Spy-x-War Showdown
Chapter 533: I love you

Chapter 533: I love you

From what Yang Yi had encountered with the Grey-cloaked People so far, they didn’t seem too impressive: slow to react, powerless to respond, led by the nose by cleaners, even having Gold snatched right from their stronghold.

Were the Grey-cloaked People truly this inept? Yang Yi found it very puzzling.

Normally, the Grey-cloaked People should realize that their movements had been leaked, and they would start to self-investigate where the problem lay. Subsequently, Justin would inevitably become a suspect, considering it was the Grey-cloaked People who had approached Justin for the sale. What would follow? Would the Grey-cloaked People trouble Justin, and in turn, would Justin suspect the Organization of Water? Moreover, would the Grey-cloaked People commence internal vetting of all those involved?

Setting Justin aside for the moment, just considering the consequence of the Grey-cloaked People’s internal investigation—if they found out that it was Lloyd whom the cleaners had targeted—then the Anderson Research Association would certainly take preventative measures. This was what Elvin worried about, that the Anderson Research Association would soon vanish, not the shell of the association itself but the core secrets related to the Grey-cloaked People.

So, to find something valuable from the Grey-cloaked People, speed was crucial; they needed to discover something before the Grey-cloaked People reacted.

After pondering for a moment, Yang Yi said in a deep voice, "This operation puts us at great risk of exposure. I want to know what measures the cleaners will take to deal with this."

Concerning his own safety, Yang Yi had to ask for clarity.

Elvin answered gravely, "We will take steps to protect your safety, but here lies the problem, to cast doubt on the Grey-cloaked People, we must start with Lloyd, creating the illusion that Lloyd’s identity had long been exposed and that he has been under our surveillance. However, if we do this, the Grey-cloaked People will understand that the Anderson Research Association has been compromised."

Yang Yi replied calmly, "Using Lloyd to cover for us?"

Elvin sighed, "Yes, it truly is a difficult decision."

To protect the Organization of Water, the cleaners would have to sacrifice a known extension of the Grey-cloaked People, losing the chance to play the long game for a big catch.

Yet, if they kept this opportunity for the long game, the Organization of Water might be exposed, presenting the cleaners with a dilemma of choice.

Elvin quickly came up with an answer.

"We believe that protecting the Organization of Water is more important than keeping the Anderson Research Association as a target. Therefore, we will expose ourselves at the right time, leading the Grey-cloaked People to believe we’ve been onto the Anderson Research Association for a while."

"And when will the right time be?"

"It depends on your moves. As I’ve said, our strength is limited in East Asia, so I would like you to gather intelligence on the Anderson Research Association. Once you’ve made some gains, we will act immediately; that’s the best scenario. If you face the risk of exposure, we may have to move quickly. Of course, there’s also the possibility that the Anderson International Research Association may actively destroy any traces, so you’d best hurry."

Yang Yi thought for a while, then said, "Alright, we’ll take on this task and get to the bottom of it quickly. Now, please give me the information on the Anderson Research Association, the more detailed, the better, so I can save some time."

"The Anderson International Research Association, established not too long ago, is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. Its main businesses are corporate management consulting, technical consulting, and business consulting. It’s a very typical think tank but, from what we’ve observed, this research association has significant influence in South Korea."

"How significant?"

"Yet to be ascertained."

"So, it’s our job to work that out, right? Okay, it seems you haven’t had much in the way of meaningful findings so far."

Elvin said seriously, "Let me add that neither the cleaners nor the Grey-cloaked People showed much interest in East Asia before, even after Japan’s economic rise. However, the situation is different now. The world’s focus is shifting toward East Asia. Currently, it seems the Grey-cloaked People have begun to lay their groundwork there, and we are already behind."

Yang Yi spread his hands and said, "Why are you telling me this? Aren’t you being a bit too candid? This is the cleaners’ secret, and frankly, I’d rather not know."

Elvin smiled and said, "With your identity and face, you’re very well-suited for operations in East Asia. For a long time, we’ve lacked the right personnel. Now, I think you might be able to help us break new ground."

Yang Yi shook his head repeatedly and said, "You know my background, so I don’t have much to hide. Let me state upfront that I won’t go to Huaxia, absolutely not."

Elvin seemed somewhat regretful as he replied, "As a major part of East Asia, if you’re unwilling to go to Huaxia, there’s not much point."

Yang Yi smiled and said, "I’m aware that you’ve always tried to extend your operations to Huaxia. I won’t comment on this. Of course, I don’t have the right to voice my opinion, but I’m not going to Huaxia, not ever. It’s better to make this clear now for the benefit of our future cooperation."

"Alright, then tell me where you’re heading next."

Yang Yi said with some vexation, "Our problem right now is that we don’t have a suitable base of operations. The United Kingdom was a good option, but now we can no longer go there, so I don’t know where to go."

Elvin smiled and suggested, "How about the United States? I think the United States is not bad."

Yang Yi frowned and said, "But the focus of the Grey-cloaked People is in Europe."

Elvin spread his hands and laughed, "But in the United States, you can get better protection and it’s more convenient for our cooperation. Most importantly, you don’t need to worry about being targeted and investigated by the FBI and CIA, so I sincerely invite you to establish your headquarters in the United States."

He was showcasing strength, Elvin was unabashedly revealing the cleaners’ reach; it was almost as if he openly stated that the United States fell within their sphere of influence.

Yang Yi looked at Elvin, pondered for a moment, and said, "I’ll consider it, but there’s no rush for now. What’s more pressing is heading to Seoul. We left from Ukraine, and it seems best to return there before making our way to Seoul. I suspect someone may soon be searching for us."

Elvin glanced at his watch and said, "Getting to Ukraine is no problem. We can arrange a flight for you back to Kyiv."

Yang Yi smiled and said, "Since the mission to Seoul is part of our cooperation, could you help us take care of passports, visas, and all that? Although it’s not that difficult, it’s quite draining."

Elvin hesitated for a moment and then replied, "Alright, I’ll give you a contact number. From now on, you’ll deal directly with him. Also, your customer code and identification remain the same—what Terry told you."

Yang Yi looked at his watch and asked, "When do we board the plane?"

Elvin laughed and said, "Anytime. Get your people together, and you can leave. We’re very efficient."