Spy-x-War Showdown
Chapter 1012 - 117: Full Set for Acting

Chapter 1012: Chapter 117: Full Set for Acting

To catch, they pretend to release; to release, they pretend to catch. The mastery of its application lies in one’s heart.

Every person’s acting can be off the charts, whether it’s internally or externally; the CIA’s acting skills surely surpass Hollywood, and a spy’s acting surpasses that of an actor.

If an actor acts poorly, they’re only criticized, but a poor performance from a spy can be lethal. Therefore, those spies who survive natural selection and remain are the best actors in the world.

The highest realm of acting is not to act at all.

Yang Yi felt he could buy some more time, mainly to probe Aaron’s true intentions, but to his surprise, less than two hours after he issued the instruction to fully engage Nicholas, Walter called him once again.

"Hi, pal, I’m afraid you need to come back."

Walter’s tone carried resignation and concealed anger, to which Yang Yi urgently responded in a tense and puzzled tone, "What happened?"

"You... Let’s talk when you come back. I’m sorry to interrupt your learning plan, but you really need to come back."

Yang Yi wanted to ask more, but he hesitated and finally said somewhat desolately, "Alright... I’ll come back right away."

Walter sighed deeply and said in a heavy tone, "Pal, some things are not up to me to decide. I’m truly sorry."

Yang Yi was silent for a long time before he spoke softly, "I understand, thank you."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Yi sighed deeply and then punched the table.

Hmm, though no one was present and he wasn’t sure if he was being monitored, Yang Yi was very satisfied with his own performance, as well as Walter’s.

It seemed like Aaron had made another move; if things were as expected, Porter must have been persuaded by Aaron to agree to be transferred to the operations division. As for the benefits Aaron offered, Porter wouldn’t disclose them; whether necessary or not, Porter wouldn’t speak of it because that matched reality most closely.

He knocked on Hegelhaus’s door and waited for Hegelhaus to open it, then Yang Yi said in a resigned voice, "Instructor, we need to go back."

Hegelhaus was startled and asked, "Now?"

"Now. I just received the notice. We must rush back to headquarters immediately. I can go on my own, but I needed to inform you about this."

Hegelhaus’s face fell, and he whispered angrily, "Fuck! What are they planning to do?"

Yang Yi shrugged helplessly and said, "I don’t know. Maybe... maybe my performance was too brilliant, who knows."

Hegelhaus took a deep breath, then he patted Yang Yi’s shoulder and said solemnly, "Perhaps that’s it. Don’t overthink it. Let’s head back and figure out what happened first. If you absolutely refuse to be transferred... ah, let’s go."

What could refusal change? The CIA isn’t a company; it’s a spy agency where orders must be obeyed. Even wanting to resign isn’t possible, so Yang Yi’s personal wishes didn’t really matter.

When they returned to CIA headquarters, Walter came out to meet Yang Yi.

Walter looked gloomy; although he might have been delighted internally, shouting ’hooray’ many times, his outward appearance was truly mournful.

Yang Yi stood in front of Walter with a look of helplessness.

Walter spread his hands and whispered apologetically, "Sorry, there’s nothing I can do. Deputy Director Aaron and Deputy Director McLaughlin had a talk, and then... Deputy Director McLaughlin decided to call you back. He said he would respect your opinion and would first inquire about your wishes, but... I’m sorry."

Yang Yi, lowering his voice and looking agitated, responded, "But my assignment to the operations division will ruin all our business. Doesn’t Director McLaughlin care about that?"

Walter shook his head helplessly and then whispered, "I know all about it, but there’s no need to discuss it further. The deputy director is waiting for you. Come with me."

Yang Yi closed his eyes, took a long breath, and then forcefully suppressed his anger, following behind Walter.

Walter remained visibly dismayed as he knocked on Porter McLaughlin’s office door, instinctively glancing back at Yang Yi with a look of helplessness.

Yang Yi really wanted to ask Walter how he managed to perfect that look of having lost a loved one; maybe it was something he gleaned from two divorces.

"Come in."

Walter turned the doorknob, gave Yang Yi another sorrowful glance, and then opened the door.

"Director, Yang Yi is here."

Yang Yi said loudly to Porter, "Good day, Director."

Porter waved his hand and then smiled at Yang Yi, "Relax a bit, how was it? How did you feel at the Air Force base?"

Yang Yi forced a smile and replied, "Very good, Director. I just flew the C130 today."

Porter smiled and said, "You really are a genius. I have no doubt about that now. Hmm, Yang Yi, I called you back in a hurry because I need to discuss something with you. It’s about this: the chief of the operations division, Aaron, met me today. He has a very important mission that requires a smart young person like you, and most importantly, he needs an Asian to carry out a secret mission. You know, sometimes skin color is a very important weapon, and your performance has been outstanding."

Yang Yi pursed his lips silently; Porter sighed and said, "I know you might prefer your current job, but whether it’s the operations or management division, they are all part of the CIA, and we must work closely together. So, I will transfer you to the operations division, to be directly under the command of Chief Aaron. Chief Aaron will personally explain the specifics of your task in the operations division. Any questions?"

Yang Yi replied eagerly, "Director! This is not what we agreed upon! If I go to the operations division, then what about... you understand, the mission I’m currently on!"

Porter picked up a pen and smiled, "Your current mission, well, Walter and I have discussed it, but I think since such matters have always been handled by the operations division, isn’t it just right for you to go there?"

Yang Yi urgently said, "Are you really letting the operations division take all the benefits?"

Porter frowned and spoke in a low tone, "Mind your words!"

Yang Yi took a breath and then said with a look of resignation, "Sorry, Director. Do I really have to go?"

A smile returned to Porter’s face; he spoke gently, "Don’t think too much about it. Chief Aaron is waiting for you. You should talk to him first, and maybe after that, you’ll change your mind."

No one’s probably watching, after all, this is Porter’s office, but since Porter scrupulously performed his role, Yang Yi certainly gave his all to act out this scene properly.

Whether necessary or not, who knows? At this point, there are no more chances for a retake.