Chapter 1427 - 1190: The Persuader

In a study filled with a heavy Russian style in the main building of the manor, the birch wood in the fireplace crackled, dispersing the cold of the winter night.

Song Heping met the key figure of this trip—Vasily Petrovich.

He is a legendary figure.

Although his official rank is not high, his influence is significant.

He is a powerful figure in the Russian Federation Security Council, directly responsible to the President.

Petrovich is tall, his silver hair carefully combed, and his ice-blue eyes resemble the deep, unfathomable Antarctic seas.

"Mr. Song, I've heard much about you."

Petrovich's voice is deep, with a typical Russian guttural tone. He made a gesture to sit down without any unnecessary pleasantries, "Yevgeny mentioned that you have important matters that need to be discussed in person, matters related to our interests in the Middle East."

Song Heping glanced around.

Clearly, he wouldn't be seeing the President tonight.

After all, the President is not someone you can meet just because you want to. Besides seeking cooperation, Petrovich's purpose for coming is likely to see what these 'important matters' are and whether they are worth the meeting.

If not, then Petrovich might be the highest-ranking Russian Federation official that Song could see.

"Mr. Petrovich, thank you for taking the time to see me at this late hour."

Song Heping sat down without arrogance or undue humility, directly hitting the main point, "I am here to clarify previous misunderstandings and seek deeper strategic cooperation."

The so-called misunderstanding refers to Song Heping's previous act of fleeing Moscow overnight to avoid becoming cannon fodder for the Russian Federation in Syria.

"There was no misunderstanding." Petrovich smoothly continues, "Everyone talks about Mr. Song being very assertive, and I appreciate this character, not to mention that your help in Latamira was significant for us. The President instructed that I must express our gratitude to you. Moreover, regarding your arms transportation route from the Baba Yang border through Central Asia into the Middle East, we've discussed it. No problem, you'll have a green light from the Russian military to the security departments, with no obstacles to your business."

At this point, he spread his hands, revealing a meaningful smile, "We Russians are very generous when it comes to friends, you know."

Song Heping returned the smile, nodded, and then shifted the conversation to the main topic.

He succinctly explained the potential framework for cooperation with the Americans and possible arrangements involving the Persians.

Throughout the process, he paid special attention to Petrovich's expression, but the latter's face was as unchanging as the stone on the Kremlin walls.

"Mr. Song."

Finally, once he finished speaking, Petrovich began slowly, with cautious tones in his voice, "You should be well aware, we and Persia are the staunchest allies regarding the issue of Syria, cooperation is not a problem. Previously, there wasn't formal cooperation because the Persians themselves hadn't actively sought our assistance."

"And with America...the situation is far more complex. I don't need to introduce much about those Anglo people being our main opponents there. Now you're telling us you intend to 'cooperate' with our opponents in Syria and Northwest Illinois? This sounds...rather untimely."

He deliberately emphasized the last four words.

Song Heping, prepared, leaned slightly forward, looking sincerely:

"Sir, please allow me to elaborate three points, which I believe will alleviate your concerns."

"First is the consistency of core objectives."

He stated clearly, "Our cooperation and coordination in Northwest Illinois and Syria prioritize the complete eradication of the 1515 tumor. This aligns fully with Russia's core interest in anti-terrorism and regional stability in Syria. A stabilized, 1515-free Western Illinois means a safer eastern flank of Syria, greatly reducing pressure on the Hafez regime. In fact, we are helping you sever the logistics of your main enemy, thereby solidifying your front line."

"Secondly, the strategy and limitations."

Song Heping emphasized, "This collaboration with America is extremely limited—geographically confined to Northwest Illinois and within Syria, and target-wise restricted to combating 1515. It is by no means a strategic alliance, nor a concession on the Syrian issue. Quite the contrary, it is leveraging America's strength to serve our mutual goals. Like borrowing the enemy's knife to decapitate a fiercer mad dog. After use, it remains the enemy's knife, but the mad dog is dead, benefitting us all."

He noticed Petrovich's gaze faintly flickering.

"Lastly, and most importantly, the deepening of strategic cooperation and sharing of benefits."

Song Heping threw out the key bargaining chip, "We, including our Persian friends, have always considered Russia our most important and reliable strategic partner. We are willing to ensure that through this action, all geopolitical influence, security buffers, and even economic gains obtained in Northwest Illinois and the Middle East will be tightly coordinated and shared within the 'Russia-Persian Strategic Partnership' framework. This means the Russian Federation will gain an unprecedented stable foothold in Northwest Illinois, with its influence capable of more directly radiating to the northern Persian Gulf. Isn't this precisely what Moscow has long been seeking?"

He paused, then finally concluded: "Sir, Americans are merely tools for us to achieve goals, while the Russian Federation is our partner in sharing outcomes. Don't think I'm joking; remember, I'm on the American security department's KB member list as a bounty target, yet I'm willing to put aside prejudices to talk cooperation with them. You should have more strategic foresight than me, the owner of a defense company."

The study fell silent, save for the crackling of burning wood in the fireplace.

Petrovich's fingers unconsciously tapped rhythmically on the mahogany armrest, his ice-blue eyes seemingly intent on piercing Song Heping's soul.

Time passed by the minute, pressure accumulating silently.

After a long pause, Petrovich slowly stood up, walked to the fireplace, and turned his back to Song Heping, gazing at the dancing flames.

"Mr. Song."

He finally spoke again, his voice losing some of its previous chill.

"Your eloquence and insight into the situation are indeed as famous as the rumors suggest. I have to say, you've convinced me. But the final decision needs to be made at the highest level. I will relay your words verbatim. Before receiving a definitive response, I hope none of your actions will compromise our established interests in Eastern Syria. That is the bottom line."

"Naturally." Song Heping also stood up, feeling relieved, "All our actions will be based on consolidating and expanding our mutual interests."

"But now there is a problem." Peterovich changed his tone: "Even if we agree, what do the Persians think? Are they willing to cooperate with their old enemy, the Americans?"

"I think this is not something you and I should worry about."

Song Heping smiled and said: "This should be something that those clear-minded in the Persian high command should worry about."

While Song Heping and Peterovich were having a private conversation in the estate room.

In a confidential conference room next to the Supreme Leader's office in Tehran, General Afanti was remotely briefing a decision-making group composed of representatives of the Supreme Leader, foreign affairs officials, the head of the Revolutionary Guard, and other core members via an encrypted video channel.

"Absurd!"

An elder wearing traditional clerical robes was the first to speak harshly, being a representative of the religious conservative faction, "To make a deal with the Devil, one's soul will eventually be devoured! This is a betrayal of our principles! For decades, we've held high the banner of resistance against American hegemony, this is the foundation of our nation! And now we want to cooperate with them? What would the people think? How would the international community view us?"

"Elder, please calm down."

The Foreign Minister tried to ease the atmosphere, "Song Heping's analysis is not without reason. Striking 1515 is the biggest consensus in the Middle East right now, even the Camel family is cooperating with the Americans to some extent. If we can seize this opportunity to establish a land corridor connecting Eastern Syria at minimal cost, completing the 'Shiite Arc,' it would be a historic breakthrough for our strategic security. The opportunity is rare."

"Opportunity?"

A general sneered: "It could also be a trap! Why would the Americans trust us? And why should we trust them? Even if we cooperate, how can we guarantee they won't stab us in the back after we've invested resources? How do we prevent them from turning around and supporting the Kurds to erode our achievements once they've used us? The risks are huge!"

Afanti responded solemnly through the video: "The risks do indeed exist. But Song Heping has proposed several guarantees: First, cooperation is limited to Northwest Illinois, targeting only 1515; Second, he will ensure that the initiative comes from the Americans, so we retain our narrative power; Third, and most importantly, he has already gone to Moscow to seek support from the Russians. If even the Russians get involved, the risk of an American trap will be significantly reduced."

"Russia..."

The representative of the Supreme Leader, an elder who had been silent, spoke slowly, "Afanti, are you sure Song Heping can persuade Moscow? The attitude of the Russians is key."

"I... believe in his ability."

Afanti cautiously replied, "In past crises, he has always demonstrated precise strategic judgment and maneuvering skills; this time, I still believe he can move the Kremlin."

The meeting room fell into intense debate once again.

The conservative faction emphasized ideological purity and political risks, while the pragmatic faction stressed the rare strategic opportunity.

Both sides stood firm in their arguments, deadlocked.

Finally, all eyes turned to the representative of the Supreme Leader.

He slowly stood up, his gaze sweeping across everyone:

"Gentlemen."

His voice was not loud but carried decisive force.

"Our principle is to resist hegemony, maintain national independence and dignity, this will never waver. But wisdom and flexibility are also precious qualities bestowed by Allah."

He paused, continuing: "Currently, 1515 poses an existential threat not only to our entire camp, but to the entire region, its extremism and destructiveness surpass even traditional hegemonic states. At specific times and places, employing certain unconventional strategies to eliminate this most pressing threat is something that can be considered, provided our core national interests and fundamental principles remain unscathed."

His gaze became sharp: "Afanti."

"Yes!"

Afanti in the video straightened up.

"Closely monitor Song Heping's progress in Moscow. Concurrently, begin preliminary covert military preparations. But until receiving a clear stance from Moscow and confirming sufficient sincerity signals initiated by the Americans, no substantial overt actions are allowed. This is an order and the bottom line. We need to see the rabbit before we release the eagle."

"Understood!"

Afanti felt a huge stone fall from his heart.

This is the maximum support the high command could provide.

The start tonight is promising.

After the meeting, he must quickly contact Song Heping to relay this information to him.

After all, he is currently in Moscow meeting with high-level Kremlin officials, and with this preliminary stance, he should have more confidence in persuading those Russians.