Chapter 1780 - 1368: Captain Lei's Request (2)

"Even if the Americans are dissatisfied, they won't dare to make a move on you. They still have three thousand troops stationed in Illinois, needing cooperation from local forces, support from the Kurd people, and no disruptions from the Persians to work with them on anti-terrorism. All of these are areas you can influence."

Song Heping pondered.

Lei Ming's analysis was thorough, even clearer than his own thoughts.

Indeed, his previous concerns were mainly about being double-crossed by the Americans after eliminating 1515.

But now it seemed that his local influence in Illinois was already strong enough. Coupled with his network in Persia and Russia, the Americans couldn't actually do anything to him.

"Once 1515 is cleared, the Northwest will be completely stable, and our projects can proceed smoothly."

Lei Ming continued, his tone slowing slightly.

"It's beneficial for the country and for you. You can transform your private armed forces into a legitimate security company to take enterprise security contracts. You can participate in infrastructure construction and take a share. You can become the intermediary between China and the United States in Illinois, benefiting from both sides. Moreover..."

He paused, his voice becoming a bit deeper:

"Moreover, this is also a good deed for the people of Illinois. You know better than I do what sort of filth 1515 is. Massacring civilians, trafficking women and children, destroying cultural relics... You kept them around purely for profit. But if you can clear them and bring true peace to the land, that is a good deed."

Song Heping recalled the horrors he saw in Illinois.

After the Battle of Mosul, he entered the areas once occupied by 1515 and saw mass graves, burned churches, and families who lost everything.

The reason he kept 1515 alive was purely out of profit calculation—to have terror attacks, there must be anti-terror needs; with anti-terror needs, he had business.

But if he could clear them...

"Captain Lei." He looked up and asked, "Is this an order or a request?"

"It's the nation's need."

Lei Ming said seriously, every word as heavy as a thousand pounds.

"It's also your responsibility as a citizen. You've roamed overseas, made money, gained influence, but don't forget where your roots are. Now the country needs you to play a role in this position, are you willing?"

"No problem!" Song Heping laughed: "Captain Lei, you've put it this way, if I said no, my dad's coffin lid wouldn't stay still, he'd jump out to slap me in the face!"

"Ah, I knew you still had a bit of conscience." Lei Ming picked up his tea again, smiling as he took a sip.

"I more than 'have a bit of conscience,' I'm a real patriot!"

After laughing, Song Heping quickly added, "But I also have one request for the organization."

"Go ahead." Lei Ming casually waved his hand: "As long as it's not illegal."

"I hope you can strengthen the protection of my family in the future. Today's matter with National A shows that someone is already noticing them. I have quite a few enemies overseas."

"Don't worry." Lei Ming said, "Your siblings' companies and residences will have people arranged to protect in secret. I'll also have a word with your brother-in-law, and we'll arrange work in a way that's convenient for taking care of the family, providing a reason to mobilize resources. But you also have to remind them to live normally and not be ostentatious."

"Thank you, Captain Lei."

Song Heping grinned widely.

Over the years, the family was his greatest worry.

With Captain Lei's guarantee...

Ha ha!

What is there to fear?

"No need to thank me." Lei Ming waved his hand: "This is what you deserve. We remember the things you do for the country overseas. You controlling the Northwest of Illinois is like driving a nail into the Middle East, and this benefits our strategy. This time clearing 1515 serves as a justification for you, so you can gradually turn your business legitimate."

The two discussed further details, such as the timeline for action, communication mechanisms, and follow-up arrangements.

Lei Ming's understanding of the Illinois situation surprised Song Heping.

He not only knew surface intelligence but also the subtle relationships among factions, the conflicts between the American ambassador and general in Illinois, and the internal power struggles within Persia.

By the time they left the teahouse after finishing the conversation, it was already three in the morning.

There were fewer ships sailing on the river, making the river even more peaceful.

The lights on the opposite bank were mostly off as the city sank into deep sleep.

Lei Ming drove Song Heping back to his brother's house.

As they approached the neighborhood, he said, "After this operation, you can consider gradually bringing your business back to legitimacy. Your influence in Illinois can be transformed into legitimate security, construction, and logistics companies. The country supports enterprises developing overseas, especially along the Belt and Road. You have connections, experience, and capital, you can completely do legitimate business."

"I'll consider it." Song Heping said, "But some businesses... can't just be transformed overnight. The arms business involves too much..."

"Take it slow."

Lei Ming patted his shoulder, a gesture of an elder to the younger.

"You're still young, not even forty, and you have a long road ahead. Remember, no matter how far you go, we are your backing. But the premise is, your direction must be right. If you dare to harm national security or damage national interests, then the backing will turn into an iron fist."

"Hell no!" Song Heping waved both hands repeatedly: "I wouldn't. I know who I am!"

He got out of the car at the neighborhood entrance, watching Lei Ming's car disappear into the night.

The neighborhood was surprisingly quiet in the early morning, with only street lamps casting dim circles of light on the street.

He looked up and saw the lights still on in his apartment on the 28th floor.

It was probably his brother and sister-in-law leaving the lights on for him.

The lights of home.

With family, there is home.

That night, he slept very little.

Lei Ming's words echoed in his mind as he thought about the next steps.