Mercenary’s War

Chapter 2319 - 2295: High-Level Reception

The road conditions in Yemen can be said to be extremely poor. Although it’s not very far from Sana’a to Amran, the car still took half a day.

Gao Yang estimated that he had already offended Salim, but there was no other way. Even though he was pretending, he always felt that as a Presidential Envoy, there should be at least some sense of confidentiality. As a Presidential Envoy, shouldn’t he at least be accorded basic respect? Even if Salim is an important figure within the Houthis, he is not the leader of the Houthis.

If someone were casually met and started to talk extensively about the purpose of his visit, the conditions, and benefits brought, before even meeting the leader of the Houthis, revealing everything wasn’t merely a joke, but too much of a disgrace.

Salim was somewhat dissatisfied, but he remained polite until he delivered Gao Yang to the place. Nevertheless, sitting in the same car with someone harboring resentment was definitely not a pleasant experience.

Not being able to nap amidst the bumpy ride was one thing, but the scenery outside the window was monotonous and boring. Worse still, although the air conditioning was still running, it wasn’t functioning well; it was unbearably hot even at full blast. Opening the window would let in dust that could turn a person into a dirt figure.

So, when the convoy finally reached Amran, Gao Yang felt a sense of relief.

Amran isn’t large and is rather rundown, but frankly, most cities in Yemen share this dilapidated look; they lack everything, as the poorest country in the Middle East, the title didn’t come without reason.

The convoy passed through the streets of Amran, which are entirely under the control of the Houthis Armed Forces here. It’s common to see armed personnel on the streets, and many wear the uniforms of regular soldiers, looking quite convincing.

Finally, the convoy arrived at a compound guarded by many soldiers. Several men wearing traditional robes approached, opening the car door for Gao Yang. Then, when Gao Yang exited the vehicle, he saw several men in suits, with robes underneath.

A middle-aged man with a slightly stubbled face, but not long as the beard had been trimmed, walked toward Gao Yang. At this time, Salim stood beside Gao Yang, pointing at the middle-aged man and said, "This is our supreme leader, Abdullah Houthi!"

Before coming to Yemen, Gao Yang of course had to learn about the Houthis Armed Forces.

The origin and development of the Houthis Armed Forces are quite complicated, but this Abdullah Houthi is the chief figure of the Houthis Armed Forces.

Gao Yang immediately stepped forward, extended his hand, and smiled, "I didn’t expect to meet you so soon."

With a slight restraint, yet making himself appear enthusiastic, Abdullah shook hands with Gao Yang, vigorously shaking twice, and said in a deep voice, "I am pleased that you could come here. On behalf of all members of the Houthis Armed Forces, I welcome you."

After exchanging a couple of pleasantries, Abdullah promptly pointed to a man beside him, also dressed in a suit with a robe underneath, and said, "This is Yahya, my brother."

Yahya Houthi, hearing this surname instantly knows, is Abdullah Houthi’s brother, also one of the core figures of the Houthis Armed Forces.

The four core figures of the Houthis Armed Forces include first Abdullah Houthi, then Yahya Houthi, followed by Karim Houthi; these three are blood brothers, and another core figure is a cousin of the three brothers, Ali Husay. Overall, the Houthis Armed Forces are controlled by the four surnamed Houthi.

The appearance of both primary and secondary figures of the Houthis Armed Forces simultaneously; such hospitality was more than substantial.

Gao Yang was satisfied with the treatment he received, he immediately smiled at Yahya, "Very pleased to meet you."

After Gao Yang and Yahya exchanged a few words, Glolov and the others also alighted from the vehicle and stood aside, observing the mixed group of men and women. Abdullah’s face showed a trace of doubt.

It would be strange if Abdullah weren’t suspicious or doubtful, because Gao Yang and his group certainly didn’t resemble the typical team dispatched by Russia.

Though understanding what Abdullah was puzzled about, Gao Yang remained composed without any intention to explain, knowing Glewatov had disembarked and stood beside him as well.

Abdullah gestured towards a house with his hand and gravely said, "Please enter, let’s sit down and talk slowly."

Upon entering the house, Abdullah took off his slippers, standing on the carpet a step within the door, waiting for Gao Yang, who could only take off his leather shoes and enter wearing socks.

With the host and guest not yet fully inside, the others certainly needed to wait for a moment. At that moment, Gao Yang began to think he should have worn slippers, but quickly felt grateful not to be in military boots.

Fortunately, Gao Yang’s feet weren’t smelly. After hesitating a bit, Gao Yang still took off his socks and tucked them into his shoes, going barefoot into the room after Abdullah.

The room was carpeted with cushions and pillows laid around. After entering the room, Gao Yang sat cross-legged, soon after a person presented a platter of light red tender branches and leaves.

Abdullah made a gesture of inviting Gao Yang, who recognized it as khat, which plays a significant role in Yemeni life, also known as Yemeni tea or Arab tea - though essentially a mild drug.

Gao Yang raised his hand, smiled while waving it and said, "Thank you, I don’t need this. Just a cup of coffee please."

Abdullah signaled to the attendant, who served with a silver pot and several silver cups promptly brought forth.

Gao Yang did not hasten to speak. After the attendant poured coffee for him, he first raised the coffee cup, gestured to the people who were already chewing khat in the room, sipped the coffee, then repeatedly nodded and said, "This coffee is excellent, truly excellent!"

Yemen is a renowned coffee-producing region, with coffee being its most important economic crop. The famous Mocha coffee derives its name from coffee exported through Port Mokha becoming known as Mocha coffee. Therefore, Gao Yang wasn’t simply flattering the host’s coffee as it was indeed extraordinarily superb.

Influenced by Nate, Gao Yang unknowingly developed an interest in coffee. He possessed some ability in tasting, and with Gao Yang’s abundant praise, Abdullah, usually serious, finally had a smile on his face, saying, "The most famous coffee from this region is Matari coffee, but what you are drinking is not Matari. This coffee’s name is not well known because its production is minimal, only coffee trees on a mountain not far from western Amran produce such exquisite coffee. You indeed appreciate it well."

The best coffee, though, serves merely to open conversations. After sincerely lauding the coffee a few more times, Gao Yang put down his cup, smiled at Abdullah, "I come this time carrying an important mission, but to taste such wonderful coffee is truly an unexpected delight."

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