"Alright."

Song Heping parked the car by the roadside and then used the waiting time to organize weapons and reload ammunition.

Fifteen minutes later, several black, bulletproof-modified Mercedes GLS SUVs precisely stopped in front of them.

"Mr. Song, please get in the car!"

Zayed didn't give Song Heping a choice, pulling him into the back seat of the middle vehicle.

The convoy sped away from the chaotic street, leaving the sirens, smoke, and ruins far behind.

The view outside the car window changed rapidly from a chaotic street market to a clean, wide avenue, and then to a heavily guarded private area.

Eventually, the fleet drove into a luxurious modern palace complex located on the seaside.

Towering white walls, meticulously groomed tropical gardens, ubiquitous armed guards, and the sunlit main mansion looking as if it were built with pure gold and marble, all flaunted the owner's immense wealth and power.

This was one of Zayed's many residences in Goa.

Upon entering the palace, even the well-traveled Song Heping had to be amazed by such extravagant luxury.

A hall over ten meters high, with an enormous, crystal-clear chandelier hanging from the dome, intricately golden ancient patterns inlaid on the walls, and soft Persian handmade carpets that sank beneath one's ankles.

Priceless antiques and artworks could be seen everywhere, with a subtle and expensive fragrance wafting in the air.

It seemed this smuggling kingpin indeed had considerable strength.

Zayed seemed to have completely recovered from the previous attack, or rather, returning to his familiar and safe environment had brought back his style and confidence.

He personally led Song Heping through the spacious corridor to an open-air dining area facing the blue Persian Gulf.

On a long dining table capable of accommodating twenty people sat two sets of exquisite gold-edged tableware.

Waiters in crisp white uniforms and wearing white gloves stood silently with elegant movements.

"Please sit, my dear friend!"

Zayed warmly greeted, taking the seat of honor.

Soon, an array of exquisite dishes was served, the roasted lamb tender and juicy, the savory aroma of pilaf filling the air, along with a dazzling array of seafood that Song Heping could not name.

Zayed raised a glass of expensive amber liquid.

"To your health, Song! To your bravery! And to our friendship and future cooperation!"

Zayed's voice was loud and filled with enthusiasm, "I toast to you!"

Song Heping also raised his glass, replying calmly, "Thank you."

He took a small sip, maintaining vigilance and clarity.

A great risk and a recent bloody assassination lurked beneath the feast and enthusiasm before him, so he dared not let his guard down for even a moment.

Putting down the glass, Zayed wiped his mouth with a napkin, his smile slightly restrained, and leaned forward slightly to get to the point.

"Song, about the business we talked about before."

He said, lowering his voice a bit, but his tone growing more serious, "That one hundred million dollars' worth of Persian Gulf crude oil."

Song Heping met Zayed's gaze steadily, "I remember, you previously proposed a twenty percent commission."

"That was before!"

Zayed waved his hand forcefully, speaking resolutely, "Now, you've saved my life! I, Zayed, am not an ungrateful person! Commission, ten percent! This is the lowest price I can offer, probably even a loss leader, just to express my gratitude and sincerity!"

Cutting the commission from twenty percent to ten percent meant that the power behind Song Heping, or Song Heping himself, could earn an additional ten million US Dollars in profit from this massive deal!

This was a significant concession that could tempt anyone.

Song Heping's face remained unchanged.

He pondered for a moment and did not immediately express gratitude but instead raised the most critical question, "First, I must thank you for your generosity. Such significant concessions indeed show your sincerity. So, allow me to be blunt, who do you plan to sell such a large volume of special goods to? We need to ensure the absolute safety and secrecy of the transaction chain."

This was the core issue.

In the context of international sanctions, one hundred million dollars' worth of Persian crude oil is not an ordinary commodity. The identity of its final buyer is crucial, directly affecting the risk level and feasibility of the entire transaction.

Zayed's face revealed a slightly mysterious smile.

He picked up a pure gold hookah mouthpiece from the table, took a deep puff, and exhaled thick, fruity sweet-scented smoke.

"My dear Song."

Surrounded by smoke, his voice carried a hint of pride and reticence.

"Please forgive me for not being able to disclose the specific information about the buyer at this time. It's not about distrusting you, but rather, for your protection and the protection of this transaction. The more you know, sometimes the more dangerous it is. You just saw it, those who want me dead have considerable power."

He paused, observing Song Heping's reaction, and seeing his continued calm, continued, "All you need to know is that I have a... or rather we have a very stable, hugely demanding, and absolutely top-tier paying major client. Their demand is enormous, and your one hundred million dollars of goods might just be a routine supplement for them. No matter how much you can procure through your channels, as long as the quality meets the standards, I can immediately take it, without delay! Cash, cryptocurrency, or any method of payment you specify can be settled within 24 hours after confirming receipt of the goods."

"You can consume it all?"

Song Heping repeated with sharp eyes, "Are you sure? I mean, if the quantity is larger? For example, two hundred million dollars?"

Zayed burst into laughter, as if hearing a very amusing question.

He put down the hookah, leaned back in his chair, exuding absolute confidence.

"Song, my friend. Trust me, even if you could come up with five hundred million dollars' worth of military-grade crude oil, my client would be able to consume it as easily as drinking a morning cup of coffee. Their demand is ongoing and huge, far beyond your imagination. You don't need to worry about the sales channel for a single moment. What you need to consider is how to safely and consistently transport the goods from the source to the designated coordinates on the open sea. I will take care of everything else: the handoffs, transportation, and payment. You just need to sit at home, watching the numbers in your account grow. Ten percent, this is what you deserve and also a testament to our profound friendship."

His words were full of allure, painting a beautiful blueprint.

And it again emphasized the mystery and formidable strength of the buyer.

Song Heping remained silent, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the table.

He was quickly analyzing the information in Zayed's words.

A client capable of easily consuming billions of dollars in sanctioned crude, paying promptly, and making Zayed so secretive?

The possibilities were not many.

Either it is a sanctioned country urgently in need of energy, or certain state-backed super giants conducting secret purchases, or a massive, deeply-hidden international gray trade network.

In any case, it meant extremely high profits, accompanied by extremely high risks.

Today's gunfight and explosions might be the most direct manifestation of such risks.

But a ten percent commission, over ten million US Dollars of extra profit, and a seemingly stable and reliable super sales channel, these combined temptations were enormous.

"I understand." Song Heping finally spoke, lifting his head and looking firmly at Zayed, "Then I'll leave everything to you to arrange, and I can return to Persia to wait for your news."

"Great!" Zayed smiled with satisfaction, raising his glass once again, "I believe we will have a pleasant collaboration! This is the beginning of a long-term partnership!"

"To collaboration." Song Heping also raised his glass.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com