Chapter 991 - 989: Negotiation and Deal
Racial conflict, factional conflict, conflicts between the opposition and the ruling party. Therefore, the people of this country are the most unlucky.
Arriving in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq.
Baghdad straddles both banks of the Tigris River, only thirty kilometers from the Euphrates River, situated at the crossroads between East and West. Railways, highways, and air routes form a three-dimensional transportation network, very convenient. The railway leads north to Syria and Turkey, and extends south to the Persian Gulf, also a key stop on the international Orient Express.
It is precisely because of this that Baghdad has become an object of contention for various armed forces.
It is precisely because of this that this pearl, once known as the jewel of the Mesopotamian Plain, has been completely destroyed and devastated. Generations of people who have lived on this land have been the first to suffer.
What was once a prosperous holy land has now become a world of war, with broken walls and ruins everywhere. This country has completely fallen into hell, and the withdrawal of US forces has plunged it into an eighteen-level hell.
As soon as I got off the plane, I immediately heard bursts of gunfire coming from downtown Baghdad. Inside the airport, everyone was on edge, with some even lingering inside. After all, the airport was under the protection of the government forces, so they weren't worried. Although outside was a war zone, the airport seemed untouched by it. On the contrary, it was quite safe here.
Outside the airport, some taxis crowded the area, alongside a few unlicensed drivers.
In Iraq today, only US Dollars are being accepted, as the local currency, Dinar, is not popular. Its continuous devaluation has made Iraqis reluctant to accept it. Many shops in the country prefer to transact in US Dollars.
"Hey, brother, going to Jordan Street?"
"Going to Baghdad Palace?"
A group of drivers stood outside the airport, soliciting business. They preferred to pick up foreigners. Unfortunately, with the ongoing war, which foreign tourists would dare come here? So, when Lin Chuan and his companions got off, more than a dozen drivers immediately surrounded them.
"Brother, where to?" several drivers asked.
"I want to go to New Baghdad Street," Lin Chuan said.
"You're crazy!" The drivers were dumbfounded, "There's a war going on there, going now is as good as committing suicide!"
"War?" Lin Chuan frowned.
"Can you hear the sound of the shells?" one driver sneered, "That's the opposition attacking Baghdad. They're coming from the south, and they plan to seize Baghdad, take over this city. So, I advise you not to go. Wait until the situation stabilizes before making a decision. You can choose to stay on Jordan Street for now."
"No!" Lin Chuan shook his head, "I just want to go to New Baghdad Street."
"No way!" The group dispersed again, seemingly not understanding Lin Chuan's stubbornness. After all, in their view, going to New Baghdad means paying the price.
At this moment, a strong man stepped forward and said, "If you're willing to pay $500, I'll take you there."
"Make it $600!" Lin Chuan said.
Sss...
Everyone gasped. $600, it sounded very tempting. You know, $600 is a month's income for many Iraqis now. That's considered high income. But risking one's life for $600 seemed not worth it.
"Deal!" the strong man nodded.
Then, several people immediately got into the car.
In the distance, the clear sound of shells made the Song family brothers a bit wary, and their expressions were somewhat uneasy.
"Lin Chuan, will we be all right?" The two seemed a bit fearful inside.
"Don't worry, we won't die." Lin Chuan smiled, "Since I've brought you out, I'll make sure you return safely."
"Actually, I think we could wait until the war stabilizes to leave the city," Song Wu said awkwardly. In fact, before coming to Iraq, they had already done some research. They knew some things about Iraq. Baghdad was still under government control, but the opposition's voice was louder and their strength greater. They were strong now, and the government forces must be having a tough time.
The opposition was about to break into the city, and they were busy counterattacking.
At this time, Lin Chuan going out of the city was like courting death, wasn't it?
The strong man was very steady, his muscles well-developed, his eyes cold and calm. A rundown Toyota Vios, squeezing four people inside made it feel cramped, with little space. However, once the vehicle started, the speed was quite fast. The car sped down the highway heading out of the city.
Entering the area where the two armies were fighting, it was soon apparent that the surrounding houses were in ruins. Although they had been bombed by US air strikes back in the day, it had mostly targeted military sites. But now, the opposition's shells didn't care about that; they directly bombarded the city, killing countless innocent civilians.
The car got off the highway and entered the small roads of the city district. Speeding along.
The sound of bullets was getting clearer. The Song family brothers in the back seat were visibly tense, afraid of stray bullets hitting the car. Lin Chuan, however, appeared very calm, leisurely clenching a cigarette, his legs resting on the dashboard, reclining back in a very comfortable posture.