Eight years have passed, and this war-torn city seems both familiar and unfamiliar.

Previously familiar neighborhoods have either turned into ruins or have new buildings erected; the iconic Green Zone walls still stand tall, but the atmosphere appears more solemn and fragmented than remembered.

The helicopter landed on a heavily guarded helipad within the Green Zone.

The cabin door opened, and a familiar yet foreign hot wind rushed in.

The atmosphere here contrasts sharply with the dilapidated Sulaimaniyah; the interim government has turned into the officially ruling government, and over the years, many more new buildings have been constructed in the Green Zone, though the presence of American soldiers has decreased, replaced mostly by local police forces securing the area.

The liaison officer sent by Simon had been waiting here; after a stringent identity check and security screening, Song Heping and "Hunter" were arranged into temporary accommodation.

Night fell, and the city lights began to shine.

Song Heping changed into ordinary casual clothes and instructed "Hunter," "I'm going out for a while; you stay here."

"Boss, do you need...?"

"No need."

Song Heping interrupted him, "Private visit, the fewer people, the better."

He did not use the vehicle provided by the US Army but rather contacted an inconspicuous, old car familiar to the locals through his own channels, quietly driving out of the Green Zone, merging into the still somewhat noisy and chaotic streets of Baghdad at night.

The car traversed through the maze-like alleys, eventually stopping in a seemingly ordinary residential area.

Song Heping got out of the car, walked familiarly to a two-story building with a courtyard wall, and rang the doorbell.

Moments later, the door opened a crack, a cautious eye scrutinized him from behind the door.

Upon recognizing Song Heping's face, that eye suddenly widened, full of incredulous shock.

The door quickly swung open, revealing a fat middle-aged man in traditional robes at the entrance, it was indeed Yusuf.

He pulled Song Heping into the courtyard at once, swiftly closed the door, and in a lowered, horrified voice, spoke, "By Allah! Song... how dare you come here?! Do you know how many eyes are watching everything related to you now?!"

Yusuf at this point was evidently more plump than eight years ago, his brows hinted at living a life of indulgence, yet the slice of shrewdness and caution characteristic of an Illiguo official remained unchanged deep in his eyes.

He now holds a significant position in the Illiguo government's logistics department, wielding considerable power.

Song Heping looked at the man who was once an "old friend" and important collaborator, a faint smile appeared on his face, "Yusuf, long time no see. Rest assured, I'm 'legal' now."

"Legal?!"

Yusuf paused, then quickly pulled Song Heping inside and shut the door tightly.

"You've been listed as a KB Leader, yet you're legal?! My God! How did you get into Baghdad? Didn't they check you?"

"I said I'm legal." Song Heping smiled at his military "supplier" and said, "Trust me, I wouldn't deceive my own friends."

The two walked into the courtyard, the house was newly built and elegantly decorated, far more luxurious than when Song Heping first came by, showcasing the owner's current status and position everywhere.

After bypassing the hall and entering a secluded room through a pathway next to the building, Yusuf still couldn't hide his nerves, he poured a cup of black tea for Song Heping, his hands slightly trembling, "What's going on? I heard you've been... wanted this whole time?"

Song Heping picked up the teacup, gently blew over it, took a sip, and then slowly explained the circumstances.

From the assault on Sulaimaniyah to the four-party meeting in Elbil, followed by having his name removed from the list, he concisely informed Yusuf.

Of course, he omitted many core secrets and specific plans.

Listening, Yusuf's jaw gradually dropped, facial expressions shifted from shock to disbelief, finally turning into a complex sentiment of appreciation, "Unbelievable... You've truly managed to reach this point, sitting at a table with Americans, Russians, and Persians... Song, you always do things that are unexpected."

Song Heping set down the teacup and went straight to the point, "Yusuf, our previous cooperation has always been pleasant."

At the mention of "cooperation," Yusuf's expression subtly changed, revealing a hint of embarrassment and helplessness, "Song, my old friend, it's not that I'm unwilling to help you. You should understand that since about two years ago, the CIA has been intricately regulating the flow of military supplies, especially those going to... hmm, non-governmental controlled areas. Although I'm still in this position, a lot of maneuvers have become difficult to execute. The risk is too high!"

Song Heping understandingly nodded, "I understand the situation of the past two years has been special. But now, things are different."

He leaned slightly forward, stared directly at Yusuf, "My identity has been 'whitewashed,' at least temporarily. My ownership of the Musician Defense Company will soon return to being a candidate contractor for US Army logistics. This means we can facilitate 'legal,' or at least seemingly compliant procurement."

Yusuf's eyes sparkled, his merchant instincts immediately activated, "You mean..."

"Taking advantage of this layer of 'legal' garb while it lasts, I need extensive reserves."

Song Heping's voice was low, yet carried an indisputable resolve.

"Small arms, ammunition, communication equipment, personal protective gear, even portable missiles and drones... anything that can enhance combat power, I want them all. I know Americans these two years, to counter 1515 Armed, have provided your Illiguo government plenty of weapons; you've also purchased a considerable amount of weapons with oil sales, these should be in the hands of you and your friends. I'm interested in all of them. Rest assured, prices follow market trends, commission split will remain as usual, can even be slightly increased, but the channel must be reliable, and delivery fast."

He paused, continued, "You also know, how long my cooperation with Americans will last, no one knows. I must prepare for any future possible... scenarios as much as possible. This batch, won't be directly shipped to Illiguo frontlines, I'll arrange channels, most directly transferred to my base warehouse in Africa."

Yusuf fell into contemplation, fingers unconsciously tapping the table.

This is undoubtedly a colossal business with considerable profits.

The days of collaborating with Song Heping were the most thriving for Yusuf, pretending not to reminisce those times of frantically making money would be self-deception.

The previous forced reduction of shipments was due to Song Heping's extremely sensitive identity.

Now it seems all problems are no longer issues.

Song Heping's identity has been partially "legalized," indeed minimizing operational risks.

More importantly, he has witnessed Song Heping's capabilities and strategies, cooperatively the future could yield returns far beyond this business's value itself.

"List and quantity?"

In immense profit, Yusuf quickly surrendered.

Song Heping took out a prepared encrypted USB drive, placed it in front of Yusuf, "Specific requirements are inside. The deposit for the first order can be transferred to your overseas account tomorrow."

Yusuf picked up the USB drive, tightly grasping it, revealing a rare, genuine smile, "Song, welcome back. Pleasant cooperation! Honestly, I've missed you terribly these years."

Song Heping smiled back at him, words came to his lips but didn't say them; with a mere nod, he expressed mutual sentiments.

In fact, internally amused, thinking, you miss the money.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com