However, the manipulative operations of the Jieke Group showed Judith an opportunity for change.
This kind of extortion would only cause resentment among Europe and America Shipping Companies, leading to a significant loss and collective resistance from them.
"Let it swell, as Hua Country's saying goes, 'If you want to destroy it, let it first go crazy.'"
Jesmin rotated the Blue Star Instrument placed on the table, staring mockingly at the Southeast Asia region under the control of the Jieke Group.
A power force without enough foundation suddenly becoming strong would lead to a rapid expansion of its mentality, resulting in arrogance and self-importance, whether it be a country or an individual.
In Jesmin's view, the Jieke Group was currently in the realm of being overly confident and arrogant without recognizing its situation.
"I just took over, how did Lawrence handle the Thousand Island Strategic Alliance affair with the CIA?"
Jesmin laughed a few times before suddenly changing the topic.
Judith's eyes flickered slightly upon hearing the name Lawrence, causing a slight awkwardness in the atmosphere.
During Lawrence's office term, Judith was a staunch supporter. He personally led a team to California to capture the governor of California and the mayor of Los Angeles who were opposing Lawrence, offending the Democratic Party behind them.
If it hadn't been for his last-minute betrayal, choosing to side with the Democratic Party, he wouldn't have possibly seated in this position.
The scandal that broke out during the end of Lawrence's campaign was also Judith's handiwork.
For a person who rose from being an agent to becoming the CIA Director, loyalty is relative.
If Lawrence's ship hadn't sunk, he'd have stayed loyal on board.
But once the ship began sinking irreparably, smart people would find another way out.
Judith was such a smart person, hence he preserved his official hat.
"Don't worry, I am not here to settle old scores, nor am I interested. The only ones hostile to you are the few high officials in California."
Jesmin knocked on the table; the reason he continued employing Judith, besides Judith's quick allegiance, was his extensive work related to the Jieke Group during his CIA tenure, making him the most knowledgeable person about them.
Removing Judith would leave them unable to find a more knowledgeable person about the Jieke Group.
Being CIA Director is not a position just anyone can take.
"During Lawrence's term, we intensified our support for the Thousand Island Strategic Alliance, actively drawing its member countries closer to us. For instance, we bribed a batch of high-ranking officials from India's ruling party to create trouble over the Kra Isthmus Canal. In Temasek, we've prepared a coup to install a pro-Beautiful Country regime. In Johor..."
Judith's expression remained calm as he slowly explained the CIA's operations within the Thousand Island Strategic Alliance.
The Thousand Island Strategic Alliance served as a naval blockade to stifle Jieke Group's expansion, and the CIA put considerable effort into it.
Large investments and personnel were dedicated to ensuring that, at crucial moments, these countries stood by the Beautiful Country, preventing Jieke Group's expansion.
"Excellent, the Jieke Group's movements are becoming more significant, we need to prepare beforehand."
Jesmin was satisfied with Judith's work and took out a document from the drawer.
Upon seeing the document, Judith's pupils shrank.
Beneath the four characters "Top Secret" on the cover was a line stating "Jieke Group Strategic Tactics White Paper."
Judith looked up and met Jesmin's gaze.
In Jesmin's smiling eyes, Judith picked up the war planning white paper and opened it.
But instead of detailed combat plans, it was under the name of addressing the Jieke Group threat, promoting the expansion of production lines and arms procurement by the major military-industrial giants of Beautiful Country. The numbers made Judith's heart race.
Judith understood; the key was not necessarily to wage war against the Jieke Group. The key was that these military-industrial giants could legitimately and reasonably demand increased arms procurement from Beautiful Country under this pretext, just in case war does occur.
Jesmin represented the interests of the military-industrial complex, and this move was perfectly reasonable from their perspective.
"Mr. President, are we going to wage war against the Jieke Group?"
Judith couldn't resist asking, his heart pounding at the thought that if Beautiful Country decided to take action...
"Not yet. This white paper still needs further research and discussion by the military. It's just a framework for now. War requires thorough considerations and pre-plans, not a spontaneous decision."
Jesmin waved his hand, signaling Judith to remain calm.
Although waging war against the Jieke Group aligned with the interests of the military-industrial complex because it meant more arms sales, Jesmin was not solely driven by their interests.
The Jieke Group wasn't to be underestimated; it was a formidable opponent that Beautiful Country needed to take seriously.
If the war turned unfavorable, his approval ratings would drop, jeopardizing his chance for re-election as Beautiful Country President.
Even if war were to happen, it needed a suitable timing and justification.
Judith comprehended Jesmin's intentions. The CIA served as the President's sword. By showing him this white paper, Jesmin hoped the CIA could act as either the spark to ignite the war or as an inhibitor, keeping the situation under Jesmin's control.