The phone rang, it was the Minister of Economy.

"Prime Minister, we just received the data. Over the past month, direct investment applications from German companies for the Mexico 'Silicon Valley' project have increased by 45%. Mainly from the automotive, chemical, and precision machinery sectors. Additionally, seventeen small and medium-sized high-tech companies have received invitations for Mexican capital or technical cooperation, and five have already started negotiations." The minister's voice was very worried, "We can't keep them here. Taxes, regulatory costs, and future uncertainty... The Mexicans offer too favorable conditions."

"Legal means? Review mechanisms?" Kohl asked. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"Unified action is needed at the European Union level. But Italy and Spain might oppose it as they urgently need investments. France... is wavering in attitude."

The minister paused, "There's another matter. The Scottish Autonomous Government just sent inquiry letters for underwriting sovereign bonds to several German banks. The amount is considerable. They are also contacting French and Swiss banks."

Kohl was silent. Scotland, a "kingdom" not yet fully independent and politically unstable, has already started issuing bonds in the international financial market. Who is backing them is self-evident. If German banks participate, it would be tantamount to recognizing Scotland's financial entity and binding interests with them. If not participating, the cake will be eaten by others (France, Switzerland, or even Mexico's own banks).

"Let the Treasury Department and the central bank assess the risks. For now... don't comment." Kohl finally said. He needed time and needed to coordinate positions with France, Italy, and the Netherlands. But time seemed to be what they lacked the most.

Hanging up the phone, he looked out at the night view of Berlin. The sense of glory brought by unification seemed to be yesterday, but the heaviness of reality was suffocating. Europe seemed like an aged giant, with parts of the body quarreling, and there are young hunters outside patiently waiting for opportunities.

He picked up a pen and wrote in the blank spaces of Jiang Zemin's letter: "Jacques, we need a thorough and honest dialogue. Not just about how to deal with Mexico, but about what Europe really is and how much we are willing to pay for it. Before asking Germany to take on more, please first ensure that Paris and Berlin are on the same boat. Otherwise, when the storm comes, we will be the first to drown."

…

Mexico City, top floor strategy room of the "Feathered Serpent Temple."

On the huge curved screen, dozens of split screens display real-time intelligence, economic data streams, and satellite images of various key global nodes.

Victor sits in the center like an orchestra conductor, but in front of him, there is no score, only flowing information. Bramo and Casare sit on either side, one responsible for analysis and the other for action directives.

"On the Balkans side, the Serbian Armed Forces have gained a foothold in Brcko but their offensive is being obstructed. Europe's sanctions have started to take effect, with some complaints arising domestically in Serbia."

Bramo reported, "The second batch of anti-tank missiles we provided to the Serbs through a third party is in place. 'Advisors' suggest they focus on strengthening defense and attempt local ceasefire negotiations with the Croatian Ethnic Militia to split the Bosnia and Herzegovina government faction."

"Ceasefire negotiations?" Casare raised an eyebrow, "Too tired to fight?"

"It's a gesture to establish 'fact control zones' and seek political solutions." Bramo explained, "Giving Europe a way out, while avoiding escalating the conflict indefinitely to drag us down. Europeans are now most afraid of a full-scale restart of ground war."

Victor nodded, "It's possible. Tell our Serbian friends to know when to stop. Pushing too hard now might really prompt NATO to decide on military intervention. What we need is sustained tension and the exhaustion of European energy, not a war we have to face directly."

"On the North Sea front, the Swedish submarine has left. The Scots handled it quite well. McTavish secretly contacted Norway to probe the possibility of jointly developing gas fields." Bramo continued, "Norway's response was cautious but not rejecting. They have internal divisions."

"Give McTavish some encouragement." Victor said, "Through unofficial channels, hint that we understand his need for diversified cooperation, but as long as core security cooperation is not affected, we welcome it. Additionally, 'inadvertently' disclose some close interactions between pro-European factions in Norway and our certain European 'friends.' Let him know Norway is not monolithic either."

"Progress in Africa's Democratic Republic of Congo is smooth, but we received intelligence that 'private companies' with a U.S. background may be infiltrating the area, possibly aiming to stir things up." Casare chimed in, "Should we strengthen our security forces over there?"

"Strengthen, but do not directly confront." Victor instructed, "Have our local partners (warlord) deal with them. Provide better equipment and intelligence support. Package this struggle as 'local Congo forces resisting foreign interference to protect development interests.' Do some narrative work. Remember, in Africa, our current slogan is 'cooperation and development,' not 'military expansion.'

"In England, Sarah Kent's community network is facing difficulties with local nomination rules, but their mobilizing ability is strong. Internally, London's 'Preparatory Committee' has great disagreements on how to handle the 'conference.'" Bramo brought up some internal meeting minutes, "Pro-European factions want to absorb and refurbish, Conservatives want to suppress. The United States seems to also be providing some legal and strategic advice to the 'conference' through certain think tanks and media, possibly trying to exert influence."

"Let them argue, let them fight."

Victor said lightly, "The more chaotic England is, the more powerless central London becomes. Provide Sarah Kent's network with some more specific technical guidance on bypassing nomination thresholds anonymously, through our NGO channels. Help her stabilize, but don't let her become our puppet. A strong but independent English local power center is more valuable than a compliant but weak branch."

He stood up and walked to the global map, his gaze slowly moving.

"The situation is unfolding as expected, but variables are increasing. The United States has recovered from its initial shock and is beginning to counterattack more covertly. Europe is struggling to unify its stance. The forces we support all have their own calculations."

"The next month is critical. Tension in the Balkans should be maintained at a level that is 'hot but manageable.' The Scottish independence process should accelerate, but financial bonds should deepen. Africa's resource lines must be secured against U.S. harassment. Grassroots politics in England need to see preliminary results, giving the people hope."

"And our core," Victor turned around, his eyes sharp, "is the upcoming 'Global Digital Infrastructure and Sustainable Development Summit.' This is the first major international multilateral conference we host after the Olympics. We need to use it to package our technical standards, financial plans, development models into 'innovative solutions to global challenges.' Especially for those wavering middle countries, and developing countries suffering under the US Dollar system."

Bramo swiftly recorded, "The agenda and invitation list are essentially finalized. Major European countries will send high-level representatives, and many African, Latin American, and Asian countries' leaders have confirmed attendance."

"Venue for the conference?"

"Next to the 'Phoenix Nest' at the International Conference Center. We will showcase the most advanced conference technology, simultaneous interpretation, intelligent security, and the latest achievement experience zone of 'Silicon Valley Mexico.'" Casare grinned, "Ensuring that those foreigners are dazzled and itching."

"Very good." Victor nodded, "From now on, all actions must serve this summit. Create problems and then offer our solutions on the stage we built. Let the world get accustomed to us setting the agenda."

He returned to his seat, looking at the complex information flow on the screen. The collapse of the old world is still echoing, but in Mexico City, a new lighthouse has lit, trying to cast its light on the stormy global ocean. Within the beam of light lies the future being defined.

And outside the beam of light are countless shadows still groping, contending, or falling in darkness.

The fight for the ruins has entered a new phase of endurance, calculation, and shaping power.

The sound of gunfire has not ceased, but in some places, it is gradually being covered by the sound of keyboard tapping, contract signing, and clashes in conference rooms. The prologue of wild growth is far from over.