Chapter 1948 - 1426: Business Is Business_3

Yusuf smiled meaningfully.

"You know the rules here, the real transaction price, after 'friendly and lengthy' negotiations, and considering various 'necessary' steps, it might eventually be further reduced by ten to fifteen percent. Some of our officials may be inefficient in fighting for their department's budget, but when it comes to negotiating and price cutting, especially in transactions with huge profit margins, they are very... experienced and creative."

Song Heping was silent, his gaze seemed unfocused, resting on a pattern on the coffee table in front of him.

But Yusuf knew that his counterpart's brain was performing complex financial and political calculations at an astonishing speed.

According to the agreement reached with the US Army, the total cost of obtaining this batch of equipment translated to less than 50 million dollars.

Even if ultimately sold to the Iligo Ministry of Defense at the "friendly price" mentioned by Yusuf, further discounted by fifteen percent to approximately thirteen billion dollars, the profit margin would be suffocating.

This is not merely exorbitant profit; it's a capital accumulation capable of changing many people's destinies and power balances.

For a moment, the office was silent, with only the subtle sound of light refracting from the crystal chandelier and the faint traffic noise from the distant street.

Song Heping raised his gaze again, looking at Yusuf: "If... I'm willing to sell a portion of the equipment at a price ten percent lower than the 'intended quote' given by the US Army to the Iligo Ministry of Defense? Of course, it must be an acceptable payment method."

Yusuf's facial muscles twitched slightly, not from surprise, but as a physiological reaction to being instantly struck by immense temptation.

His eyes visibly brightened, a sharp and intense longing rooted deep in the merchant and politician's intuition for massive profits.

He involuntarily leaned forward again.

"A portion?" he pressed, his voice more urgent than before, "How large a portion? Specifically, which parts?"

"Equipment valued at about... fifteen billion dollars."

Song Heping offered up a clear figure.

"Mainly light weapons, accompanying observation devices, individual protective gear, general ammunition, and some non-sensitive tactical vehicles, like Hummers and some trucks. However..."

He emphasized his tone, drawing a clear line.

"Sensitive high-tech equipment, like portable missile systems such as Stingers, loitering munitions, and any heavy equipment possibly involving more sensitive technology or causing regional power imbalances, are not included. For those, I have other channels and arrangements."

"Fifteen billion... ten percent price difference..."

Yusuf almost subconsciously muttered to himself.

His brain was rapidly processing.

Ten percent of fifteen billion is 1.5 billion dollars!

Even though ensuring the Ministry of Defense, parliament, and possibly key figures in the security department are pacified, and all sorts of "consultation fees," "processing fees," and "acceleration fees" need to be paid, after deducting all these expenses, he can still secure a solid five percent commission as the most critical intermediary and facilitator.

That's 7.5 million dollars!

This is only the explicit profit from the price difference.

It is a transaction that can elevate his personal wealth and influence to a new level!

However, years of political experience allowed him to quickly regain a measure of calm from the ecstasy.

He furrowed his brow, voicing the first and most realistic obstacle: "Fifteen billion dollars is a bit challenging... Song, the Ministry of Defense doesn't have that much cash. The total defense budget this year is only eighty billion, and it was already divided among various military branches and departments at the beginning of the year; every bit has been allocated. To temporarily reallocate or increase a fifteen billion military procurement budget, it would require initiating an emergency budget addition procedure. But that needs a cabinet proposal, parliamentary debate, committee reviews... The process takes at least three months, and the variables are immense. The opposition is bound to exploit this."

"Cash isn't the only option."

Song Heping was clearly prepared for this, his preparation so thorough that Yusuf couldn't help but admire yet be wary.

"Installment payments can be accepted. For instance, a certain percentage can be paid as a down payment after signing the contract, with the remainder cleared within twelve to eighteen months. Or..."

He paused, offering a more attractive scheme.

"Payment can also be made with other equivalent commodities. Oil, your most stable and direct hard currency. Or... future government contracts. I know Iraq's post-war reconstruction is urgently needed, from the power grid, highways, and bridges to communication networks, requiring numerous infrastructure projects. My... affiliated companies can participate in bidding or secure some preferential contracts. Use future project profits to offset current arms payments."

Yusuf fell into contemplation.

Oil payment is a common barter method, relatively mature in operation but involves international oil price fluctuations, export quotas, and transport arrangements.

Infrastructure contracts are more complex, covering a wide scope, with long cycles but deeper profit engagement if managed well, offering potentially greater derivative value.

He needs to weigh which method will have the maximum appeal to Song Heping, while still being approved by the Ministry of Defense and the cabinet.

"What do you need me to do?"

Yusuf asked the most critical question.

Interest division must be clear.

"Facilitate this transaction." Song Heping's answer was clear and concise: "Using your status as Deputy Speaker and Defense Committee member to mediate and push within the Ministry of Defense, cabinet, and necessary parliamentary committees to ensure the core framework of the deal is accepted and entered into substantive negotiations. In return, you can receive a fixed percentage commission from the final total, say... five percent. This commission, you can choose cash or integrate it into any form of payment scheme."

He directly matched Yusuf's gaze, his eyes steady but sharp, as if penetrating the calculation within the depths of the other's pupils.

"But, Yusuf, I must remind you. This transaction, until the goods are completely transferred and the payment or equivalent commodity process is nearly completed, must maintain the highest level of confidentiality. Limited to the most core, most necessary few people. If information leaks prematurely, especially to those... who shouldn't know, I might face not only business troubles."

He didn't specify what kind of troubles, but Yusuf completely understood the implications.

Black market competitors' sabotage, obstruction from other factions, even international scrutiny and pressure, and most dangerously, potential extreme actions by certain armed factions.

"I understand."

Yusuf nodded solemnly: "In Iraq, especially concerning such large-scale arms flow, confidentiality is not a preference, but a necessity."

Afterwards, he seemed to make up his mind, glancing at his expensive diamond-studded gold watch on his wrist, then leaning back, showing that slightly slick smile again, with a more relaxed tone.

"Actually, Song, even if you didn't bring it up today, I estimate Minister Rashim would find you through other channels. Their interest in what you have is very real. The Ministry of Defense, especially Minister Rashim himself, is anxious about upgrading and modernizing military equipment, but the budget is tight. This batch of goods, with good quality, price advantage, and ready availability, is like manna from heaven to them. Since you're willing to sell part of it, it's an ideal situation for both sides. As for price, rest assured, I will certainly stand in a friend's position to secure the best terms for you. As for specific payment methods, such as US Dollar installments, oil barter, or the reconstruction contracts you've mentioned, we can list several options and then finalize when we meet with the Minister. What do you think?"

His words skillfully repositioned himself from merely an intermediary to partially a protector of Song Heping's interests, although both parties understood that Yusuf's core interest was his commission.

"Very reasonable." Song Heping nodded slightly, also smiling: "So, when can we meet Minister Rashim?"

"Right away!"

Yusuf almost leapt to his feet, as if those millions of dollars had materialized, beckoning him from the sofa across, and he must immediately spread his arms to embrace them.

"I'll call him now. I bet he's in the office, dealing with troublesome paperwork while eagerly awaiting any new news about this batch of arms. Your arrival will be today's most exciting news for him."

He approached the massive desk, picking up the encrypted direct-line phone receiver.

Before dialing, he looked back at Song Heping and winked: "Sometimes, efficiency is everything, especially when everyone is eager to accomplish something."