Special Forces: At the beginning, An Ran pulled him to get his certificate.

Chapter 1518 Negotiation

The car stopped in front of a government reception area that looked ordinary but was actually heavily guarded. This was a relatively quiet neighborhood in the capital of South Vietnam, with architectural styles that bore the marks of the colonial era while also incorporating local characteristics, and the South Vietnamese flag fluttering at the entrance.

Chen Jun got out of the car, while Lu Da remained inside, maintaining a high level of vigilance.

Several people dressed in South Vietnamese military uniforms or formal suits were already standing at the entrance of the reception area. Their demeanor was official and restrained, but their eyes held a scrutinizing and curious look as they sized up the young visitor from Yan, who was said to have a special identity.

When Chen Jun's figure came into full view, a murmur, deliberately lowered but still audible, rose among the greeters.

"Is this the one? He's even younger than I expected." A middle-aged man in a field officer's uniform whispered to his companion, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible skepticism.

"His attire is formal... but he's far too young. Is he really the representative sent by Yan Kingdom this time?" A middle-aged man who looked like a civil official next to him pushed up his glasses and frowned slightly.

"Isn't it a bit of an overreaction to have Minister Ruan come out to greet us personally?" another person muttered, his gaze sweeping over Chen Jun's young face and sharp suit.

Clearly, Chen Jun's overly youthful appearance contrasted sharply with the expectation that he was "an important figure who needed to be personally greeted by senior South Vietnamese officials," causing these South Vietnamese officials to have some reservations and even a slight sense of unease.

However, at the head of the welcoming party stood a middle-aged man with slightly graying temples, a serious face, and dressed in the attire of a senior South Vietnamese government official—Minister Nguyen, who was in charge of the meeting from the South Vietnamese side. Upon hearing these subtle discussions among his colleagues behind him, he frowned almost imperceptibly and shook his head inwardly.

He was one of the few who knew some of the inside story. Although Chen Jun's public file may have been embellished, he learned through special channels that this seemingly young Yan State officer was no ordinary person.

In recent days, several swift crackdowns targeting foreign forces have been carried out in the capital and surrounding areas. Although official reports are vague, the rumors he's overheard all seem to have some connection to this Yan soldier who "happened" to be "vacationing" there. When the head of the security department reported to him privately, the seriousness and apprehension in his tone were not feigned.

More importantly, the higher authorities had given clear instructions that this meeting must be given high priority and that the other party's reasonable demands must be met. Minister Ruan knew perfectly well where this pressure came from.

With this in mind, Minister Ruan composed himself, put on a slightly reserved but solemn smile that conformed to diplomatic etiquette, and took a few steps forward to greet Chen Jun.

“Mr. Tran Jun, welcome to South Vietnam. You must be tired from your journey.” Minister Nguyen’s Chinese had a slight accent, but it was clear. He extended his hand, his posture neither humble nor arrogant, but formal enough.

Chen Jun stopped and shook hands with Minister Ruan, the handshake firm but brief. His response was equally concise: "Minister Ruan, it's a pleasure to meet you."

His attitude was calm, neither overly enthusiastic nor impolitely indifferent, which was in line with the tone of this semi-official and semi-secret meeting.

But this scene, witnessed by the young South Vietnamese officials who had initially looked down on Chen Jun, was enough to make them abandon their previous casualness. Minister Nguyen personally greeting and leading the greetings was already a high level of protocol. They couldn't help but re-examine Chen Jun, trying to find some unusual qualities in that calm and composed young face.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Minister Ruan stepped aside to lead the way: "Mr. Chen Jun, please, let's talk inside."

The group entered an elegantly furnished reception room inside the reception area. After taking their seats, a waiter served tea and quietly left, closing the door behind them. Only Chen Jun, Minister Ruan, and a few key members of their respective entourage remained in the room.

Chen Jun didn't beat around the bush. After the basic polite greetings, he went straight to the point. His voice was steady, yet it sounded exceptionally clear in the quiet meeting room:

"Minister Nguyen, I believe your country's relevant departments are already aware of and are investigating the series of unpleasant incidents I encountered after entering the country as a tourist from South Vietnam, as well as the subsequent security actions that followed?"

Minister Ruan's smile faded slightly, replaced by a more formal and serious expression. He nodded, his tone sincere:

“Mr. Tran Quan, on behalf of the South Vietnamese government, I would like to express my sincere apologies for the danger and distress you have encountered within our country. This has exposed loopholes in our social security management. The relevant investigation and handling are underway, and we will definitely investigate seriously, strengthen management, and prevent similar incidents from happening again.”

His response was standard diplomatic language: acknowledging the problem, expressing an apology, and promising to improve.

Chen Jun listened without any change in expression, only nodding slightly, as if accepting the apology, or as if he had just heard a pre-arranged procedure.

Then, he changed the subject, his gaze sharpening, and although his tone remained steady, every word seemed to carry weight:

“Minister Nguyen, what I experienced may be just an isolated case. But in recent years, the frequency and severity of various security incidents targeting our citizens, businesses, and projects in South Vietnam—from violent threats arising from commercial disputes to organized kidnappings and extortion, and even individual unfortunate injuries and deaths—have been rising. This is no longer a simple security issue, but a systemic risk that seriously affects bilateral trade and people-to-people exchanges and threatens the basic safety of our citizens.”

Minister Ruan's expression grew even more serious; he had a premonition of what the other party was about to say.

Chen Jun leaned forward slightly and continued in a statement-of-fact tone:

“Protecting the legitimate rights and safety of our citizens overseas is an unshirkable responsibility of our government. Faced with the persistent security vacuum in some parts of your country and the threats against foreigners, we can no longer rely solely on the passive approach of diplomatic notes and post-event accountability.”

He paused for a moment, as if giving Minister Ruan time to process and react, before clearly stating his core proposal:

"Therefore, after careful evaluation and full communication with our country, I hereby formally propose to your country the following: In order to effectively curb crimes against our citizens, assist your country in stabilizing security in the relevant areas, ensure the safety of all foreigners in South Vietnam, including our citizens, and promote the smooth development of bilateral cooperation—we propose to establish a joint security coordination mechanism at a location agreed upon by both parties, and to deploy necessary security liaison and assistance personnel. This is not a 'military presence' in the traditional sense, but a professional presence based on bilateral cooperation and focused on specific security issues. Of course, the relevant logistical support and operational coordination will require your country to provide the necessary support and facilitation."

His statement was much more official and euphemistic than his previous description of Lu Da as "holding a knife to the neck," but the core meaning was clear: Yan State wanted to gain some form of "presence" in South Vietnam under the pretext of protecting its citizens and security cooperation, with a military or law enforcement background.

Minister Ruan remained silent, his face showing no obvious anger or resistance, but rather a deep sense of helplessness and heavy pressure. He certainly understood the weight of this "suggestion" and was aware of the complex power struggles that might be involved.

“Mr. Chen Jun,” Minister Ruan began slowly, his voice somewhat hoarse, “the ‘security coordination mechanism’ you proposed involves important issues of national sovereignty and security cooperation, and is of great significance. I need to report in detail to our country’s highest levels and conduct careful internal discussions and assessments. This is not something that I, or any single department, can decide immediately.”

His response was a delay, but it was also the truth. Such a significant matter indeed required a decision from the highest level of leadership.

Chen Jun nodded, seemingly unsurprised. "I understand. We can await your country's formal response. But Minister Ruan, please understand the extent of our concern and urgency regarding this matter. Every day of delay increases the risk to our citizens."

His tone was calm, yet he clearly conveyed the pressure.

Just then, there was a gentle knock on the door of the reception room, and then one of Minister Nguyen's adjutants walked in, looking somewhat nervous, and whispered a few words in Minister Nguyen's ear.

Minister Ruan's expression changed slightly. He glanced at Chen Jun and then nodded to his adjutant.

After the adjutant left, Minister Nguyen turned to Chen Jun and said in a complicated tone, "Mr. Chen Jun, we just received news that Deputy Commander Le of the Capital Garrison has heard that you are here and has heard some of the ideas you just mentioned. He is quite agitated and insists on communicating with you in person."

His wording was cautious, but phrases like "quite emotional" and "insisting on his demands" already hinted at ill intentions.

Chen Jun didn't even raise an eyebrow, simply saying calmly, "Okay."

A moment later, the door to the reception room was pushed open somewhat forcefully. A burly, dark-skinned middle-aged man, dressed in a South Vietnamese military uniform with epaulets indicating his rank of general, strode in, his face filled with undisguised anger. Behind him followed two stern-faced officers.

The newcomer's gaze was sharp as lightning, locking onto Chen Jun, who was sitting in the guest seat. He scanned Chen Jun from head to toe, his dissatisfaction and doubt almost overflowing. He was clearly the "Deputy Commander Li".

He first gave Minister Ruan a slightly stiff nod as a greeting, then looked directly at Chen Jun, his voice loud and clear, carrying the straightforwardness, or rather, the impetuosity, characteristic of a soldier:

"So you're Chen Jun from Yan Kingdom?"

Chen Jun looked up at him and nodded slightly.

Deputy Commander Le snorted and continued, his tone sharp: "I heard that you just proposed to our Minister Nguyen that you send your people to South Vietnam to 'assist in security'? And what kind of 'mechanism' are you going to establish?"

He took a step forward, his imposing presence commanding:

"I'd like to ask you, Mr. Chen Jun. Are our South Vietnamese army and police just for show? Can't we handle our own country's affairs? Do we need your Yan country to send people to interfere?"

He became more and more excited as he spoke, his voice echoing in the reception room:

"What protection of nationals? What security cooperation? I think these are just excuses! Excuses for you to try and interfere in South Vietnam! Let me tell you, the soldiers of South Vietnam have the determination and the ability to defend our country and people! We do not need any so-called 'assistance' from outside!"

"Please, immediately retract this unrealistic idea!"

He practically shouted the last few words, his face flushed with excitement. The two officers behind him also straightened their backs, staring at Chen Jun with hostile eyes.

The air in the meeting room froze instantly. Minister Ruan's face turned somewhat ugly; he clearly hadn't expected his hot-tempered colleague to barge in and unleash such a ruthless outburst.

All eyes were on Chen Jun, eager to see how he would respond to this sudden and provocative accusation.

Do you know what you just said?

Chen Jun narrowed his eyes, exuding a murderous aura. He took out a VCR from his body and said coldly, "Watch this first, and see what it means that your police have the ability and responsibility to protect your country and people before you talk to me."

In a flash, the VCR fell into the hands of the furious vice commander.

The deputy commander opened it, glanced at it a few times, and his expression changed immediately.

"Enlarge it on the screen so everyone can see what you're hiding," Chen Jun said coldly from the side.