Chapter 1468 - 1215: The "Battlefield" Beyond the Battlefield

Song Heping did not immediately study the intelligence about the secret passage concerning the fate of Hulmatu left by Avanti.

He needed to make a seemingly unrelated move, a strategic hand that seemed irrelevant to the battlefield full of gunfire, yet could determine the future course of the game.

Though it was an idle move, it was an off-board tactic, but it was crucial for his layout.

He walked to the communication console, did not use the satellite phone for contacting various forces, but picked up another satellite phone with equally high security level, and skillfully dialed an intercontinental number.

After a brief waiting tone, the call was answered, and a voice with a hint of laziness, yet revealing a shrewd and capable woman, came over, speaking in perfectly accented American English.

"Hey, darling, calling at this hour? I remember it should be late at night over there. Is the night in Iliguo more sleepless than the neon lights of New York?"

The voice belonged to Angel, Song Heping's only lover.

She is also the mastermind behind the rising "Horizon" news group in the Western media world in recent years.

Media is also a weapon.

Song Heping's secret layouts in the news world over the years always come in handy at critical moments.

"Baby."

Song Heping's voice carried a hint of tenderness: "There's something I need you to do."

Hearing Song Heping's serious tone, Angel on the other end quickly asked, "What is it? Tell me."

"Mobilize all the media resources under 'Horizon', including mainstream newspapers, TV news channels, and those influential online platforms,"

Song Heping said in a solemn voice: "Release two messages externally as fast as possible."

"First, emphasize in your reports that the defense leader Song Heping, once labeled by certain international organizations or countries as 'extremist armed leader', has recently been secretly removed from related lists. Use words like 'allegedly', 'indications show', 'anonymous sources reveal', without confirming the source, but create an atmosphere of an established fact."

Angel was silent for a second, clearly rapidly digesting the implications behind this information.

"Removed from the list? That's like 'vindicating' you, DC hasn't disclosed this externally, if you suddenly make it public... it would cause many chain reactions. Also, I might be questioned by relevant parties, asked to reveal who provided this information? We need reliable sources..."

"No need for sources."

Song Heping interrupted her: "Or rather, the source is 'anonymous emails'. You just need to make it seem like a 'given fact' coming out of Washington or the United Nations circles."

He paused and continued to deliver heavier instructions:

"Second, immediately follow up with a disclosure about the current complex counter-terrorism cooperation in Northwest Iliguo after laying the groundwork with the first message. Specify—remember, also quoting 'anonymous sources'—the United States, Russia, Persia, if Persia is sensitive, refer to it as 'a major Middle Eastern country'."

"Furthermore, reveal that the mercenary group I lead has also participated in this counter-terrorism action, and is currently engaged in a certain level of tactical collaboration based on mutual interests in Northwest Iliguo, jointly attacking the 1515 Armed."

This time, Angel's breathing became evidently more rapid.

She is all too aware of the waves this message would cause in the international public opinion field if thrown out by a media like "Horizon" as "exclusive" and "inside information".

It's almost tearing open a corner of the secret transactions under the table, exposing it to the sunlight.

"Song... this is a bit risky..."

Angel's voice carried a hint of worry.

"It's equivalent to publicizing the secret cooperation between your allies! The Americans will go ballistic! They absolutely won't admit it! This will disrupt all their arrangements!"

"What I want is for them not to be able to admit, nor deny!"

Song Heping said with a cold laugh: "They enjoy scheming behind the scenes, trying to treat me as a pawn, even intending to trick me? I insist on placing this table on the street, letting everyone see who those Americans are dining with now!"

His voice was deep: "I intend to use public opinion to block their retreat! Once the news spreads and gains international attention, should they attempt to turn against me, the cost would become enormously high. By then, the whole world will be watching to see how they handle a just 'revindicated' former 'extremist leader' now working with them in 'counter-terrorism'. They simply cannot afford the reputation collapse and international public pressure of flip-flopping."

Song Heping's move was actually called "tying them to the boat."

Using the public's right to know as a rope, securely tying the Americans' strategic flexibility.

Angel was smart, she instantly understood Song Heping's intention.

This isn't simple public opinion buildup; it's a meticulously planned political binding and strategic blackmail.

She could almost see the spectacular expressions on the faces of Washington's bureaucrats and generals when these reports flood in.

"I understand."

Angel's voice regained calmness, even carried a hint of excitement; she enjoyed the feeling of manipulating public opinion and influencing situations.

"I will immediately arrange it, utilize our most reliable journalists and channels to ensure the message is released quickly and in the most untraceable manner. Within 24 hours, you will see the effect."

"Very good."

Song Heping's tone eased, "Be safe, protect yourself and our information channels."

"You too, darling."

Angel's voice softened, "Is everything okay there in Iliguo?"

"Everything is great here."

Song Heping gazed at the peaceful night outside the window and at the document on the desk marking the fate of Hulmatu, "Couldn't be better. Rest assured, once this matter is accomplished, I believe our meeting in the United States will be righteous. We'll go to Miami Beach for vacation holding your hand."

"Take care, my dear."

"Take care, my darling."

After hanging up the phone, Song Heping exhaled a long breath.

With this move, his game with the Americans was no longer confined to the deserts of Northwest Illinois.

The battlefield had already extended to the newsrooms of New York, the public opinion arena of Washington, and the screens of global netizens.

He had just picked up the intelligence report about the secret passage, ready to study it carefully, when the long-silent satellite phone suddenly emitted an urgent and continuous vibration.

Song Heping glanced at the encrypted code displayed, his face showing no sign of surprise.

Whoever was calling was within his expectations.

He picked up the receiver, and a heavy Slavic accent immediately came through.

"Song! My dear friend! It's Niezov!"

"Good evening, General."

Song Heping's tone sounded with just the right amount of surprise, pretending not to have expected Niezov's call.

"What wind could have woken you up so late at night?"

"What other wind could it be? Of course, the evil wind blowing from the Northwest Region of Illinois!"

General Niezov's voice was loud, with a strong presence even over the phone, as he unabashedly launched into a tirade.

"Damn Americans! Those despicable, shameless Anglo-Saxon bastards! Song, we all know about what happened in the Tuz Valley! How dare they use such underhanded means to betray their allies at this time! It's as if they've trampled the word 'credibility' into the mud!"

He cursed with righteous indignation, as if it was his own loyal troops that had suffered the loss.

"I have already personally informed the Commander at our Syria Hmeimim Base! From today onward, our Russian Army's reconnaissance satellites in the Iligo War Zone will prioritize providing battlefield intelligence support to your troops! Tell those American liaison officers in your command to get lost! The resolution of the satellite images I provide will surely satisfy you! We must let those Americans know, not everyone uses their allies as a doormat like they do!"

Song Heping held the receiver, his face expressionless.

He was well aware.

That Arctic Bear didn't come early or late, but called right after he had just met with Avanti and explicitly stated that he would watch the Americans suffer.

Before the ambush in the Tuz Valley, with Russia's intelligence network in Illinois, could Niezov have been completely unaware?

He simply didn't believe it.

That bear is cunning!

At that time, he didn't speak up because he had the same mindset as Avanti.

Merely interested in watching the spectacle, perhaps even hoping that the Americans and Song Heping would completely fall out, so he could seize the opportunity to draw him over.

Now, seeing him in contact with the Persians and seeing the Americans about to be embarrassed, he immediately jumped out to curry favor, condemning the Americans as shameless, while offering this "generous gift" of satellite intelligence.

The goal is the same as Avanti's: to draw him over, sow discord, deepen the rift between him and the Americans, and hopefully drive him to completely side with Moscow—or at least maintain hostility towards the United States.

These people are all sly old foxes.

However, Song Heping didn't intend to expose it.

Fall out with the Russians?

No need.

At least, not now.

The Persians' intelligence network penetrates deeply into the grassroots, and the Russians' satellites provide a panoramic view, combining the two can create the most comprehensive battlefield vision.

Of course, if the Americans were a bit more honest and less despicable, their intelligence would actually be better than both of these.

But, that bunch of Anglos can't be trusted, precautions are necessary.

So, in the future, if he needs to fall out with the Americans, having these two hands of Russian and Persian cards in hand is undoubtedly beneficial.

Chips are never too many.

"General, your words moved me deeply."

Song Heping's voice was filled with "sincere" gratitude: "In such difficult times, to receive such steadfast support from you and your country, I, Song Heping, will remember it! Rest assured, I will have my technical team immediately connect with your data link for the satellite intelligence. I will keep this friendship in my heart, I don't like owing favors, and I will definitely have the opportunity to repay you in the future!"

His tone sounded just like a "lost lamb" who, having been betrayed by the Americans, finally found a warm harbor.

On the other end of the line, Niezov was evidently very satisfied with Song Heping's response. He exchanged a few more enthusiastic pleasantries, emphasizing the indestructible "Russo-Song friendship," and then hung up the phone contentedly.

After putting down the satellite phone, the command center returned to silence.

Song Heping walked to the window, opened it, letting the cool night air flow in. He lit a new cigarette, the red glow flickered in the dark.

Dagula remained peacefully asleep, remarkably calm.

Yet he knew well, compared to the tranquility here at this moment, in the Baghdad Green Zone a few hundred kilometers away, in that command center symbolizing America's highest power in Illinois, it was likely already in chaos.