Super Soldier in the City-Chapter 1931 - 1994: Do It Myself

After hanging up the phone, Li Yifei had a plan in mind. The people from the northern military district were unreliable, and although he wasn’t sure about Big Beard’s identity, even if the man appeared before them now, Li Yifei wouldn’t trust him. In this closed-off country, Li Yifei could only rely on himself. He couldn’t trust anyone else. So, after he and Xu Shanshan had dinner, Li Yifei contacted his people.

Strictly speaking, these people weren’t really his. They were just acquaintances he had made over the years. Among them were teachers, doctors, hackers, politicians, and even imams. These people might not be the most upright, but when there were benefits to be had, they could be more reliable than some others.

Like that arms dealer, they’d supply many unexpected things as long as you paid. However, Li Yifei previously thought he had left the army behind and wouldn’t need to do these things again, so he hadn’t maintained many contacts.

Now it was different. Since Li Yifei decided to handle things himself, he needed some help. The difference was, now Li Yifei had money, and for them, money was everything — both god and devil. Unlike before, when Li Yifei had only his hands and no money.

A day later, Li Yifei was in Tehran Province, more than a hundred kilometers away from the capital, Tehran. Li Yifei had a reason for being here; he had just eliminated a pair of Savak agents in the neighboring province, so he needed to relocate, resupply weapons, and meet someone. This person was an old local imam, a high-ranking, highly respected one, although he generally stayed out of affairs, leaving them to others. Li Yifei came straight to his door.

Upon hearing the code word, the other party quickly informed Mohsen Mohammadi Haddad, the grand imam Li Yifei wanted to see.

The two sides met, and upon seeing Li Yifei, the other immediately strode over and gave Li Yifei a big hug, saying, "Honorable Golden Eagle, I never thought we’d meet again."

"I didn’t expect it either, but you’ve gained quite a bit of weight, haven’t you?" Li Yifei replied with a smile.

Mohammadi Haddad’s lips quivered as he said, "Yes, leisurely days tend to make one fat. I feel I’m a bit too heavy now, but unfortunately, I can’t seem to lose the weight. Maybe I’m just getting old, hence the weight!"

"Old indeed, but no worries, your women won’t mind your age," Li Yifei said bluntly.

"Golden Eagle, I completely agree. Those women indeed don’t mind my age, because even though I’ve gained weight, my abilities remain strong. They’re the ones pleading for mercy; I’ve never felt inferior," Mohammadi Haddad shamelessly boasted.

In truth, he was only about fifty, not really old, just a bit dark and plump. With the imam’s robe, he did look the part. After the small talk, Li Yifei got down to business.

"You already know my goal from the phone call. Since you let me in, I assume you agree to my request," Li Yifei said as he and Xu Shanshan sat down, looking at Mohammadi Haddad.

"Agree? Why not? I must help with your request. I am not an ungrateful person," Mohammadi Haddad nodded earnestly. "Those people act like mad dogs, biting anyone they come across. They even took one of my followers a few days ago. I pleaded for them, and those people ignored me. Don’t you think that’s hateful?"

"Haha, your words put me at ease. But, we haven’t met in years. Can I still trust you?" Li Yifei looked at Mohammadi Haddad with a playful gaze.

Mohammadi Haddad nodded quickly, speaking seriously, "Of course you can trust me, Golden Eagle. No matter how much time passes, I, Mohsen, Mohammadi Haddad, remain unchanged. And I worship Allah, not those people. These mad dogs have made a mess of the country; countless people are fed up with them."

"You say that because I’ve already faced betrayal once. I won’t tolerate a second betrayal. If you betray us, no matter how solid our past friendship, I will kill you."

"How can you say that, Golden Eagle? I told you, rest assured, I won’t betray you!" Mohammadi Haddad stood up, somewhat agitated.

Xu Shanshan watched from the side. His gestures, demeanor, and tone didn’t suggest deceit, but people’s hearts are the hardest to read. For an old fox, a façade is easily maintained.

Li Yifei did trust him, knowing what he had done in the past — several years ago, Mohammadi Haddad was still a soldier, not an imam. They met on the battlefield, where Li Yifei spared his life. They met again later during a protection mission when Mohammadi Haddad had become a devout servant of Allah.

After finishing their talk, Li Yifei acquired the information he wanted. After he and Xu Shanshan reviewed it, they decided to leave for Kandahar City immediately. However, Mohammadi Haddad tried to detain them, saying, "Golden Eagle, since you’ve come, allow me to fulfill my host duty."

Li Yifei smiled, saying, "No need. The information you provided today was already very helpful. I’m here on a mission. Next time, when I’m free, we’ll have a good drink."

Mohammadi Haddad had no choice but to say regretfully, "Alright then, Golden Eagle. I miss you as much as ever. If you finish your tasks and have time, you’re always welcome at my place. My door is always open to you."

"I’ll remember that, Haddad. You’re a good Muslim!" Li Yifei gave a thumbs up.

Mohammadi Haddad laughed heartily, saying, "Every true Muslim is good. Of course, I mean true Muslims, not those hypocrites. True Muslims are always kind, never forcing others or harming anyone."

"Yet the place is full of fake Muslims," Li Yifei whispered. Being false for so long can become the truth; besides, religion has always been a tool for politics, whether Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, or others. Li Yifei didn’t want to comment on their nature. He and Xu Shanshan had to go to Kandahar City because various reports indicated the Tiger Company comrades had been transferred to a prison in Kandahar Province.

To rescue them, they first had to locate where the comrades were held in order to devise a rescue plan.

Although Mohammadi Haddad was a grand imam, he didn’t have the power to directly find out where they were held. Even if he could, it would take considerable time and effort. He might just find it out, and Savak would come knocking. So Mohammadi Haddad only helped him find a few people, each with a different identity. Li Yifei and Xu Shanshan drove into Kandahar City. It wasn’t very prosperous, so they didn’t check into a hotel, instead handling things in the car, eating a bit. Looking at the slightly weary Xu Shanshan, Li Yifei said with some heartache, "Thank you for your hard work."

"It’s not hard at all. I love this way of life," Xu Shanshan immediately shook her head, her eyes flashing with spirit. She snuggled up to Li Yifei, rubbing her cheek on his arm, softly saying, "I’d prefer there were less danger. In that case, I wouldn’t mind spending my life on the road with you."

"Silly girl, if you’re not tired, I am. This life isn’t great. Once we finish this job, let’s go home and enjoy being at home every day. Why stay in such a place, always at risk?" Li Yifei lowered his head to kiss Xu Shanshan’s forehead, pulling her into his arms.

Xu Shanshan pursed her lips, understanding the many concerns Li Yifei had while on assignments, fearing she might get hurt.

Not long after, Xu Shanshan fell asleep. Though the days had been exhilarating, she was very tired. Li Yifei stayed still, allowing Xu Shanshan to sleep in his arms while keeping an eye on a nearby residence. This house was owned by a high-ranking Savak official. According to Mohammadi Haddad, this person managed many affairs within Savak. If they wanted to rescue someone, approaching him was suitable. Even if he wouldn’t help, he might reveal where they were held.

Li Yifei didn’t bother contacting people back home, as they were too unreliable. To rescue the comrades, he could only rely on himself.

The Savak officer lived here, and he would return home in half an hour to fetch swimming gear and head to a private pool. He did this three times a week, and today was the third time, so Li Yifei and Xu Shanshan waited here.

Watching the sleeping Xu Shanshan, her lips pouting slightly in her sleep, Li Yifei smiled. Not only did she sleep soundly, but she also smacked her lips occasionally, as if dreaming of delicious food.

Half an hour later, a car drove up and parked at the house’s gate. Two people got out. One was tall and robust, the other shorter and older, both dressed in beards. They entered the house one after another, and Li Yifei gently woke Xu Shanshan.

Xu Shanshan, half-awake, asked, "Honey, are they back?"

"Yeah, they’re back. You keep watch outside while I go in. If anything happens, notify me," Li Yifei said, waving the communication device in his hand.

"Got it!" Xu Shanshan quickly woke up completely, sat up straight, and looked into the distance, where she indeed saw an extra car.