Chapter 21: Ten-Minute Aide

Before long, Kikwete met the Chinese man who claimed to be his friend in the dormitory.

"Good morning, Mr. Kikwete!"

"Apologies for the sudden visit, I hope you don't mind."

After the staff member left, Kikwete saw the tall, bright-eyed young man from China smiling warmly and extending his right hand, speaking in fluent English.

Having been in China for almost half a year, Kikwete had gained some preliminary understanding of the country. So he was well aware that a young man like this, who could "claim to be a friend," specially came to visit him, speaking such standard English, was definitely not an ordinary person!

"Hello."

Kikwete nodded slightly and replied, with a curious look in his eyes, but he didn't shake the hand extended by Wang Ye and instead asked:

"But, I don't seem to know you, young man."

"So, what is the purpose of you falsely claiming to be my friend and coming to see me?"

"If there's something, please say it directly."

With that, Kikwete sat down on a nearby chair, crossed his legs, and scrutinized Wang Ye, while Wang Ye, under his sharp gaze, did not feel embarrassed for being rejected a handshake, but calmly withdrew his extended right hand and adjusted his smile, saying:

"Please allow me to introduce myself first."

"My name is Wang Ye, and I am the director of the Hongxing Machinery Factory in Luqi Province, China."

"Secondly, I apologize for pretending to be your friend. It was not easy for me to see you, so please forgive my lie."

"Lastly, although we are meeting for the first time, I believe that we will soon become friends for real. And I will definitely be one of your most loyal and reliable friends."

"Because I came to visit you this time to do business with you!"

Seeing the sincere expression on the face of the Chinese youth in front of him, Kikwete was slightly surprised. He had some understanding of China's reform and opening up, and instantly guessed the cause and effect of Wang Ye's visit.

At such a young age, serving as the director of a machinery factory, and cleverly using certain channels to learn about his studies here, then employing a little strategy just to see him and promote his products.

Thinking of this, Kikwete couldn't help but admire Wang Ye's "cleverness" more. However, he still shook his head and said:

"Although your gas cylinders are good, we don't need them."

"To be honest, if we need weapons, we can purchase finished products from the United States, from the Soviet Union, or even from China."

"Your gas cylinders are just semi-finished products that still need processing before they can be put into use."

"They are not attractive to us at all."

Finally, with an interested smile on his face, Kikwete looked at Wang Ye and said:

"However, I admire you very much."

"If you're willing, I can invite you to be my aide."

"Indeed, Tanzania may not be comparable to China, but you should understand that as my aide, your starting point is much higher than that of a factory director now, and the future is unlimited."

"Don't you agree?"

Just as Kikwete finished speaking, Wang Ye couldn't help but smile. To be honest, he didn't expect Kikwete to solicit him. Still, he shook his head and said:

"Sorry, Mr. Kikwete, I don't want to leave my homeland."

"But thank you for your appreciation. So I'm willing to temporarily serve as your aide now, give you an idea, and convince you to make a deal with me about the gas cylinders!"

With that said, Wang Ye's words aroused Kikwete's interest instantly. He looked at Wang Ye curiously and said:

"Please, go ahead!"

Under Kikwete's gaze, Wang Ye spoke confidently:

"Mr. Kikwete, I guess you didn't come to China for 'voluntary' studies, did you?"

Wang Ye emphasized the word "voluntary" heavily because, as a senior official, if Kikwete came to study in China, his position would undoubtedly be temporarily vacated. After studying for a year and returning, could his original position still be waiting for him?

So obviously, Kikwete's arrival in China must be related to the struggles and conflicts within their higher-ups, and he's just a scapegoat.

Thinking of this, as soon as Wang Ye said this, Kikwete's expression froze, and then Wang Ye continued:

"But when you return, I believe you still want to make great achievements."

"In that case, you will definitely need a tangible merit to return to the political center."

"And if you complete the deal with me, Tanzania will have the 'first' completely 'independently produced' weapon, which can even be named the 'Kikwete' bomb."

"For a country like Tanzania that currently has no military production capability, I think it's a good achievement."

"For both the ruling leaders and countless ordinary people."

With Wang Ye's words, Kikwete's expression gradually became astonished, then his eyes became more fervent!