9: Chapter 9 Poison Sting

"What kind of good stuff is it?"

Moriarty's gaze sharpened. Having navigated the underworld for many years, he knew from Zhang Shan's demeanor that this was definitely not simple.

"See for yourself; you'll definitely like it."

Zhang Shan set down his wine glass and gestured for Moriarty to stand up with him and take a look.

Moriarty didn't stand on ceremony; he and Mona each opened a black case to inspect the contents.

"Streamlined, cylindrical, iron alloy, this, this is..."

"This is a missile!"

Moriarty slowly lifted the heavy cylindrical object.

A cold, gleaming weapon of mass destruction suddenly appeared in the room—a stinger missile!

The FIM-92 stinger missile is produced by General Dynamics and is a standard Western man-portable air-defense system!

It is currently widely used in many countries around the world—and, of course, powerful underground forces can also get their hands on it.

But for a minor warlord like Moriarty, it would be difficult to acquire.

You have to understand, even though this thing is a portable missile, its power is not to be underestimated.

It can go head-to-head with armored vehicles and helicopters!

Back when the Northern Bear Country was still a union, one of the reasons their invasion of Afghanistan failed was because of the stinger missile!

It is estimated that in just two years, the United States secretly provided at least 900 to 1200 stinger missiles to the Taliban organization in Afghanistan.

These missiles shot down approximately 250 fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters of the Northern Bear Union, achieving brilliant results!

Therefore, although the stinger missile is definitely not as powerful as a true large-scale missile, it is definitely not weak.

Consequently, it is expensive; in the underground arms market, one unit costs nearly 200,000 us dollars, and due to United States control, it is the type of item that has a price but no market.

After all, this is a weapon strictly monitored by the United States government; apart from official procurement by state forces, the quantity flowing into the black market is very scarce.

Hence, Moriarty only knew that it was a missile, but did not know it was a stinger missile.

"It's just two stinger missiles, Mr. Moriarty, there is no need to be surprised."

Zhang Shan's tone was calm, but he didn't ease up at all. He continued, striking while the iron was hot, not giving Moriarty a chance to think.

"I know Mr. Moriarty must be very wealthy, but you might not necessarily be able to handle my goods."

"Take these stinger missiles as a gift for our first meeting. But as long as you can afford it, not to mention missiles and ammunition, heavy armored vehicles, tanks, and helicopters are all available."

"Besides, we have a common enemy, so the price is actually negotiable!"

With the system's prices as his backing, this was essentially a risk-free business for Zhang Shan.

As long as he could close a deal, it meant huge profits.

Therefore, Zhang Shan didn't care about earning a little more or a little less; the key was being able to sell it!

If Zhang Shan wanted to develop faster, he had to accumulate more initial capital.

With the system's conscience-friendly prices, the price difference was enough to make one's eyes ache.

The speed of making money by robbing a bank might not even compare to selling arms!

It is now the 21st century; although large-scale wars rarely break out, small-scale military conflicts are constant, and the arms trade will always be one of the most profitable industries.

With the existence of the system, as long as Zhang Shan had enough exchange points in his hands, he could almost monopolize this market.

Because the weapons and equipment produced by the system are sold entirely at material cost price, without even labor costs.

With such actual production costs, which military industrial enterprise could compete with him?

Of course, the arms trade is not that easy to do; selling light weapons and equipment in secret is one thing, but once it escalates to heavy weapons and equipment, the implications will be completely different. Major powers will not just watch you act recklessly and disrupt the existing international balance of power.

However, the reason Zhang Shan dared to say this was because Moriarty couldn't possibly handle it.

Zhang Shan was just raising his own profile first; in fact, he was invisibly giving Moriarty confidence.

The stronger Zhang Shan's strength, the higher the possibility of defeating Katas in Moriarty's mind.

Then the chance of cooperating with Zhang Shan would be greater!

After all, Moriarty was just a starting springboard for Zhang Shan, and Zhang Shan couldn't be bothered to look for the next one.

"Mr. Robinson, you really are a commercial genius!"

Moriarty was already starting to feel surprised; the other party gave away missiles as soon as they made a move—how strong must the forces behind him be?

He is so young, could he be a young master from some super family out for experience?

Putting aside the initial disdain caused by mere curiosity, Moriarty had to start taking this young man, Zhang Shan, seriously.

"Cuban Cohiba Lanceros cigar, Mr. Robinson, please!"

Moriarty glanced at Mona, and she somehow pulled out a cigar from somewhere and gently placed it to Zhang Shan's lips.

"Good stuff."

Zhang Shan smiled slightly and let Mona cut and light the cigar for him.

"Since you are willing to give me two missiles, Mr. Robinson, I cannot be so impolite!"

"Mr. Robinson is so generous; I have decided to make friends with you!"

"You have already given the gift for our first meeting to Mona; how about I buy these two stinger missiles for 400,000 us dollars?"

Moriarty also began to puff on his cigar, but his words showed no intention of taking advantage.

"Mr. Moriarty is truly a hero of his own domain!"

"Absolutely!"

The market price for one stinger missile is 200,000 us dollars, but it is certainly more expensive in the black market.

400,000 us dollars for two stinger missiles can be considered a friendship price.

Zhang Shan didn't put on airs; if the other party was willing to pay, why not?

You have to know, making friends is not about one-sided, meaningless giving; it's about you giving a little, and me giving a little—give and take is what true friendship is!

Otherwise, offering favors without cause is either treacherous or thieving!

"Refreshing!"

"But Brother Robinson, I can afford two stinger missiles, but I can't give every one of my men a stinger."

"I wonder, Brother, do you have any other goods?"

The two sides chatted happily, and Moriarty was very quick on the uptake; once friendship was established, Mr. Robinson became Brother Robinson.

However, what Moriarty said was also the truth; the 400,000 was for the sake of making friends.

If Moriarty could really purchase stinger missiles in large quantities, would he still need to fear Katas?

"Hahaha, of course I do."

"But I didn't bring them today; after all, no one would carry such goods around with them."

"This is my business card. You can contact me tomorrow, Brother, and we will arrange a place to meet then."

As he spoke, Zhang Shan took out a business card he had prepared earlier from his suit pocket and handed it over.

"No problem!" Moriarty took the business card.

"As long as what you provide, Brother Robinson, is what I want, money in your hands is the same as if it were still in mine!"

After Moriarty finished speaking, he shook hands and hugged Zhang Shan.

Subsequently, Moriarty had his underling bring 400,000 us dollars in cash, and their conversation ended there.