Chapter 1964 - 1433: Key Figure

Song Heping's breath slightly caught.

His mind raced: Why now? Why did Simon call personally? Is it related to tonight's dinner? Did he find out so quickly? Or...

"I'm not resting so early." Song Heping replied calmly: "But you calling this late did surprise me. What's the matter?"

"Two things." Simon got straight to the point: "First, I heard you met with Robbin and a few friends tonight. How did that go?"

As expected.

The CIA knows.

"It was an interesting dinner." Song Heping cautiously answered: "We talked about old times and some business."

"But the business didn't go well, right?" Simon's tone revealed no emotion: "Robbin called me. He said you were stubborn and unwilling to share those...sensitive toys."

Song Heping remained silent, waiting for more.

There was a slight sound of paper flipping over the phone, then Simon continued: "But that's between you two; I won't interfere, but I must remind you, it's best to keep those sensitive things for now."

Simon's words clearly carried deeper meaning.

Song Heping keenly sensed this was probably Lemont's trap, something Simon wasn't involved in.

"I agree with your opinion." Song Heping laughed: "But can't you manage your station chief? He seems to be like you in the past, always watching me, which isn't good for him."

This was also a reminder to Simon.

After all, Simon was once the CIA station chief at the Illigo Intelligence Station.

The two were also at odds back then.

What was the result?

Simon knows very well.

"You might not be clear about our internal matters." Simon clearly didn't want to discuss this, so he changed the topic: "Let's talk business. I called mainly for the second matter, someone from the White House wants to meet you."

"The White House?" Song Heping recalled the previous agreement: "Are you referring to Obama?"

"That's correct, but not the president himself." Simon said: "To be specific, it's a senior advisor from the National Security Council. There are some follow-up details regarding the arms processing agreement you signed with the White House that need to be confirmed in person."

Arms processing agreement?

Song Heping fell silent.

Wasn't that signed long ago?

What additional details?

But the White House's invitation was expected—back when the agreement was signed, Obama mentioned that after the first batch handover was completed, he would need to go to Washington for a "briefing".

But he didn't expect it to come so quickly, and it was through the CIA director himself.

The meeting was definite; after all, meeting the US President wouldn't hurt.

"When?" he asked.

"As soon as possible." Simon said: "They hope you can arrive in Washington within the next week. We'll arrange a private plane from Baghdadi International Airport directly to Andrews Air Force Base. Full confidentiality, you'll be received by someone upon landing."

Next week?

Song Heping furrowed his brows. The current timing was too sensitive.

Robbin just had a falling out, Mosul's arms are still unsettled, transactions with the Illigo government were at a critical stage. If he left now...

"I need some time to handle my current affairs." He said: "One week. Give me one week."

The other end was silent for a few seconds.

Song Heping could imagine Simon weighing the options, whether to apply pressure for immediate departure or allow some buffer time.

"Alright." Simon finally chose to compromise: "But no further delays. A week from today, next Tuesday, at 8 PM, at the private tarmac on the south side of Baghdadi International Airport, a Gulfstream G550 will be waiting for you. Your flight plan has been filed, just bring your passport and necessary personal items."

"I'll be there on time." Song Heping said.

"Additionally, Song." Simon's tone suddenly became subtle: "Before you go to Washington, I suggest you...keep a low profile. It's clear Robbin's move for the sensitive arms wasn't his personal action; behind him is AAFES Company and a whole US and North Atlantic Treaty Organization military defense group alliance. These people have been operating in Illigo for over a decade; their networks and tactics are wider and dirtier than you can imagine. Be careful."

Was this a warning, or a hint?

"Thanks for the reminder." Song Heping said: "I know what to do."

"Good. Looking forward to hearing your briefing in Washington. Goodbye."

The call ended.

Song Heping put down the phone, not speaking for a long time.

Jiang Feng looked at him: "Was that Director Simon? What did he say?"

"The White House wants to meet me." Song Heping said slowly: "Next week. Private plane service."

Jiang Feng was stunned: "Now? At this time?"

"Yes, at this time."

Song Heping stood up, walked to the map, and stared at Illigo's map.

"Simon called personally, indicating the matter is important. But why now? Is it a coincidence, or..."

He turned, his gaze sharp.

"Jiang Feng, contact Henry and look into the US high-level's recent policy movements toward Illigo. Especially any new strategic adjustments from the National Security Council. Also, check if Simon has any private connections with Robbin's AAFES Company."

"You suspect this is a diversion tactic?" Jiang Feng immediately understood: "Taking action here while you're away from Illigo?"

"Not sure." Song Heping walked back to the long table, his fingers tapping the surface: "But the timing is too coincidental. I just refused Robbin, then the White House summons me. If I leave Illigo now, heading to Washington, it'll take at least three to four days. During this time, Robbin and others could accomplish a lot."