King Of War: Starting with Arms Dealer

Chris was one of those who had watched Joe Ga develop his way up in Central Africa...

Joe Ga's business strategies might sound wild and erratic, but Chris subconsciously felt that somehow, probably, they could actually work.

The key role that Joe Ga played was actually to act as a binder, binding together the forces within Iraq and bringing everyone to a single table to dine.

The beginning was very crucial—entering with American military contracts allowed enjoyment of many privileges.

And once those people accepted the presence of P·B, this privilege would continue after the war ended.

Chris roughly understood what Joe Ga wanted...

He aimed to secure a role similar to an "arbitrator" and "leader"!

He didn't ask for a large share, and the share he took would decrease as the industry expanded.

Once he brought both the government military and militia to the table, P·B would become a key factor.

He could maintain the situation, or he could flip the table!

He wasn't aiming to be the most powerful person at the "table," but the most influential.

At this moment, Chris recalled a term Joe Ga often mentioned, the "Rule of Influence"!

He thought of the money he had invested in the 'Pirate Fund,' which had doubled in just a few months.

Joe Ga's industries in Central Africa were still in the state of costing money, but he earned the money back from other places!

And that was in Africa, a place without much to squeeze!

Imagine if that "influence" could expand into Iraq...

Chris rubbed his arm as goosebumps rose, forcefully rubbed his face to calm himself down, and then said, "The last question, contracting an oilfield is not an easy task, and the international crude oil market is not as easy to operate as outsiders might think.

If you transplant the Central Africa model to Iraq, then the initial capital we need to invest is terrifying.

Is it really safe to do so?"

Joe Ga listened and replied with a smile, "Who said I would do it alone?

I just met a high official from a Chinese oil and natural gas group, and if we could contract the oilfield, it would definitely be the kind where facilities are complete and only need refurbishment to start operations.

The cost of extracting each barrel of crude oil in Iraq is about 15 US dollars; I would subcontract it to the Chinese oil company for 20 US dollars.

Do you believe that once successful, I could sell the crude oil produced next year at our current prices in one go!

My net worth in Iraq could not afford the same maneuver as in Central Africa, of course, I want to earn enough in one go!"

Chris stared agape at Joe Ga as if looking at God, and said, "Hu Lang, tell me the truth, are you actually a person from the Chinese government?"

Upon hearing this, Joe Ga waved his hand dismissively and said, "No, let's change the topic!

Just tell me if you are capable of leading this project?"

Excited, Chris sat down, took out paper, a pen, and a calculator, and began calculating and recording...

"The Pentagon opened a 300 million US dollar military contract for Iraq, even if we only get a 20 million portion, it would be our ticket in.

As per custom, we could get 50% of the advance payment upfront, that 10 million would be our initial logistical startup capital.

Once those Iraqis get used to our logistical supplies, I'm confident I could talk to the government military and militias because their demand for supplies is endless.

Once the oil well contracting is in place, then you just need to talk to the Chinese, they start work, and we start collecting money.

Shit, you hire a bunch of chefs and you end up controlling an oilfield..."

Chris lightly slapped his own cheek incredulously and said, "This isn't possible, there's no business like this!"

Joe Ga looked disdainfully at Chris and replied, "Who calculates costs like that?

Does my American military contracting qualification not have a cost?

Ensuring smooth entry of supplies into Iraq isn't possible without NATO's qualification!

With this qualification, my overall cost of supplies is at least 20% lower than others.

To fully ensure the diet of 40,000 people, a strongly defended military base is essential.

Building such a military base and ensuring safety, even with the assistance of the government military, would need at least 20 million US dollars for people and equipment, and my demands would be slightly higher, maybe needing 40 million.

This unit cost, if the battle for Mosul ends within 2 months, would definitely mean a loss, and that's the risk.

But you, an elite running off to Iraq, can't possibly do it without costs. How much money do you think you need?"

"Twenty million, oh no..."

Chris instinctively responded and then hurriedly waved his hand, saying, "No, no, no, Hu Lang, I don't want money. I want a technology investment for 10%, no, 8% of the profit will suffice."

Joe Ga listened and said with amusement, "You better think it through. Our final profit is actually 50% of the oil field contracting revenue. After subtracting the subcontracting fees, it might not even be 30%.

Plus, if we don't achieve the final step, all previous investment will go down the drain."

Upon hearing this, Chris vigorously waved his hand and said, "No, Hu Lang, I've thought it through, you're the one who knows how to do business.

In fact, if we just control the overland supply route from the southern Persian Gulf to northern Mosul, with our lower costs compared to others, we've already won!

Controlling the supply route also gives us the kind of influence you need, right?

The worst-case scenario is just earning a bit less, am I right?"

Chris then vigorously pounded his palm, excitedly saying, "No wonder you insist on getting America's credentials. At first, I thought you wanted to take on subcontracting contracts to make money, but you were after this kind of business.

American mercenaries in Iraq are practically granted diplomatic immunity, shit, why didn't I think of that..."
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Joe Ga stood up, laughed, and patted Chris on the shoulder, saying, "Young man, look further ahead and don't always try to bite off more than you can chew all at once.

The road is twisted, but those who keep walking will always meet different people and see different sceneries.

Unite with everyone you can. Together, we can reach higher and go further!

Money is important, but it's not as important as you think!

Make yourself a key figure, and you'll find, even if you don't chase money, it will come find you!"

Saying that, Joe Ga looked at Chris, who was deep in thought, and smiled, saying, "Buddy, you want to marry Gami, but do you think Gami really needs you to also be a billionaire?

What she needs is a partner!

Money and power are the best partners!

You might find it tough to match Gami's wealth in rights, but you can alternatively pursue influence.

And influence has a simple measure: how many people you can affect and benefit.

Those people take your favors, remember your name, and respond to you at times...

That's influence!"

Upon hearing this, Chris said with a lack of confidence, "Allow me to benefit the whole of Iraq, can I do that?"

Joe Ga rolled his eyes, saying, "Of course you can't, but Princess Amina can!

With her, that supply route running through Iraq from north to south becomes a genuine humanitarian corridor, ensuring no one objects when we try to extend the route into Syria!

Angel shines where she's needed, making way for no evil!"

Upon hearing this, Chris looked at Joe Ga with furrowed brows and asked, "And you? Aside from entering using the name of P·B, you then vanish! What do you do to maintain influence?"

Joe Ga smiled and said, "My role?

I pursue only three things in Iraq: fairness, fairness, and goddamn fairness!"

As he said this, Joe Ga looked at Chris with a bewildered expression and continued, "I bring the antidote to war, the hope of peace into that place.

They might not agree with me, but once they sign the contract, they must fulfill their responsibilities.

My role is to ensure that things don't deviate from the course while persuading everyone to honestly fulfill the contract.

After all, I'm a mercenary; maybe I can't solve every problem, but I can solve the people causing the problems!"

As Chris looked at the spirited Joe Ga, he suddenly asked curiously, "Hu Lang, tell me the truth, is Princess Amina your mistress?

She just wanted a humanitarian corridor, but you gave her a humanitarian highway; what about that girl appeals to you?"

Joe Ga was stunned, then disdainfully glanced at Chris and said, "That girl has only an A cup, not my type!

Don't you have anything serious in your mind?

I just like to see Angel shine where she's needed because I am 'Good Man Hu Lang'..."