Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 283: He is just a Chesspiece

After meeting with the President, Michael breathed a sigh of relief. At last, it was done. He wouldn't have to bother with the pesky CIA anymore.

As he was walking out of the conference room, one of the staffers of the United States President approached him.

"Mr. Reyes," the staffer said politely, "President Greene would like to invite you to have dinner with him before you leave for the Philippines. It's a gesture of goodwill and a chance to discuss any last-minute thoughts or questions you might have."

Michael considered the offer for a moment. "Dinner sounds good. Where will it be held?"

"We have a private dining room prepared here in the compound," the staffer replied. "If you'll follow me, I'll take you there."

Michael nodded, signaling to David that everything was fine. "Alright, lead the way."

The staffer guided Michael and David through another series of corridors until they reached a well-decorated dining room. The room had a large table set for a formal dinner, with elegant place settings and an array of dishes being prepared by the kitchen staff.

President Greene was already seated at the head of the table. He stood up and smiled warmly as Michael entered. "Mr. Reyes, please, have a seat," he said, gesturing to a chair beside him.

Michael scanned the array of American foods laid out before him. There was a wide variety, showcasing classic American cuisine. He noticed a platter of juicy, perfectly grilled steaks, each one cooked to different levels of doneness to suit various preferences. Beside it was a dish of creamy mashed potatoes, smooth and buttery, sprinkled with fresh chives.

There was also a large bowl of Caesar salad, crisp romaine lettuce tossed with tangy dressing, croutons, and shaved Parmesan cheese. A basket of warm, freshly baked dinner rolls sat nearby, accompanied by pats of golden butter.

In the center of the table, a roasted turkey was displayed, its skin crispy and golden brown, surrounded by a mix of roasted vegetables – carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes, all caramelized to perfection.

For seafood lovers, there was a platter of succulent shrimp cocktail, served with a tangy cocktail sauce. Next to it, a dish of lobster mac and cheese, rich and indulgent, with chunks of tender lobster mixed into the creamy pasta.

To round out the meal, there was a selection of desserts at the far end of the table: a classic New York cheesecake with a graham cracker crust, a rich chocolate cake with layers of fudgy frosting, and a plate of assorted cookies and brownies.

President Greene noticed Michael's interest in the spread and smiled. "We wanted to give you a true taste of American cuisine, Mr. Reyes. Please, help yourself to whatever you like."

"This is a lot for someone like me, Mr. President. I'm not a big eater…and how much money was spent to prepare all this? I pity the American taxpayers," Michael chuckled.

President Greene chuckled along with Michael. "I assure you, Mr. Reyes, this is a standard dinner for special guests. We wanted to make sure you had a pleasant experience."

Michael nodded, appreciating the gesture. He started with a small portion of the shrimp cocktail, savoring the fresh, tangy flavor. "It's delicious. Thank you for the hospitality."

As they ate, the conversation turned more casual. President Greene shared stories about his time in office and some of the challenges he faced. Michael listened attentively, occasionally sharing anecdotes from his own experiences in the tech and business world.

After finishing their main courses, they moved on to dessert. Michael couldn't resist trying a slice of the rich chocolate cake. "This is amazing," he said, genuinely impressed.

President Greene smiled. "I'm glad you like it. I believe our chefs have outdone themselves tonight."

As the dinner wound down, President Greene leaned back in his chair, looking thoughtful. "Mr. Reyes, I hope this dinner has shown you that we can work together. Our countries have much to gain from cooperation."

Michael set his fork and spoon down next to the plate and asked, "Mr. President, I may shift the topic. Would World War 3 happen? Like, did your political and military analysts suggest such a possibility?"

President Greene's expression grew serious. "Mr. Reyes, the possibility of global conflict is always a concern for any world leader. Our analysts constantly monitor geopolitical tensions and the actions of various nations. While we can't predict the future with certainty, we are committed to maintaining peace and stability."

"Look, the actual reason why I'm inventing technology, especially in the field of defense industry, is that I want to deter any potential aggressors," Michael continued. "I believe that having superior technology can act as a deterrent to war.

I also understand why you spent a lot of your treasury on defense because if you stop doing that, then the balance of power might shift in ways we can't control," Michael continued. "I owe a lot to the United States for maintaining global peace and stability. Your role as a world leader is important, and it allows people like me to innovate without fear of global chaos."

President Greene nodded. "I appreciate your understanding, Mr. Reyes. The United States has been keeping the peace for decades, and we intend to continue doing so."

"China, on the other hand, is challenging your global leadership. They want to take that throne away from you."

President Greene laughed. "If they want it so bad they can take the spot. But are they ready to spend a lot of their money on defense and aid like we do? That's the real question."

Michael rose to his feet while wiping his mouth with a napkin. "That's correct, Mr. President. Well, thank you for the hospitality. I appreciate the dinner so much; it was delicious. I'm afraid I have to go now."

President Greene stood up as well, extending his hand. "It was a pleasure, Mr. Reyes. Safe travels back to the Philippines, and let's keep the lines of communication open. Our countries can achieve great things together."

Michael shook the President's hand firmly. "Thank you, Mr. President. I'll make sure to stay in touch. Take care."

David joined Michael, and together they exited the dining room, escorted by the staffer towards the C-130.

***

Meanwhile, inside the facility, Turner approached President Greene.

"I think I am wrong about Mr. Reyes…he is an asset that we can use against our foreign adversary, despite his threat earlier."

The President scoffed. "He is just a chess piece to me. Anyways, let's focus on the reelection."