Eight years have passed, and this war-torn city seems both familiar and unfamiliar.
Previously familiar neighborhoods have either turned into ruins or have new buildings erected; the iconic Green Zone walls still stand tall, but the atmosphere appears more solemn and fragnted than rembered.
The helicopter landed on a heavily guarded helipad within the Green Zone.
The cabin door opened, and a familiar yet foreign hot wind rushed in.
The atmosphere here contrasts sharply with the dilapidated Sulaimaniyah; the interim governnt has turned into the officially ruling governnt, and over the years, many more new buildings have been constructed in the Green Zone, though the presence of Arican soldiers has decreased, replaced mostly by local police forces securing the area.
The liaison officer sent by Simon had been waiting here; after a stringent identity check and security screening, Song Heping and "Hunter" were arranged into temporary accommodation.
Night fell, and the city lights began to shine.
Song Heping changed into ordinary casual clothes and instructed "Hunter," "I'm going out for a while; you stay here."
"Boss, do you need...?"
"No need."
Song Heping interrupted him, "Private visit, the fewer people, the better."
He did not use the vehicle provided by the US Army but rather contacted an inconspicuous, old car familiar to the locals through his own channels, quietly driving out of the Green Zone, rging into the still sowhat noisy and chaotic streets of Baghdad at night.
The car traversed through the maze-like alleys, eventually stopping in a seemingly ordinary residential area.
Song Heping got out of the car, walked familiarly to a two-story building with a courtyard wall, and rang the doorbell.
Monts later, the door opened a crack, a cautious eye scrutinized him from behind the door.
Upon recognizing Song Heping's face, that eye suddenly widened, full of incredulous shock.
The door quickly swung open, revealing a fat middle-aged man in traditional robes at the entrance, it was indeed Yusuf.
He pulled Song Heping into the courtyard at once, swiftly closed the door, and in a lowered, horrified voice, spoke, "By Allah! Song... how dare you co here?! Do you know how many eyes are watching everything related to you now?!"
Yusuf at this point was evidently more plump than eight years ago, his brows hinted at living a life of indulgence, yet the slice of shrewdness and caution characteristic of an Illiguo official remained unchanged deep in his eyes.
He now holds a significant position in the Illiguo governnt's logistics departnt, wielding considerable power.
Song Heping looked at the man who was once an "old friend" and important collaborator, a faint smile appeared on his face, "Yusuf, long ti no see. Rest assured, I'm 'legal' now."
"Legal?!"
Yusuf paused, then quickly pulled Song Heping inside and shut the door tightly.
"You've been listed as a KB Leader, yet you're legal?! My God! How did you get into Baghdad? Didn't they check you?"
"I said I'm legal." Song Heping smiled at his military "supplier" and said, "Trust , I wouldn't deceive my own friends."
The two walked into the courtyard, the house was newly built and elegantly decorated, far more luxurious than when Song Heping first ca by, showcasing the owner's current status and position everywhere.
After bypassing the hall and entering a secluded room through a pathway next to the building, Yusuf still couldn't hide his nerves, he poured a cup of black tea for Song Heping, his hands slightly trembling, "What's going on? I heard you've been... wanted this whole ti?"
Song Heping picked up the teacup, gently blew over it, took a sip, and then slowly explained the circumstances.
From the assault on Sulaimaniyah to the four-party eting in Elbil, followed by having his na removed from the list, he concisely inford Yusuf.
Of course, he omitted many core secrets and specific plans.
Listening, Yusuf's jaw gradually dropped, facial expressions shifted from shock to disbelief, finally turning into a complex sentint of appreciation, "Unbelievable... You've truly managed to reach this point, sitting at a table with Aricans, Russians, and Persians... Song, you always do things that are unexpected."
Song Heping set down the teacup and went straight to the point, "Yusuf, our previous cooperation has always been pleasant."
At the ntion of "cooperation," Yusuf's expression subtly changed, revealing a hint of embarrassnt and helplessness, "Song, my old friend, it's not that I'm unwilling to help you. You should understand that since about two years ago, the CIA has been intricately regulating the flow of military supplies, especially those going to... hmm, non-governntal controlled areas. Although I'm still in this position, a lot of maneuvers have beco difficult to execute. The risk is too high!"
Song Heping understandingly nodded, "I understand the situation of the past two years has been special. But now, things are different."
He leaned slightly forward, stared directly at Yusuf, "My identity has been 'whitewashed,' at least temporarily. My ownership of the Musician Defense Company will soon return to being a candidate contractor for US Army logistics. This ans we can facilitate 'legal,' or at least seemingly compliant procurent."
Yusuf's eyes sparkled, his rchant instincts imdiately activated, "You an..."
"Taking advantage of this layer of 'legal' garb while it lasts, I need extensive reserves."
Song Heping's voice was low, yet carried an indisputable resolve.
"Small arms, ammunition, communication equipnt, personal protective gear, even portable missiles and drones... anything that can enhance combat power, I want them all. I know Aricans these two years, to counter 1515 Ard, have provided your Illiguo governnt plenty of weapons; you've also purchased a considerable amount of weapons with oil sales, these should be in the hands of you and your friends. I'm interested in all of them. Rest assured, prices follow market trends, commission split will remain as usual, can even be slightly increased, but the channel must be reliable, and delivery fast."
He paused, continued, "You also know, how long my cooperation with Aricans will last, no one knows. I must prepare for any future possible... scenarios as much as possible. This batch, won't be directly shipped to Illiguo frontlines, I'll arrange channels, most directly transferred to my base warehouse in Africa."
Yusuf fell into contemplation, fingers unconsciously tapping the table.
This is undoubtedly a colossal business with considerable profits.
The days of collaborating with Song Heping were the most thriving for Yusuf, pretending not to reminisce those tis of frantically making money would be self-deception.
The previous forced reduction of shipnts was due to Song Heping's extrely sensitive identity.
Now it seems all problems are no longer issues.
Song Heping's identity has been partially "legalized," indeed minimizing operational risks.
More importantly, he has witnessed Song Heping's capabilities and strategies, cooperatively the future could yield returns far beyond this business's value itself.
"List and quantity?"
In imnse profit, Yusuf quickly surrendered.
Song Heping took out a prepared encrypted USB drive, placed it in front of Yusuf, "Specific requirents are inside. The deposit for the first order can be transferred to your overseas account tomorrow."
Yusuf picked up the USB drive, tightly grasping it, revealing a rare, genuine smile, "Song, welco back. Pleasant cooperation! Honestly, I've missed you terribly these years."
Song Heping smiled back at him, words ca to his lips but didn't say them; with a re nod, he expressed mutual sentints.
In fact, internally amused, thinking, you miss the money.
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