Mercenary I am the king

Chapter 1039 Risk Warning
The storm has subsided.

The sheets were soaked with sweat.

Angel nestled in Song Heping's arms like a lazy cat, her head resting on his strong, powerful arm.

Song Heping's fingers unconsciously entwined around a strand of her loose blonde hair, while his other hand slowly roamed over her smooth back.

Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the blinds, casting warm dappled patterns on the floor, and the air was filled with a languid tranquility after passion.

"You just said... you'd tell me once the successor is chosen?"

Song Heping asked in a low voice, breaking the silence.

“Hmm.” Angel closed his eyes, savoring this rare moment of tenderness. “Someone you wouldn’t expect, but absolutely reliable. You’ll know when the time comes. Now… don’t talk about work.”

She nuzzled his chest with the tip of her nose in annoyance.

Song Heping smiled and hugged her tighter.

But another question kept lingering in his mind.

"Aunt Nancy...you really don't hold a grudge against you because of the 'Wave' movement? After all, this wave of public opinion has affected the Democratic Party's midterm election results to some extent, at least making them more negative."

Angel opened his eyes, his azure pupils gleaming with insight: "My dear, politics is not black and white. It's true that 'The Wave' dealt a blow to the Democratic Party, but it also dealt a heavy blow to the hawkish forces that were pushing for interventionist policies at the time, including some of Aunt Nancy's potential rivals within the party."

"More importantly, it has completely tarnished the 'intervention in Lebia' issue, and no one will dare to mention large-scale intervention in the short term. This is the biggest benefit to the Haftar regime and your position in Lebia. The stability of the Haftar regime means that the existence of a regime in North Africa that is at least superficially controllable is better than the overall situation of fragmentation into various tribal forces fighting each other, which is also in line with the long-term strategic interests of the United States."

At this point, she sighed slightly and continued, "A politician of Aunt Nancy's stature considers the big picture. As long as the final outcome does not harm or even benefits America's core interests, the 'minor growing pains' and partisan gains and losses during the process are acceptable. Moreover, she also used this opportunity to clean house and consolidate her own position. She understands this better than anyone else."

Song Heping seemed to be deep in thought. Angell's words were like a key, opening a door for him to understand the deep logic of American politics.

Beneath the surface of conflict and clamor lies a cold calculation of interests and a balance of power.

"It seems I'm still a bit green in front of these seasoned politicians," Song Heping said with a self-deprecating laugh.

“You really need to be careful.” Angel’s expression turned serious. “Although Aunt Nancy hasn’t turned against me because of this, many people in Washington and Langley are furious. For them, this is an unacceptable defeat. To save face, they will definitely use more resources to deal with you next. You need to be prepared.”

“I was mentally prepared long ago. I’ve thought about the worst possible consequences since I started going against the CIA,” Song Heping said. “Back then, they couldn’t hold me back in Iligo. Now that I’m in Africa, the Americans’ influence isn’t as strong here, and they can’t do anything to me.”

“Don’t underestimate the White House’s resolve,” Angel said. “I’m not necessarily talking about putting pressure on you through military action; it could be through other means…”

Just then, there were a few cautious knocks on the door, followed by Angel's assistant's voice: "Ms. Angel? Mr. Song? The interview venue and equipment are ready, and the lighting and background are set up. When would you like to begin?"

The two exchanged a glance, and the embers of lust in their eyes quickly cooled, replaced by professional composure.

"Understood. Mr. Song and I have some confidential matters to discuss. Let's begin in ten minutes."

Angel's answer was steady and measured.

The two quickly got up, like a pair of well-coordinated secret agents, silently and efficiently tidying up their disheveled clothes and appearance.

Angel quickly touched up her makeup in front of the mirror, trying to cover up the blush left by her passion.

Song Heping washed his face with cold water, making his eyes sharp and deep again, as if the lingering intimacy just now was only a fleeting dream.

Ten minutes later, an interview area was temporarily set up in the lobby on the first floor of the villa.

Professional lighting enveloped Song Heping in a soft and dignified halo.

The backdrop is a huge floor-to-ceiling window, offering views of the azure Mediterranean Sea and the beaches of Hade Beach, cleverly avoiding the view of dilapidated buildings in the distance.

Angel sat opposite him, reverting to the sharp, focused demeanor of a "top reporter for Horizon News Group," his eyes piercing and intent. The camera's red light illuminated.

"Mr. Song Heping, thank you for granting us this exclusive interview with Horizon News."

Angel's voice came through the microphone clearly, with a professional distance: "First, we must ask a question that concerns the whole world: With Saif's suicide and the surrender of the GNA forces, Marshal Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) has taken control of Tripoli. Does this mean that Lebia's years-long civil war is about to end? Is the LNA ready to take on the responsibility of rebuilding the country and unifying the nation?"

Facing the camera, Song Heping spoke with piercing eyes: “Ms. Angel, first of all, this is not just General Haftar's victory, but a victory for all the Lebanese people who are weary of war and yearn for peace and stability. The LNA's entry into Tripoli is an important step in ending the chaos and restoring order. But this is only the beginning. Rebuilding homes, bridging differences, and achieving genuine national reconciliation and stability are long and arduous tasks. Marshal Haftar and the interim government are committed to this, but it requires time, and more importantly, constructive support from the international community, not destructive intervention.” “Speaking of the international community…”

Angell's questions became pointed: "The U.S. government still lists you and your 'Musicians' organization on the 'Specified Global Terrorists' (SDGT) list. The reason given is your alleged involvement in multiple violent attacks against Western targets, including military operations in Savinnu that resulted in numerous civilian casualties. What is your response to this? Do you admit to being a 'terrorist'?"

The atmosphere at the scene instantly became tense.

All the cameras focused on Song Heping's face.

Song Heping's gaze didn't waver at all; instead, he met the camera's eyes with a frank smile, saying, "'Terrorists'? That's a politically motivated and severely abused label, Ms. Angel. Every member of 'The Musicians' and I are mercenaries paid to do our jobs. We are employed by the legitimate government—General Haftar's LNA armed forces—to combat illegal armed groups and restore order to the country. Savinnu was a fierce and arduous battle, but no war can completely avoid collateral damage. Our enemies are those extremists and warlord forces who kidnap civilians as human shields and deploy heavy weapons in residential areas! It is they, along with the irresponsible international intervention of the past few years, that have caused this profound catastrophe in Lebia!"

He paused slightly, his tone becoming even more forceful: "As for the so-called 'attacks against Western targets,' that's utter nonsense! My team and I have never proactively attacked any legitimate targets. We are fighting against illegal armed groups and their supporters who are trying to destabilize Lebanon, provide weapons and funding to warlords, and profit from the chaos. If certain Western intelligence personnel or contractors violate international law and the laws of their host countries, secretly participate in operations supporting terrorist organizations or warlords, and are thus drawn into the war, then who is responsible? The mercenaries who uphold their contracts and fight against illegal armed groups? Or the intelligence agencies that manipulate things behind the scenes and play with fire?"

These remarks not only distanced their mercenary forces from "terrorism," but also subtly suggested that Western intelligence agencies and covert operations forces were involved.

The whole world knows what Western countries excel at.

Therefore, this question in the interview was very meaningful, and it was a question segment deliberately set up by media elites like Angel.

It seemed sharp, but it was actually defending Song Heping.

This is an interviewing technique.

Song Heping's sharp gaze swept across the camera, his words carrying a double meaning: "What is the real reason that the US intelligence agencies have listed me as a terrorist? Is it because I exposed a truth that some people didn't want revealed in Iligo? Or is it because I prevented certain forces from replicating another 'Iligo-style disaster' in Lebia? Is it because I helped a regime that was poised to end the chaos to consolidate its position, disrupting some people's plans to exploit the chaos to seize profits and control resources? Stigmatizing military adversaries as 'terrorists' is a low-cost suppression tactic commonly used by powerful regimes. History will prove everything. My defense company and I welcome any investigation based on facts, fairness, and objectivity. We are fearless."

Angel astutely grasped the key point: "You mentioned 'the truth of Iligor' and 'replicating the disaster.' Are you implying that there are serious problems with US policy in Lebanon? What is your view on the overall US withdrawal following the Marlin incident?"

"The Marlin incident was a tragedy, but also a turning point."

Song Heping's tone became heavy and meaningful.

"It profoundly reveals the disastrous consequences of unthinking military intervention based on flawed intelligence or hegemonic thinking—a disaster for both the people of the intervened country and for the interventionist itself. It serves as a warning to everyone in blood and lives. Lebia does not need a second 'Ilig.' The Lebanese people have the ability and the right to decide their own future. Any external force that genuinely wishes to help Lebia should respect Lebia's sovereignty and the people's choice, and provide support that truly contributes to reconstruction and reconciliation, rather than attempting to cultivate proxies, divide spheres of influence, or even engage in military adventures. General Haftar's interim government is willing to cooperate with all countries and international organizations that uphold this principle."

The interview lasted for more than an hour.

Angel's questions were sharp and insightful, ranging from the prospects for reconciliation among the various factions in Lebanon, the allocation of oil resources, to how to handle relations with religious and political groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood.

Song Heping's response demonstrated a political vision and strategic composure that transcended that of a purely military commander. It not only upheld the legitimacy of the Haftar regime but also clearly defined the bottom line, while sending a pragmatic signal to the international community that it was "seeking cooperation rather than confrontation."

He skillfully used this globally watched platform to powerfully refute the US accusation of being a "terrorist," shifting public attention to the daunting challenges of rebuilding Lebanon and the international community's responsibility.

When the last question was finished, the camera was turned off and the lights were turned off.

Angel stood up, extended his hand to Song Heping again, and smiled professionally: "Thank you very much for your time, Mr. Song. This interview is of great significance."

Song Heping grasped her hand, offering the same formulaic smile: "You're welcome, Ms. Angel. I hope that when you return, you won't provide a technical summary of my interview, and that you can try to make the report more objective and fair."

Their fingers briefly intertwined in full view of everyone, a secret and profound emotion that only they could feel.

Angel left with his team.

Song Heping stood alone in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling window, the setting sun dyeing the sea a golden red.

He picked up a glass of water and gazed at the coastline, which, though scarred by war, remained magnificent.

A new chapter has just begun for Lebia, filled with unknown challenges and undercurrents.

Angell's arrival was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, bringing ripples of emotion and also messages of complex power struggles deep within Washington.

He took a sip of water, the icy liquid sliding down his throat.

Angel's words still echoed in his ears—don't underestimate the power of those old politicians in DC; they certainly won't let this go.

　Asking for a monthly ticket! Asking for a monthly ticket!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)