

　Seeing that Marilyn Monroe seemed to have regained her lost youth, Jamie's heart was really burning with jealousy, and her eyes looking at the witch Zoe became more eager - because this witch seemed to have some real abilities, as if she could really make people return to their youth!

　As we all know, most women are willing to pay any price, even go crazy for it, for the sake of youth and beauty!

　After a while, the last female guest to visit the spa today, third-rate actress Sheila, also arrived.

　So, seeing that everyone was there, the witch Zoe stood up and clapped her hands, and ordered two Asian maids who were only wearing nude aprons, revealing their plump side breasts, to draw the curtains in the living room. "Let's throw away those clothes, dear guests!" she said so easily.

　Facing the witch who smiled and began to undress, Jamie hesitated a little. But seeing the Playboy editor unbuttoning her clothes without hesitation, she eventually took off her shirt and underwear, then lifted her legs to kick off her shoes and jeans.

　After they all took off their clothes, Marilyn Monroe personally led them to a spacious bathroom with a unique octagonal skylight and three massage beds for people to lie down and rest. A light fragrance of incense lingered in the bathroom.

　After the three female guests who came to experience the spa beauty had laid down on the massage bed one by one, a red-haired naked beauty with a crystal ball hanging on her chest and a large bowl of green ointment in her hands walked in from a small door and handed the bowl to Monroe.

　That slim and beautiful figure seems to be even better than Marilyn Monroe.

　Jamie looked at the strange beauty curiously and blinked, "Who is this? What's in the bowl?"

　"this

　It's my neighbor, Mrs. King, who is here with Ms. Zoe to help you with the spa and beauty treatments."

　Marilyn Monroe stirred the bowl with a long, soft brush. "This is an ointment that Ms. Zoe made according to a secret recipe. It uses a lot of precious herbs. It moisturizes the skin and removes hair. How should I put it? It's probably a depilatory cream with cosmetic benefits."

　Don't worry, this stuff is perfectly safe, I've been using it for months! Now relax, we're going to apply the medicine!"

　Next, the three visiting women all felt their shoulders and backs being smeared with cool oil. It had a strange smell, like a mixture of seaweed and strawberry, refreshing and a little tingling. But in the subsequent massage, it became comfortable again.

　Whether it was the hostess Monroe, the witch Zoe, or Mrs. King who came to help, their hands were very strong and confident. From the shoulders to the neck, to the back and buttocks, they turned over and kneaded the breast curves, taut abdomen and sensitive pubic bones of the three female guests.

　"Relax...completely relax..."

　Mrs. Jin, who was in charge of massaging Jamie, used both hands to give such soft instructions, as sweetly as if she was coaxing a child.

　With her eyes closed, Jamie felt only ten gentle fingers moving deftly on her body, touching every meridian and every inch of skin from her neck to the soles of her feet. It seemed as if there was a magical power being transmitted from the other person's fingers through the massage oil into her body.

　She didn't know how to describe the feeling. It stung at first, but after enduring it for a while, she felt a strange pleasure creep in. Gradually, time seemed to stop, and she felt like she was lying on a soft cloud, drifting in the wind. No more worries, only an incomparable sense of ease and comfort.

　By the time the ointment and fallen hair on her body were shaved off, Jamie was so comfortable that she was about to fall asleep.

　But this is only the first step of the beauty spa. Immediately afterwards, warm medicine is injected into their buttocks to start cleansing their intestines.

　"Um... Madam, could you please step aside for a moment?"

　After being helped off the massage bed and squatting on a drain in the bathroom, Jamie looked up at Mrs. Jin and said with a sad face.

　Although she had been seen from head to toe, she really didn't have the habit of defecating in front of others.

　"No! I have to supervise you!" The red-haired beauty said in a coquettish voice with her hands on her hips and a wicked smile.

　"Please!" Jamie was almost crying.

　"Try to hold on and let the medicine moisten your intestines... You have to hold on for at least another three minutes!"

　"I can't hold on any longer!"

　"Come on! You can do it!"

　"No! No! Puff!"

　Jamie couldn't hold it in for three minutes, and she felt a torrent of fluid rushing out of her back door...

　This shameful ordeal had to be repeated several times until they were sure their bodies had been completely cleansed.

　Then, they were thrown into a sauna room and fell side by side on the bench inside, gasping for breath. Sweat like a fountain, carrying dirt from the pores, kept coming out. Jamie didn't know how her two companions felt, she just felt groggy.