Morning of March 15, 2011, 8:00 AM. This was a historic day. For the first time since the Anti-Japanese War, the Kuomintang and the Communist Party were once again at the negotiating table. Outside a temporarily constructed conference room in suburban Taipei, reporters from all over the world gathered to witness the moment of China's complete reunification.
Every channel, every frequency band, every website, every forum worldwide... all eyes were focused here.
Within mainland China, all factories halted production, schools suspended classes, airports stopped operations, shops closed...
Factory managers organized workers to watch, principals organized students to watch, captains organized passengers to watch, shop managers organized customers to watch...
Every Chinese person was watching, seeing the return of the land separated for over 60 years. People completely forgot that this was just a peace talk, meaning fighting might resume if talks failed. But this was enough. Thinking back over the years, when had Taiwan's leaders ever bowed their heads? But now, just last night, Chen Bian held an emergency press conference requesting peace talks, and the main theme was "peaceful reunification, the Taiwan government hands over control of Taiwan."
Last night, as Chen Bian tearfully announced this news, the crowds protesting in front of the Presidential Palace cheered, ending days of sit-in demonstrations.
The sound of firecrackers echoed across the 5,000-year-old land of China. Streets were filled with celebrating crowds. No police would stop them, because the police themselves joined the processions.
What is ecstatic joy?
Hospitals in one city admitted over 500 elderly people suffering heart attacks...
A veteran of the Anti-Japanese War, paralyzed in both legs, stood up from his wheelchair and cheered...
A returning overseas Chinese hugged his ancestor's tombstone and cried all night...
What is national unity?
All audio stores across the country replaced popular songs on their shelves with CDs of the national anthem, sold only at cost price. Some wealthier stores even gave them away for free, as long as you were Chinese.
All textile factories across the country worked through the night, producing nothing but national flags.
The State Council issued an emergency order: a three-day national holiday, lifting the ban on firecrackers for those three days...
Chinese people, after a night of revelry, didn't rest. They squatted directly in front of their TVs, waiting for the 8:00 AM talks...
07:50 AM
Liu Tao led his negotiation team into the conference hall. Reporters, as if seeing a top superstar, flashed their cameras continuously.
07:55 AM
Chen Bian's negotiation team also entered the hall. The situation was similar to Liu Tao's.
08:00 AM
Unexpectedly, Anne arrived with her entourage. The Taiwan government had specifically requested the presence of a US representative to ensure the fairness of the talks. She appeared to be the US representative.
08:05 AM
The heavy doors of the conference room closed. Although temporarily built, the soundproofing was effective, making the venue exceptionally quiet.
Liu Tao felt nervous. He remembered the Chairman's call just after Chen Bian's press conference ended last night. For the first time, Liu Tao felt the weight of responsibility. Now, every word he spoke represented not himself, but a nation of 1.4 billion people. Every demand potentially involved thousands of lives. He was genuinely "nervous," more nervous than his first time on the battlefield.
08:15 AM
Anne broke the deadlock.
"Gentlemen, my name is Anne. It is my personal honor to represent the United States today to witness this historic moment. I will certainly do my utmost to facilitate the success of these peace talks..."
Liu Tao merely glanced at this "peace-loving" American representative out of the corner of his eye, then looked back at Chen Bian, who was constantly drinking water.
He took a gentle breath, his mood calming significantly.
"There's no need to beat around the bush. Let's put everything else aside for now. If you have captured members of the Special Ops team, I want you to release them. If you killed them, I want their bodies. If there are any personnel still alive in Taipei, I want to bring them out." Liu Tao's words shocked not only the Taiwanese representatives but also his own negotiation team.
Secretary Chen, beside him, tugged at Liu Tao's sleeve and reminded him in a low voice, "Commander! The script the Chairman gave us wasn't like this..."
"Commander Liu is referring to the Chinese special agents who infiltrated Taipei City, right?" Chen Bian stopped drinking water and began to maneuver. "Our city defense forces did indeed capture four such individuals..."
Liu Tao's heart eased...
"Release them first! Then we talk!" Liu Tao's tone was firm, allowing no refusal.
Chen Bian was startled by his expression, glanced at his script, then said, "Your request can be granted, but one of them was injured during capture and is currently receiving treatment in our hospital. Moving him might worsen his condition, so only three can be released for now..."
Liu Tao didn't haggle over the number released. With a cold face, he bluntly threatened, "I don't care if your intentions are good or otherwise. If the last person isn't handed over to me after the negotiations, even if you agree to unconditional surrender, I will kill you before accepting it!"
Chen Bian's hand trembled. With a look of grievance, he glanced at Anne, then back at Liu Tao, unable to speak.
"Alright, we can talk now." Liu Tao smiled, and this smile somewhat eased Chen Bian's heart.
The negotiations lasted a full 10 hours, without even a break for meals. Chen Bian was known for his hospitality; he set up a buffet reception in the open air next to the conference room.
Accompanied by melodious music and the beautiful moonlit scenery, attendees at the reception forgot they were opponents, often chatting with those around them while holding champagne glasses. For people on both sides, this meal was probably the most relaxed one since the war began.
Liu Tao wasn't one for crowds. He took his plate to the edge of the open space, sat on the grass, and ate alone, watching the Taipei night view.
"Aren't you lonely by yourself?" Anne stood behind Liu Tao, holding a tall wine glass.
"I'm used to it. It's not about being lonely or not..." Liu Tao placed his finished plate aside and took out a cigarette.
"Commander Liu must be joking. Would a suave gentleman like Commander Liu be lonely?" Anne covered her mouth with one hand and chuckled lightly.
"Since you're here, have a seat." Liu Tao pointed to the spot beside him. Anne didn't refuse, adjusting her skirt as she sat down.
Only then did Liu Tao carefully observe this American representative.
She had captivating eyes, intoxicating lips, complemented by elegant light makeup, highlighting a soft beauty reminiscent of ancient Chinese women. Her well-proportioned yet not bony figure made the white evening gown she wore even more beautiful.
"You are very beautiful," Liu Tao praised plainly.
"Thank you," Anne replied with a slight smile.
Then silence fell again, both quietly admiring the Taipei view before them.
"You're really a cold person..." Anne's sudden words made Liu Tao feel an urge to laugh.
"Why do you say that?"
"Because usually, others try to flatter and curry favor with me, but when I come to chat with you, you seem indifferent?" Anne showed a childlike expression.
"Have I?" Liu Tao asked.
Anne nodded firmly.
"Perhaps my English isn't good, so I feel a bit self-conscious around foreigners?" Liu Tao took a deep drag from his cigarette.
"I studied in China for 2 years, my Chinese is quite good. You don't need to worry about communication issues." Anne smiled, her sweet expression capable of unconditionally conquering any other man.
"In that case, let's talk..." Liu Tao blew out a smoke ring. "What exactly do you people want? I don't believe Chen Bian, who has clamored for Taiwan independence his whole life, would suddenly request peace talks. There's only one possibility: someone forced him to do this."
"Commander Liu is indeed a smart man..." Anne looked at her wine glass, swirling the blood-red liquid inside. "The United States threatened him, but this is good for both you and us."
"On the surface, perhaps. But looking at America's history over the years, it seems they haven't done such generous good deeds. Besides, after Taiwan returns, America loses a stepping stone for attacking Asia. I can't see how this benefits the US?" Liu Tao spoke calmly, yet every sentence could potentially ignite war between the two nations.
"Do you think the US will attack Asia?" Anne continued to gaze at her wine glass.
"It's as obvious as a pregnant woman about to give birth. The only question is whether someone can kick her in the stomach?" Perhaps a bit tired, Liu Tao lay down on the soft grass.
The stars in the sky were beautiful...
"What a strange analogy." Anne chuckled. "I estimate that currently, no one can deliver that kick."
"Do you think China can?" Liu Tao asked, looking at the dark night sky.
"Hahaha..." Anne laughed out loud. "I've said Commander Liu is the best at joking."
"I'm not joking." Liu Tao's serious tone held no trace of frivolity.
"That's impossible." Anne stopped laughing. "Since STOPWAR was developed, the world's future has been arranged. Since Commander Liu is so straightforward, I don't need to beat around the bush either. World War III will break out, and this battle in Taiwan is the prelude..."
"Don't be too confident." Liu Tao suddenly stood up from the ground. "China is a country accustomed to creating miracles. If you target it, you will regret it!" After speaking, he turned and left.
"Insignificant..." Anne sighed.