What can I do?
Song He has the upper hand.
In the quagmire of Illiguo, he doesn't have a card to immediately counterbalance Song Heping.
"...Okay."
Simon compromised, "Let's... let's go with this framework. The Abu You Brigade controls the Eastern Kirkuk Oil Field, and the external statement is joint defense. The 1 billion dollar contract will be signed with the Pentagon, and the contract will reach you tonight. The first round of funds and equipment must be in place by sunset tomorrow, and your troops must immediately advance towards Hulmatu. These are the final terms."
"Straightforward! Who says Americans are slow at getting things done? See! You guys are quite efficient!"
The smile on Song Heping's face was no longer sarcastic or teasing, but he couldn't help but joke with Simon.
"Then it's settled! Let the staff below hash out the specifics word by word. Simon, I hope we have a pleasant cooperation this time."
He extended his hand.
"It's a deal!"
This time, Simon showed no hesitation and quickly extended his hand to shake Song Heping's.
The agreement was finally difficultly reached.
No champagne, no celebration, only deep calculations about the future in each other's hearts.
After seeing off the gray-faced Simon and his party, Song Heping had no time to be complacent, his mind started working rapidly like a precision machine.
"Call Abu You and Samir to see me at the command center immediately."
He gave orders to the guard standing at the door.
In just two or three minutes, a heavy and hurried footsteps were heard outside the command center.
The door was pushed open, and Abu You entered first, with Samir close behind him.
"Boss, how did it go? Did the Americans relent?"
Samir was the first to speak.
Song Heping did not answer directly but first looked at Abu You and said in a deep voice, "Abu You, I have a task for you, one that you may have dreamed of for a long time."
Upon hearing this, Abu You's spirits lifted sharply, "Boss, just instruct me! Mountains of knives and seas of fire, I'll go through without hesitation!"
"There's no need for knives and fire for now."
Song Heping walked to the large map, picked up the command baton, and precisely pointed to the Eastern Kirkuk area.
"Immediately select from your brigade the two most loyal battalions to stay back at the Eastern Kirkuk Oil Field. Remember, it's the eastern half! The rest of the territory will be returned to the Kurd Alliance of Elbil."
He drew a clear boundary line on the map with the command baton.
"From today on, this area along with the oil wells and facilities inside it, will be under your management and defense. Stay there like a nail, firmly! You may raise your traditional Kurd flag to comfort the local people, but..."
He suddenly turned stern, "The rules there must be our rules! Anyone or any force that dares to challenge the rules, regardless of their background, must be cleared! Understand?"
Abu You could hardly believe his ears.
Kirkuk!
That so-called "Illiguo Oil Reservoir" in Kirkuk!
So wealthy it overflows, it's a strategic location that all forces covet!
Moreover, it's not far from his hometown Elbil from which he was forced to leave!
Half a year ago, he was squeezed out, framed, and ultimately driven out like a dog by the Kurd politicians in Elbil and the so-called "compatriot" armed alliance. Song Heping took him in at his most desperate moment, giving him weapons and dignity.
He once thought he might spend the rest of his life wandering with humiliation, never able to return in victory to this land flowing with ancestors' blood.
But now...
Song Heping not only let him return openly and honestly but also handed over half of the Kirkuk Oil Field, a piece of fat meat coveted by countless people, directly to him!
What does this mean?
This means there will be a constant inflow of oil dollars in the future, that his troops will have sufficient funds and supplies, and that Abu You himself will genuinely possess his territory and voice!
It's practically a second life!
Following Song Heping, there's meat to eat!
"Boss! I... I..."
His lips trembled uncontrollably, eyes instantly red.
Song Heping, however, said coldly, "Don't be happy too soon! The task is very challenging, even more difficult than taking it down! The Kurd Armed Alliance over there in Elbil and the politicians behind them will never sit back and watch you return, much less allow such a huge piece of pie to be handed over. They're likely to get angry, find various excuses, and even launch sudden attacks in an attempt to drive you out and regain control of the oil field. You will face open and covert challenges from 'compatriots'!"
"Let them come! I've long wanted to settle this old score with them!"
Abu You stiffened his neck abruptly, with a wolf-like glint flashing in his fierce eyes.
"Courage and hatred alone are not enough!"
Song Heping said in a deep voice:
"War is fought with comprehensive strength! I will immediately, with the highest priority, urgently transfer the most elite mercenary camp from our headquarters in Africa to come over, and they will be under your unified command! Your core task is not to attack actively, but to hold it for me! Hold the Eastern Oil Field area like a rock! Ensure the normal operation of the oil wells, ensure that the oil revenue is continuously flowing into our pockets! This is fundamental! Understand? If you can't hold it, all considerations are null and void!"