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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

Tang Dao sat in the car with a cigarette in hand, his legs crossed, observing the homeless man beside him munching on biscuits, their crumbs scattering all over the car. The homeless man held a puppy in his arms, and both of them eagerly gobbled up the crumbs.

Suddenly, the homeless man choked on his food, his face turning red as he covered his throat. Tang Dao handed him a bottle of mineral water, which he gratefully accepted and drank half of it.

Tang Dao leaned forward and asked, "Can you tell me your name, sir?"

The homeless man hesitated and then whispered, "Alexander Pierce."

The name sounded familiar to Tang Dao, but he couldn't quite place it. He nodded, urging Alexander to continue.

Alexander seemed to struggle with his words, but finally shared, "I served in the US Army for 17 years as a sergeant. I was part of the 3rd Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division, and I fought in the YN War for three years."

Tang Dao suddenly realized that Alexander was a Vietnam Veteran. He understood why the man's life had taken such a difficult turn.

In the aftermath of the Vietnam War, American society was marked by strong anti-war sentiments. Veterans like Alexander, who had fought in the war, became the targets of public accusations. They faced difficulties finding jobs, many went bankrupt, and they suffered from severe post-war trauma, leading to some taking their own lives. Some veterans, grappling with psychological issues, even turned to local gangs for survival.

Tang Dao then asked about Alexander's wife, realizing that the question was somewhat insensitive given the circumstances. Alexander's eyes darkened, and he began to cry bitterly. The puppy in his lap patted his face with its paw, as if trying to comfort him.

Tang Dao couldn't offer much comfort but instead handed Alexander a cigarette, condemning the politicians who had abandoned veterans like him. He mocked these politicians for using veterans as scapegoats, only to enjoy their comfortable lives in luxury.

Feeling the weight of his struggles, Alexander finally said, "Sir, please give me a job."

Tang Dao leaned back, taking a puff of his cigarette. He warned Alexander that his line of work involved danger and that he could die at any moment. Despite the ominous words, he was trying to give Alexander a sense of purpose.

He offered Alexander a cigarette and said, "Think about it. Being homeless is no better than dying somewhere and being treated like trash by wild animals."

Tang Dao's intention was clear: he was offering Alexander a chance at a different life. He believed that with some training, these veterans could regain their sense of purpose and make valuable contributions.

Alexander accepted the offer, understanding that he might not have many other options. He agreed to join Tang Dao's endeavor.

Tang Dao outlined the terms: Alexander would initially work as an intern, earning $4,500 per month. Once he became a regular employee, his salary would increase.

Tang Dao assured Alexander that this opportunity could be a fresh start, and that he wouldn't be alone.

Back at the hotel, Tang Dao booked a presidential suite. He believed in investing in comfort for his employees, treating all the rooms the same way. The boss should have the courage to be the boss.

As Alexander shaved his beard and gazed at his reflection in the mirror, he saw a determined face, with a cross hanging around his neck bearing a small photo. The photo depicted him holding a blonde woman in one hand and a boy with a pacifier in the other, both smiling happily. Engraved on the cross were the words, "God's witness, we are happy."

Kissing the photo, Alexander felt a sense of contentment. His puppy barked happily, and he lovingly held the dog, grateful for the new family he had found.

Life seemed to be taking a different turn for Alexander, and he was willing to embrace this opportunity for change.

Chapter 36