Slicing the salmon, slightly blanching it, and sandwiching garlic slices in between, the taste was very good. Under Stalin's gaze, He Rui ate two pieces in a row and felt much more comfortable in his stomach.

Wiping his hands with a napkin, He Rui began to answer Stalin's question, "In a sense, we are all slaves of language, and can only convey ideas by creating vocabulary or relying on the resonance of the other party. Therefore, misunderstanding is inevitable. Just as many people think I am a Social Democrat. If they knew my view on the Social Democratic Party, they probably wouldn't say so."

After speaking, He Rui poured wine again. Comrade Stalin began to feel that forcing He Rui to drink was not a very wise choice. With China's current strength, it did not need to beg the Soviet Union. Therefore, He Rui could refuse to be forced at any time. But drinking on completely equal terms, He Rui's alcohol capacity was really not bad.

While pouring wine, Stalin looked at Molotov not far away. Several Soviet ambassadors to China had said that He Rui didn't like drinking. These people certainly wouldn't deceive the CPSU Central Committee, but they obviously didn't have the opportunity to know He Rui's alcohol capacity.

Of course, even feeling the alcohol going to his head, Stalin was not uneasy. One cannot lose momentum even if losing the game; at most he would be drunk under the table, so what? Moreover, under the stimulation of alcohol, Comrade Stalin felt in a very good mood. Raising his glass, Stalin clinked glasses with He Rui, and the two drank the 11th glass in one gulp. He Rui picked up a salmon slice and ate while saying, "Members of the Social Democratic Party are not bad people, but the Social Democratic Party's program makes them jump back and forth between two extremes: one extreme is utopian socialism, and the other extreme is utopian capitalism."

Stalin laughed with food in his mouth, "Hehe, it seems we are indeed slaves of language."

He Rui believed that an artsy person like Stalin could definitely understand the meaning of these words, but he still added a sentence, "Fearing the cruelty of reality can be embellished as having a conscience. Fearing the obligations brought by power can be embellished as having brains. Therefore, the Social Democratic Party must follow ballot politics. In Greek terms, it is called a tyrant (demagogue)."

After eating and speaking, He Rui poured another glass. Stalin did not back down and poured a glass too, under the somewhat worried gaze of quite a few Soviet Politburo members. Stroking his thick mustache, Stalin laughed, "Our system is the Soviet."

Soviet is the transliteration of Russian, meaning "council" or "committee". It is an organizational form created by the Russian proletariat during the 1905 revolution to lead the masses in revolutionary struggle. It originated from the Russian Revolution of 1905 and is a democratic form for workers and peasants, whose representatives can be elected and replaced at any time.

He Rui knew how the Soviet Union ended, so Stalin's words put no pressure on He Rui. Sprinkling salt on the back of his hand and dripping lemon juice, He Rui slid the back of his hand over his lips, sucking the mixture into his mouth. That stimulating taste greatly relieved the feeling in his stomach.

Eating two more pieces of salmon meat, He Rui answered, "With the rapid development of productive forces, social contradictions become sharper and more intense. I always believe that only communism can solve these problems."

Before Stalin could answer, he saw He Rui raise the 12th glass. The Iron Man uncle hesitated for a moment, but a moment later he accepted the challenge and drank the wine in one gulp. This time, the Iron Man uncle took the initiative to pour wine. He Rui also followed suit. The Iron Man uncle put down the almost empty wine bottle, "Comrade He Rui, what kind of communist do you think you are?"

He Rui raised his glass, "I think I am a communist like Marx and Engels."

There are many schools of international communism, and everyone says they are communist. Stalin believed He Rui was indicating that he was not following the Soviet line, but he would not criticize the Soviet line either. Facing such an attitude, Stalin and He Rui clinked glasses again.

Chatting to this extent, the Iron Man uncle felt that what needed to be chatted about had been chatted. From the attitude of Sino-Soviet cooperation to the actual content of cooperation. And the non-antagonistic relationship in ideology. Pouring the last of the wine from the bottle into the glasses, it was just enough. Comrade Stalin raised his glass, "Welcome Comrade Chairman He Rui to visit the Soviet Union, and I also wish Comrade Chairman He Rui success in his subsequent visits."

When He Rui returned to his residence, he behaved very normally. But upon returning to the residence, He Rui pulled a washbasin to the bedside before lying down. Lu Yueying looked at He Rui, feeling both angry and somewhat pitying. Seeing He Rui pulling the quilt over his head, Lu Yueying sat on the chair beside him, really not understanding why he had to drink like this! If there was something to talk about, just talk slowly. Both sides harbored thoughts, guessing each other's meaning, yet had to show their self-control through such a drinking contest. Was it absolutely necessary?

Comrade Stalin was not much better. When he woke up the next day, he felt his brain buzzing. After drinking several cups of strong Chinese tea, he felt a little better. Looking through the meeting minutes, Comrade Stalin could string his memories together completely. And at the end, Comrade Stalin saw in the meeting minutes that he talked to Kirov about his view of He Rui, "An interesting strategist."

Recalling the impression of He Rui, Comrade Stalin had a very strange feeling. He Rui seemed very familiar with him. This familiarity was different from the familiarity of those who had studied him, but another feeling of being at the same level. If he had to describe it, He Rui seemed to understand him very well.

But this feeling was really strange. Because Comrade Stalin felt He Rui knew very well that the lines of China and the Soviet Union both originated from communism, but the theoretical basis of the lines themselves was not the same.

...Is the thinking necessary to determine the line connected?

But He Rui did not stay in Moscow for too long. On the third day, he took the special train to Leningrad (St. Petersburg). This deprived Stalin of the possibility of talking deeply with He Rui again. Kirov, who personally went to the train station to see He Rui off, returned to the Kremlin and relayed his conversation with He Rui to Stalin.

After listening, Comrade Stalin silently added tobacco to his pipe but didn't light it. "Kirov, according to your judgment, does He Rui seem to have high expectations for this trip to France?"

"Yes, General Secretary," Kirov answered. Stalin had no reason to send He Rui off at the train station personally, so Kirov did the probing. The Soviet Union was the first stop of He Rui's visit to Europe. The next stop was to board a ship from the port of Leningrad (St. Petersburg), pass through the Baltic Sea, and enter the Atlantic Ocean. In this way, He Rui wouldn't have to pass through politically sensitive Poland and Germany.

Politically speaking, such a visit route was very serious. If He Rui crossed Polish territory, it would be necessary to explain to the Soviet Union to avoid unnecessary trouble between China and the Soviet Union.

If He Rui entered German territory before arriving in France, it would inevitably trigger some thoughts in France. For this reason, before He Rui's visit, a Chinese-made 2000-ton light cruiser, the *Siping*, had already departed from Guangzhou, China. Now the *Siping* light cruiser had crossed the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean, arriving at the port of St. Petersburg. He Rui would take this Chinese warship to leave St. Petersburg and head for Calais, an important passenger port in northern France.

Kirov probed what plans He Rui had when visiting France. He Rui frankly stated that he would communicate with France on trade cooperation. Although there was no specific content, He Rui's attitude convinced Kirov that He Rui would definitely work something out with France.

Facing Stalin's question, Kirov frankly stated his feelings. And he gave the reason, "The two most important powers in Western Europe are Britain and France. Given Britain's current attitude towards China, He Rui has no way to reach any major cooperation agreement with Britain. Although visiting at this time can indeed show the world that China has made huge progress in international diplomacy, He Rui gives me the feeling that he is not a person who really values this particularly heavily. Therefore, if the visit time were next year, He Rui could get greater gains."

Stalin agreed with Kirov's judgment. It had only been a year since the ceasefire between China and Britain. Sino-US relations only stabilized after the signing of the "Agreement on Sino-US Citizen Travel, Migration, and Judicial Cooperation". This agreement was signed only a month ago. If He Rui really wanted to visit Europe with a posture fully accepted by major international powers, 1929 would be the suitable time.

Lighting his pipe, amidst the fragrant aroma, Comrade Stalin gradually became convinced that there must be some greater cooperation possibility between He Rui and France. After all, it was France that stepped forward to mediate the Sino-British War. Given the competition between Britain and France, He Rui agreeing to French mediation gave France a big diplomatic gift. Current French President Doumergue also gained huge political benefits, and his prestige in France increased a lot. Then, now should be the time for France to repay China.

Knocking out the ash, Stalin called Molotov and asked him to pay special attention to He Rui's visit to France. Molotov had already arranged it and answered immediately, "Comrade General Secretary. The People's Commissariat for Foreign Affairs will give you the most timely reports."

On January 20, after Comrade Stalin finished a meeting, a report on Chairman He Rui of the Republic of China was delivered to him. On January 19, He Rui left St. Petersburg on the cruiser *Siping* and entered the Baltic Sea. British warships began to appear in the distance in the Baltic Sea.

The *Siping* light cruiser crossed the South China Sea, the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the North Atlantic. This journey was already amazing. Even though there were some French colonies along the way, the key points passed, the Malacca Strait, the Suez Canal, and the Strait of Gibraltar, were all controlled by Britain. A Chinese warship sailing so far had great significance in itself. If He Rui's visit to Europe wasn't more important, this matter would have been publicized widely in Europe long ago.

Stalin did not give instructions on this. At this time, the First Secretary of the CPSU believed even more that He Rui came prepared.

At this time, the *Siping* had sailed out of the calm Baltic Sea and entered the North Sea. The naval officers and soldiers were used to such bumps, but He Rui's entourage was not. Compared with the Baltic Sea, the North Sea was really windy and rough. He Rui could still suppress the churning in his stomach, but he also personally experienced why the Atlantic Ocean was not as suitable for aircraft carrier development as the Pacific Ocean.

The countries on both sides of the North Atlantic were basically industrial countries with strong coastal defense forces, posing a great threat to aircraft carrier survival. Aircraft carrier operations require relatively good sea conditions, and the North Atlantic is not very suitable.

At this time, the captain came to He Rui on the bridge and saluted, "Chairman, we received a telegram from the French fleet. They request to escort our ship."

"Mm." He Rui just responded. These tasks had long been contacted by the Chinese and Soviet, and Chinese and French foreign ministries. The captain reported to He Rui out of regulation. In actual execution, there were already relevant arrangements.

Sure enough, before long, two huge warships flying the French flag appeared on the sea ahead. Compared with the cruisers of the Soviet Red Navy, the French warships were much larger. The Soviet Red Navy warships protecting He Rui's *Siping* light cruiser in the middle also sent a telegram to the *Siping*, informing them that their escort action was about to end.

French warships, Soviet warships, and the Chinese warship all followed naval etiquette, passing on each other's right side. The two Soviet warships and two French warships all began to turn. The warships drew four long white wakes on the sea surface centered on the *Siping* continuing to sail forward.

At the same time, signal flags were raised on the Soviet warships. He Rui didn't understand the meaning of naval flags, and the captain immediately told He Rui that the Soviet signal flags meant 'Bon Voyage'.

Soon, the two French warships began to enter escort positions. He Rui looked back. He saw the figures of the returning Soviet warships becoming smaller and smaller on the sea. Besides giving orders, the captain of the *Siping* kept his eyes fixed on the two French warships. Seeing the captain's eager expression, He Rui laughed, "Comrade Captain, do you recognize these two French warships?"

"Reporting to Chairman. These are the *Lorraine* and *Provence* of the French Courbet-class battleships (Note: Actually Bretagne-class, text error kept as per instructions)." There was uncontrollable emotion in the captain's tone.

France sending two battleships to escort showed how sincere they were. This made He Rui more confident in the results of this visit. In such a mood, He Rui said to the captain, "Don't worry, in a few years we can also build warships at least not inferior to these two battleships."

The captain was stunned. Although somewhat unbelievable, since it was He Rui who spoke, the captain immediately generated confidence without much reason. He nodded, but fearing he might say something wrong, he said, "Chairman, I understand."

He Rui knew these words could easily be considered bragging, so he didn't say more on this topic. Instead, pointing to the vague warship figures further away, he asked, "Are those the British warships that have been tailing us?"

After getting a clear affirmative answer from the captain, He Rui nodded but didn't say much about it. The Washington Naval Treaty stipulated that all contracting powers would not build new capital ships for 10 years. Because after the end of the Great War in Europe, the Great Powers of the Entente immediately began preparing to build their own new capital ships based on the experience accumulated in the war. If shipbuilding started, it would immediately be another naval arms race.

So British and French warships were old warships from WWI. The Washington Naval Treaty was signed in 1922, and China would probably participate in the next stage of the shipbuilding race in 1933. There was probably enough time.

On January 21, the *Siping* arrived outside the port of Calais, France. Calais is a port city in northern France, facing the Strait of Dover (French: Pas de Calais / La Manche), more than 30 kilometers away from the port of Dover in Britain. When the weather is clear, Britain can be seen from the beach in Calais. As the largest passenger port in France, Calais Port was very lively. Battleship tonnage was too large to approach, so they stopped in the deep waters of the English Channel.

Today was a sunny day, and He Rui indeed saw the British land in the distance. Only with ships coming and going, He Rui couldn't figure out how many near the British side were merchant ships and how many were warships. The two French battleships happened to block between Calais and the British land opposite. This position could resist harassment or even attacks from the British side at any time.

French pilot boats came, and under the leadership of two pilot boats, the *Siping* entered the port of Calais. Stopping at the designated berth, the military band assembled on the pier entered the welcoming position. The gangway was lowered, and Foreign Minister Yan Huiqing, who had been waiting here early, led a Frenchman up.

He Rui had seen photos of this person; it was French Foreign Minister Briand. This surprised He Rui a little; Briand boarding the ship now was somewhat inconsistent with diplomatic rules. It should be the French Deputy Foreign Minister or others from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs boarding the ship to welcome He Rui ashore.

Briand followed Yan Huiqing to He Rui. After Yan Huiqing introduced his identity, Briand stepped forward and said, "Respected Chairman Mr. He Rui, welcome to visit France. If you are ready, please follow me off the ship. Our President Mr. Doumergue is already waiting at the port."

He Rui was not particularly surprised. If it was arranged like this, it would be reasonable for the French Foreign Minister to board the ship. But due politeness could not be lacking. He Rui answered, "I am very grateful for such a high-standard welcome from France. I am ready; please lead the way, Minister Briand."

The group got off the ship, and the French military band had already started playing. At the end of the red carpet, French President Doumergue, who looked very much like a British gentleman, stood there. When He Rui walked across the red carpet, President Doumergue shook hands and hugged He Rui enthusiastically. At this time, the British gentleman appearance of the French President was replaced by the enthusiastic and romantic style of France.

He Rui was equally enthusiastic, accepting the welcome like an old friend. President Doumergue released the embrace and laughed, "Chairman He Rui, I have been waiting for a long time. In order to get to Paris to rest as soon as possible, please review the French honor guard."

Seeing President Doumergue so frank, He Rui believed even more that this trip could achieve the goal. The French President was so urgent, obviously wanting to announce the news of Sino-French strategic cooperation as soon as possible. So He Rui didn't refuse and walked onto the reviewing stand in the middle of the red carpet.

The French honor guard wearing gorgeous military uniforms passed in front of He Rui to the accompaniment of military music. As a soldier, He Rui originally wanted to comment on the honor guard. But at this time, He Rui was also a bit excited. Like the French President, He Rui also looked forward to the cooperation being settled as soon as possible. Starting China's rapid industrialization process one day earlier would let the Chinese people enjoy the fruits of industrialization one day earlier.

Calais is located at the axis of Europe, radiating to the capitals of 5 European countries, 235.85 km from Paris, 151.34 km from London, 175.38 km from Brussels, 262.48 km from Amsterdam, and 344.95 km from Düsseldorf.

There is a train from Calais to Paris, so China's special train was not needed here. The French government had prepared a special train. On the train, the French President introduced the members in the special train carriage to He Rui. Chairman of the Bank of France Mr. Mabeuf, the French Minister of Industry, and several business people.

As soon as the train started, Mabeuf said immediately, "Your Excellency Chairman, the Bank of France sincerely admires China's determination for industrialization."

"Mr. Mabeuf, industrialization cannot be completed by determination alone. The Chinese government is making every effort to prepare for the preliminary work of undertaking industrialization. Including the site selection of industrial zones, roads, railways, electricity, water supply. Residential areas for personnel needed in industrial zones, water, electricity, and roads in residential areas, as well as education, public security, and postal services for personnel in industrial zones. We all know that the industrial development process will encounter very many problems. We hope to learn from experience to make China's industrial development more effective and benefit the Chinese people and investors more."

After listening to He Rui's answer, Mabeuf had a high evaluation of He Rui. A decision-maker definitely does not come up with whimsical ideas by slapping his head and handing them over to subordinates for execution. Of course, a decision-maker cannot have the ability to attend to details in execution, but a decision-maker must be clear about how many fields his decision involves and know how to arrange responsible personnel in these fields.

He Rui's answer proved that He Rui not only understood but also prepared for undertaking France's industrial transfer to China. This not only did not make Mabeuf want to make things difficult for He Rui but strengthened Mabeuf's determination to promote cooperation.

Since He Rui was so well prepared, it proved that He Rui was determined to obtain large-scale industrial transfer. France was actually not the only choice. Britain and the United States, as long as China was willing to pay a sufficient price, these two countries would also transfer industry to China.

Hearing He Rui's answer, the big shots in the French economic field thought similarly to Mabeuf. They couldn't help looking at French President Doumergue, starting to worry whether French politicians would consider political interests and think they could gain greater benefits by making things difficult for China.

Although there was such worry, no one dared to ask. Industry and commerce, and banking were powerful. But compared with the state machine, it was still not enough. When the economy is bad, industry, commerce, and banking will be pushed out by the government as scapegoats to bear the criticism of the nationals. When the economy is good, disobedient industry, commerce, and banking personnel are easily suppressed, replaced, or even eliminated under government pressure. After all, the government holds the army and various violent institutions; what do industry, commerce, and banking have? Those thugs or even private soldiers obtained through employment relationships were not even opponents in front of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the army. These people could only hope that the politicians in the government wouldn't be confused.

In the evening, He Rui was invited into the Élysée Palace by President Doumergue. In the luxurious reception hall, President Doumergue, the Prime Minister, and the Foreign Minister sat opposite He Rui and the Chinese Foreign Minister. President Doumergue said, "Chairman He Rui, the French government has decided to fully accept the proposal put forward by China."

He Rui only felt his heart lighten, and a smile could no longer be suppressed. So He Rui simply laughed, "I was prepared to have a full discussion with Mr. President before coming. President Doumergue, your decision overjoyed me."

President Doumergue laughed, "I did have many considerations. But thinking that the Chinese government is a modern government, the Chinese people are noble and honest people, and China's 2 million modern army can defeat Britain in war. I am full of confidence in China. To express France's sincerity in cooperation, the French government is willing to accept the plan proposed by the Chinese government. Only in this way can Sino-French friendship last forever."