Ultimate Firepower
Chapter 259 - 246: On the Right Path

Chapter 259: Chapter 246: On the Right Path

"You’re going to the UK, is there anything I can help you with?"

Gao Yi was called alone into the office, and without any special indication, it was just natural and friendly concern shown towards a collaborator who was not a subordinate.

Was this the effect of speaking well of someone behind their backs?

Gao Yi was puzzled, but he was happy because being called aside like this generally had one of two outcomes.

Either ends up in bed or on the right path.

"The right path," meaning stepping onto the correct course, colloquially known as broadening one’s horizons.

"Uh, actually, there are quite a few things I need help with from someone experienced and wise."

While seizing the opportunity, Gao Yi freely dished out flattery.

Marina made a gesture of serious listening and said, "Tell me."

"First, we’re currently being hunted by the CIA, which you know, and then there’s the Dark Web pursuing us, with the Andic Group as the actual implementer. Amid this dangerous and delicate situation, I still need to go to the UK to break a UK agent’s leg..."

It wasn’t a refusal but tactfully explaining his predicament. Then, very earnestly, Gao Yi asked, "What should I do next? How can I ensure my safety and that of my brothers? I don’t want to live in fear of being hunted. Can you teach me what to do?"

Marina was silent.

Just when Gao Yi thought Marina might not give any good options, she suddenly said, "Actually, it’s simple and easily resolved, but it depends on whether you can give up certain things."

"Oh, what’s that?"

"The reason you are being chased by the CIA is not your fault, it’s Prince Shaman’s problem."

Marina waved her hand and asked, "Do you know how Prince Shaman came into power?"

"Sort of."

"Good, do you also know that Prince Shaman uses very forceful means, and he has done a series of things to detach from the United States?"

Gao Yi thought about it and said, "I know."

"That’s the problem. We welcome Prince Shaman’s decision to break free from US control, but he must seek support from other major countries. This way, France will benefit—of course, France isn’t enough to replace the US, but the satisfactory return is enough for us."

I don’t know why we are talking about matters of national importance again.

Marina spread her hands and continued, "But Prince Shaman’s decision inevitably leads to a strong reaction from the Americans. You being hunted by the CIA is not because of you, but because of Prince Shaman. So, if you stay away from Prince Shaman, the CIA naturally won’t be a problem."

Gao Yi, surprised, said, "Is it that simple?"

"Yes, that simple. Like how I noticed you because of your connections with Shaman and Abdulla, you draw CIA’s special attention simply because you are a very effective weapon used by Prince Shaman. But if you stop working for Prince Shaman, the CIA wouldn’t bother with you."

Gao Yi thought for a while, then said, "I had considered this issue before, but without Prince Shaman’s protection, we would probably already be finished."

"But you have to understand something. Prince Shaman is a formidable character, but his people are not. Working for him is like being a firefly at night; you can’t hide when your butt is glowing."

After finishing, Marina smiled and said, "So the simplest solution is to stay far from Shaman, far from Abdulla. The CIA will not keep focusing on you. Moreover, if you agree to join my team, your safety will certainly no longer be a concern."

Gao Yi was very surprised.

Marina shrugged and said, "France has the Foreign Army Corps. You can join it first, then obtain French citizenship. I’ll give you the green light. You just have to register with the Foreign Army Corps, let us complete the necessary procedures, but it won’t take long, at most two years, and then you can get an official position at the Directorate-General for External Security, French citizenship, full trust, and a rent-free apartment in Paris—though only with residence rights."

Gao Yi opened his mouth, pondered for a moment, then suddenly said, "Do you want something?"

Marina, startled by Gao Yi’s out-of-the-blue question, paused and asked, "What?"

"Do you want something special, perhaps a gift, or do you have any unfulfilled wishes? The kind that money can solve."

Marina paused briefly, then suddenly said, "Are you trying to say you’re very wealthy?"

"I’ll give you ten million dollars as petty cash."

Is buying off the head of the Counterintelligence Department at the Directorate-General for External Security with ten million worth it?

Russia would likely jump with excitement if they knew the price, and Saudi would probably be willing to add a zero.

Gao Yi simply said, "You don’t have to do anything, just be in a good mood, and I also want to treat you well. Do you have a secure account? If not, I’ll help you set one up, and then you’ll have ten million. Or do you prefer a chalet in the Swiss mountains? Oh, how about this, I’ll buy you a big house in Paris."

Gao Yi was very serious, and he sincerely continued, "Or just tell me what you want. I... I’m very... I don’t know how to say this."

After a brief struggle, Gao Yi finally said, "As long as you can protect me, I’m willing to pay, because money means nothing to me."

Marina frowned, thought for a moment, then finally sighed and said, "Alright, I understand what you mean."

What does that mean?

Gao Yi didn’t even understand himself, how could Marina understand?

Marina glanced downward slightly, then she whispered softly, "You’re too rich, French nationality can’t impress you, neither can the identity of an agent from the Directorate-General for External Security. So... I understand, even though you are rejecting me, I’m still very happy."

Gao Yi was really confused.

Here’s what happened: Gao Yi suddenly thought he could try using money to solve a security problem, and then he figured if he could buy Lucy with ten million dollars, then adding another zero should also settle Marina.

Prince Shaman would be willing to spend the money, Gao Yi just wanted to test if he could buy people’s loyalty for Prince Shaman.

The money would come from Shaman, and the favor would fall upon Gao Yi; but then, if Saudi needed Marina in the future, Gao Yi could step in.

That was roughly the idea, but Gao Yi didn’t know how to buy a spy with money, so he thought of using a slightly more roundabout way, speaking in more indirect terms.

But Gao Yi didn’t know how Marina had interpreted it, he intuitively felt she must have misunderstood.

So after some thought, he said, "You might not quite understand my meaning, giving you money... actually, I don’t know what other way would be more appropriate. I’m not very good with words, so I just acted in a way I thought appropriate. If I’ve done anything wrong, please forgive me."

Marina smiled and said, "You’re very sincere."

Really, a bug?

Marina continued, "You indeed did something wrong because you shouldn’t have thrown money at me."

Gao Yi knew he had been too hasty, this kind of thing would be better handled by having Luca subtly intervene.

"But over these many years, this is the first time a man has tried to impress me with money, and that’s what makes you cuter than French men. At least you don’t just use sweet words but actual deeds, with sincerity literally hitting me."

Gao Yi whispered softly, "Uh, this..."

"You’re a man of action, all your actions are direct and bold, much like me."

Marina smiled again and then with a resigned face said, "I’ll just take it that you’re trying to buy me then."

What does she mean ’take it as’? This IS buying.

Gao Yi whispered, "Sorry."

"I’ll give you a piece of advice, stay away from Shaman, keep a distance from the National Intelligence Bureau because the United States is bound to retaliate. I don’t want to see you die young. Then, go to the UK to finish this job for me, and afterward, find a safe place to hide, wait to see how things play out. Whether Shaman falls doesn’t matter, at least my door will always be open for you."

"What if I want to revive the Garden, what should I do?"

The topic was still jumping.

Marina spread her hands and said, "Do nothing. Now isn’t the right time. But I understand what you are trying to do. You don’t want to serve France, you just want to be your own assassin, right? No problem. When the conditions are right, I can help you. The Garden is originally a French organization, and you can act with ease here. But right now, it really isn’t a good time; things are too sensitive. The Dark Web, CIA, Andic Group, you’d die very quickly using the Garden’s name without enough strength behind you."

Gao Yi thought for a moment and said, "How about I still give you some money? I see you guys don’t earn much."

Marina shook her head and said, "Don’t bring up money again."

"Alright, whenever you need money, tell me. Also, another thing, we often run between the United States and Europe, and also Africa, the Middle East, so transporting weapons is a hassle. Hmm, could I maybe use your channels?"

Marina didn’t hesitate and said, "Just that? That’s easy. I can give you the weapons directly, but on one condition, you’re not messing around in France."

"Of course not, how could I cause trouble for you? Absolutely not!"

Marina smiled and said, "Good, that’s settled then."

"I brought a gun. This gun is very important to me; could you keep it for me? When I need to use it again, I’ll come to you, or maybe you can set up a safehouse for me in Paris. I have money; I can buy a property and put some necessities in there."

Marina unhesitatingly said, "I’ll take care of it for you. What’s safer than a swimming pool?"

"Thank you. Uh, anything else?"

"That’s it, we’re done here. Prepare to head to the UK. Oh, one more thing, you rejected Emily’s request to act together. Why, is there something about her you’re not happy with?"

"Not really, just don’t want to cause trouble."

"What kind of trouble?"

"Uh, it’s just... just... that kind of trouble, you know."

Marina started to laugh and said, "I understand now."

Marina’s laughter was a bit peculiar, and Gao Yi couldn’t help but ask, "What do you understand?"

"Nothing. Go on, goodbye. I’m waiting for your good news."

After that, Marina suddenly switched to French, speaking at length in a fast-paced manner.

Gao Yi didn’t understand; he just roughly noted it down, planning to ask someone about it later.