Spy-x-War Showdown
Chapter 1157 - 1162: Let’s Have a Meal First

Chapter 1157: Chapter 1162: Let’s Have a Meal First

What Anna said made sense, and Yang Yi agreed with her proposal almost without hesitation. However, he certainly wouldn’t just abandon his own judgment altogether like Brian, who simply went along with Annastasia Stakina.

After giving it some thought, Yang Yi picked up his phone again and dialed Xiaofeng. After waiting for a moment, the call could not be connected.

Setting the phone aside, Yang Yi suddenly said, "I need to contact MI5, and proactively."

Anna had a habit of slightly tilting her head to one side when deep in thought, and this time, she mused for quite a while.

Brian loved watching Anna when she was lost in thought.

After a moment, Annastasia Stakina suddenly asked, "What kind of intelligence can you provide MI5 to establish your position?"

Yang Yi chuckled and said, "CIA internal conflicts—would that count?"

Annastasia Stakina thought for a moment and said, "It would. Extremely valuable. But if MI5 doesn’t take your intelligence seriously, you risk being exposed. If MI5 highly values your intelligence, you still risk exposure. In recent years, MI5 has developed very quickly, taking over many responsibilities from MI6. But when it comes to protecting informants, MI6 still does a better job."

Yang Yi frowned and asked, "There’s actually such a saying? Explain it in detail."

"If MI5 doesn’t take your intelligence seriously, they might share CIA internal conflict intel with others. The more widely distributed it is, the higher the risk of exposure. If MI5 takes it seriously, they’ll escalate it all the way to the Prime Minister, and given the United States’ level of intelligence infiltration into the UK, this secret will inevitably reach the CIA."

Yang Yi thought for a moment and said, "It’s really like that, huh? Are you very familiar with how UK intelligence agencies operate?"

Anna nodded and replied, "I used to be very familiar. Now, not so much. But even analyzing some publicly reported information, it’s clear that the UK’s intelligence system is a shadow of its former self."

Yang Yi tapped his leg and said, "Still, we need to use this intelligence as a gift for MI5. Only this kind of intel has enough weight. If MI5 leaks CIA’s internal conflict intel, that would be advantageous for me. But this leak must happen through a channel of high status.

Anna whispered, "Don’t just give; demand benefits."

"Yes, I’m not your regular run-of-the-mill spy, nor a traditional one. My role should be seen as that of a high-level intelligence trader."

"Make your pursuit of benefits more explicit and demonstrate your value and capabilities."

"What should I demand, then? Or rather, what benefits should I ask for?"

"Hmm, how’s the UK’s intelligence market? Not great. But for the intelligence business, geographic restrictions aren’t meaningful. How about this: demand diplomatic immunity in the UK. Coincidentally, you have a friend who needs help. This way, you can return the favor, gain some advantages, and demonstrate your influence. It’s plausible."

"Alright. Let’s ask for that. But I’m not sure MI5 can deliver."

"Given MI5’s authority, they can. But there’s a prerequisite: eliminate all your friend’s enemies and remove resistance from the police. What reason would MI5 have not to support you after that?"

Yang Yi thought for a moment and said, "But I want MI5 to get their hands dirty, to involve them. This way, it’s easier to build a long-term relationship."

Anna smiled and said, "Getting their hands dirty? At most, they’ll get them wet, not dirty."

"Alright, then it’s decided."

"Yes, let’s do it like that."

Yang Yi and Annastasia Stakina finally finished their discussion. Zhang Yong took a breath and then exclaimed loudly, "Brothers, although I can hear every word and understand each sentence, when you piece it all together, why does it make no sense? Is it my comprehension that’s poor, or is their explanation unclear, or do you both just not bother making it crystal clear?"

Brian, still confused, said, "Huh? What are you saying? Oh, oh, oh—I get it now. You not fully understanding is normal. They can say whatever and understand each other’s intentions. So they don’t need to say a lot. This is called rapport—no, actually, this is just how two smart people who know each other well tend to communicate."

Zhang Yong said helplessly, "Ridiculous."

Yang Yi and Anna could only offer faint smiles.

Now, Yang Yi shared that unique rapport with Anna, where even without fully spelling things out, their mutual understanding bridged most gaps. For the sake of caution, however, they still exchanged a few brief sentences to confirm intentions.

When conversing with others, lengthy explanations and crystal-clear articulation were necessary to avoid misunderstandings. But Yang Yi and Annastasia Stakina could make decisions with just a few concise words. Although they hadn’t reached the point of communicating solely through eye contact, for two leaders of a spy organization, achieving their level of mutual understanding was already remarkable.

That’s why conversations with Annastasia Stakina were always so pleasant.

As the car continued down the road, Yang Yi suddenly said, "Stop up ahead and let me out."

Zhang Yong pulled over to the side, and Annastasia Stakina said coolly, "Do you need backup?"

"No, it’s unnecessary."

"Alright. Stay in touch."

"Stay in touch."

Yang Yi closed the car door, watching the convoy pull away. He took out his phone and dialed a number.

"Hey Gary, it’s Yang Yi. Got some time? I’d like to treat you to lunch."

Yang Yi reached out to Gary Keene. The last time he’d fallen into MI5’s hands, it was Gary Keene who had led the effort to turn him and acted as the sole liaison with him.

Actually, this was Yang Yi’s first time contacting Gary Keene directly.

Gary Keene was somewhat surprised, as he had assumed Yang Yi wouldn’t be reaching out to him again. It was practically the norm for released double agents to disappear forever.

But when a released double agent resurfaced, it was bound to mean something significant had been gained.

Gary Keene tried to keep his excitement in check, casually responding, "Sure. When?"

"Right now. I’ve just left the airport and haven’t gone far. You can come find me, or I can come to you."

"I’ll send you an address. Meet me there—I’ll make sure it’s a fantastic restaurant. Are you coming alone?"

"Yes. Alone."

Yang Yi hung up and looked at the address Gary Keene sent him. Just as he was about to hail a taxi, he reconsidered and dialed Xiaofeng again.

This time, Xiaofeng picked up almost instantly, lowly muttering, "Figured you’d be arriving soon, so I turned my phone on. Perfect timing—where are you now?"

Yang Yi glanced at his watch and replied, "Just left the airport. How’s your situation over there? If it’s not terribly risky, just hang tight for two hours—I’ll grab some lunch first."

Xiaofeng burst out incredulously, "Lunch?"

"Yeah, lunch. Once I’m done, I’ll head over and help you get the Captain out. Anything urgent on your side?"