75: At your own risk

However, due to the opponent's continuous harassment, all of Iraq's border troops must remain highly vigilant.

What's worse, both sides have already begun rotating leave, and once they recover their strength, Iraq's current state might face the danger of collapse.

"Do we not have any means to counter their armed helicopters?" Saddam asked.

The Chief of Staff fell silent.

Saddam understood that the countries possessing such weapons were all on the opposing side; how could they possibly sell them to an adversary?

"What exactly have these ambassadors been doing all these years?"

"Issue an order for the ambassadors from various countries to intensify their search for channels to purchase weapons."

"Tell them that the military situation is urgent, and they must find any possible leads within a week, or face the consequences."

"Yes, Saddam Commander."

Saddam slowly said, "If there is nothing else, you may withdraw. I wish to be alone for a moment."

However, after the order was relayed, the Chief of Staff did not leave, and a hesitant expression appeared on his face.

Saddam looked up, his brows furrowing slightly.

"Is there something else?"

Feeling the Saddam Commander's stern gaze, the Chief of Staff immediately straightened up and mustered the courage to say, "I have a question."

"Speak."

"Why, at this time, did you agree to General Majid's request to let him go to Rabbit Country to study? Aren't you afraid he will betray us?"

Saddam stared at him, his eyes sharp, and the atmosphere became somewhat cold.

The Chief of Staff felt a chill run from his neck all the way down to his feet.

After a moment, Saddam said, "I have confidence in General Majid, and I hope you can trust him too."

"Yes, Saddam Commander."

"Moreover, the main reason for our failure this time was insufficient ground combat capability, and Rabbit Country has previously defeated Eagle Country and has experience in this area."

"I believe this is crucial for our future battles."

"Because we will have to fight Eagle Country sooner or later!"

"Any more questions?"

The Chief of Staff immediately stood at attention, saluted, and said, "No, Saddam Commander."

"Then, please withdraw."

"Yes!"

The Chief of Staff left the room, gently closed the door, and felt his legs were a bit weak.

He thought to himself that he would never bring up such sensitive issues again in the future.

Taking a deep breath, feeling his strength gradually return to his legs, he steadied his steps and walked outside the residence.

...

Inside Shanhai Industry's office, Tang Ziwei was sitting on the sofa, sipping tea, while Wang Shuo had already left the room.

Not long ago, Xu Ning confirmed to Tang Ziwei that they had enough resources to complete the prototype manufacturing of the individual weapon within two days and prepare the production line.

Considering they still had three days before returning to Shanghai, there was ample time.

Therefore, Xu Ning immediately dialed the number of Irako's Ambassador Hassan.

The call was quickly answered, and a low voice came through: "Hello?"

"Ambassador Hassan, it's me, Xu Ning," Xu Ning said, "The one from Shanhai Industry."

The voice on the other end of the phone instantly became tense: "It's you? What happened? Is it Irako?"

Xu Ning laughed, "No, it's not a problem with Irako.

If something really happened, you should know earlier than I do."

The Ambassador breathed a sigh of relief, but he always felt that nothing good ever came from receiving a call from Xu Ning, so his heart was inevitably a little uneasy.

"Then why are you calling me?" the Ambassador asked.

"We have some business we'd like to discuss with you," Xu Ning replied, "Do you remember mentioning before that you needed a weapon capable of countering armed helicopters?"

The Ambassador thought for a moment and said, "Ah, yes, there was such a thing."

"Now, we have developed this weapon, and the price is very reasonable.

A set of anti-aircraft missiles only costs twelve thousand dollars."

The Ambassador frowned.

He knew that the country had already ended its conflict with Eagle Country and no longer needed such equipment.

But did this mean he could, in turn, take the initiative in negotiations?

"Mr. Xu," the Ambassador cleared his throat, trying to regain the buyer's sense of superiority, "We don't need to purchase this kind of weapon now."

"However, if you are willing to offer a more favorable price, I can consider it."

After saying this, the Ambassador felt a long-lost sense of satisfaction.

In the past, during the war, he often felt powerless in front of this seller when purchasing weapons, but now the situation had changed, and he finally had the chance to regain control of the negotiations.

It had been a long time since he experienced the feeling of being the buyer, it felt great!

Xu Ning did not get angry after hearing this, and still said with a smile, "Alright, if you change your mind, please feel free to contact me."

"Mhm." Ambassador Hassan responded perfunctorily and then hung up the phone.

Hmph, it will still depend on my mood then.

Only the dial tone remained on the other end of the phone.

Tang Ziwei eagerly asked, "How is the situation? Are they willing to buy?"

Xu Ning still had a smile on his face, clearly unaffected by Hassan's attitude.

"I think Hassan hasn't yet understood the domestic demand.

He might think that the country no longer needs weapons and equipment now."

As he spoke, he removed the satellite phone's battery.

"But it doesn't matter, we've cast the bait.

He will change his mind, just let him cool down for a couple of days."

Tang Ziwei looked at him doubtfully: "Are you so sure he will contact us in the next few days?"

Xu Ning leaned back and asked, "Want to make a bet, Company Commander Tang?"

Tang Ziwei quickly waved her hand, "For this kind of thing, you should go find Xiao Jianhao."

The two exchanged a smile.

On the other side, Ambassador Hassan was comfortably half-reclining in his chair, enjoying the superiority of being the buyer.

He picked up the coffee next to him, took a small sip, and the taste was exceptionally mellow.

With his legs casually resting on the edge of the table, he began to close his eyes and rest.

Today was truly a beautiful day.

However, the price Xu Ning quoted for the anti-aircraft missile was really good.

A set only cost twelve thousand dollars, which was quite a bargain.

Thinking of this, he opened his eyes and looked at the phone nearby.

Perhaps it would be better to ask the people back home.

In case they needed it, he could still get a better deal.

Just as he was about to pick up the phone, it suddenly rang.

Who was calling?

It couldn't be Xu Ning, could it?

Did he still want to keep pushing the sale?

Ambassador Hassan's lips curved slightly upwards, and he picked up the phone.

"Hello?"

"I am Saddam Commander's secretary."

Hearing this, Ambassador Hassan immediately sat up straight.

"Oh, it's you.

What are the instructions?"

"Saddam Commander has just issued an order.

The situation is urgent.

You must find a way to purchase anti-helicopter weapons within a week, or face the consequences."

...

"Hello? Hello? Ambassador Hassan, are you still there?"

Hassan was speechless for a moment, and the hand holding the phone began to tremble uncontrollably.

The phone finally slipped from his hand.

"Ambassador Hassan? Ambassador Hassan?"