De Villepin: "Mexico's 'cooperation' conditions are very harsh. Technological black box, vague data sovereignty, political alignment requirements. But many enterprises... especially those limited by the old system's growth, couldn't resist the temptation. In the past week alone, more than twenty high-tech start-ups in France have accepted Mexican capital or technology investment, with conditions including 'priority supply of future products to the Mexican market' and 'sharing of research data.'

"So we must adjust our strategy." Jiang Zemin sat up straight, "We can no longer view Mexico simply as a threat or challenger. They are already players in the game, and their momentum is strong. Confrontation? We cannot afford a confrontation. Even the United States has backed down. Complete submission? That equals relinquishing European autonomy."

"What about the third way?" Jinkel asked.

"Limited binding, in-depth gaming." Jiang Zemin said deliberately, "In the name of the European Union as a whole, initiate 'Transatlantic Technology and Trade Partnership' negotiations with Mexico. The framework should be grand: covering digital market rules, climate technology cooperation, joint research funds, and even limited sharing of security intelligence. But the core is: first, technology transfer must be transparent, not a black box; second, data storage and processing must remain within Europe, subject to EU laws; third, any cooperation must not harm EU political independence and single market integrity."

"Will they agree?" De Villepin doubted.

"They will not agree to everything." Jiang Zemin sneered, "But the negotiation itself is valuable. Stalling them buys time for our enterprise and technology upgrades. Meanwhile, divide them in negotiations—woo the relatively moderate capital and technology factions in Mexico, isolate the hardline geopolitical faction around Reyes. The intelligence department must cooperate fully, uncover all internal rifts."

He looked at Jinkel: "Germany is key. Your industrial base and technical talent are Europe's greatest assets. We need a unified European stance, cannot fight individually. France can provide political and military backing, but economically and technically, Berlin must take the lead."

Jinkel pondered for a long time, eventually nodding: "Prime Minister Kohl agrees in principle. But there are two conditions: first, any cooperation with Mexico must be incorporated within the 'Europe and America Coordination Framework,' cannot completely bypass the United States—even if only symbolically. Second, EU internal integration must be accelerated at the same time, especially in defense integration and digital single market. We cannot cooperate externally while internally arguing over budgets and regulations."

"Agreed." Jiang Zemin said decisively, "Then let's act. Within two weeks, the European Commission will draft a negotiation proposal. Within a month, initiate the first round of secret consultations. At the same time, launch the 'European Technology Sovereignty Initiative,' focusing investments on quantum computing, artificial intelligence, batteries, and next-generation semiconductors. If there's not enough money, issue joint bonds. If there's not enough talent, poach globally—including retrieving from Mexico."

"There's also the United Kingdom." De Villepin reminded, "During disintegration, a large amount of assets, talent, and even intelligence resources will leak. We need a 'British Assets Special Taskforce,' coordinate each country, receive valuable parts as much as possible, especially financial infrastructure and high-end research institutions, cannot let Mexico and the Americans take it all."

"Established." Jiang Zemin decided, "You (De Villepin) and Director Jinkel will be jointly responsible. Remember, act quickly, but the posture must be... graceful. After all, we are helping 'our dear neighbors' through difficult times."

The three exchanged knowing glances. Graceful? When a ship sinks, the surrounding ships will salvage survivors, also salvage the gold and silver drifting out. That's all.

Meeting adjourned. Jinkel hurriedly left, returning to Berlin. Jiang Zemin stood alone by the window, pulling the curtain slightly.

The sunset cast a golden hue over the rooftops of Paris, very beautiful, very solid.

But he knows, the cracks of the era have already extended to his feet. The collapse of the United Kingdom is not the end, but just the beginning. Who will be the next domino? Italy? Spain? Or the European Union itself?

"Unity..." he murmured, a hint of bitterness at the corner of his mouth, "only cherished before the storm."

On the same day, Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.

The temporary headquarters of the "Historical Justice Commission" was set up in an old colonial-era building, with peeling walls but a lively atmosphere. Professor Oluchi sat behind a desk piled with documents, glasses sliding to the tip of his nose, excitedly talking into a satellite phone.

"...No, it's not a matter of money! It's recognition! It's apology! In black and white, Queen's signature, Parliament's approval, global announcement! Otherwise, everything is off the table!"

On the other side of the phone was the newly appointed negotiation representative of the British Federal Affairs Department, a voice revealed exhausted frustration: "Professor Oluchi, we understand your demands, but a public apology requires complex constitutional procedures, time-wise..."

"Time?" Oluchi raised his voice, "You negotiated with the Scots, gave money, gave sovereignty, how come there was time then? Huh? Because the Scots hold guns? We only hold history and justice, so it's only fair to be delayed? I'm telling you, after the Delhi incident, the world sees clearly what kind of government you are! A government that can't even protect athletes, steals its own gold, what kind of credibility does it have?!"

"Professor, please refraining from personal attacks..."

"Attack? I'm stating facts!" Oluchi slammed the table, "Listen, last ultimatum: within thirty days, the British government must make a formal apology statement at the United Nations General Assembly, acknowledging crimes against humanity committed in Kenya during colonial times, and commit to the establishment of a 'Truth and Compensation Committee' led by Kenya. Simultaneously, the first phase of one billion British Pounds compensation must be in place. Otherwise, we will mobilize all former British colonial states to propose comprehensive sanctions against Britain at the United Nations! Furthermore, we will formally request the International Court to freeze British overseas assets, including those stolen jewels and artworks of the Royal Family!"