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Tang Dao had come a long way from his humble beginnings, and he had no intention of stopping now. He relished the moniker of "The Lord of War," even if it came with a certain notoriety. To him, it was a badge of honor, a testament to his success in the world of international arms dealing.

As he read the headline in "World People Weekly" declaring that his most significant achievement was toppling Locke Martin, a sense of satisfaction washed over him. It was a reminder of the power he wielded, the influence he had over world events, and the wealth he had amassed.

Locke Martin, a rival arms dealer of considerable renown, had once been a formidable competitor. But Tang Dao's shrewd business acumen, his ability to adapt to changing circumstances, and his unwavering determination had allowed him to outmaneuver and eventually depose Martin from his lofty position.

For Tang Dao, every fighter, every weapon, and every deal was a means to an end. His focus was on profit, influence, and achieving his objectives. He had built a vast network of contacts, navigated the treacherous waters of international politics, and exploited the chaos of conflict zones to his advantage.

He was not just an arms dealer; he was a businessman who saw opportunities where others saw only risks. He had the ability to turn strife and turmoil into lucrative deals, and he reveled in the challenge.

In the world of arms dealing, Tang Dao was a force to be reckoned with. He was a man who had risen from obscurity to become a power player on the global stage. And as long as there were conflicts, wars, and those who sought to profit from them, Tang Dao knew that his place at the top was secure.

The world might bow down to him, or it might fear him, but one thing was certain: Tang Dao was a master of his craft, and he had no intention of relinquishing his position as the Lord of War.

The Strongest Arms Dealer

Conan Klein, still smarting from Tang Dao's probing questions, realized that the negotiation was entering a crucial phase. As the sun blazed overhead, casting its relentless African heat upon them, Conan knew that the pressure was on. The deal was inching closer to its conclusion, and he needed to secure the best possible terms for his employer, the self-proclaimed Emperor Bokassa.

Tang Dao's offer had been reasonable, but Conan was determined to push for an even better deal. He leaned in slightly, his eyes fixed on Tang Dao, and his voice took on a tone of unwavering confidence.

"Mr. Nicholas, I appreciate your offer, but we are talking about a significant investment here. My boss, Emperor Bokassa, does not take such matters lightly. We would like to propose a counteroffer."

Tang Dao raised an eyebrow, acknowledging the seriousness of the negotiation. "I'm listening. What do you have in mind?"

Conan cleared his throat, his gaze unwavering. "We are willing to accept your offer of three BTR-40s as gifts. However, we cannot agree to the price for the T-64 tanks and firearms you've mentioned. We would like a more substantial reduction in price. As a gesture of goodwill, we can offer you a one-time payment of $2.3 million for the entire package."

Tang Dao's expression remained composed, though his mind was racing. He knew that negotiating with someone like Conan, who represented a former African dictator, required a delicate touch. It was a high-stakes game of bargaining, and Tang Dao needed to navigate it with precision.

"Emperor Bokassa's birthday party is a grand event, and we would like to ensure that our contribution is substantial," Conan continued. "In exchange for this reduced price, we request that you attend the event in Central Africa as our guest of honor. It would be a gesture of goodwill and a sign of the strong partnership we hope to build."

Tang Dao weighed the proposal carefully. Attending Bokassa's birthday party would be a risky endeavor, given the dictator's notorious past and the potential dangers of being associated with such a figure. Yet, the allure of the deal and the substantial profits it could yield were hard to ignore.

After a moment of contemplation, Tang Dao leaned in closer to Conan, their faces nearly touching. "Mr. Klein, I understand the significance of Emperor Bokassa's birthday party. To show my commitment to this partnership, I am willing to accept your counteroffer. The entire package, including the three BTR-40s, the T-64 tanks, and the firearms, will be priced at $2.3 million. I will attend the birthday party as your guest of honor."

Conan couldn't hide his satisfaction as he extended a hand to seal the deal. Tang Dao accepted the handshake firmly, and with that, the negotiations concluded. It was a moment of triumph for Conan Klein and his employer, Emperor Bokassa, who saw this arms deal as an opportunity to further their ambitions.

As the sun beat down on them, Tang Dao couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. He had entered into a high-stakes partnership with an African dictator, and the path ahead was shrouded in uncertainty. The shadows of intrigue and danger loomed large, but Tang Dao was ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead in the world of arms dealing.

Little did he know that his decision to attend Bokassa's birthday party would plunge him into a world of political intrigue, power struggles, and a web of international interests. Tang Dao's journey through the arms trade was far from over, and the stakes had never been higher. He had taken a bold step into the heart of Africa's power corridors, and the consequences of his choices would shape his destiny in ways he could never have imagined.

The sun continued its relentless journey across the African sky, casting long shadows and marking the beginning of a new chapter in Tang Dao's life as an arms dealer.

Chapter 26