Chapter 1146 Military Commander (1/2)
Indeed, Li Du had guessed right.
Remonin rarely rang him up. However, the last two times he called, he talked about how
he had made use of the cash Li Du gave him in trying to get himself to a higher position
in Mozambique.
When he called previously, he had used his satellite phone. This time, he dialed using a
legal international IDD and he sounded ecstatic. Hence, Li Du guessed that he must
have achieved some sort of new position.
It was simple logic. Remonin must have been successful in rising from a tribal chief to
an official of Mozambique. That was the only thing that could explain why he used a
new number and sounded so happy.
Indeed, Li Du returned the call and Remonin said, ”You're supernatural. I cannot help
but suspect that you have a pair of eyes by my side.”
Li Du smiled. ”Those were just logic-based guesses. I surmise I have guessed
correctly.”
Remonin's spirits rose again and he said excitedly, ”You were right. I have joined the
national military. Our government has just established a southwest military region, and I
am its commander.”
Li Du was stunned. He sat straighter in his car seat and exclaimed, ”Commander of the
southwest military region? God, you have really caught a big fish!”
Remonin cleared his throat and said with affected modesty, ”This is not fishing, Mr. Li! I
am contributing to my country!”
Li Du said, ”Congratulations. It sounds like the beginning of good days for you and your
tribe.”
Remonin, however, sounded dispirited as he said, ”No, it's not that simple. In fact, these
days are not easy at all.”
”Why would that be?” Li Du could not understand. ”You are now the leader of a military
region. You have many soldiers, more advanced weapons, a higher rank. Besides, your
diamond mine can now become a legal asset.”
Remonin said, ”No, no, no. Although you are a smart man, you don't understand the
situation in my country.”
”First, I don't have more soldiers. Of course, if I have enough money, I can recruit more
men.”
”Second, this southwest military region is only nominal. I am a commander in name
alone. The area had been drawn but did not receive any resources from the
government. Fortunately, they did send a few people here to help.”
”Also, if my diamond mine is discovered, the government will confiscate it and declare it
national property. I have to keep it hidden.”
Remonin started to complain. It turned out that the Mozambique government was very
smart. Although he had spent money to bribe officials in the central government and the
parliament, these people only gave him minimal assistance.
They assigned Remonin official status, drew a circle on a map around the territory of his
tribe and told him that this was now his military region. He could build a military camp,
buy horses and recruit soldiers to defend the border area against South Africa and
Swaziland.
However, the government did not have the money to provide him with soldiers or
weapons. Remonin had to build everything from scratch by himself.
They only sponsored a couple of military officers to help Remonin build the camp and
manage the region.
Li Du frowned and said, ”Be careful, General, your government has gone too far. They
might have ill intentions towards you. The officers they sent might have other things in
mind but helping you.”