Mercenary's War

If Karl and his men are acting, then they must be the best actors.

"I believe you were treated unfairly, gentlemen, I really do."

Gao Yang pointed to his own eyes, looking serious, "You probably won’t tell me what really happened, and I won’t ask. I’m indeed afraid of getting into trouble, not because I’m scared, but because unnecessary trouble is something businessmen must avoid. However, I was once a soldier, so I sincerely invite you to join our company."

Karl Stemonsen took off his hat, smoothed his hair with his hand, then put the hat back on and habitually pulled the brim down, saying in a low voice, "Sir, I need to know whether the work we’re given is legal."

Gao Yang immediately replied, "Of course it’s legal!"

Karl raised an eyebrow, smiling, "You better be sure of that. I don’t want to be faced with choices once my brothers and I start working."

After pondering for a moment, Gao Yang said very seriously, "We are a legitimate PMC, even though we were founded not long ago. We have a lot of operations in global hotspots and areas where wars are happening."

Gao Yang raised his left hand, pressing his right hand against his left thumb, and then said seriously, "Iraq, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine. Let’s put it this way, any conflict area is our business area. Guys, you’ve been through wars. Do you think everything can be absolutely legal in such places?"

Gao Yang deliberately mentioned Ukraine, but Karl did not have a strong reaction. However, his eyebrow twitched unconsciously, and one of the men beside him instinctively shifted his body.

Seeing the reactions of the four men one by one, Gao Yang said with a smile, "In most cases, our work is guaranteed to be legal, but sometimes it could be a choice you make yourself, or something the company is forced to choose, where actions might happen outside the legal framework. I can’t ensure this can be completely avoided."

Gao Yang deliberately spoke vaguely and complicatedly, not because he liked it that way, but because most businessmen speak like this. Being too straightforward might give others leverage against you, so you must choose ambiguous words that still convey the meaning.

Karl Stemonsen fell into thought, and Gao Yang whispered, "I can only promise that the work we give you is mostly legal. Additionally, I can assure you, even if you need to do some things in gray areas, you will not be put into a moral dilemma. Do you understand what I mean?"

"When you say there won’t be a moral dilemma, do you mean there won’t be indiscriminate killing, or things like not killing women and children?"

"Basically, probably, should be, might be that meaning."

Karl fell into thought, and the three people beside him stood still, waiting for his decision.

After pondering for a moment, Karl raised his head and said in a low voice, "I need to think it over carefully."

"No problem, you should. You are still in the mindset of serving the country. It’s normal for some things not to turn around suddenly. I completely understand. My assistant will leave her number with you. If you make up your mind, just call her. Gentlemen, it was a pleasure meeting you all."

Gao Yang stood up, assuming a posture of seeing the guests out.

Although Gao Yang really wanted to keep these people under his watch, many things are counterproductive if you push too hard, and pressing too much could drive people away instead.

When Gao Yang stood up and reached out his hand as if to shake hands, he suddenly pulled his hand back and said solemnly, "I forgot to mention a very important point. Everyone, at Solar System Company, we don’t talk about words like dedication. We believe in give and take—high risk equals high reward. Besides that, I can promise you that as long as you follow the company’s instructions, no matter what you do, for better or worse, the company will bear the consequences for you. Here, no one will be treated as a disposable mop!"

After speaking solemnly, Gao Yang extended his hand and said with a smile, "Very nice to meet you all."

Karl reached out and shook hands with Gao Yang, then suddenly asked, "Can I inquire about the salary?"

"Of course."

"A monthly salary of thirty thousand, when is it paid, and what about combat allowances?"

Gao Yang smiled and said, "Paid monthly. It will be deposited into your accounts on the fifth of every month, accounts opened by the company for you. If you join the company for less than a month, it will be paid in full daily. Please rest assured, our salaries are always paid promptly."

Karl released his hand, nodding thoughtfully. At this time, one of the people beside Karl wanted to speak, but he first looked at Karl. After Karl slightly nodded, indicating he could ask, that person immediately spoke, "What about the combat allowances? When will they be available, and if there are casualties?"

Gao Yang raised his hand, smiling, "Good question. Combat allowances are paid on the same day. As for casualties, we have insurance. The company provides insurance, but if it’s an action not covered by insurance, something that never officially existed, the company will provide compensation and medical expenses for casualties. Death benefits are sixty thousand US dollars, disabilities are slightly higher, with a maximum of about one million US dollars. These are detailed issues. If you are interested in joining Solar System Company, someone will discuss these details with you before you sign an agreement."

"Great, I understand. Thank you for your answer. It sounds good, better than what Uncle Sam offers. What can I say, haha."

The person who asked seemed to have a belly full of grievances, speaking with both self-mockery and sarcasm. He then looked at Karl and said, "Captain, what are you still hesitating about? It’s all about money. At least our contributions will have visible returns, better than being..."

"Enough!"

Karl raised his voice and said a sentence, then stared at Gao Yang, speaking in a low voice, "So, do you have any upcoming... operations where we can earn combat allowances? We... are very interested."

Gao Yang smiled, nodding, "That depends on your status. Some things are only for company employees to know."

Karl nodded, sighed, "Alright, I will get back to your assistant as soon as possible."

Gao Yang smiled and said, "If you need money urgently, perhaps you should take a good look at Solar System Company’s regulations. If our employees urgently need money, they can apply to advance one month’s salary. Have you noticed?"