Chapter 1344 - 1135: Conferral of Honors (Part 3)

At this moment, he seemed more like a regular person overwhelmed by a heavy burden, rather than an exalted president.

Song Heping shot a glance at the chef, then said, "Mr. President, thank you for your trust and candor. Regarding the North Line situation, I think perhaps you don't need to be overly pessimistic."

The eyes of President Hafez immediately flashed with a glimmer of light—it was the hope of a drowning person upon seeing a straw—but more deeply rooted was doubt.

"Do you really think so? Mr. Song, I appreciate your confidence, but I must face reality. I've received messages from various sides, including some... um... rather discouraging intelligence assessments. The attitude from the Kremlin seems still ambiguous, somewhat hesitant..."

"Mr. President."

Song Heping gently interrupted him, "The situation has changed fundamentally. After the Crimea event, the nature of Russia-West relations has undergone a fundamental, irreversible change. Sanctions and confrontation have become the new norm. In this new geopolitical strategic landscape, Siria's value to Russia has risen from being an 'important partner' to the height of being an 'indispensable core strategic pillar.' Losing Siria means Russia will be completely expelled from the Middle East, becoming insignificant in the Mediterranean, and its southern hinterland will be directly exposed to the threat of NATO. This is a strategic disaster the Kremlin absolutely cannot tolerate. Therefore, I believe that at the most critical moment, when interests face a fundamental threat, the Russian Army will certainly conduct direct, large-scale, decisive military intervention. This is likely not just airstrikes, but might include the deployment of ground forces. This will be the turning point to completely reverse the entire Siria war situation."

He continued to offer his well-considered advice: "At this stage, I suggest you immediately strengthen strategic coordination and tactical cooperation with the Persian side. Utilize the life channel we have just opened up in Siria Dehuk to accelerate cooperation with the Revolutionary Guard's Holy City Brigade. You could even plan for them to launch offensives from the flanks, such as from the Illiguo border area, attacking the rear supply lines and control zones of 1515 and the Freedom Army, making them unable to attend to all matters, thereby effectively easing the situation."

"On the other hand, the government and the army should actively begin preparations, stockpile supplies, and train troops. Once the signal of large-scale Russian military intervention is confirmed, swiftly organize strong forces to launch decisive strategic counterattacks on the North Line and East Line to regain lost ground. My team and I are willing to provide professional military consulting, personnel training, and special operations assistance at every stage of this process."

President Hafez leaned forward, listening intently to Song Heping's analysis and suggestions, as his furrowed brow gradually relaxed.

Song Heping's calm demeanor, clear logic, and deep understanding of international strategic dynamics clearly moved him greatly, providing him with unprecedented confidence.

"But..."

He pondered for a moment, seemingly digesting the information, then leaned forward slightly, his tone becoming more sincere, even carrying a hint of embarrassed hesitation.

"Mr. Song, your strategic analysis and specific suggestions are immensely valuable, offering great inspiration and confidence. Thank you very much. I know you and your company are bearing tremendous risks. It's just... Please forgive my bluntness and helplessness, Siria is now facing comprehensive difficulties, our national economy is on the verge of collapse due to war and blockade, our finances... are extremely depleted. I... I'm afraid the material compensation I can offer your company and you personally is quite limited, maybe even... maybe even unable to immediately and fully pay the high commission you deserve... This fills me with deep remorse."

Song Heping looked at the president, deeply trapped in domestic troubles and foreign threats, his mind flashed back to the emaciated civilians and ruined streets he saw in Damascus, while also vividly recalling the gleaming, exorbitantly priced luxury cars in the parking lot.

The vast contrast stirred an indescribable emotion within him.

He suddenly chuckled, and in a half-joking half-serious tone said:

"Mr. President, it's okay if the money is not enough. I noticed the 'toys'—Rolls Royce, Bentley and such—parked at your residence. They look quite nice, how about... you pick a few to mortgage to me? Treat it as an advance deposit?"

As soon as the words fell, the air in the office seemed to be sucked dry, completely frozen!

President Hafez's apologetic smile totally stiffened, and in his eyes flashed immense bewilderment, alongside an instantly suppressed but deeply piercing anger.

The chef sitting beside Song Heping was utterly dumbfounded for two seconds before reacting, nudging Song Heping's boot with his foot and giving him a look, as if to say, "Are you crazy?!"

He knew that Song Heping was not lacking in money, and this remark was clearly a joke.

But to make such a joke in this setting...

Suka!

So disrespectful!

These words were akin to a slap in the face of a head of state!