Mercenary’s War

Chapter 2337 - 2313: Getting Something for Nothing

10,000,000 turned into 2,000,000, and Gao Yang was very skeptical about how Abdullah could accept this cheerfully.

Seeing Gao Yang’s skeptical look, Jim smiled and said, "He accepted it cheerfully. I just divided the 10,000,000 into several installments and gave them to him. You didn’t say 10,000,000 had to be paid all at once, so I said it would be delivered in five installments to his Houthis Armed Forces, and no one had any big objections."

"Alright, you did a great job. In a year’s time, haha, we should all be leaving by then."

Jim continued to smile, "The reason Abdullah cheerfully accepted the reduced aid is that I offered him a condition he couldn’t refuse."

Gao Yang tilted his head, "What condition?"

"It’s Russia’s public support."

Gao Yang, who was sitting in his chair, suddenly stood up in surprise, "Are you crazy? That’s the one thing we absolutely can’t do!"

Jim shook his head, "No, Boss, we can do it."

Gao Yang looked at Jim very skeptically, while Jim confidently smiled. After pondering for a long time, Gao Yang pointed at Jim, then sat back in his chair, speaking gravely, "Explain it to me."

Jim spoke leisurely, "My so-called public support is just playing a word game. Russia supports Iran, and Iran supports the Houthis Armed Forces. So, Russia would never be against the Houthis Armed Forces, right? Moreover, Russia and the Houthis have always had a decent relationship."

Gao Yang thought for a moment, then nodded, "Yes, you’re right."

Jim smiled, "Then we can already ensure no matter what the Houthis do, Russia will at most remain neutral and won’t condemn them, let alone oppose them."

"Yes."

"The following things are much easier. I just need to tell Abdullah that Russia will support him and his Houthis Armed Forces, fighting for survival space internationally, resisting pressure from America and Saudi Arabia. In major issues, Russia will speak for the Houthis at least; they definitely won’t condemn them."

Gao Yang frowned, "But with or without us, Russia would do that anyway, right? Why would Abdullah give up more aid for things Russia would inevitably do?"

Jim shook his head, "No, you don’t understand their psychology. Russia indeed would do this, but Abdullah couldn’t be sure about it, so he needs a promise from us for reassurance, and that promise is more valuable than financial aid."

Gao Yang thought for a long time, then slowly nodded, "I understand now, you used something Russia would naturally provide to secure Abdullah’s trust and reliance."

Jim shrugged, "What Abdullah needs is just confidence and courage, and as Russia’s Presidential Envoy, you can give him that. Since Russia would undoubtedly do this, there’s no worry that Russia would expose your identity, thus Abdullah’s confidence will grow stronger, and he’ll become increasingly reliant on you—a positive feedback loop."

Gao Yang took a deep breath, "The confidence you speak of also includes Abdullah’s reduced emphasis on orders from Iran."

Jim nodded, "Yes, the big boss behind the scenes becomes his own backing, so his courage must grow a bit."

Gao Yang laughed, "I finally understand what ’glove catches white wolf’ means, brilliant, I hadn’t thought of that."

Jim only faintly smiled at Gao Yang’s praise, then said, "Moreover, I’ve agreed with Abdullah, he’ll first send about 200 elite forces to receive our training, and when necessary, you can directly command these people."

Gao Yang was shocked, "So soon?"

What surprised Gao Yang wasn’t the number of 200 people, but Abdullah’s stance, entrusting some people for training and even command shows Abdullah’s determination for collaboration with Russia. Although 200 people is very few for the Houthis Armed Forces, the gesture is extremely significant.

Jim just met Abdullah briefly, yet he made the always hesitant and cautious Abdullah make up his mind, which is truly impressive.

Gao Yang thought it would be good for Abdullah to make a decision within a month, but Jim sorted it out within an hour.

Looking at the surprised Gao Yang, Abdullah smiled, "Yes, these 200 people will be in place tomorrow. Also, the Houthis Armed Forces have earmarked four D30 cannons and 1,500 shells for us, along with 20 trucks allocated for artillery use, and Abdullah agreed for us to conduct small-scale training for the Houthis artillery unit. The training is more symbolic; the important part is that we can also command them during operations."

Gao Yang was almost dizzy with happiness and couldn’t help but say in a worshipful tone, "How did you manage this?"

Jim shrugged, "Russia’s public statement is quite precious. I traded Russian support for these."

Gao Yang couldn’t help but say, "I have nothing to say."

Jim smiled, "Though your identity as a special envoy is fake, nobody knows that, so you can instill confidence in people. Boss, you need to remember one thing, you are Russia’s envoy, your attitude represents Russia’s attitude, and though Russia has declined, it’s still one of the most powerful countries in the world, so you really should be bolder, and when negotiating, have a bigger appetite. Frankly, I think Abdullah was too cautious; I wanted much more than what he offered, so I’m actually not very satisfied with the negotiation result."

After finishing, Jim said earnestly, "It wasn’t very effective with just me negotiating. We should go together, so the results would be definitely better. I’ll be gentle, you be tough, and the negotiation will be more effective."

Gao Yang laughed, "I get it, it’s like one sings the red face and one the white face, right? I understand, next time we’ll do just that."

Jim looked puzzled, "Red face and white face? Just facial expressions? There must be some meaning, what’s the point?"

Gao Yang laughed, "All Huaxia People understand this, just a saying, but it actually means the same as what you said."

Jim nodded, then looked at his watch quietly, "Starting tomorrow, receiving personnel and equipment; then, our living setup needs to be adjusted. But that’s only negotiable by continuing discussions with them tomorrow. I will strive for better conditions, and as for you, don’t attend unless really critical."

Gao Yang immediately said, "Alright, I absolutely trust you with these matters!"