Datu Hou trembled, feeling both anger and sorrow at this extortion.
The anger was due to Jieke Group's insatiable greed; Johor was not a defeated country, why should they accept stationed troops?
The sorrow stemmed from the fact that Johor had limited choices left. They originally hoped to rely on the Beautiful Country as a backing, but the backing ran away first, leaving them to face the formidable military might of Jieke Group head-on.
Among them, Johor, which shares a land border with Jieke Group, was at the forefront.
They had to face those wolf-like Spider Main Battle Mechas, Genetic Warriors, Magic Bird Fighters, and even Cruiser Arsenal Ships.
Just thinking about it, Datu Hou felt a wave of helplessness surge in his heart.
This was simply a terrifying existence that Johor could not resist. Johor's army, in front of Jieke Group, was like sheep facing a fierce tiger, only able to tempt the other side with their tender flesh and blood.
The more he thought, the more desperate he became. Datu Hou couldn't help but recall something that the Temasek President once said.
Too close to the Jieke Group, too far from Heaven, is the tragedy of all Southeast Asian countries.
Now, this phrase had come true for Johor.
Su Jie slightly turned around, looking at Datu Hou with his changing expressions, and calmly asked, "Datu Hou, have you studied the history of China?"
"I... I've read some."
Datu Hou was puzzled, showing a hint of doubt on his face.
"Then you should know that there's an old Chinese saying, 'How can others sleep peacefully beside your bed?'"
Su Jie's casual remark made Datu Hou's knees weaken, as he nervously swallowed hard.
"Actually, I prefer to take what I want with my own hands. After all, it's not my house, so it doesn't matter if it gets smashed; as long as I get what I want."
Su Jie's face carried a gentle smile of a spring breeze, but his words made Datu Hou shiver all over, eyes filled with fear.
Datu Hou understood clearly that if he did not agree to the harsh conditions of the Jieke Group, Su Jie could order the great army to march south immediately, turning Johor into ruins with their artillery.
"I... I am willing to cooperate. Johor is willing to cooperate with all of Jieke Group's arrangements, and from now on, everything we do will be centered around Jieke Group, with no dissent. If Jieke Group tells Johor to go east, we will definitely not go west."
Datu Hou struggled for a full minute before finally speaking these words, filled with unwillingness and frustration.
Because Datu Hou knew that his country's military couldn't stop Jieke Group. If he didn't agree, they could forcefully compel them with military force, and the terms would be even more demanding.
Since resistance was impossible, they might as well lay down and enjoy it, and at least suffer a bit less.
"You are a smart person, I like making friends with smart people."
Su Jie patted Datu Hou on the shoulder, showing his appreciation for him.
"I am honored, deeply honored by Commander Su's regard... Our two countries are like family, like family! Haha, ah haha."
Datu Hou accompanied with a forced smile, but his smile was uglier than crying, like a young wife who had suffered endless grievances.
But Johor chose the wrong side, and what's more, it borders Jieke Group.
Originally, half of the island territory didn't border Jieke, being separated by the ocean, they thought they were relatively safe under the navy's protection.
However, once Jieke's Cruiser Arsenal Ships appeared, none of their territory was safe.
If Jieke Group really wanted to attack, they wouldn't even need distant condemnation tactics; the army could march south and obliterate them in a matter of minutes.
As the saying goes, 'man is the knife and I am the fish,' this is the real portrayal of Johor today.