Ultimate Firepower
Chapter 277 - 264: Going It Alone

Chapter 277: Chapter 264: Going It Alone

Gao Yi’s self-confidence was built through battle, having evolved from cautious and prudent to increasingly overconfident. You could say he was getting carried away, but you could also say that he had developed the demeanor and temperament of a true expert.

Being arrogant is actually not a pejorative when it comes to experts, because to become a top-notch master, one indeed needs that kind of supreme self-belief.

However, it also has its side effects, which includes being arrogant and isolated.

He had politely turned down Marina, ignored Emily, and even upon seeing Lucy again, Gao Yi still lacked the kind of joy that should exist between men and women.

Why?

Because the thing about Kung Fu is that it’s bloody addictive.

Especially for those who practice Inner Boxing, it truly leads to a state of desirelessness in the end.

"You all know what has happened. In general, I’ve chosen to leave this place of conflict."

Gao Yi recounted everything that had happened to him in the UK that day and finally announced his decision and choice. No one objected to Gao Yi’s decision.

"Yes, we must leave here as soon as possible. It seems safe, but in reality... in reality it’s not safe at all!"

Luca spoke with deep resentment, glanced around at everyone, and said in a low voice, "I have a principle, a belief, and that is if you’re a drop of water, it’s best to blend into the ocean—or at least not to be exposed under the sun. The Directorate-General for External Security isn’t an ocean, it’s not a lake—it’s a desert, it’s a lawn. In short, it’s not the place for us!"

Feng Biao chuckled and said, "Luca, your words are quite philosophical today. Did the art of France influence you?"

"It’s not philosophy, it’s the truth!"

Luca seemed rather impatient, waved his hand and said, "Gardens originated in France, but why are they no longer exclusive to France? Because the history of the gardens is a history of betrayal by France. The British are unreliable, you can’t count on the French; if you want to live well, you must never deal with any government institutions from these two countries, or else there are only two possible outcomes."

"What outcomes?"

Luca said seriously, "You’ll either be angered to death or killed by enemies. The British are cunning and like to use people, while the French like to betray their own."

Gao Yi nodded and said, "Just like Joan of Arc."

"Yes, like Joan of Arc... can’t you find someone else to use as an example? Joan of Arc is just too ancient."

Luca criticised Gao Yi’s choice, then shaking his head he said, "You’ve stepped on the British’s face. They definitely won’t let it go just like that. The British won’t take long to find us, so what you’re doing is right. We must not only leave, but we must leave quickly!"

"We agreed, tomorrow’s plane. We’re going to the Central African Republic. There’s a French Army presence in Central Africa, and we can take a military transport plane that’s delivering supplies there and enjoy treatment befitting an emperor."

Li Jie suddenly asked, "What do you mean by ’treatment befitting an emperor’?"

Gao Yi sighed with a hint of regret and said, "I don’t know. It should be like the treatment of the Emperor-emeritus, I guess. But the material conditions there are limited. At most, we’ll have some privileges, but don’t expect too much luxury."

Luca seemed very reluctant and said, "Africa then, Africa it shall be. Although it’s a bit harsh, the Americans and the British probably won’t be able to find us there. Let’s consider it as changing the environment for a trip."

Everyone had something to say, except Lucy and Lin Xianghua, who had been silent the whole time.

It was getting late, and Gao Yi checked his watch and said, "Your medications will be brought directly from here. There are military doctors in the French Army in Central Africa, so as long as you change your dressings on time and keep the environment clean, your needs will be met. But besides that, if there’s anything else you need, you’d better make a list now. France will prepare everything for us, for free."

Everyone looked at each other, and finally, Li Jie suddenly asked, "Can we bring guns?"

"Of course, we can bring our own, and the French will have to find anything we don’t have. So if you want some gun that you’ve always wanted but couldn’t afford, no problem—as long as France can find it."

Li Jie let out a long sigh and laughed, "Going to Africa, Central Africa, that’s a great place for hunting. I’ll bring a hunting rifle. There’s been a gun I’ve always wanted to buy but never found the right one. Have them prepare a Brassell R8 for me. Since it’s on the public dime, might as well have them include all the barrels so I can go lion hunting once I recover."

Feng Biao said, "Only a fool wouldn’t take advantage of a freebie. So shouldn’t I ask for something expensive?"

Lin Xianghua suddenly asked, "Can I get a gaming console?"

"Sure, which one do you want?"

Lin Xianghua’s eyes lit up, and he said hurriedly, "I want a PS4, and the entire Final Fantasy series, all of the God of War, The Witcher, and also..."

"Make your own list, write it down. I can’t remember all these games."

Gao Yi looked at Lucy and asked gently, "Do you need anything?"

"I don’t know what I want. What do I need?"

Gao Yi thought for a moment and said, "Something to pass the long and boring times. Anything goes."

After pondering for a moment, Lucy replied, "A Bible."

Lucy’s answer was slightly heart-wrenching, leaving Gao Yi with no choice but to give a wry smile.

Feng Biao suddenly said, "Going to a place like Africa, my advice is it’s best to bring along a bullet-proof vest. How about this, let them provide a full set of combat gear for you, night vision devices, bullet-proof vest, I’ll write a detailed list for you."

"We’re going to recuperate, not to fight. Why bring all the combat equipment?"

Gao Yi found it a bit funny. These people really can’t be without guns wherever they go, as if they lack a sense of security without them.

Feng Biao said seriously, "Based on my experience, anything can happen in Africa, and we’ve offended the CIA and MI6. Naturally, we need to be fully prepared. No matter what the situation, being able to fight on your own is better than entrusting your life to others."

"You’re right. Let’s do that. Everyone, rest up. We don’t know what time we’ll leave tomorrow."

There wasn’t much else to say. Gao Yi, after a day of extreme fulfillment and busyness, now just wanted to lie in bed and sleep.

But at this moment, Feng Biao said, "Boss, I’ve got something to discuss with you. Can we talk alone?"

"Uh, sure, come to my room."

Gao Yi didn’t know what Feng Biao had in mind with his secretive behavior, but since he wanted a private chat, they would talk alone.

Gao Yi returned to his room, and once he had closed the door, Feng Biao immediately said, "Just now when Berserker was there, it wasn’t a good time to speak. You know, um... when you came back earlier, it was that little beauty who brought you back."

Gao Yi was taken aback.

Feng Biao’s words had some implications.

Mentioning Lucy as "Berserker" meant he preferred not to talk openly in front of her, and previously they clapped for Marina excessively to guard against eavesdropping devices. Now using "Berserker" as a hint, Gao Yi roughly understood Feng Biao’s meaning.

"Yeah, Emily brought me back. What about it?"

Feng Biao looked helpless and, after pondering for a moment, said, "I see she’s got a bit of a thing for you, boss. Aren’t you interested?"

Why was Feng Biao suddenly concerned about Gao Yi’s love life?

Gao Yi turned his head, surprised, and asked, "Why do you ask?"

Feng Biao fell silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Boss, there’s something I, as someone who’s been there, must say to you. That is, you can’t... can’t... just don’t spurn the girl’s affection for you, okay?"

"I don’t understand."

Gao Yi was truly baffled.

Feng Biao had a look of frustration and said, "We’re both men, what are you pretending for? When someone’s ready to jump into the bowl, you don’t eat? Not eating is an offense, you understand?"

"I don’t understand, really don’t understand."

Feng Biao sighed and then spoke with earnest gravity, "What kind of person is Berserker? She’s someone who doesn’t get it, who understands nothing. But just because she doesn’t know, you shouldn’t be confused too. Let me put it this way, Marina is such a good woman, and you’re not moved?"

Suddenly, Gao Yi had a flash of understanding, and then he quietly said, "Are you suggesting I reciprocate with my body?"

They had to be careful in case there were listening devices, so the words couldn’t be too explicit. Feng Biao, frustrated, started scratching his head and abruptly took out his phone, typing furiously to Gao Yi.

"Boss, you know what they say about love turning into hate? You’ve put someone on a pedestal initially, and when she offers herself, you’re going to refuse? And what about Emily, she’s thrown herself at you, why push her away?"

Watching Gao Yi sink into contemplation, Feng Biao continued to type, "Women can be petty. Be careful they don’t get angry and kill you! If you ask me, we are all men, why pretend? Eat when you should! Once you’ve eaten, the road ahead will widen. You might think they want to marry you, but don’t overthink it. It’s just a fling."

Gao Yi felt Feng Biao really worried for him, hence the persistent advice.

Amused, yet unable to articulate a response.

After hesitating for a moment, Gao Yi finally said, "I’m still practicing Child’s Skill. One year of my training is equivalent to at least three years for others."

Feng Biao was astonished, setting down his phone and looking at Gao Yi in disbelief.

Gao Yi spread his hands and said, "As for now, I think... I think it’s better to hold back. After this age, you haven’t noticed how I’ve advanced by leaps and bounds recently, have you? That’s because my body is keeping up with my experience and awareness, but if I lose my virginity, truly, this rapid progress might be gone forever. All kung fu masters started to make great strides around my age, laying the foundation of a grandmaster. So right now, all I want to do is train. I’m not interested in romantic distractions."

Feng Biao was startled for a good while before finally saying, "I didn’t know that... it’s actually true..."

After some thought, he still couldn’t help himself and said, "You know, flowers may bloom again, but a person never regains their youth. I mean, you’ve got the whole world under your heel, is there any point in training anymore?" Lucy’s admittedly bittersweet reply followed.

"It’s not about being invincible."

Gao Yi exhaled and said, "It’s just that I’ve never encountered a real challenge. But I’m still far from the legendary realm of invincibility. I want to see if I can go even further."

Feng Biao shook his head and replied, "I don’t have much to say about that, but how does that saying go again? ’Best to pluck flowers when they bloom, don’t wait till there are no flowers to pick.’ Also, ’flowers may bloom again, but a person never regains their youth.’ At your age, with your opportunities, just make sure you don’t have regrets in the future."

Gao Yi couldn’t help but laugh and said, "Alright, I get it. There’s always a day for everything. Ah, leave it to fate. When the time comes, it’ll happen. But I’m not in a hurry now, not in a hurry."