The storm subsided.
Sweat soaked the sheets.
Angel, like a lazy cat, nestled in Song Heping's arms, her head resting on his strong, muscular arm.
Song Heping's fingers unconsciously twirled a stray lock of her golden hair, while his other hand slowly wandered over her smooth back.
Sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting warm patches of light on the floor, the air filled with a lazy tranquility after passion.
"You mentioned earlier... that the successor would be chosen and informed to me?"
Song Heping asked softly, breaking the silence.
"Hmm." Angel replied, eyes closed, savoring the rare tenderness, "Someone you wouldn't expect but absolutely reliable. You'll know when the time is right. For now... let's not talk about work."
She nuzzled his chest discontentedly with her nose.
Song Heping chuckled and held her tighter.
But another question lingered in his mind.
"Aunt Nancy… really bears no grudge against you due to the 'Tide' operation? After all, this wave of public opinion somewhat affected the Donkey Party's midterm election results, making them at the very least more negative."
Angel opened her eyes, her azure gaze gleaming with insight: "Dear, politics isn't black and white. The 'Tide' did hit the Donkey Party, but it also struck a heavy blow to the hawkish forces advocating intervention policies at the time, including some of Aunt Nancy's potential rivals within her party."
"More importantly, it completely tarnished the 'Intervening in Libya' topic, and no one dares to propose large-scale intervention again in the short term. This benefits the Haftar regime and your stance in Libya the most. And the stability of the Haftar regime signifies at least a superficially controllable regime in North Africa, which is a preferable outcome compared to a fragmented state of tribal conflicts, aligning with the long-term strategic interests of the United States."
At this point, she sighed lightly and continued, "Politicians of Aunt Nancy's caliber account for the bigger picture. As long as the ultimate outcome does not harm the core interests of the United States, and possibly even benefits it, the 'little pains' and party gains and losses during the process are acceptable. Moreover, she also used this opportunity to clean house and consolidate her position. She figured out this account better than anyone."
Song Heping pondered deeply. Angel's words seemed like a key, unlocking a door to understanding the deep-seated logic of American politics for him.
Beneath the apparent opposition and clamor lies cold, calculated interests and the balance of power.
"Looks like I'm still a bit green in front of these old politicians." Song Heping laughed, mocking himself.
"You really need to be careful." Angel's expression turned serious: "Although Aunt Nancy hasn't turned against me because of this, quite a few people in Washington and Langley are now fuming. For them, this is an unacceptable failure, and to save face, they will definitely deploy more resources to deal with you. You should be mentally prepared."
"I've been prepared since I opposed the CIA, I've considered the worst possible outcomes." Song Heping said, "Back then, they couldn't trap me in Illiguo, and now that I'm in Africa, American influence here isn't as strong, they can't touch me."
"Don't underestimate the White House's determination." Angel said, "I'm not necessarily talking about military action against you, maybe other methods..."
Just then, a few cautious knocks came from outside the door, accompanied by the voice of Angel's assistant: "Miss Angel? Mr. Song? The interview venue and equipment are all set up, the lighting and background are ready, when would you like to start?"
The two exchanged a glance, the embers of passion in their eyes cooling rapidly, replaced by professional composure.
"Understood. Mr. Song and I still have some confidential topics to discuss, let's start in ten minutes."
Angel's response was steady and assured.
The two quickly got up, like a pair of well-coordinated agents, quietly and efficiently tidying up their disheveled clothes and appearances.
Angel quickly touched up her makeup in front of the mirror, covering the blush left by passion.
Song Heping washed his face with cold water, letting his gaze sharpen and deepen once more, as if the earlier intimacy was merely a fleeting illusion.
Ten minutes later, in the temporarily arranged interview area on the ground floor of the villa.
The professional lighting enveloped Song Heping in a soft yet solemn halo.
The background featured large floor-to-ceiling windows, showcasing the blue Mediterranean and the beach outside, cleverly avoiding the view of distant dilapidated buildings.
Angel sat opposite him, having returned to her composed demeanor as the "star reporter of Horizon News Group," her eyes sharp and focused. The camera's red light turned on.
"Mr. Song Heping, thank you for accepting Horizon News' exclusive interview."
Angel's voice spread clearly through the microphone, with a professional sense of distance, "First, we must ask a question that concerns the entire world: With Sayif's suicide and the GNA forces' surrender, and Marshal Haftar's National Army (LNA) controlling Tripoli, does this mean the years-long civil war in Libya is nearing its end? Is the LNA ready to take on the responsibility of rebuilding the nation and unifying the country?"
Facing the camera, Song Heping spoke with piercing eyes, "Ms. Angel, first, this is not General Haftar's victory alone, but a victory for all Libyan people who are weary of war and yearn for peace and stability. The LNA entering Tripoli is an important step towards ending chaos and restoring order. But this is just the beginning. Rebuilding homes, bridging differences, achieving true national reconciliation and stability is a long and arduous task. Marshal Haftar and the interim government are committed to this, but it requires time, and more importantly, constructive support from the international community, rather than destructive interference."
"Speaking of the international community..."
Angel's question became sharp, "The United States Government still lists you personally and your 'Musician' organization on the 'Specially Designated Global Terrorist' (SDGT) list. The reason is for allegedly being involved in several violent attacks against Western targets, including the military operation at Sawinu causing significant civilian casualties. What is your response to this? Do you admit to being a 'terrorist'?"
The atmosphere on-site instantly became tense.
All cameras focused on Song Heping's face.
Song Heping's gaze didn't dodge in the slightest. Instead, he faced the camera, smiled openly, "A 'terrorist'? This is a label full of political motivations and severely misused, Ms. Angel. Every member of the 'Musician', including me, is a mercenary working for pay, hired by a legitimate authority—to carry out tasks of combating illegal armed forces and restoring national order under the command of General Haftar leading the LNA armed forces. Sawinu was a fierce assault battle, but any war cannot completely avoid collateral damage. Our enemies are those extremists and warlord armed forces using civilians as human shields and deploying heavy weapons in residential areas! It's precisely them, along with years of irresponsible international intervention, that have caused Libya's profound disasters!"
He paused slightly, his tone became more resolute, "As for the so-called 'attacks against Western targets', it's absolutely baseless! Neither I nor my team have ever proactively attacked any legitimate targets. We strike those who attempt to undermine Libya's stability, provide weapons and funds to the warlords, and profit in the chaos—illegal armed forces and their supporters. If some Western intelligence personnel or contractors secretly support terrorist organizations or warlord actions in violation of international law and national laws, and thus get embroiled in the conflict, then who is to blame? Mercenaries who adhere to contracts and combat illegal armed forces? Or intelligence agencies manipulating behind the scenes, playing with fire and getting burned themselves?"
These remarks not only cleared his mercenary forces from the 'terrorism' association but subtly set the tone against Western intelligence departments and covert operation units.
The whole world knows what Western countries excel at.
Therefore, this question in the interview is very meaningful, and a session deliberately set up by a media elite like Angel.
Seemingly sharp, actually providing Song Heping room to explain.
This is interview technique.
Song Heping's eyes sharply swept across the lens, saying with a double entendre, "The real reason why the American intelligence agency labels me a terrorist—is it because I exposed truths in Illiguo that some people didn't want to be uncovered? Or because I thwarted certain forces from replicating another 'Illiguo-style disaster' in Libya? Because I supported a regime with the potential to end chaos and disrupted plans of some people who sought to profit from turmoil and control resources? To stigmatize military opponents as 'terrorists' is a low-cost suppression method used by powers. History will prove everything. My defense company welcomes any factual, fair, and unbiased investigation. We fear nothing."
Angel keenly caught the critical point, "You mentioned the 'truth of Illiguo' and 'replicating disasters'. Are you implying that there are grave issues in the United States policy in Libya? How do you view the U.S.'s comprehensive withdrawal after the Marlin Fish incident?"
"The Marlin Fish incident was a tragedy and a turning point."
Song Heping's tone became heavy and meaningful.
"It deeply revealed the disastrous consequences of military interventions based on ill-considered or erroneous intelligence and hegemonic thinking—both for the people of the intervened country and the interveners themselves. It sent a warning to everyone with blood and lives. Libya does not need a second 'Illiguo'. Libyan people have the capability and the right to determine their own future. Any external force, if genuinely wishing to help Libya, should respect Libya's sovereignty and the people's choice, offering genuine support conducive to reconstruction and reconciliation, rather than attempting to cultivate agents, divide spheres of influence, or even engage in military adventurism. General Haftar's interim government is willing to cooperate with all countries and international organizations adhering to this principle."
The interview lasted for more than an hour.
Angel's questions were sharp and deep, covering the prospects of inter-faction reconciliation in Libya, oil resource distribution, to relations with religious political groups like the Muslim Brotherhood.
Song Heping's answers demonstrated a political vision and strategic composure beyond a pure military commander, safeguarding the legitimacy of Haftar's regime while clearly outlining the red lines, simultaneously sending a pragmatic signal to the international community for "seeking cooperation rather than confrontation."
He skillfully used this globally spotlighted platform to powerfully counter the U.S. 'terrorist' accusations, steering the focus of public opinion towards the formidable challenges of Libyan reconstruction and the responsibility of the international community.
When the last question ended, the cameras shut down, and the lights went off.
Angel stood up, once again extending her hand to Song Heping, with a professional smile on her face, "Thank you very much for your time, Mr. Song. This interview is of great significance."
Song Heping took her hand, returning with a formulaic smile, "You're welcome, Ms. Angel. I hope after you go back, you won't technically summarize my interview, and strive to make the report more objective and fair."
Their fingers briefly clasped in public, experiencing an unspoken and profound sentiment known only to them.
Angel left with her team.
Song Heping stood alone in front of the giant floor-to-ceiling windows, the sunset staining the sea's surface with gold and crimson.
He picked up a glass of water, gazing at this war-torn yet still magnificent coastline.
Libya's new chapter has just been opened, filled with unknown challenges and hidden currents.
Angel's arrival, like a stone thrown into a calm lake, brought emotional ripples and the message of complex chess moves deep within Washington.
He took a sip of water, the cold liquid sliding down his throat.
Angel's reminder still echoed in his ears—don't underestimate the energy of those old politicians in DC, they certainly won't give up easily.