Ultimate Firepower
Chapter 430 - 410: Reach the Sky

Chapter 430: Chapter 410: Reach the Sky

Gao Yi did not ask Shaman if he needed help.

Just handle things directly; avoid involving unnecessary formalities.

Knowing Shaman is in a bad situation means he obviously needs help. If you can assist, just do it; why wait for him to beg you?

Gao Yi was about to call Panetta, but Marina and Green showed no intention of excusing themselves, both observing Gao Yi eagerly, unwilling to move.

This was somewhat awkward.

Gao Yi felt uncomfortable expelling them, knowing that at this moment both Green and Marina were curious to see what he could achieve.

Thinking that they were already acquainted with the situation, maintaining any sense of mystery seemed pointless now.

Gao Yi took out his phone and dialed Panetta directly.

Panetta answered the phone promptly and clearly had no one around him as he immediately said, "I knew you’d call me, just didn’t expect it so late. If you had waited any longer, I would’ve been in a meeting."

It was night for Gao Yi and day for Panetta, so Panetta really might have been busy.

Gao Yi calmly asked: "Do you know why I’m calling?"

"Given your relationship with Shaman, I would find it odd if you didn’t call," Panetta replied.

Gao Yi felt somewhat embarrassed and whispered, "I just got the news."

"Your news is quite slow," Panetta retorted.

Panetta spoke casually with Gao Yi, unwilling to reveal any useful information voluntarily.

That made sense; Panetta and Gao Yi were tied together by certain matters now, but since Shaman was not Gao Yi, any information or favors had to come with tangible benefits for Gao Yi to act on Shaman’s behalf.

Gao Yi understood Panetta’s stance, but currently, he couldn’t make promises on behalf of Shaman.

After contemplating, Gao Yi decided to be frank with Panetta, whispering: "I called you as soon as I found out about this, before contacting Shaman. Shaman isn’t the type to be unreasonable; can you tell me what exactly happened?"

After a moment of thought, Panetta whispered, "The woman is from Constantinople. This operation, from planning to execution, has been in motion for at least a year. Now, the United States has joined in, involving the CIA and Department of Homeland Security. Congress hopes for Shaman’s removal, and so does the White House. Hence, the CIA has been instructed to start gathering more intelligence immediately."

"What does gathering more intelligence mean?"

"Now Constantinople only has recordings, which can be considered evidence, but these won’t critically harm Shaman. You should understand, evidence is not important, what matters is the stance, the stance of the United States."

The confidence of a global hegemon.

It must be admitted that the influence of the United States is significant; if the United States is determined to remove Shaman using this incident, it is no longer a possibility but a certainty.

Panetta continued: "We are waiting for the final decision from the White House."

This statement was a very important hint.

Still waiting for the final decision from the White House meant that the decision to take down Shaman was not set in stone.

By revealing this crucial part of the crisis, Panetta showed significant respect and face to Gao Yi.

Gao Yi grasped the valuable implications of these words and whispered, "Now the White House wants you guys to gather more intelligence, and then what?"

"It’s obtaining, not gathering. With the CIA’s penetration and control over the Secret Intelligence Bureau, we can quickly complete the entire operation seamlessly. Whether this intelligence will be handed over to Constantinople still awaits the White House’s final decision."

After finishing his explanation, Panetta hinted again, "Do you understand the difference?"

"I understand; I’ll contact Shaman immediately."

"Listen, regardless of how this matter is ultimately handled, do not compromise the CIA’s influence within the Secret Intelligence Bureau, otherwise, it would be difficult for me. You must understand this."

The CIA had infiltrated the Secret Intelligence Bureau like a sieve; here Panetta informed Gao Yi of their next move. If Gao Yi then told Shaman, resulting in a major purge within the Secret Intelligence Bureau, Panetta would be in trouble.

Gao Yi immediately replied, "I understand, don’t worry, I won’t make it difficult for you."

"I still trust how you handle things; you manage to look after everyone’s interests well. Alright, you better be quick, I need to make preparations here soon."

Panetta hung up, and Gao Yi, unable to explain to Green and others what he had heard, quickly dialed Shaman.

Shaman answered rapidly, his voice noticeably shaken.

"Brother, I’m sorry, I’m very busy right now and can’t talk much. You can keep coming here for transfers without being affected, I have to hang up now,"

Shaman spoke in a hurry, and his willingness to take Gao Yi’s call at such a time, still making sure Gao Yi could keep using the transfer service, really showed he had Gao Yi in high regard.

The reason for Shaman’s attitude was that he was unaware of Gao Yi’s current capabilities.

Just like Abdulla called Gao Yi only seeking help, not expecting Gao Yi to significantly resolve his problems, because Abdulla did not truly know what Gao Yi could achieve.

Gao Yi whispered in a low voice, "Big brother, I’ve asked around. The Americans want to act against you; the CIA has already started gathering more intelligence. Your situation is very dangerous."

Directly addressing the matter.

Shaman paused briefly, lowering his voice and said, "I know."

"There’s still a turning point; the White House has not made a final decision yet."

"What?"

Shaman was stunned for a moment, then said in astonishment, "Where did you get the information? The United States is already making moves. They have not made a public stance, but the lack of a stance is a stance itself. I have contacted the White House, and they didn’t answer my calls."

"As I said, the White House hasn’t made a final decision. They don’t want to speak with you yet and won’t make any proposals to you. Brother, I can find strong support here. No, I have just directly contacted a powerful figure from the American side. There is a turning point for this matter!"

Shaman asked with a trembling voice, "Can you reveal their identity?"

"I can’t, but I can try. How much money can you provide? I need to make a promise to them now. I think... perhaps, no, it should be able to influence the White House’s decision."

Without any hesitation, Shaman said, "I will give you ten billion US dollars. Go handle it immediately."

Ten billion?

Gao Yi felt a bit fantastical hearing this, as the amount was too large.

"Brother, it’s not about national-level concessions. I mean, you give me the money and let me contact friends in the United States to lobby the White House."

"Yes, ten billion."

Gao Yi was speechless, while Shaman continued, "This amount of money is so large, it might be a bit troublesome to move around, but I can definitely get it to your hands. I’ll give you the first 1.2 billion US dollars right away for you to use. The subsequent funds will be available soon."

"Uh, I understand. Wait for me for a while, and we’ll get back in touch."

Gao Yi hung up the call and shrugged at Green and Marina, saying, "Sorry, I’ll explain to you guys later."

Gao Yi called Panetta again.

Panetta answered, "That was quick, is it bad news or did they not contact you?"

"1.2 billion US dollars, just the initial phase."

Just state the price directly, no need for the pleasantries.

Gao Yi stated the essentials, then continued, "What do you think about this matter, how should it be handled? How much money and how long will it take to get done?"

Panetta was slightly slow to respond.

Just because Gao Yi had the opportunity to pocket a substantial amount, immediately, one billion two hundred million came into play.

Panetta had indeed never seen such a large amount of money in his life, and the key point was, this money was not like previous kickbacks; it was directly for him, solely for him.

Kickbacks usually have to be shared with many, but this money, if handled well, he could monopolize.

Of course, Panetta alone wasn’t influential enough to affect the White House’s decision, so he would definitely have to spend part of this money lobbying others to influence the White House. But as Gao Yi also indicated, this is just the first phase.

Who the hell doesn’t know that Saudi is famously wealthy.

Panetta immediately said, "Very good, looks like Shaman is sincere, and most importantly, he’s willing to trust you, which makes this much easier to handle."

"The money is left entirely up to me to manage; there’s definitely sincerity."

Panetta said in a low voice, "I’ll head to the White House immediately. Also, some very important people, some with enough influence on the White House, must be contacted right now. I’m confident I can persuade many, and the collection of intelligence can slow down. Within three days, the White House will definitely take a stance towards Shaman."

Panetta had already switched from obtaining intelligence to collecting intelligence.

"Okay, okay!"

"Whatever concessions need to be made, that’s Shaman’s own matter, but we can give Shaman an opportunity to talk, and this money will be worth it for him."

1.2 billion, in exchange for the opportunity for the United States to talk.

To go further, more money is needed.

Gao Yi thought for a moment, then said softly, "Why not directly set a price for settling all matters, so I can get Shaman to prepare it."

If Shaman is willing to give one or two hundred million, Panetta would still handle it, but he couldn’t guarantee the outcome.

However, with 1.2 billion given, the matter could definitely be settled, as this amount of money was enough to completely crush many people.

Panetta thought about it; the initial phase was already 1.2 billion, so the final payment obviously cannot be less, but it was already 1.2 billion, far exceeding his expectations, and asking for more, he didn’t even know how wide to open his mouth.

"Let’s say two billion, I’ll handle this for Shaman."

Shaman was anxious and blurted out ten billion, but Gao Yi knew it wouldn’t take that much. However, making a striking initial offer was important, and it’s better to directly jump to a finalized sum than adding bit by bit. Thus, he reported all the initial funds.

But he would definitely help Shaman save money in subsequent dealings.

Now, Panetta had directly stated his price, two billion, one-fifth of what Shaman had anticipated, saving him a huge amount of money.

Without any hesitation, Gao Yi said softly, "Okay, two billion, no problem."