Mercenary’s War

Chapter 2329 - 2305: Diminished Ability

Salim was in charge of hosting Gao Yang and his team, and when it came to material conditions, he arranged things quite well.

The rooms weren’t large but there were many; luxurious would certainly be an overstatement, yet they were comfortable. However, it also depended on the context—at least in Yemen, this was undeniably the highest standard.

As for the meal, it’s not that the Houthis Armed Forces weren’t thoughtful, but the best they had to offer was an array of grilled meats, various flatbreads, and the essential hummus.

Throughout the Middle East, you’d come across the same food as in Yemen, so despite the special dinner set to entertain Gao Yang, it didn’t bring much novelty in terms of cuisine. Moreover, Lavagani, another key guest, had yet to arrive.

Though it seemed as if nothing was out of the ordinary, Lavagani had been hit hard enough to vomit blood twice; Gao Yang and Eileen indeed went easy during the hit—not visible from the outside—but Lavagani would have to suffer through a couple of difficult days, not to mention, the chest pain and bloody coughs when coughing couldn’t be avoided.

Additionally, Yemenis don’t discuss matters at meals; they talk business while chewing khat, hence, the dinner was notably uninteresting and pointless.

After attending the dinner, Gao Yang quickly returned to bed early.

Previously, Gao Yang always participated in night watch rotations and rations, but now, he gradually stopped engaging in tasks like standing guard and sentries.

It’s not because Gao Yang, as the leader of Satan, avoids sharing hardships with his brothers, but because the pressure he’s under is too immense, draining his mental power significantly; without sufficient sleep at night, he truly couldn’t bear it.

Put it this way: Gao Yang would rather spend a week on the battlefield than spend one minute feigning a great nation envoy’s identity, playing mind games in a perilous place.

Was the pressure immense or not? Gao Yang carried the burden of leading the whole Satan forward, and it was the burden of literally moving forward alive.

Fortunately, no matter how great the pressure, Gao Yang’s sleep quality remained excellent.

The next day at dawn, Gao Yang woke up on time, practicing boxing and kicking in his room. Unable to practice shooting, he settled for practicing drawing and holding his gun, dedicating a full hour before leaving his room.

Breakfast was delivered by the Houthis Armed Forces, with Salim seemingly taking on the role of a full-time caretaker. While having breakfast, he whispered, "The car is ready. We’re heading to Sana’a after eating. The roads aren’t too easy to navigate, arriving by noon would be good. After picking them up, we’d try to return by night."

Gao Yang nodded and responded, "Alright, thank you."

Though Somalia is close to Yemen, transportation between them is extremely inconvenient; thus it’s Gao Yang and his team’s arrival from far-off America that was earlier.

Once Satan’s main force was assembled, Gao Yang would feel more assured, making Salim’s suggestion quite considerate; Gao Yang couldn’t wait to go to the airport to pick them up.

The Houthis Armed Forces comprised tens of thousands of troops and effectively controlled half of Yemen. As long as Abdullah provided convenience, basic needs were generally not an issue.

Still taking Salim’s car, upon getting in, Gao Yang originally planned to discuss substantial matters with Salim, like inquiring if he could procure artillery from the Houthis Armed Forces—not too many, a few would suffice—but after reconsideration, Gao Yang decided not to speak up for the time being, leaving Jim to discuss it with Salim.

Engaging in casual conversation to strengthen ties along the way, the imposing convoy reached Sanaa Airport unhindered without facing any danger, with everything proceeding smoothly.

By around 2 PM, an aircraft landed, and then Satan’s team began disembarking one by one.

Yuri’s large stature was particularly noticeable, but to Gao Yang’s surprise, leading the group was none other than the cane-bearing Yarebin.

Gao Yang was sitting in the car, with Salim’s car’s air conditioning not being strong but still better than none; however, upon seeing Yarebin, Gao Yang immediately opened the car door, hurriedly getting off and heading toward Yarebin.

Running out of breath to reach Yarebin, after gripping one of Yarebin’s arms, Gao Yang whispered, "Teacher, why did you personally come? Weren’t you supposed to stay over there?"

Yarebin, with a visibly angry expression, murmured, "Let go of me! Do I need someone to support me while walking?"

Gao Yang promptly released his hold, whispering, "Sorry."

Yarebin’s expression eased slightly, quietly saying, "In front of others, don’t hold me again. I’m not yet at the point where I can’t walk."

Gao Yang quickly replied, "Apologies, apologies, it’s just that seeing you made me a bit excited."

Yarebin softly coughed twice, then glanced around before pointing at Liang Dong, saying, "I’m here because of him."

Turning back, Yarebin sighed, "I’ve always been picky, but that’s only when conditions allowed me to be picky; you understand what I mean, right?"

"Understand, of course I understand. Enjoy more when conditions allow for it; endure hardship when necessary."

Yarebin let out another long sigh, "Originally, staying in Somalia didn’t seem much, although it was a bit hot, somewhat tedious, and the food was too unpalatable—the people there only cared about being full, not much variety being made. However, after Liang came, I found my tolerance for poor diets seriously declined."

Shaking his head and pausing his cane, Yarebin spoke helplessly, "You brought Liang for everyone’s service; I can’t possibly keep him in Berbera solely for my meals, thus I followed."

Gao Yang immediately stood up and loudly called towards Liang Dong trailing behind the group, "Liang Dong!"

"Present!"

Be it a reflex or something else, Liang Dong shouted and immediately ran to Gao Yang, trying to salute but felt off, awkwardly lowering his arm then equally awkwardly said, "Boss..."

Gao Yang raised an eyebrow, softly speaking, "No need to shout ’present’; be mindful and avoid it in the future."

Liang Dong then quietly remarked, "Apologies, strengthened training these days have pulled me back to past military habits; once handling a gun, daily physical training tackles obstacles, it’s tough to shake off—but I’ll definitely avoid from now on."

Gao Yang gestured dismissively, "Alright, you and the old man shall return to Somalia immediately; you’re not needed here. Your sole task is taking care of the old man, that’s an order!"

"Ah!"

Liang Dong opened his mouth wide in shock but soon stood upright, loudly proclaiming, "Yes! Ensuring completion... Yes, Boss!"

Yarebin suddenly laughed, then said to Gao Yang, "Did you ask my opinion? Where would I be going? Having come here, where’s the point in heading back? Do you think I enjoy living a retired life? This place is far more intriguing; I’m staying, Liang stays too."

Whatever Yarebin says, goes—Gao Yang promptly replied, "Alright, please, right this way."