Solving Middle Age Crisis by Intelligence System-Chapter 427 - 274: Salaman’s Strength (5,000 Words)

"If I help you with this, and the news gets out, my father will definitely scold me."

Although the Oil Country covertly flirts with the Houthis, on the surface, they are adversaries.

Despite both believing in Islam, this involves factional relations. The Oil Country is led by Sunnis, while the Houthis are primarily Shiite, the root of their open hostility.

Furthermore, the Oil Country’s external propaganda is pro-American, whereas the Houthis are the leading anti-American vanguard, so fundamentally, they are not in the same camp.

In past years, there were even fierce military conflicts.

But these are old debts. In this world, there are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests.

When the Salaman family accumulated enough wealth, they no longer wished to be controlled by the US, especially after Salaman took over, this resolve became even stronger.

Thus, their diplomatic attitude gradually changed, outwardly still appearing to be a US ally, but frequently engaging with major countries like China, Russia, and Japan.

Simultaneously, they secretly reconciled with the Houthis, providing support covertly to gain crucial benefits from major powers.

Qi Yun listened to Salaman’s response, not showing disappointment. The other party said it was difficult, not impossible, meaning there was still room for negotiation.

"Mr. Salaman, my request is merely to protect that freighter, without the need to directly attack the United Kingdom’s warship. Furthermore, the act of deploying a warship to illegally hijack a merchant ship is likely a private action by certain individuals, so the situation should remain controllable and not escalate."

"That cargo is very important to me. If Mr. Salaman is willing to help, I would be immensely grateful."

Qi Yun did not quote a price directly as usual in a transaction since the other party definitely doesn’t lack money.

It is said that Salaman once spent 500 million US Dollars at an auction to buy a Da Vinci painting...

And this matter is quite special, so it’s important to understand the other person’s attitude before discussing anything else.

Salaman stood up and walked to the window, gazing at the stars in the desert night sky, remaining silent for half a minute before sighing and replying: "Alright, since this matter is so important to you, for the sake of our friendship, I can attempt to contact them, even if it means being reprimanded by my father."

Qi Yun immediately showed a look of joy: "Thank you for your help, Mr. Salaman!"

Salaman chuckled softly: "Between friends, there’s no need to be so formal."

"Okay, then I won’t be formal with you." Qi Yun pondered for a moment and cautiously asked, "I wonder if Mr. Salaman needs any help from me?"

Although Salaman’s words were smooth, Qi Yun wasn’t naive enough to believe that the help was purely out of friendship.

Moreover, the two don’t even count as friends, having merely interacted before.

Before contacting Salaman, he had even prepared for a possible rejection; succeeding in the task would be best, but otherwise, he would just report it to the state, earning slightly less benefit.

"Haha, I don’t need your help for now. If there’s anything in the future, I’ll let you know, but then I hope you won’t refuse me on account of our friendship." Salaman jokingly replied, a flick of his thumb lighting his lighter, a calculating gleam in his eyes.

This answer somewhat surprised Qi Yun. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Originally, he thought his only leverage might be the relationship with the Fu Family, conveyed through Li Yaohua.

Yet the other party didn’t ask for anything...

But he knew there’s no such thing as a free lunch; this matter is like a loan, though no interest is collected now, it will be someday.

However, the future can wait... Qi Yun sighed inwardly, focusing first on resolving the immediate issue to bolster his own position.

With this thought, Qi Yun laughed heartily: "Of course! As long as it’s something I can do, I will give it my all!"

"Haha, great, I’ll have someone handle this matter now." Salaman also showed a satisfied smile.

Qi Yun nodded, expressing his gratitude once more: "Alright, then I’ll rely on you, Mr. Salaman!"

"You’re welcome! Goodbye."

After ending the call, Salaman asked his assistant to bring him another phone, and then he dialed his representative’s number in Yemen.

"Tell them..."

"Primarily use deterrence! If that warship doesn’t retreat, sink it directly!"

Holding the phone, Salaman’s face showed determination, and from his tone, it seemed the relationship between the Oil Country and the Houthis might be far more complex than seen by the outside world.

...

Aden Bay.

Two helicopters hovered over the deck of the Desert Fox freighter, while two nautical miles away, the Duke of York Frigate blocked the way, its main cannon aimed directly at the freighter!

As the freighter’s speed gradually slowed, two ropes were lowered from the helicopters, and over twenty armed soldiers descended onto the deck.

As soon as the soldiers landed, they swiftly formed a tactical formation, their dark muzzles aiming at the bridge.

The leading captain shouted through a loudspeaker: "Everyone, come out immediately! Hands on your head, squat on the deck!"

Inside the cabin, notified crew members came out one by one, all squatting with their hands on their heads in fear, including the black captain and first officer; these armed men looked even more terrifying than the pirates seen at noon.