Chapter 1812 - 1378: The $250 Million Deal (Part 4)

The convoy started, leaving the evacuation point.

In the rearview mirror, the US Army's command vehicle gradually shrank and was eventually swallowed by the night.

"But will we really disclose the evidence?" Jiang Feng asked. "If things go south, all our company's business in Illiguo could be frozen. The US Army has ways to make us suffer."

"No." Song Heping opened his eyes. "Disclosing evidence is the last resort, it's the nuclear button for flipping the table. But as long as the button is there, it has deterrent power. Duke knows this, I know this too. So this is a tacit game: I have the ability to embarrass him, he has the resources to ensure my survival. We exchange, then continue."

He looked out the window.

In the darkness, Titrick's outline was already invisible, but the horizon in that direction still glowed with an unnatural dark yellow.

That was the remnant glow of a toxic cloud in the night light.

"Once the equipment is in place, you're responsible for cleanup work." Song Heping said. "This is your chance to prove yourself. If the company can not only fight but also handle chemical contamination and conduct humanitarian aid, our value in the international market will double. The future of private military companies is not just mercenaries but 'comprehensive security solution providers.'"

Jiang Feng nodded. "What about the pursuit of Misu?"

"I'll deploy a battalion to cooperate with their actions. This operation is also a great training opportunity; it's not about being cannon fodder for the US Army, but learning. Learning how they track high-value targets, how they utilize technological advantages, how they operate in gray zones. Every piece of intelligence, every tactical choice needs to be recorded and analyzed. We must use the resources of the US Army to train our special operations capabilities."

"If Misu is captured—"

"If Misu is captured, we must ensure our people are present during the interrogation."

Song Heping interrupted him. "I feel Duke is hiding something from me; Misu isn't that simple, there must be interesting things behind him. The Americans seem very anxious to find him, I'm afraid it's not just to deal with Buckdadi."

He didn't finish, but Jiang Feng understood.

The losses of this attack force were so great, Abu You was severely injured and hospitalized, and Song Heping would definitely not let it go like that.

If Misu is the culprit, following Song Heping's usual style, he must be sent to meet his Allah.

The Americans are eager to cooperate with Song Heping, not only because if the 1515 chemical weapon network truly exists, and there's a chance of it spreading to Europe or the United States.

Moreover, handling this matter would be a ticket into the core security circle of the West, the highest level of "trust capital" a private military company can acquire.

"There's another thing." Song Heping said, "Use all our resources and Samir's local intelligence network, contact all our informants in towns along the Iraq-Syria border, issue a photo, and let the gatekeepers watch for this Misu."

Pausing a moment, he added: "Also, find someone to inquire about all information regarding Maysour Al-Jabri in Mosul. Not just official records, but personal information; his family, his students, his research habits. What Duke showed us is just the tip of the iceberg, I want to know the part beneath the surface."

"Understood."

"Also, have the PR team prepare a press release about Titrick's 'humanitarian actions,' without mentioning chemical weapons. Focus on highlighting our 'close cooperation' with the US Army and efforts to protect civilians and the environment. The tone should be humble, but the content solid. Release timing... set for when the first batch of US Army equipment arrives."

Jiang Feng noted down the instructions.

When he looked up, he saw Song Heping staring out the window, his profile appearing particularly cold under the dim glow of the dashboard.

Half an hour ago, he had just threatened a US Army Major General, forcing them to provide tens of millions of US Dollars in aid, and secured a position in joint operations.

And now, he must start planning the next step, and the step after that, like a chess player already seeing ten moves ahead before making one.

"Old squad leader," Jiang Feng suddenly asked, "What if Duke backs out?"

"Then he's taking a risk." Song Heping said, his voice lacking any emotion. "Risking me publicly disclosing the evidence, risking the transaction becoming a public war. Duke isn't just a pure soldier; he's also somewhat a politician. Politicians understand calculating costs, and the current cost, he can't afford."

He turned his head, looking at Jiang Feng. "Remember, in this game, the strongest weapon isn't guns or evidence; it's the opponent's estimation of their losses. Duke estimates his losses to be greater than mine, so he makes concessions. If one day the situation reverses, I would also make concessions. That's the rule."

The convoy drove into the command center gate.

As Song Heping got out, the early morning cold wind cleared his mind for a moment.

He looked up at the sky.

No stars, only thick clouds, like it's going to rain.

Rain would be good for Titrick; it can wash away the toxins in the air.

But for the pursuit operation, it might be a hindrance, erasing traces, making it easier for the fugitive to hide.

Every matter has two sides, every choice has a cost.

This is war, this is business, this is survival.