Ultimate Firepower
Chapter 499 - 478: When the Map Ends, the Dagger Appears

Chapter 499: Chapter 478: When the Map Ends, the Dagger Appears

Gao Yi had no intention of sowing discord right from the start, but since Alexander himself brought it up, he naturally could continue along the lines of Alexander’s implication.

It’s like the saying, when the birds are gone, the bow is put away; when the rabbits are dead, the dogs are cooked. Everyone understands this, and once the conversation can truly be steered in this direction, then everything else becomes easy to discuss.

Gao Yi is not someone’s Black Gloves, but he could be, or might have been.

The main approach is about empathy, and beyond empathy, he could provide Alexander with a vivid example to reference.

Originally, Alexander did not plan to discuss these things, but everything is relative, isn’t it?

After following the boss for years and handling huge sums of money, he didn’t manage to save much for himself. In the end, he was appointed to a position that seemed like a promotion but was actually a far-flung exile.

Although it’s said that it’s necessary to venture out to achieve greatness, with Alexander now backed by the big boss’s Black Gloves, trying to get himself reassigned back to the Moscow headquarters became difficult. He wasn’t treated as one of their own by anyone, so his fate was sealed – to drift from one country to another, always a regional head, but entering the core circle was just a dream.

And this is still under Nikolai’s reign. Worse, once the directorship changes, Alexander, the former director’s Black Gloves, wouldn’t be able to mix in at all. The best he could hope for would be like Sherkin – simply leaving the KGB and making do with some money earned from past allegiances.

Of course, Alexander could also choose to retire, moving to a picturesque place to live out his days.

But this wasn’t the worst scenario; the most dreadful outcome would be if Nikolai simply found an opportunity to have him killed.

After all, Alexander knew too much, and as everyone understands, only dead men tell no tales.

Now, Alexander didn’t know what his destiny held, but suddenly he had ten million dollars in his pocket.

Shall he exit now, comfortably living out his life with this payoff money, or swim against the tide and try to secure his place within the core circle of the KGB?

Gao Yi was waiting for Alexander’s decision.

Alexander sighed, his voice light as he said, "Our director will soon be stepping down; he doesn’t have the President’s trust anymore."

Finally, Alexander began his complaints to this stranger.

"So I must shift my position, to spare his successor any chance to catch him out. He needs to pave his way, and I... just like trash, was discarded."

The same old phrase; when the birds are gone, the bow is put away; everyone understands, and for those whom this phrase applies to, they have millennia-old traditional phrases to choose from.

Gao Yi nodded slightly, sighed, then stood up, paced around briefly, then suddenly recited: "Do not worry about who recognizes you, the world knows who you are."

After speaking, Gao Yi explained to Alexander, "This is from a poem, meaning..."

"I understand."

Alexander nodded and then said in Chinese, "Tang, Gao Shi, ’Farewell to Dong Da’."

Gao Yi felt somewhat displeased; this Alexander lacked the basic courtesy of human interactions.

How can someone behave like this? How can they reject another’s consolation, or interrupt when someone is making an elaborate point?

Alexander sighed slightly, chuckling as he said, "But for someone like me, being known by everyone means... death."

Alright, that was thoughtless indeed, it is precisely so.

"Ahem, how should I put it, if a place doesn’t welcome me, there are plenty of lands where I can thrive; even if you go to Syria, you can still make a name for yourself," Gao Yi said casually to Alexander.

"But unfortunately, if you go to Syria, there won’t be any possibilities for cooperation between us. As you know, Syria is now very important to Russia. You would have many opportunities to demonstrate your capabilities there, but for us, it’s a forgotten corner with almost nothing to do."

It’s just what it is – if you leave, our cooperation also comes to an end.

Alexander muttered softly, "I thought relying on your subcontracted assassin business could secure my stay. Although it’s not a safe option, at least I had a chance. But it turns out, I couldn’t change anything."

Alexander then added in a heavy tone, "I worked for Nikolai, dealing with unseemly matters on his behalf, but in five years of service, I only earned up to three million dollars. Yet, just with one collaboration with you, you gave me ten million dollars."

It’s the same old story, again and again.

Gao Yi now thinks money is easy to earn, so much so it can’t be spent entirely.

But money is hard to earn, and crap is hard to digest; that’s the mainstream understanding of the world.

The richer one becomes, the richer they get. Gao Yi isn’t using the money to make more money in financial deals, but his channels for earning money are broad and numerous, allowing him naturally to be on the right path.

Alexander and Xinfeng are in a similar situation; they engage in dangerous work, earn relatively modest incomes, and aren’t recognized by their country, ultimately becoming sacrificial pieces in power struggles.

However, Alexander has it even worse; he is one of the Black Gloves, not even on a par with Xinfeng.

Now, Gao Yi can extend an olive branch.

"I’m familiar with your situation, I’ve seen too many of them."

With an understanding smile, Gao Yi said, "Most of my people are in your situation. Under me are top agents from the CIA, the Military Intelligence Sixth Department, and the French External Intelligence Agency, who, like you, have been marginalized, but have found new life here."

Waving his hand, Gao Yi continued, "Do you think they followed me just for money? No, while gaining freedom, they also receive the recognition they couldn’t get before, obtaining a higher status. Now, you might think I am trying to recruit you?"

"Aren’t you indeed implying that?"

Gao Yi shook his head, smiling, "No, because my people must maintain very good relations with their original departments, but clearly, you don’t meet this criterion. Frankly speaking, once you leave Moscow, whether you can keep your life is questionable, let alone maintain a friendly relationship with the KGB. Understand? I’m speaking about a positive relationship that allows for constant communication and the ability to leverage KGB power."

His words were straightforward and piercing, and being a man of clear understanding, Alexander felt the sting but knew too well that Gao Yi did not regard him highly.

Gao Yi continued, "Frankly, I was planning to have the KGB send someone to join the Garden, just like this time, to perfectly showcase the benefits, using KGB resources to do the assassin’s job for me, which is not too complicated. But now you’re being transferred, and clearly no longer trusted, why would I recruit you just to be another assassin? Sorry, the last thing I lack here are assassins."

Alexander gasped and nodded, "I understand, thank you for the ten million dollars, for which I can help connect you and the director, allowing you to establish direct contact."

Gao Yi shook his head, stating, "You are mistaken again; I am not doing this just to gain contact."

Alexander quietly watched Gao Yi.

Very seriously, Gao Yi said, "Can’t you find a way to stay?"

Alexander couldn’t help but laugh, whispering, "I can’t. I’ve tried every way, but clearly, I must leave."

"I feel you just didn’t find the right person, the key is not giving enough benefits."

Gao Yi was about to start showing off his prowess. Since he chose to revive Alexander’s dying situation, he naturally needs to kindle the fire in Alexander’s heart.

The fire of hope.

"Just manage to stay at the headquarters without being transferred, even if it involves changing your position, even if it is a demotion, but as long as you can be heavily relied upon by the next director, couldn’t you rise again?"

Alexander shook his head, "I don’t know how it was done by you before, but Russia is different, the KGB is also different, the new director will neither trust nor favor me."

Russia indeed differs from other countries, the KGB is also completely different from the CIA.

The CIA director is just a figurehead, while the director of the KGB really holds substantial power.

Moreover, directors of the KGB are experts in their field and definitely have their own team on taking office, taking over the predecessor’s Black Gloves is almost impossible.

But Gao Yi’s intention was not to keep Alexander as a Black Glove.

Gao Yi’s vision is now high, his courage vast.

"Yes, the new director won’t trust or favor you, but what if this new director is installed with your help, then what would happen?"

Alexander was startled.

Just as Alexander’s swiftness impressed Gao Yi, Gao Yi’s suggestion sent a chilling thrill through Alexander’s heart.

"That’s not possible, I don’t have that kind of strength."

"Look at Sherkin, he was the Black Glove of the previous director, look at his current situation and the things he has done, can you reach his level? You can’t even be sure of saving your life now, don’t you want to try a completely different path?"

Alexander took a deep breath.

Gao Yi continued, "I don’t intend to control the choice of KGB director, I don’t have that power, nor that ambition, I just admire you and hope you can play a greater role between me and the KGB. You’re well aware of the KGB situation, you should know who might become the next director. If you ask me, you should choose someone hopeful but not too much of a long shot, invest a little, gamble, and perhaps with your help, the choice for the next director could change."

Alexander swallowed hard, "I... I..."

"I am gambling, I can afford to gamble, betting on a new director with whom I can form a deep bond because I believe that giving help in tough times is always better than adding benefits when unnecessary, so why not gamble? If I lose, it almost has no effect on me, but if I win, my returns could be thousandfold, so why shouldn’t I gamble?"

Having finished, Gao Yi laughed towards the somewhat dazed Alexander, "You go back, think of a way to connect me with Director Nikolai, and also think carefully about what I’ve said, hoping my words could inspire you."