Eritrea, Asab Port, 6 a.m.
After a day's stay in Yemen, the "Man Tianxing" finally arrived at Asab Port as scheduled.
At the rail, watching the tugboats slowly push the freighter toward the dock, Captain Edmond stood next to Song Heping, waiting to disembark, and turned to him with gratitude, "Boss Song, we have safely arrived, and my task is completed. Take care after you get off the ship."
"It was a pleasure working with you, we might have more opportunities to collaborate in the future."
"Don't worry about the container; I will communicate with the dock workers to unload yours first, but you need to handle the paperwork yourself in the port office," Edmond specifically cautioned, "Here..."
He stretched out his hand and made a counting gesture, hinting, "This will work wonders."
Song Heping caught on and nodded with a smile, "I understand."
"Farewell, and good luck."
"Good luck to you too."
Song Heping reached out and shook hands with Edmond.
The ship docked, and the gangway was lowered; Song Heping turned and walked towards it.
Once on land, Song Heping looked around; there weren't many people on the dock, possibly because it was early morning or perhaps due to the locals' less efficient nature compared to the Chinese docks.
It seemed Edmond was right; some cash could indeed make things smoother.
He approached a dockworker and asked if he spoke English.
After some gesticulating, they were at an impasse.
Song Heping had no choice but to give up.
He then walked forward and saw another worker, approaching him to ask again.
This time he was lucky; the worker spoke some English.
After all, Eritrea was once an English colony, traditionally with a high rate of English literacy; most people still used it as a common language.
"Brother, where is your port office?"
"Over there."
"Over there? Can you be more specific on how to get there?"
"Over there."
The worker's response was exceedingly "brief," almost infuriatingly so.
Song Heping quickly pulled a 10 US dollar bill from his pocket and handed it over.
"Can you show me the way?"
Money talks.
This holds true universally.
The worker's eyes gleamed as he took the bill and his expression changed instantly.
"I'll take you!"
He said and turned to lead the way.
"What are you going to the port office for?"
"Looking for someone to handle the paperwork for picking up goods."
"Ah... that might be tough..."
"Why would it be tough?"
"They haven't started work yet, not until nine... You just came off that big ship right? Are you the captain?"
"No, I'm not the captain; I'm the owner of the goods. I have three containers on board. The buyer is in a rush, so I'm pressed for time."
"Haha! I've dealt with you Chinese before; you always seem to be in a hurry. But even if you finish the paperwork, it won't help because there are rules for unloading here..."
"Rules?"
Song Heping stopped walking and pulled out a 20 US dollar bill.
"Tell me, what are the rules? Is it about a tip? If so, connect me and make sure I can get and move the containers by noon today, and I'll give you 200 US dollars."
"200 US dollars!?"
The guiding dockworker's eyes shone again.
He magically transferred the 20-dollar bill from Song Heping's hand to his own, then flashed a sycophantic smile, "No problem! It's the Man Tianxing, right? Give me the container numbers, and I'll arrange everything for you."
"Ask the captain when you get to the ship, just say it's Boss Song's goods, he will tell you which ones to pick. Oh, the goods in my containers are very valuable, be careful when you handle them."
"No problem, I'll treat them like treasures, ensuring your satisfaction. By the way, Boss, where do you want the goods shipped? I can arrange a truck for you."
"Really? That's great. I need three tractor-trailers, and I seek competitive transport rates. If you can arrange this for me, I won't have to worry on my end. But it's a long journey, are your truck drivers willing to go?"
"Where to?"
"To Mali."
"Oh! My God. That place is quite turbulent right now!"