Chapter 1184 - 1044: Golden Cicada Shell (Part 3)

He opened his mouth yet couldn't make any powerful rebuttal.

The other party produced not a statement, not a defense, but a legal contract!

Procedurally speaking, there was absolutely nothing wrong!

"This... this is impossible!"

Clark finally regained his voice, hoarse with a sense of exasperation, "This is a trick! It's the Golden Cicada Shell! Song Heping must still be here! His people haven't moved at all! They've just swapped out the shell…"

"Mr. Clark!"

Haftar abruptly interrupted him: "Are you questioning the integrity and the rule of law of the governments of Libya, Sudan, and Sena? The contract is black and white, signed and in effect! 'X Mercenary Group' is an internationally reputable defense company legally registered in Eritrea! The boss, Mr. Qin Fei, is someone many of the representatives here must have heard of! May I ask, by choosing a partner that better meets our needs according to business rules and separating from what you call KB elements, how are we wrong? Do we need Washington's approval to choose our partners? Or do the Americans think we Africans are not even qualified to sign contracts?!"

Haftar's words were forceful, and more crucially, carried a strong counter-question and national sentiment, instantly igniting discontent among many representatives from African countries.

A buzz of agreement echoed through the venue.

Yes, they followed the rules and changed the cooperation company, so what right do you Americans have to interfere?

Just because the new company wasn't chosen by you?

Clark was dumbfounded, his face turning the color of pig liver.

His assistant hurriedly reminded him in a low voice to remain calm.

Just at this moment, Shire's eyes lit up.

The opportunity!

The opportunity Song Heping talked about had arrived!

"Madam Chairwoman."

Shire gracefully stood up, wearing the composure of a Frenchman, as if to mediate the situation.

"Fellow representatives, please calm down briefly and allow me to express a personal opinion."

He successfully captured the attention of the entire room.

"The contract documents presented by General Haftar and the representatives from Sudan and Sena are legally valid and factually clear."

Shire's voice was gentle yet clear, "This fully demonstrates that the relevant countries have taken proactive action to address the international community's concerns about security issues. As for the questions Mr. Clark raised about Mr. Song Heping's whereabouts and the specific operations of the 'X Mercenary Group'..."

He shrugged, showing a helpless expression, "I think that these are issues of intelligence verification and business details, and are perhaps not suitable for endless debate and entanglement at such a high-level summit on regional security frameworks. Our purpose for this meeting is to seek consensus and promote cooperation, not to fall into endless suspicion over the whereabouts of a specific company or individual."

Shire's words seemed neutral and fair, but in reality, they were effectively silencing Clark, muddying the waters.

The core message being — they've completed the procedures, and you're just being unreasonable by insisting otherwise, disrupting the conference's theme!

Clark was so furious he almost spat blood!

How could he not understand this was a brilliant play by Song Heping using "the Golden Cicada Shell"?

What nonsense "X Mercenary Group"!

That Qin Fei is from East University!

Damn it, they've just changed the facade!

Song Heping's people haven't moved at all!

The interest chain hasn't been broken at all!

The infuriating thing is that Haftar's people used a legitimate contract to pry open the political noose he had carefully prepared!

If he continues to argue about whether Song Heping is still in Africa or if there is any under-the-table deal between the X Mercenary Group and Song, it not only makes him look unreasonable but also solidifies the US's image of interfering with domestic political and business affairs in a domineering manner!

He suddenly seized the only "loophole" in Shire's speech, like grabbing onto the last lifeline: "Special envoy Shire is right! The specific whereabouts need verification! But whether Song Heping himself is still in Africa, whether he is still secretly controlling things, that is the crucial issue! A person as extremely dangerous as him must be confirmed to have left the African continent, or else there will be endless future troubles! I demand…"

"Mr. Clark!"

Haftar seemed to have anticipated the other party's move long ago, so he spoke again, word for word:

"I can represent the Libya National Unity Interim Government to assure all African Union member states: Mr. Song Heping is absolutely not within Libya's borders at this moment! As for whether he is in other areas of Africa…"

Haftar's mouth curved into a meaningful smile, his gaze sweeping across Clark's ashen face, his voice clearly resonating throughout the room:

"You Americans are supposed to have the best intelligence, right? If you have the ability, why don't you find out yourselves!"

"Hahaha—!"

The venue completely erupted! There was astonishment, an uproar, and some even couldn't help but let out low laughter!

Haftar's final words were a blatant taunt and a slap in the face.

Clark stood transfixed in place, staring at Haftar, his lips moving slightly several times, but not a word came out.

The host, Zuma, was unable to control the dramatic scene and quickly tapped the gavel: "Quiet! Quiet! Mr. Clark, your request is beyond the scope of this summit agenda. Since the relevant countries have taken clear legal separation actions regarding the 'Musician Defense' issue, we suggest that the matter of Mr. Song Heping's personal whereabouts be communicated and verified through other diplomatic or intelligence channels. We proceed to the next topic…"

The chairperson's voice buzzed in Clark's ears, and he felt the world spinning.

It's over, all over.

The meticulously planned political siege had been utterly disrupted by a contract and a so-called "X Mercenary Group!"

How could he explain this to his superiors when he went back...

But Shire appeared completely at ease; he slowly sat back into his seat, took up the coffee in front of him, and, behind the shield of the cup, couldn't help but let a tiny arch rise at the corner of his mouth.

Song Heping…

You really did it!