The quadrilateral meeting concluded temporarily amidst the dust of an abandoned factory in Elbil.

There were no farewell ceremonies, no excessive pleasantries. The parties, with a fragile consensus and tense nerves, swiftly withdrew according to the predetermined routes.

Despite the air being filled with unspoken words and mutual suspicion, a temporary synergy against the common enemy "1515" was indeed formed.

Upon returning to the temporary command center in Sulaimaniyah, Song Heping immediately plunged into the tense preparations for war.

Deploying troops, gathering supplies, refining battle plans, every minute was precious.

This temporary alliance, based on an exchange of interests, was extremely fragile. It was critical to quickly launch an operation and deliver tangible results to solidify this hard-won cooperative foundation before any side, especially the internal opposition, realized and started to cause disruptions.

Frankly, the current quadrilateral alliance is very fragile. Perhaps one day, the Americans might be displeased, or a congressman might hear something and raise questions in Congress, or they might create public opinion through the media. We might have to disband before any military action could commence.

Among the United States, Russia, Persia, and ourselves, the most unstable is the treacherous Americans.

But if actions have already been undertaken and strategic objectives achieved, if the 1515 Armed is driven out of Northwest Illinois, and the territory is under the control of the "Liberation Forces" and the Abu You Brigade, then who cares if the Americans turn against us, we have secured the territory anyway.

If they want to turn against us, so be it, let's fight.

Things are different now. Song Heping now commands over ten thousand militia with formal military training, and the situation is unlike before.

Moreover, these militia organizations are armed forces comprised of locals from Illinois, seen as heroes against the 1515 Armed, representing justice in the eyes of the locals.

If the Americans dare to turn against us and dispatch the Air Force to bomb us, they will face moral condemnation.

Simon's actions were indeed as swift and efficient as he promised.

On just the third day after the meeting ended, as Song Heping was simulating attack routes with "Hunter" and others in front of a map, an encrypted satellite phone rang.

The caller was indeed Simon.

"Song."

Simon's voice carried a hint of excitement.

"The matter with the list has been resolved. The relevant procedures will be completed within an hour, and your name has been removed from all related restrictions lists. Of course, officially, there will be no statement; it will be as if this never happened. What do you think of this efficiency?"

Song Heping's emotions showed no fluctuation.

Because it was not worth any reaction.

It was not because Simon and he had any deep friendship that he was so attentive.

Their relationship was purely one of mutual utilization.

It could even be said that Song Heping merely grasped Simon's weakness, so he behaved obediently like a dog.

Otherwise, the first person eager to peel Song Heping alive would be Simon.

Clearing Song Heping of the terrorist charges was most beneficial to Simon.

Henceforth, their cooperation could come to light, rather than being carried on secretly like an affair.

He turned to the window, looking out at the slightly dilapidated but lively street scene in Sulaimaniyah, and calmly said, "Very good. This means our cooperation can formally begin."

"That is exactly the purpose of my call."

Simon replied, "To ensure smooth communication and coordinated actions, we've decided to establish a multinational joint operations coordination center within the 'Green Zone' in Baghdad. I officially invite you to Baghdad to participate in the first official meeting at the command center, to finalize the operational timetable and coordination details. Additionally, the matter you previously mentioned about restoring your company's eligibility as a potential contractor for the US Army logistics system needs to be discussed face-to-face. There are some documents that require your personal signature."

Baghdad...

A long-forgotten name.

That city carries too many complex memories, from being a grocer to struggling to survive, to the final break and escape.

Eight years later, he would finally return there in a new, legitimate capacity.

"Alright."

Song Heping did not hesitate, "Time and place."

"Tomorrow morning at ten, I will send a helicopter to Sulaimaniyah to pick you up. Given the implications, the scale needs to be small; you can bring at most one entourage."

Simon instructed.

"Why?"

Song Heping couldn't help but tease: "Even though you Americans have withdrawn, isn't it still your territory? Afraid I'll bring too many people and take over your base?"

It was clearly a joke.

But the sarcasm was apparent.

All these years, the Americans remain as wary of him as ever.

But that's good.

To have the opponent wary means he is doing well.

"Ahem—let's leave it at that..."

Simon coughed twice to cover his awkwardness and then quickly hung up the phone.

Putting down the phone, Song Heping turned to "Hunter" beside him and said, "Get ready to go to Baghdad with me tomorrow."

"Hunter" showed a hint of surprise in his eyes but asked no questions, just nodded calmly: "Yes!"

The next day, an unmistakably US-made "Black Hawk" helicopter landed punctually on the open ground in front of the Sulaimaniyah command center, distinctly different from the rugged style of the previous two Mi-17s, exuding a sense of precise technology.

Song Heping boarded with only personal defense weapons.

"Hunter" followed closely, vigilantly eyeing every American soldier within the cabin.

The journey from Sulaimaniyah to Baghdad was not far.

Two hours later, as the "Black Hawk" helicopter flew over Baghdad, overlooking from the porthole, Song Heping's gaze was sharp as an eagle.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com