From the day he entered Nanyang, most of the people who knew Zhao Tiehu's true identity were trusted old subordinates brought out by Zhao Tiehu. Regarding Zhao Tiehu's previous affairs in the Eighth Route Army, the Allies and the Japanese army still do not know.

Even Du Yuesheng, who had a good relationship with Zhao Tiehu, only felt that Zhao Tiehu's origin was mysterious, but he never thought that Zhao Tiehu would retire from the Eighth Route Army. On the side of the Eighth Route Army, Zhao Tiehu's side was also kept secret.

At present, on the Allied side, the background of Zhao Tiehu's origin is still limited to what Zhao Tiehu told David, he is an ordinary Chinese-American. But about Zhao Tiehu's affairs in the United States, Zhao Tiehu was reluctant to mention too much.

This also led to the fact that although Americans suspected that Zhao Tiehu's identity was fabricated. However, in view of the fact that Zhao Tiehu has cooperated a lot with the United States before, many American politicians also feel that Zhao Tiehu's Chinese-American identity still has an effect on them.

Chinese Americans, that's Americans, too!

Even many white Americans don't want to see Chinese people who have taken root in the United States. Even the Chinese exclusion bill introduced in the United States earlier is enough to show that white people look down on Chinese and even other people of color.

It's just that with Zhao Tiehu's prestige among the Nanyang Chinese, he has a strong armed force. When the Allies were unable to resist the Japanese army's seizure of Nanyang, Zhao Tiehu gained a firm foothold in Nanyang.

Even forced the Japanese army that invaded and occupied Mindanao to withdraw from the hard-occupied Mindanao and completely hand over the entire island to the control of the Xinghua Army. This kind of strength has benefited many Americans who have worked with him.

But that doesn't mean that these Americans will feel that Zhao Tiehu is indispensable. In the eyes of those American politicians who cooperate with him, Zhao Tiehu is just a very good agent, a person who can carry out their will and decisions.

As a result, with the defeat of the Allies in Australia, Zhao Tiehu, whose power gradually expanded, did not become their agent as they imagined. This taste of being out of control makes many people feel uncomfortable.

It's just that these people don't know at all, from beginning to end, Zhao Tiehu didn't say that he wanted to die for the Americans. His previous cooperation and friendship with the Americans were all out of his own needs. Even if the American identity is made up because of this.

As a beneficiary and matchmaker of cooperation, David also knows very well that Zhao Tiehu is not as easy to control as those in China imagined. When it comes to some core issues of principle, Zhao Tiehu is not allowed to bargain at all.

After listening to Zhao Tiehu's story, David also knew that from Zhao Tiehu's position, the things he was doing now were actually understandable. After all, today's Zhao Tiehu is no longer the mysterious businessman with weak power at the beginning.

During his time in Mindanao, David also learned more about the Xinghua Army formed by Zhao Tiehu. Even other Americans don't know, David knows some things, and this is also Zhao Tiehu's exception to him.

It's just that thinking of those people in China who want him to convince Zhao Tiehu, David also feels that it is difficult to convince. Unless the Americans are willing to pay the price that makes Zhao Tiehu happy. So what will be this price?

Thinking of this, David finally said: "Chen, you should know that as a friend, I always stand with you. In fact, I am also well aware that without your help, I would not be where I am now.

I am always grateful for your help. But you should know that there are some things that I don't want to do, but for the sake of my family, I have to do it too. They came to you today because they wanted me to get answers from you.

As far as the current trend of war is concerned, I believe you should be able to see that the final victory will be the United States of America. At least I don't want you to fight our troops in the future, and it will be more difficult for me! ”

Listening to David's words, Zhao Tiehu also smiled and said: "David, I have always remembered this friendship between us. Although you have made a lot of money from me, you have also helped me a lot.

Without your support and help, I probably wouldn't be where I am now. I've always been grateful to you. As for your worries, I don't think it depends on your attitude, but on the attitude of those in your country.

In fact, everything I do now is for one purpose, and that is to protect myself. Whether it is the current Japanese army or the army that may appear in Nanyang in the future, I hope that they will respect the interests of the Chinese.

Having lived in the United States, I know very well your attitude towards the Chinese. And the top of your government always values the national interest above all else. As for the friendship between you and me, do you think anyone cares?

As I said earlier, if you ask me what I want to do in the future, then I can tell you what I decide. If you ask on their behalf, I won't tell you the truth. Because I am responsible for my people and subordinates! ”

David, who thought about it for a while, finally said, "Chen, do you want to be independent?" With your current ability, if you really want to be independent, I believe no one should be able to stop you. But you should know the consequences of doing so! ”

Zhao Tiehu, who was told by David that he had planned to do so, actually didn't think that he could hide it from everyone. In fact, as long as there is a little analysis, it is not difficult to see that Zhao Tiehu's layout is more about preparing for the future of the Chinese and Nanyang.

Therefore, Zhao Tiehu also quickly said: "In order to pursue freedom and democracy, we will not hesitate our lives." I believe you should have more understanding of these words, and even many Americans have experienced them. That's why you started the Civil War!

It's just that I know very well that the number of Chinese in Nanyang is not large, but you should know that this number is not small. But all the time, including on the side of the Allies, did not regard the Chinese as true equals.

In the eyes of many people, Chinese people are the targets and races that can be bullied at will. Even in many cases, the industriousness and simplicity of the Chinese have become the reason for others to plunder. When needed, give a little benefit, and when you don't, bully and erase at will.

As the commander-in-chief of the Xinghua Army, thinking about all the Chinese in Nanyang is the most important thing I should do. As for whether I can be independent, I don't really care. What I care about is that the status of the Nanyang Chinese must be respected.

At least I don't want to see that when the Japanese army comes, they can bully the Chinese at will, and the indigenous people who have been secretly supported by the colonial government can also bully the Chinese at will. In the eyes of the colonial government, the Chinese were cheap labor.

David, you should understand that we Chinese have a more glorious history than you, and have a very splendid ancient civilization. Once upon a time, we were unbeatable in the East. And what I want to do is to revive the glory of the Chinese.

And I believe that China, which has awakened at this moment, will surely bloom after the suffering and the great changes that will amaze the world. As an overseas Chinese, all I can do is to shelter these compatriots who trust me.

If your government can promise to give us Chinese more autonomy, then I can consider sending troops to support your strategy of returning to the South Seas. If you can't, then I'll have to try to protect myself. ”

Autonomy! Such a right is undoubtedly reluctant for Americans who hope to obtain more national interests through colonization. Autonomy, on the other hand, often means chaos. After all, human greed will continue to increase.

Seeing that Zhao Tiehu didn't hide his intentions too much, David was silent for a long time and smiled bitterly: "This matter, I'm afraid it's difficult!" But I respect your decision, in my opinion, you are a real hero, and I am honored to have a friend like you! ”

Regarding David's words, Zhao Tiehu said with a smile: "David, you have also been here for a long time, you should know that the Chinese are actually very friendly." We are very welcoming to true friends and guests.

And you are my friend, and you are also a friend of many Chinese, so we are also very warm to you. With your current situation, I'm sure you won't want to go back to the United States. Because here, you have everything you want.

I even believe that as long as we continue to work as hard as we did before, you will become America's new chaebol. After all, you are different from other Americans, you have a friend like me, and you have a large number of Chinese friends.

If there is a possibility of confrontation and dispute between me and your country in the future, then your role and existence will also be infinitely magnified. The most important thing is that as long as you truly regard me as a friend, my troops and I will always be your back! ”

"Thank you! Chen, thank you so much! Now I am looking forward to what kind of changes the Chinese will bring about in the future under your leadership. At least I believe that in the future, Nanyang will become more colorful because of your existence! ”

"That's inevitable! I have this confidence! ”

After the two laughed and shook hands, David finally had a secret conversation with Zhao Tiehu, and replied to the politicians in China with the excuse given by Zhao Tiehu. The reason is very simple, that is, Zhao Tiehu is worried about the retaliation of the Japanese army.

In addition, the strength of the Xinghua Army's navy and air force was limited, and it was simply unable to resist the large-scale retaliation of the Japanese army. Once the Xinghua Army attacked the Japanese troops stationed in Nanyang, the Chinese would also suffer heavy casualties. And this is also the reason why the Xinghua Army did not fight with the Japanese army.

As for the non-aggression agreement between the Xinghua Army and the Japanese army, it was completely slanderous, and it was an attempt by someone or force to undermine the relationship between the Xinghua Army and the Allied forces. For these slanderers, David suggested that an investigation should be launched in the country.

After all, as far as the current situation in the South Seas is concerned, the Xinghua Army is still on the side of the Allies. If the Xinghua Army really completely fell to the side of the Japanese army, then the US military wanted to return to Nanyang to destroy the Japanese army, but I am afraid that it will pay an even heavier price.

This kind of reply has made many American politicians feel dissatisfied, but also feel very reasonable. After all, Zhao Tiehu's prestige and strength in Nanyang have improved very quickly, even if many indigenous leaders also respect him very much.

This means that whether or not Zhao Tiehu's help can be won will also play a very important role in the next stage of the Allied counterattack on the Japanese army. For this reason, the United States also needs to temporarily win over Zhao Tiehu and let him continue to cooperate with the US military!