"Just so-so..."
Song Heping chuckled, knowing he couldn't fool Lei Ming, but still trying to play it down.
In front of his former instructor, humility was essential.
"You call this just so-so? Major General Samir of the Defense Army, Deputy Chairman Abu You of the Military Committee, and Avanti from Persia—these people are either under you or your close allies. Impressive."
Lei Ming's tone was akin to reading a briefing.
"Samir rose from brigade commander to major general, controlling the Mosul Region; Abu You returned to the Kold Military Committee, wielding real power; Persia's 'Holy City Brigade' treats you as a partner. Now, you have more influence in Northwest Illinois than the Baghdad Government. Americans need to schedule an appointment to meet you. You call this just so-so? I remember you being quite honest back in the training selection days, Song Heping. What happened? Did you learn to be slippery after spending over a decade abroad?"
