"This is an interconnected system engineering project; we can't rush or be chaotic. Forcing a quick victory will only lead us into the quagmire of guerrilla warfare and attrition battles that Organization 1515 excels at and hopes we get stuck in, ultimately depleting our valuable resources."
Upon hearing this, the professional smile on Winslow's face almost vanished, replaced by a challenged displeasure:
"Mr. Song, Washington's strategic analysis team is not completely ignorant of the strategic complexities you ntioned. However, you must understand the reality of politics, and be aware of what kind of country the United States is—we have an electoral system. We need to demonstrate to the outside world, our allies, and most importantly our dostic population that this anti-terrorism war is advancing steadily toward victory rather than getting stuck in an endless stalemate. Your plan inherently lacks 'visibility'. It lacks those iconic events that can boost morale."
"Visibility?"
Song Heping almost laughed in disdain, but he restrained himself with strong self-control.
"Exchange the precious lives of my subordinates and glamorous but impractical military performances for so-called 'visibility' on the news headlines? Mr. Winslow, please forgive my bluntness, but on my value scale, the lives of my soldiers and collaborators are ten thousand tis more important than those fleeting news headlines!"
The negotiation seed to have reached a stalemate.
An unspoken struggle lingered in the air, as the ideas and demands of both sides collided fiercely, almost audibly sparking.
Winslow leaned back in his chair, hands crossed on the table, glaring at Song Heping, trying to overwhelm him with his presence.
Kote irritably loosened his collar, his gaze drifting.
Song Heping knew that re rational superiority was not enough to make these calculating opponents concede.
He had to offer the carefully prepared, weighty chips and make them fully aware that if they pushed too hard, the price they would need to bear would be unbearable.
He shifted his tone and said:
"Mr. Winslow, Colonel Kote, I believe both sides are pragmatic people and must be very clear that in the current 'complex interlock' situation based on multi-party interests, intricate relationships, and certain 'unspeakable' tacit agreents, any attempt to forcibly alter the established action models and strategic rhythm here through external pressure or even so more direct intervention thods is highly likely to trigger a series of chain reactions that no one can predict or control."
He deliberately paused, allowing the power of words like "complex interlock," "unspeakable," and "chain reactions" to fully penetrate, letting the two opposite him recall all their layouts from previous days, thinking of that deadly "triple lock."
Song Heping didn't specify the contents, but these suggestive words shot like arrows into Winslow and Kote's most sensitive nerves.
Kote's face suddenly paled, as he certainly knew what Song Heping was referring to.
Those things, once exposed, would not only ruin his personal future but could also trigger severe diplomatic and political upheavals.
Winslow's gaze turned completely cold.
He stared closely at Song Heping, trying to find the slightest hint of bluff on his face.
Unfortunately, he failed.
Song Heping's eyes were deep and calm, as if stating nothing more than a simple fact.
Winslow realized the Eastern man before him was not just a capable military commander but also a top strategist adept at power gas and leveraging all potential levers.
He not only had the ability to impose heavy costs on opponents on the battlefield but also could leave formidable enemies disgraced in political and intelligence skirmishes.
The conference room fell into a long, suffocating silence.
Only the occasional wind outside and distant muted urban noises reminded people there was a real world outside.
Finally, Winslow exhaled slowly, sat up straight again, and the last shred of feigned warmth on his face gave way to a cautious and serious attitude based on realistic assessnt:
"Mr. Song, the potential 'chain reactions' you depicted are indeed... sothing we should be highly vigilant of and endeavor to avoid."
He chose his words carefully, indirectly acknowledging the deterrent force Song Heping held.
"Then, we can temporarily set aside the 'visibility' dispute. If we accept your 'gradual advancent' concept in principle, how long of a 'ti window' do you specifically need? And how can you assure us that during this period, the region won't develop other threats potentially jeopardizing U.S. interests, or Organization 1515 won't exploit this period to grow or even rekindle?"
This is a critical concession!
Finally, we reached the core point!
These Aricans always like to play smart, circling around the core of negotiations first.
Ridiculous!
Did they truly believe I would bargain here without any preparation!
With Winslow showing signs of a softened tone, the negotiation balance began tilting towards Song Heping, entering a substantive bargaining stage.
Song Heping knew the timing was right.
He presented the ticulously calculated plan, with a firm tone: "I need three years. At least three years. During these three years, I will systematically and phase by phase compress Organization 1515's strategic activity space, systematically weakening its economic foundation, troop supply, and command effectiveness. The ultimate goal is, by the end of the third year, to basically resolve its core forces in the Mosul-Tetric Region, making it unable to threaten regional security in an organized manner."
User Comments
0 comments from readers