Langley, CIA Headquarters, Director's Office.
Simon was seated behind the expansive desk, his fingertips tapping unconsciously on the smooth mahogany surface, producing a dull tapping sound.
Standing in front of him, Jackson stood ramrod straight, his slightly evasive gaze revealing his inner embarrassnt and anxiety.
"Jackson."
Simon's voice was steady, betraying no emotion, yet carrying an unseen pressure, "How is the progress on the plan to 'eliminate' Song Heping? I recall you were quite confident before."
Jackson's Adam's apple bobbed slightly as he forced himself to answer, "Sir, the target is extrely cautious. His safe house is heavily guarded, with a strict selection of internal personnel. All our attempts to contact potential breakthroughs have failed. His diet is handled through independent, credible channels, and our people... haven't found a safe opportunity to strike yet."
He could almost hear the grinding of his own teeth; delivering such a powerless report filled him with humiliation.
Simon leaned back in his chair, hands clasped over his stomach, with a look of understanding yet slight disappointnt, "Song Heping... indeed a challenging opponent. Cunning, suspicious, and luck seems to always be on his side. Vincent fell into his hands, and Kelly as well..."
He paused aningfully, casting a significant glance at Jackson.
At the ntion of Kelly, Jackson's pupils contracted sharply, a fleeting yet uncontrollable anger and hatred crossing his face.
Kelly was his ntor.
Song Heping turned Kelly into a vegetative state; this enmity, he felt to his core.
"Sir!"
Jackson's voice suddenly rose, filled with a near-obsessive determination, "Please give more ti! I assure you, I will find a way, I will take down that bastard, for Kelly, and for the honor of our operations division! I will not disappoint you!"
Simon inwardly sneered, yet outwardly showed a look of approval and comfort, "I know your resolve, Jackson. I also believe in your capabilities. But Song Heping… sigh, we must admit, he's caused us many problems. Dealing with him requires patience, and more importantly… opportunity."
Just then, the office door was gently knocked.
"Co in."
Simon raised his voice.
A stern-faced analyst, dressed in a suit, swiftly entered carrying a folder, nodding first to Simon and Jackson, then speaking rapidly, "Sir, we have just received high-value intelligence from the network in Damascus, Syria. The initial assessnt suggests this might be an excellent opportunity against Song Heping."
"Oh?"
Simon raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly, displaying just the right amount of curiosity, "What intelligence?"
The analyst opened the folder, "We've monitored that Song will be hosting President Hafez for dinner at his safe house tomorrow night. Officially, it's to discuss the northern warfare and to thank him for his previous honors. In reality, it is to discuss how to handle the northern warfare. The kitchen at the safe house has provided a list of required supplies, including various rare ingredients. Most notably, he needs a large quantity of top-grade Russian caviar."
Jackson's eyes instantly lit up, his breathing beca a little heavier.
The analyst continued, "Russian caviar is an extrely scarce commodity in Damascus under the current sanctions, with legitimate avenues almost cut off, primarily relying on black market circulation, with exorbitant prices and complicated origins. Based on our information, 'Chef' Yevgeny has a special preference for Russian cuisine and loves to cook, especially enjoying caviar, as confird multiple tis in past intelligence. Previously, their supply chain was fixed and tightly controlled, making it difficult for us to intervene. However, this ti, because of the high profile of the banquet and tight schedule, the kitchen seems unable to wait for the usual channels and has started looking for sources through black market connections."
Simon pondered, "Sounds like there might be an opportunity... but, Song Heping is inherently suspicious, especially after the previous incidents. His focus on self-security, particularly dietary security, must be exceedingly high. Even if caviar enters via the black market, wouldn't he test it before dining? If testing occurs, our chances of success are almost zero."
The analyst was evidently well-prepared, imdiately responding, "Sir, that's the key. We speculate if we can have our people pose as black market suppliers, actively contacting the head chef responsible for procuring the food, and provide the urgently needed caviar, using 'special discount pricing' as bait, the leading chef might be tempted."
"As long as we control the delivery timing appropriately—say, scheduling the delivery for tomorrow afternoon, as close to the banquet as possible. Then, with Song Heping needing to entertain President Hafez, his attention will be inevitably distracted, probably unable to personally oversee the inspection of every food ingredient. And in the rush of the kitchen, they might not have ti for thorough inspections, perhaps taking shortcuts. As long as our 'enhanced' caviar can reach the dining table, the opportunity arises. Might even..."
The analyst paused, lowering their voice.
"Have the chance to take out Hafez too, which would be a trendous bonus."
"Perfect!"
Jackson couldn't help but clench his fist, his face flushing with excitent.
"Ti pressure, scarce resources, and that greedy behind-the-scenes chef! This is absolutely a godsend opportunity! Sir, please assign this task to ! I will personally lead the team in Damascus, ensuring nothing goes wrong!"
Simon watched Jackson's eager deanor, silently pondering inside.
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