Chapter 21: New Journey in Eastern Europe

On the morning of April 24th, Zhou Ming and Lin Muqing arrived at Harbor City International Airport in a stretched Lincoln limousine. Apart from their regular companions, including Lin Muqing's secretary Amin, there was also Karolina, the North Russian liaison responsible for the Dagger Project. Today, Zhou Ming would be taking the earliest flight to the Soviet Union.

"Zhou Ming, your belongings have been sent through the airport. You can find a place first when you arrive there, and it's okay to pick up your luggage later. It's said to be colder there than in the northeastern part of our country, so remember to keep warm. If your clothes aren't enough, you can buy some there; after all, their clothes are definitely better for warmth than ours here."

In the VIP lounge, Lin Muqing instructed Zhou Ming, showing a reluctant concern and worry, like a caring wife seeing off her husband before a journey.

"And most importantly, Zhou Ming, you must take care of yourself and ensure your safety. The situation there is very chaotic right now; the newspapers are saying there's a coup going on, with the political parties and the military in disarray. If there's any problem, just leave. Because Zhou Ming, you are the most important thing. We can earn money later, and opportunities abound, but there is only one Zhou Ming in this world. So, you mustn't have any mishaps."

Lin Muqing said to Zhou Ming, her tone filled with deep affection and concern. Zhou Ming knew that Lin Muqing actually wanted to accompany him. It wasn't about Karolina, the strikingly beautiful North Russian woman, tempting him or him being unable to control himself. It was simply a woman's nature; she hoped to face everything together with him.

But of course, Zhou Ming would not agree. Firstly, as she said, the situation there was chaotic right now. Adding one more person would only increase the danger. Besides not being helpful, Lin Muqing might distract him, especially since she was such a beautiful woman. Zhou Ming didn't want to risk her safety; it was better for her to stay in Harbor City.

Lin Muqing understood this herself, so she didn't insist. It was only in her words and in her heart that such thoughts persisted.

For Zhou Ming, knowing that there was a woman at home who cared for him like this was heartwarming. Zhou Ming said to Lin Muqing, "Don't worry, Sister Muqing, I'm not going to take unnecessary risks."

In this era, the phrase "unnecessary risks" didn't exist yet, but for Lin Muqing, she had grown accustomed to Zhou Ming occasionally using trendy terms. She just nodded silently in trust towards Zhou Ming. Then, she turned to ** and said, "** Comrade, I'm counting on you with Zhou Ming."

** solemnly assured Lin Muqing, "Rest assured, Sister Muqing, Zhou Ming is a great benefactor to my family. My wife and son were saved by him. Even if I have to risk my life, I will ensure his safety!"

Lin Muqing nodded and said, "Thank you very much. They say you're the finest soldier in the country, and I believe you'll do it."

At this moment, an airport staff member came in to inform Zhou Ming that it was time to board. Zhou Ming bid a reluctant farewell to Lin Muqing and then followed the airport staff with Karolina through the VIP passage to board the plane.

Lin Muqing had booked first-class tickets for Zhou Ming and them, which were expensive, especially at this time. However, for both Zhou Ming and Lin Muqing, this small amount of money didn't matter.

"It's boring to worry so much. If you're going to steal money again, why be afraid of political chaos and danger?"

After Zhou Ming and the others found their seats under the guidance of the flight attendants, Karolina suddenly spoke to Zhou Ming.

Zhou Ming was surprised. He looked at Karolina with disbelief, remembering how she seemed lost in thought back in the lounge earlier.

"I don't understand why you would say that. Is there a problem with showing concern for someone you care about?" Zhou Ming countered.

Karolina shook her head gently. "I'm not saying there's anything wrong with it; I just find it boring."

"Is that how you feel? Then it seems to be a difference between our countries and cultures. Although your Chinese is very good, it doesn't mean you're Chinese," Zhou Ming said.

"I'm not Chinese, and I have no interest in becoming Chinese. I'm proud to be North Russian!" Karolina said solemnly to Zhou Ming. Zhou Ming wasn't interested in discussing ethnic issues with her, so he didn't respond to her words. Karolina also didn't continue to pursue it. Instead, she asked Zhou Ming, "I'm curious why you're in such a hurry to go there now. I think it wouldn't hurt to delay a little longer. I heard you just arrived in Harbor City?"

"It's simple because your homeland is undergoing significant changes. If I don't hurry over, I'm afraid I'll miss the bus parked at the door," Zhou Ming said.

Karolina tilted her head, looking puzzled. Clearly, despite her proficiency in Chinese, she didn't understand Zhou Ming's metaphor about the bus parked at the door and could only guess, "Are you referring to the news that the Soviet Union is about to collapse?"

As Karolina spoke, she took out a newspaper from her bag. It was a current affairs newspaper from Harbor City, and the front page headline was about the Soviet coup: "On the morning of April 19th, the Soviet news agency announced that due to health reasons, the president could no longer fulfill his duties. According to the Soviet constitution, the vice president would assume the presidential duties, and all state powers were transferred to the State Emergency Committee."

Zhou Ming was familiar with this newspaper because it was the one he had shown Lin Muqing earlier. It was seeing this news that had prompted Zhou Ming to decide to leave for the Soviet Union immediately.

Zhou Ming nodded to Karolina, acknowledging it. Karolina then said, "Mr. Zhou Ming, I'm not surprised you would make such a judgment. This coup has the support of the vice president, the intelligence agency, and even the Ministry of Defense. They have likely already placed the former president under house arrest. But Mr. Zhou Ming, I think you should continue to observe for a while longer."

"Why do you say that?" Zhou Ming asked curiously.

"Mr. Zhou Ming, I'm really surprised by your question. Did you only read the newspaper from the 20th and not the subsequent news? I think you should take a good look at the newspaper from the second day. Perhaps you'll have a different perspective because our North Russian Republic's president is leading his supporters in a fierce struggle against these coup plotters and has gained a significant advantage. Even the military and intelligence forces supporting the coup have defected."

"So you think your homeland can survive this crisis?" Zhou Ming asked.

Karolina replied, "At least through this crisis, and with so many powerful figures coming forward, once this crisis is resolved, they can limp along for a few more years without any problems."

Zhou Ming smiled and shook his head. Karolina was displeased with Zhou Ming's attitude. "I wonder, Mr. Zhou Ming, what are your profound insights?"

"I dare not claim to have profound insights. I just feel that those who have come forward to defend your Soviet president this time may not necessarily be defending the Soviet state itself. Perhaps they are the real traitors to the Soviet Union, and those coup plotters are the true patriots defending their homeland," Zhou Ming said.

"Mr. Zhou Ming's thoughts are indeed unique. It seems that your qualification to participate in the Dagger Project is not accidental," Karolina said. Although she concealed it well, Zhou Ming sensed the disdain behind her words.

However, Zhou Ming didn't say anything because, first of all, the situation of the Soviet Union's dissolution was indeed very complex and dramatic. Without knowing the outcome in advance, it was impossible to imagine how things would unfold. Secondly, and most importantly, Zhou Ming didn't need to argue with her about winning or losing. Whether this North Russian girl believed it or not, it had nothing to do with the plan.

But on the other hand, the immense inertia of history was still astonishing. Just like the time when Yang Lao made his tour, the timing of this Soviet coup was also interesting.

As someone who had lived through this era, Zhou Ming couldn't ignore such a major event as the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Therefore, he clearly remembered that in his previous life, the first coup occurred on August 19th. Now that he had been reborn, his actions had influenced the Cold War situation in the world, which had brought about the early arrival of the color revolutions in Eastern Europe and exacerbated the demise of the Soviet Union.

The Soviet Union, which could have held on for another two years, was now starting a coup today, and the timing was also brought forward from August to April.

However, the more things changed, the more they stayed the same. Regardless of how time shifted, the essence of this coup remained unchanged, as reported in the newspapers.