Mercenary I am the king

Chapter 1190 The Lobbier

In a study in the main building of the manor, filled with the heavy Russian style, the crackling of birch wood in the fireplace dispelled the chill of the winter night.

Song Heping met the key figure of this trip—Vasily Petrovich.

This is a legendary figure.

Although his position was not high, his influence was significant.

He is a powerful figure in the Russian Federation Security Council, reporting directly to the president.

Petrovich was tall with meticulously combed silver hair, and his ice-blue eyes were as unfathomable as the Antarctic sea.

"Mr. Song, I've long admired you."

Petrovich's voice was deep, with a typical Russian guttural tone. He gestured for someone to sit down, without any further pleasantries. "Yevgeny said you have important matters to discuss with us in person, matters concerning our interests in the Middle East."

Song Heping glanced around.

It's obvious we won't be seeing the president tonight.

After all, one can't just meet with the president whenever one wants. Besides trying to win him over, Petrovich's purpose in coming was probably to see what his so-called "important matter" was and whether it was worth meeting.

If not, Petrovich would probably be the highest-ranking Russian Federation official he could ever meet.

“Mr. Petrovich, thank you for taking the time to meet with me so late at night.”

Song Heping sat down with composure and got straight to the point: "I came here to clarify previous misunderstandings and seek deeper strategic cooperation."

The so-called misunderstanding refers to the fact that Song Heping had previously fled Moscow overnight, refusing to become cannon fodder for the Russian Federation in Syria.

“There is no misunderstanding,” Petrovich said very smoothly. “I have heard that Mr. Song is usually very opinionated, and I admire that character. Besides, you helped us a lot in Latamila this time. The president instructed me to express our gratitude to you. As for your arms transport route from the Babayang border to Central Asia and then into the Middle East, we have already discussed it. There is no problem. You will get the green light from the Russian military to the security department and will not encounter any obstacles in your business.”

At this point, he shrugged and gave a meaningful smile: "We Russians are very generous to our friends, you know that."

Song Heping returned the smile, nodded, and then got to the point.

He succinctly outlined the potential framework for cooperation with the Americans, as well as arrangements in which the Persian side might participate.

Throughout the process, he paid special attention to Petrovich's expression, but the other man's face remained unchanged, like a stone on the Kremlin wall.

"Mr. Song."

Finally, after he finished speaking, Petrovich slowly opened his mouth, his tone cautious, "You should know very well that we and Persia are the most steadfast allies on the issue of Syria. There is no problem with cooperation. The reason why there was no formal cooperation before was because the Persians themselves did not take the initiative to seek our assistance."

"But the situation in the United States... is much more complicated. I'm sure you know without me having to explain that the Onsa are our main adversaries there. And now you're telling us that you intend to 'cooperate' with our adversaries in Syria and Ilig? That sounds... rather inappropriate."

He emphasized the last four words.

Song Heping was prepared; he leaned forward slightly, his gaze candid.

"Sir, please allow me to explain three points, which I believe will dispel your doubts."

"The first thing is consistency in core objectives."

He stated clearly, "Our cooperation in Iligo and Syria is primarily aimed at completely eradicating the '1515' scourge. This aligns perfectly with Russia's core interests in counter-terrorism and maintaining regional stability in Syria. A stable western Iligo, free from the '1515' threat, means greater security for the eastern flank of Syria, significantly reducing the pressure on the Hafez regime. We are essentially helping you cut off the logistics of your main enemy and consolidating your front lines."

"Secondly, there are strategic and limiting factors."

Song Heping emphasized, "This cooperation with the United States is extremely limited—geographically, it is confined to northwestern Ilig and within Seria, and its target is limited to striking 1515. This is by no means a strategic alliance, much less a concession on the Seria issue. On the contrary, it is using the power of the United States to serve our common goals. It's like using the enemy's knife to cut the neck of a more ferocious mad dog. When the knife is used up, it's still the enemy's knife, but the mad dog is dead, which is beneficial to both of us."

He noticed a slight flicker in Petrovich's eyes.

"Finally, and most importantly, is the deepening of strategic cooperation and the sharing of benefits."

Song Heping laid out his key bargaining chip: “We, including our Persian friends, have always regarded Russia as our most important and reliable strategic partner. We are willing to guarantee that all the geopolitical influence, security buffer zone, and even economic benefits you will gain in northwestern Iriego and even the Middle East through this operation will be closely coordinated and shared within the framework of the ‘Russia-Polish strategic partnership.’ This means that the Russian Federation will gain an unprecedented stable foothold in Iriego through us, and its influence will be able to radiate more directly to the northern Persian Gulf. Isn’t this exactly what Moscow has been seeking for many years?”

He paused, then concluded, “Sir, the Americans are merely tools for us to achieve our goals, while the Russian Federation is our partner in sharing the spoils. Don’t think I’m joking; don’t forget that I’m a wanted criminal on the U.S. security agencies’ list of 'bombs,' and I can put aside my prejudices to discuss cooperation with them. You should have more strategic vision than I, the owner of a defense company.”

Silence fell over the study, broken only by the crackling of the burning wood in the fireplace.

Petrovich's fingers tapped rhythmically on the mahogany armrest unconsciously, his icy blue eyes seeming to pierce through Song Heping's soul.

Time ticked by, and pressure silently built up.

After a long while, Petrovich slowly got up, walked to the fireplace with his back to Song Heping, and looked at the leaping flames.

"Mr. Song."

He finally spoke again, his voice less cold than before. "Your eloquence and insight into the situation are indeed as legendary as they say. I must say, you've persuaded me. But the final decision requires approval from the highest level. I will relay your words verbatim. Until we receive a clear answer, I hope that any actions you take will not harm our established interests in Celia. That's the bottom line."

“That’s natural.” Song Heping also stood up, relieved. “All our actions will be based on consolidating and expanding our common interests.”

"But now there's a problem," Petrovich changed the subject. "Even if we agree, what will the Persians think? Are they willing to cooperate with their arch-enemy, the Americans?"

"I don't think this is something you or I should be worried about."

Song Heping smiled and said, "This should be something that the clear-headed people within the Persian high command should be worried about."

While Song Heping and Petrovich were having a private conversation in a room at the manor.

In a confidential meeting room next to the Supreme Leader's office in Tehran, General Afanti is remotely reporting via an encrypted video channel to a decision-making group composed of key members, including the Supreme Leader's representative, the head of foreign affairs, and the commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary Guard.

"absurd!"

An elderly man dressed in traditional priestly robes, representing the religious conservatives, was the first to challenge the idea: "Making deals with the devil will ultimately lead to the devouring of our souls! This is a betrayal of our principles! For decades, we have held high the banner of resistance against American hegemony—this is the foundation of our nation! Now we want to cooperate with them? What will the people think? How will the international community view us?"

"Elder, please calm down."

The Foreign Minister attempted to ease tensions, stating, "Song Heping's analysis is not without merit. Combating 1515 is currently the biggest consensus in the Middle East, and even the Camel family is cooperating with the Americans to some extent. If we can seize this opportunity to open up a land corridor connecting Syria at minimal cost and complete the 'Shia Crescent,' it will be a historic breakthrough for our strategic security. This is a rare opportunity."

"Chance?"

One general sneered, "It could be a trap! Why should the Americans trust us? And why should we trust them? Even if we cooperate, how can we guarantee they won't stab us in the back after we've invested our resources? How can we prevent them from using us and then turning around to support the Kurds in eroding our gains? The risks are too great!"

Afanti responded in a somber voice via video: "The risks do exist. But Song Heping has put forward several safeguards: First, the cooperation is limited to northwestern Iligo, and the target is limited to 1515; second, he will ensure that the Americans take the initiative to propose it, thus preserving our narrative initiative; third, and most importantly, he has already gone to Moscow to seek Russian support. If even Russia gets involved, the risk of the United States setting a trap will be greatly reduced."

"Russia……"

The Supreme Leader's representative, an elderly man who had remained silent until now, slowly spoke up, "Avanti, are you sure Song Heping can persuade Moscow? Russia's attitude is key."

“I…believe in his abilities.”

Afanti cautiously replied, "He has demonstrated accurate strategic judgment and operational skills in various critical situations in the past. This time, I still believe he can impress the Kremlin."

The meeting room erupted into another heated debate.

Conservatives emphasize ideological purity and political risks, while pragmatists emphasize a once-in-a-lifetime strategic opportunity.

Both sides stuck to their own versions of events, resulting in a stalemate.

Ultimately, all eyes turned to the representative of the supreme leader.

He slowly rose, his gaze sweeping over the crowd:

"Everyone."

This person's voice was not loud, but it carried a decisive force.

"Our principle is to resist hegemony and uphold national independence and dignity, and this will never waver. But wisdom and flexibility are also precious qualities bestowed by God."

He paused, then continued, "Currently, 1515 is a major threat to our entire camp and even the entire region. Its extremism and destructiveness even exceed those of traditional hegemonic countries. At a specific time and place, it is possible to consider some unconventional strategies to eliminate this most pressing threat, provided that the core interests and bottom lines of the country are not compromised."

His gaze sharpened: "Avanti."

"exist!"

In the video, Afanti stands up straight.

"Closely monitor Song Heping's progress in Moscow. At the same time, we can begin preliminary, non-public military preparations. However, no substantive public action is permitted until we receive a clear stance from Moscow and confirm that the Americans have proactively sent sufficiently sincere signals. This is an order, and also a bottom line. We must see the rabbit before we unleash the hawk."

"understand!"

A huge weight was lifted from Afanti's heart.

This is the maximum support that the higher-ups can provide.

Tonight got off to a good start.

After the meeting, I need to contact Song Heping as soon as possible and relay this information to him.

After all, he is currently meeting with senior Kremlin officials in Moscow, and with this initial stance from here, he should be more confident in persuading those Russians.

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

　　
　
(End of this chapter)