America 1919

Pan Xing frowned!

This was no small matter, a veteran with strong combat ability, if they still had plenty of weapons in their hands, this would not be conducive to stability in the United States.

Seeing Pan Xing frown, Donnie knew what the other party was worried about.

He continued, "General, once the maritime transport team enters U.S. ports, someone will seal their weapons away, and as for the land transport team, I can invite personnel from the U.S. Army to supervise. I just want to ensure my cargo is safe!"

Pan Xing nodded and said, "If not for that, this whole thing would have been impossible!"

Donnie let out a sigh of relief. At least the negotiation was still on the table; such a situation was only possible in the United States—in other countries, especially in the East, it would be utterly impossible.

"General, additionally, I personally can also donate 300,000 US Dollars annually in my personal capacity to the Veterans Placement Office, hoping to help more veterans!"

This was another card up Donnie's sleeve. He had already found out from Marshall that Pan Xing was currently troubled with the issue of placing these veterans.

Though 300,000 US Dollars annually was a mere drop in the bucket for the vast number of veterans, it was better than nothing!

Indeed, upon hearing Donnie's offer, Pan Xing's smile became even brighter than before.

The money might not be enough to place all veterans across the country, but it could definitely solve the problem for those in cities like Washington and New York!

"I can decide to sell you the firearms, but only conventional weapons. The more destructive ones are not allowed!"

After careful consideration, Pan Xing gave Donnie the answer he wanted!

Donnie was very happy after hearing this. Purchasing weapons from Pan Xing was much cheaper than buying from companies like Colt and Springfield.

The Military Department would switch out new weapons at the price of the old ones and sell the new ones to Donnie at the price of the phased-out weapons.

The Military Department didn't lose out; they got a clean sum of cash. The arms companies didn't lose out; they cleared some inventory. And of course, Donnie didn't lose out either; he bought the newest weapons at a bargain price!

As for who took the loss,

it was quite obvious!

"Thank you, General!" Donnie said happily. Although he had to spend an extra 300,000 US Dollars annually, it was totally worth it, as this business also meant that he had formally established a connection with Pan Xing.

Everyone knew that the Military Department was the United States' biggest purchaser!

The oil from the small wells could be sold to the U.S. Army through this connection in the future.

"For the specifics, Marshall will contact you about them. I hope the two of you can continue to cooperate amicably!"

Pan Xing said lastly.

Donnie replied, "Of course, I too hope to maintain our cooperation with George!"

That very night, in Marshall's apartment, Donnie handed Marshall a check for twenty thousand US Dollars.

Marshall, without any hesitation, naturally accepted Donnie's financial support.

"Your timing couldn't be better, General Pan Xing is about to take up the position of the United States Army Chief of Staff."

Sitting on a rather ordinary sofa, Marshall discussed his future prospects with Donnie.

"General Pan Xing wants me to stay by his side, but personally, I would prefer to go into a field unit to hone my skills. Donnie, what do you think about that?"

Donnie asked, "Your promotion should already be on the agenda, right?"

Marshall was currently only a Major on staff!

Marshall nodded, "General Pan Xing has intimated to me that once he becomes the Chief of Staff of the Army, he will promote me to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel!"

Marshall felt a bit sentimental about the promotion. His rise through the ranks had been significantly slower compared to MacArthur's. It took him eighteen years to be promoted to Major, and even though it only took two years to go from Major to Lieutenant Colonel, he still couldn't quite match MacArthur.

Donnie laughed, "After you're promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, you'll be able to serve in battalion-level positions. But since there's no immediate threat domestically, I guess if you want to join a field unit, chances are you'll be sent abroad!"

Marshall said, "Indeed, and most likely to Asia. But I can't be sure exactly where yet."

Donnie said, "I think that's a good move. Having experience in a field unit can be very helpful for your further promotions. Maybe by the time I see you next, I'll have to address you as General!"

Marshall showed a look of yearning. A soldier who doesn't want to be a general isn't a good soldier!

He too envisioned himself wearing a general's uniform one day.

"I'll need your help for that to happen, Donnie!"

Donnie said, "Tomorrow night I'll be attending a banquet hosted by the Attorney General, Harry D'Agostino. George, if you're free, you can join me!"

Marshall naturally had no objections to Donnie's invitation.

In reality, this was the foundational reason for their alliance.

Marshall could resolve some military affairs for Donnie, and as Marshall's position rose, the more help Donnie would receive.

Likewise, Marshall could gain more connections to the White House through Donnie, even though the presidential administration and Cabinet members would change every few years.