Tehran Grocery Store: My Intelligence is Priced Clearly

the other side.

In the alley, a dilapidated bread cart slowly came to a stop at the back door of a grocery store.

The car door opened, and Suleiman, Kamran, and Ali filed out one after another.

The three of them quickly carried several long, rectangular canvas bags into the house.

The main lights in the lobby on the first floor were not on; only the lamp on the counter emitted a dim, yellowish light.

Zhang Jian was leaning back in his rocking chair, holding a cup of warm black tea. He slowly opened his eyes after hearing the noise.

"You're back? I hope nothing went wrong."

Suleiman casually tossed the canvas bag into the corner.

"No, they had barely met when Kamran and Ali smashed the contact to pieces."

"What's the situation at the dock?"

"It's a complete mess."

Suleiman picked up a cup, filled it with water from the water dispenser next to him, and turned back to continue.

"Just as you predicted, boss, the Rafi family was completely stunned when their contact fell."

"But Black Snake's reaction was really fast."

"Upon hearing the gunshot, he immediately hid behind the shipping container, and fired a burst of bullets at the Rafi family members."

Zhang Jian got up from the recliner and tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest.

"Where are the military personnel?"

"They acted very quickly."

Suleiman said, "As soon as the gunfire started, the military began to move. As I was leaving, I glanced at them and saw at least several dozen people."

"So many people, plus the outer cordon, to deal with twelve mercenaries and a gang of smugglers..."

"If this still goes wrong, General Al-Khalid should resign."

Zhang Jian nodded in satisfaction.

The first step has been successfully completed.

The Rafi family has been brought into the open; even if they don't die, they'll be severely punished.

The CIA has suffered a significant blow, losing a senior operations director and an elite team.

On my side, I think I can finally have some peace and quiet for a while.

"Well done."

Zhang Jian stood up.

"The rest is not really our concern."

"You guys go and rest first, and don't show your faces for the next few days."

Suleiman responded and led Kamran and Ali upstairs.

The hall quickly quieted down.

Zhang Jian leaned back into the rocking chair.

He took out his phone and skillfully bypassed the Great Firewall to access international news websites.

The brawl at the docks tonight was just a minor incident.

What he really cares about is the external environment.

As soon as the page was refreshed, several bold, highlighted headlines popped up.

The first point is the public speech by US President Trump.

"The Ford-class carrier strike group is approaching the Persian Gulf!"

"We will have formed an unprecedented dual-carrier strike group there!"

"If Iran continues to be obstinate and refuses to agree to our demands, we will launch an even stronger attack against them!"

Zhang Jian slid down.

The second news item followed immediately.

A press conference held by a spokesperson for the Israeli Ministry of Defense.

"If Tehran refuses to release the captured pilot, we will launch a week-long bombing campaign!"

"No matter day or night, no matter the cost!"

"Until they're willing!"

The comments section was already in an uproar, with keyboard warriors and military bloggers frantically analyzing the situation.

Zhang Jian sneered and continued scrolling down.

The Iranian official spokesperson also responded forcefully on state television.

"Israel's bombing of civilian buildings is a serious violation of international law and humanitarian rules!"

"If they continue their attacks against us, we will proceed with the fourth round of the 'True Commitment,' launching a full-scale, reciprocal strike!"

"Also, a warning to the Americans."

"If they launch further war against us, we will not hesitate to retaliate against all US military bases in the Middle East!"

"They will pay an unbearable price for this!"

Zhang Jian stared at the text on the screen, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper.

The situation was worse than he had anticipated.

Both sides are escalating their pressure, neither willing to back down an inch.

This is no longer a simple skirmish; it's a powder keg that could ignite a full-scale war at any moment.

As I swiped my finger across the screen, an official announcement from the Chinese Embassy in Iran came into view.

The announcement was brief, but every word carried immense weight.

"Given the continued tension in the security situation in Iran and the surrounding region, the Chinese Embassy in Iran reminds Chinese citizens in Iran to closely monitor the development of the situation."

"Travelers stranded in Iran are advised to evacuate through other means as soon as possible."

"Chinese citizens who need to travel to Iran in the near future should postpone their trips unless absolutely necessary."

Evacuation warning.

Zhang Jian stared at those few lines of text for a full half minute.

Embassies in China are always the most perceptive.

Once this level of announcement is issued, it means that the higher-ups have assessed that an escalation of the war is almost inevitable!

In this situation, how should I protect myself...?

Returning to China?

It's unlikely; he'll probably end up leaving Tehran himself.

But if I stay here, it seems that relying on my current situation, I can't guarantee my personal safety at all.

External missile attacks, internal threats from the CIA, Mossad, and even Iranian separatist groups.

These are all potential threats to myself.

Zhang Jian's fingers tapped unconsciously on the armrest.

He doesn't have enough chips right now.

To gain a foothold in the coming storm, or even to profit from the chaos, he needs more intelligence, more funds, and a stronger backer.

Ahrid is currently considered half a member.

My cooperation with him was basically based on the exchange of interests and intelligence.

Once he loses his usefulness or crosses the military's red line, he will most likely stop helping him.

Buzz, buzz!

Just as he was planning his next move, his phone on the table suddenly vibrated.

An unmarked encrypted number was flashing on the screen.

Zhang Jian glanced at it; it was Aiharid's private line.

The fact that you're calling so late means the operation at the dock must have yielded results.

Zhang Jian took a deep breath and pressed the answer button.

"General, you're still up so late?"

"Is there some good news you want to tell me?"

He deliberately made a lighthearted joke.

However, this time, the expected hearty laughter did not come from the other end of the phone.

There was only a series of heavy breathing sounds, accompanied by the sound of a lighter lighting a cigarette.

A good ten seconds or so passed.

Ahalid's hoarse voice, tinged with dejection, finally came through.

"open."

"The 'Black Snake' has escaped."