Chapter 80: Chapter 80 Iraq Ambassador_1
Translator: 549690339
Chapter 80: The Iraqi Ambassador
At the top of the mountain, Nie Zhenbang had a relaxed look on his face, standing behind Dong Wan. By now, because of the climb, Dong Wan seemed somewhat breathless.
Engulfed by the air of nature, Dong Wan couldn’t help but spread her arms wide, with the cool breeze gently blowing across her face. It was a feeling of immense joy and peace.
Due to the exertion, her slightly flushed cheeks illicit a small smile.
Overlooking the vast ranges of mountains, Dong Wan shouted out loud,
“Mountains! I love you! My motherland, I love you!”
Her words echoed back to her as she let go of all the pressure and sadness in her heart. After a while, Dong Wan finally remembered Nie Zhenbang was still there. Turning around, she looked at Nie Zhenbang and said with a smile, “Nie Zhenbang, thank you. I didn’t expect you to understand how to live like this.”
These words caught Nie Zhenbang by surprise. Looking at Dong Wan in astonishment, he replied half-jokingly, “Miss Dong Six, in your eyes, am I really such an unbearable figure?”
Dong Wan was somewhat embarrassed by Nie Zhenbang’s words. After all, it was him who had just taken her on a thrilling adventure and cheered her up. Now that she was calling him out, she felt a little awkward. Dong Wan apologized shyly, “Nie Zhenbang, I’m sorry. I meant you’re incredibly good at business and were able to go to the Soviet Union all by yourself. I thought you were more of a workaholic.’
Having said this, Dong Wan suddenly frowned, expressed dissatisfaction, “Furthermore, stop calling me Miss Dong Six. Just call me Dong Wan. I don’t like that title.”
After patting her hands lightly, she laughed, “Okay, let’s go home now. I feel much better. Thank you for today.”
Originally, Nie Zhenbang was worried that they might run into traffic police on their way back to the city, but to his surprise, the entire Jingcheng seemed as if nothing had happened. His car passed through several intersections without a second look from the police. The car stopped at the entrance of the Wal-Mart Building, bid farewell to Dong Wan, and drove into the underground garage of the Wal-Mart Building.
By now, it was already late May, close to June. There were less than two months left for his next deal with Mikhail and his team. Also, there were only five months left for the bet with Ou Zheng. If he didn’t act now, there would be no chance for Nie Zhenbang.
As Nie Zhenbang exited the Wal-Mart Building, he immediately went to the reception desk. Amidst the surprise of the receptionist, he dialed the phone number of Long’s dormitory. As soon as Long answered, he murmured, “Third Young Master, you called.”
Given Long’s status, it wasn’t possible for him to live in the Red Wall Compound with Nie Zhenbang. Instead, Nie Zhenbang bought a courtyard house in the Eastern part of Jingcheng near Ditan Park. Reincarnated, Nie Zhenbang knew how the price of such a courtyard house in the central city area of Jingcheng had skyrocketed in the future. He bought this place for Long, which was a grand courtyard covering over 2600 square meters. If this were the 21st century, even thinking about buying such a place would require billions, but now, Nie Zhenbang spent only 400,000 yuan on it.
“Long, arrange for the purchase of two tickets to Baghdad, let’s schedule it a week from now, ” Nie Zhenbang instructed immediately.
August 25, 1958
That was the date when Iraq officially established diplomatic relations with Huaxia. After that, both official and non-official exchanges between Iraq and Huaxia were frequent.
This was the information Nie Zhenbang discovered from studying Huaxia’s diplomatic history. His choice to turn to Iraq first was also based on his underlying intentions.
At this time, it had been just over ten years since the completion of the Iranian Revolution. After overthrowing the king, Iran adopted a presidential system. Currently, Iran had a close relationship with the Soviet Union. Gorbachev greatly supported Iran, which led Iran to retreat from the initial stages of the Iran-Iraq War and chose instead to move the fight into Iraq’s territory.
At this moment, comrade Saddam, who had the strong support of the United States, was having a tough time. If a large amount of weapons could be provided at this time, it would certainly be something Saddam desired.
As the saying goes, it is hard to deliver much-needed relief. At this moment, trading with Iran is just icing on the cake, and it’s still uncertain whether they even need these weapons. But Iraq is a different story. Hence, this is the main reason why Nie Zhenbang decided to approach Iraq first.
Stepping out of the Wal-Mart Building, he was driving a Cherokee 2700 produced by the Jingcheng Automobile Factory, a gift from the factory director Lu. After all, Nie Zhenbang is now a major shareholder of the new Jingcheng Automobile Factory, so it was only proper to gift him a car.
He drove directly to the Yu Ying School and parked at the front gate. At this time, school was just over and many people were coming out.
Although Nie Zhenbang did not study here, he was considered a celebrity at the Yu Ying School, occasionally greeted by enthusiastic individuals.
Upon seeing Li Wen* , Nie Zhenbang called over: “Mosquito, come over.”
People like Li Wen* and Dong Wan were about to graduate today. Whether they would go on to university, join the army, or study abroad, depended on their family’s arrangements. The atmosphere was tense despite academics being insignificant to these high-profile students.
Li Wen* , who never carried a school bag, had one slung over his shoulder today. The yellow cloth bag was a classic style from the 50s and 60s, and had Lei Feng’s image and Taizu’s words — “Learn from Comrade Lei Feng” – printed on it.
Upon seeing Li Wen*’s appearance, Nie Zhenbang started laughing. Perhaps the retro trend started with this youngster? Nie Zhenbang then teased, “Mosquito, good for you. You’re even carrying a school bag now.”
Li Wen* also started laughing and swung his bag from his front to his back, transforming it into a backpack. He then replied ruefully, “Brother Nie, don’t make fun of me. Isn’t graduation coming up? My grandfather has been keeping a close eye on me. I had to put on a show. As for the bag, it’s the only antique I could find at home. Brother Nie, didn’t you say you were going to Peng City?
Why did you come back? Do you need anything from me?”
In this social circle, no kid above sixteen, whether they are in society or not, is easy to deal with. That’s Nie Zhenbang’s keen observation. They may not excel academically, but their political acuity is not matched by ordinary people.
Nie Zhenbang then said with a smile, “Mosquito, Brother Nie needs a favor. Find a way to get the Iraqi ambassador’s phone number from your uncle when you go home. It’s of utmost importance for my arms deals. Can you do it?”
Having thought this through, Nie Zhenbang figured that the Li family was influential in the government. Li Wen*’s uncle, Li Yuemin, was currently director of the Middle East Department at the Foreign Ministry. He would be the best person to help Nie Zhenbang build relations with the Iraqi ambassador.
By stating his intentions directly, it saved Li Wen* the trouble of guessing. Any ambiguity could lead to Li Wen* refusing to help for fear of causing trouble for the Li family. It was better to be candid and straightforward.
As expected, upon hearing Nie Zhenbang’s request, Li Wen* laughed and nodded, “It’s not a big deal. Don’t worry, Brother Nie. I’ll handle this for you.”
At around seven in the evening, Nie Zhenbang was watching the news with his grandfather. Suddenly, the phone rang. His grandfather picked it up but before he could speak, he handed it to Nie Zhenbang, “Zhenbang, it’s for you.”
The moment he picked up the phone, Li Wen*’s voice came through: “Brother Nie, it’s settled. My uncle has arranged it for you. The meeting will be tomorrow at eight pm, in a halal restaurant down Dong Min Street. Remember, the Iraqi ambassador’s name is Abdullah Yarabrum Sumaida..”