The negotiations over leasing the land began far more smoothly than expected.
Song He sent people to pass along the message that he wanted to lease some land and asked whether they could discuss it. Within just two hours, he received a flood of replies: They welcomed the negotiations, and there was absolutely no problem.
As an entrepreneur who had withstood NATO pressure to sell lifesaving medicine to war zones, Song He had an excellent reputation throughout North Africa. In particular, the warlords who had previously placed orders had risen from the distant rivers and lakes to the highest halls of government. They had transformed into the actual leaders of various regions, making it almost effortless to sit down and discuss matters together.
Several warlords were preparing coronation ceremonies so they could officially take power in their respective North African countries as soon as possible and announce to the world that the old rulers had been replaced. They even wanted to invite Song He to attend the ceremonies as a state guest, then negotiate face-to-face after watching them. However, Song He declined on the grounds of poor health, though he promised to send members of Chenghuang's Board of Directors to attend as observers.
Song He actually wanted to go and watch the spectacle, but his identity and appearance made it genuinely inconvenient for him to appear in public, so he truly could not go.
Besides, North Africa was in constant chaos. The region was split about evenly between wartime and peacetime. If an assassination attempt or bombing happened at the ceremony, it would be far too dangerous. It was better to send an unpopular Board member to handle it and be done with it.
The Board members were extremely enthusiastic. They did not feel there was any danger at all