Chapter 71

In Mogadishu, the "October 21" square, despite its proximity to QZ Temple and the Great Hall, had been marred by warlord conflicts. Two bronze statues of heroes, standing tall on marble bases over 10 meters high, were the prominent features of the square. One of the statues depicted the national hero Mohammad bin Abdullah Hassan, wearing a helmet and brandishing a sword. During the current turmoil, bomb craters pockmarked the square, and even the statue of Hassan had been struck in the right eye by bullets, serving as a bitter reminder of the ongoing chaos.

Amid this turmoil, a figure concealed in a black windbreaker with a hat pulled low over their head stood in the square. A mouse in the ruins curiously observed this uninvited guest.

The figure approached Hassan's sculpture, lifted their head slightly, revealing an aged black profile with metal earrings adorning their ears. They reached into their clothing and placed an envelope under the bronze statue's feet before quietly departing.

Five minutes later, another individual disguised as a street vendor arrived at the same spot, bent down, and retrieved the letter.

Except for the mouse in its hole, no one else witnessed this exchange, as the little creature busied itself with food scraps.

…

Tang Dao began to peruse some documents. He noted that Somalia, despite having one of the world's lowest GDPs, had an educated upper class, a common feature in Africa. Many graduates believed that success was easily attainable in Africa, where opportunities seemed abundant. However, African individuals were not necessarily lazy; rather, they were keen on pursuing opportunities for financial gain.

Tang Dao examined the profiles of two individuals in particular:

- Asamoah Gyan Anta, the Deputy Minister of Energy of Somalia, who had come from a modest background in Bosasso. He graduated with honors from the University of California in 1969 and subsequently held positions such as Mayor of Mogadishu and the Somali embassy's representative to the United States. In 1978, he became the Deputy Minister of Energy.

- Kofi Benjamin Lieders, the head of the Somali Solidarity Agency, was born in Ghana in 1951 to an Italian father and Somali mother. He earned a doctorate in psychology from the University of Caen in France.

Tang Dao noted that the country's education sector was not fully developed due to the potential control it could wield over the nation. While the outward appearances of these individuals were impressive, the reality concealed a different story.

Asamoah Gyan Anta had once accepted a $5 million bribe from a French businessman and granted him 30% of the ore purchase rights to a mine in northwest Somalia. His son studying in Lyon, France, received monthly financial support exceeding $30,000. Even his three wives held real estate in their names. Asamoah was not as innocent as he appeared.

Tang Dao sighed and murmured, "Surprisingly, a high-ranking official has more assets than me." He circled Asamoah's name and remarked, "Boss, should we pass this information to the Somali authorities?" Robert asked, leaning over.

Tang Dao was taken aback. "Why? I have no desire to be a champion against corruption. I prefer to work with the greedy ones. Those who love money are bold. Those who can't openly admit their love for money are useless in the end."

Tang Dao patted Asamoah's documents on Robert's shoulder, stood up, and stretched. "But we shouldn't get too involved with this person. He's a French agent. Right now, I don't want to cross fists with those Gallic roosters. It's best to keep a safe distance." He then focused on Kofi Benjamin Lieders, whose ID photo depicted a smiling face, wearing a red tie and glasses.

Tang Dao instructed, "Go and arrange a meeting with Mr. Kofi for me. Don't visit him empty-handed. Bring a gift. After all, we're civilized people."

Robert nodded, took note of the address on the documents, and left to prepare.

Tang Dao thought aloud, "Doing business is not easy."

As he was about to leave, his mobile phone on the table unexpectedly rang.

Curious, as few people had this number, Tang Dao picked it up. He didn't speak immediately, waiting for the caller to introduce themselves.

"Hello, is this Mr. Nicholas?" a young and nervous voice on the other end asked.

"Who are you?" Tang Dao responded.

"My father is General Medevichuk," the caller replied.

Medevichuk's son? Did that fool give his contact to this kid?

Tang Dao frowned but maintained his politeness. "Oh, I see. Why is General Medevichuk's son calling me?"

"No, no, I found your number in my father's contacts," the caller explained. "I need to speak with you."

Tang Dao was still skeptical. "Mr. Medevichuk, I don't usually sell lollipops."

This comment angered Victor, who raised his voice, "I'm in the arms business with you, sir! I may be young, but I've served in the army for 12 years. I'm a soldier!"

Arms business? Tang Dao blinked, unsure if the caller was serious. Victor continued, "Do you want a frigate or a cruiser? We have weapon systems available. Sir, we even have nuclear submarines. Typhoon class is unavailable, but we can arrange a Victor class III. You just need to pay me a modest commission."

Tang Dao couldn't believe what he was hearing. Was this really happening? "Sir, are you sure you're not joking with me?"

"Of course not. My friends in Russia—"

Tang Dao interrupted, his disbelief evident. "Is this how the younger generation plays?"

The unexpected proposal left Tang Dao bewildered.