Niki had left.
But before she left, she didn't tell Song Heping anything about what happened to Mist.
Less than five minutes after Niki's departure, Song Heping received a text on his cellphone, containing a phone number, and a name.
Sebo.
At this moment, Song Heping had no time to ask Niki where exactly Mist was; after all, if the US Special Forces were really involved in some operation that went awry, involving sensitive matters, she wouldn't divulge it.
Calling Sebo, the party picked up quickly.
"I'll wait for you at the airport, I'll arrive in an hour!"
The Sebo on the phone was extremely succinct, not even asking what was the matter with Song Heping.
Evidently, Niki had already informed him.
It was already three in the afternoon.
Song Heping was becoming somewhat anxious now.
Taking the weapons and ammunition then setting out, the journey from Kabul to Kandahar was not an easy one, it would take at least four hours to get there.
According to the required timing, it wasn't a problem, but after dark, the road southward was treacherous.
He agonizingly waited for an hour.
Song Heping did not catch sight of Sebo.
Waiting for another fifteen minutes.
He finally couldn't bear it any longer and called Sebo.
"Sebo, where are you? I still need to rush to Kandahar; if you don't come soon, it'll be dark!"
"Even if you leave now, it would still be dark by the time you reach Kandahar."
Sebo didn't think there was any issue with himself.
"Don't rush, my brother, Niki is my good friend, I wouldn't stand you up, I'll definitely arrange everything for you."
He hung up the phone after speaking.
Another half hour passed, and Song Heping finally saw a convoy entering from the direction of the airport entrance.
Leading was a Hummer M1118, followed by four military trucks.
He suddenly had a premonition, this was probably that guy Sebo arriving.
Though somewhat late, it was better than not showing up at all.
Once the convoy reached Song Heping, Sebo jumped out of the vehicle, then popped his head out of the Hummer.
"Song?"
His English was very good, there were no communication barriers.
"It's me."
After confirming it was indeed Song Heping, Sebo got down from the vehicle, then walked up to Song Heping and pointed at the trucks: "The equipment is all inside, do you want to check the goods?"
Song Heping walked to the back of the truck, and the dustproof canvas was lifted.
A pile of individual soldier equipment appeared before his eyes.
AKM assault rifles equipped with optical sights and laser pointers, PASGT vests, Beretta pistols, and so on...
Though not top-grade items, they would be serviceable.
Sebo blabbered non-stop at his side, bragging about his contribution: "Putting together this batch of equipment for you in such a short notice wasn't easy, I had to use my own authority and pull some connections, only then could I open this back door for you, and I've taken a great risk..."
Before he could finish, Song Heping interrupted with a question: "How much?"
"What?"
Sebo was taken aback.
The reason for his boasting about the difficulties and exaggerating was truly for the money.
The salary of the Afghan new government was not high.
That's why department heads below and those with a bit of power would all take the opportunity to make money.
This world is chaotic.
Afghanistan is even more so.
It's one of the most chaotic places in the world.
So, what's wrong with making a bit of money?
"Well, this..."
"Six hundred thousand US dollars, is that enough?" Song Heping had a background in arms trade, and naturally, he was well aware of the prices.
Of course, he had quoted high.
He calculated these items at 5000 US dollars per set, plus the vehicles.