Ultimate Firepower
Chapter 529 - 508: The Unspeakable Secret

Chapter 529: Chapter 508: The Unspeakable Secret

When under someone else’s roof, you need to know how to lower your head. Gao Yi had mentally prepared himself for this.

Being beaten was acceptable—but don’t beat someone to death, and preferably don’t hurt them too badly, either.

Yet, under Yuri’s shouting, the soldiers, who appeared almost mad with anger, didn’t immediately start beating anyone.

Perhaps Lucy’s stunning appearance was too compelling. Even though these men quickly realized Lucy’s identity wasn’t so simple, they still refrained from harming her after finding the two pistols lying near her.

As a result, the furious yet tense soldiers’ spirits relaxed somewhat, sparing Gao Yi and his companions a more physical ordeal.

It was genuinely a stroke of luck.

Of course, being handcuffed was unavoidable. However, the fact that the Russians didn’t immediately send the injured Xinfeng and Sith to the hospital unsettled Gao Yi a bit.

One injury due to Yuri was already frustrating enough. It had turned everything into a losing proposition. If someone were to actually die, now that would be real trouble.

"Send them to the hospital. Call an ambulance. Hey, I’m... I’m..."

Gao Yi wanted to elevate his status. At first, he thought about shouting that he was from Northeastern University but felt that might not be appropriate. Then, he considered proclaiming himself as CIA but figured that could invite a worse beating. In the end, he turned to Yuri, who was also being dragged along, and said, "Tell them to save these people!"

Yuri looked just as disheveled, but he still called out firmly, "Take them to the hospital! One’s a CIA spy, and the other’s a French spy. They’re very valuable! Extremely valuable! Don’t let them die!"

The two leading soldiers exchanged glances before one used his radio to call for backup while the other commanded his troops to carry Sith and Xinfeng out.

Identity didn’t matter—value did.

A simple truth that applied universally.

The main entrance was blocked, so Gao Yi and the others were taken out through the kitchen’s back door. Before leaving the kitchen, they were hooded with black head coverings. Judging by the sensation, they were thrown into a vehicle, which then drove off.

Where they ended up, Gao Yi couldn’t tell. With no vision, even his sense of time was disoriented. Eventually, however, the vehicle stopped, and Gao Yi was pulled out. As someone began removing his watch, confiscating his phone, and frisking him, a voice suddenly called out, "Don’t search him. Give his things back."

Handcuffed behind his back and shackled at the ankles, Gao Yi couldn’t see anything. But this unexpected development gave him a sudden sense of hope.

It seemed his gamble had paid off. Yuri had value—significant value. Not only did Gao Yi think so, the Russians evidently agreed.

The hood was removed, and Gao Yi gulped down fresh air. Surveying the surroundings, he found the setting didn’t resemble a dedicated interrogation room. Instead, he was in a relatively empty chamber filled with masked soldiers. Dani was present, but Lucy was nowhere to be seen.

Just as Gao Yi was considering how to resolve the situation, Lucy was pushed into the room. She wore handcuffs, though her hands were secured in front, and she wasn’t shackled at the ankles.

Lucy’s disheveled hair and frightened expression stirred an instinctive urge to protect her.

"Hey, get your belongings together and straighten up your outfit—quickly."

A middle-aged man around fifty, with a cold demeanor, barked at Gao Yi before stepping forward to unlock his handcuffs and remove his shackles.

Gao Yi first put on his watch, then placed his phone back into his pocket, tidied his disheveled clothing, and addressed the middle-aged man, "I’m ready."

"Keep an eye on those two. Their handcuffs are off, but just watch them closely."

The middle-aged man barked orders at the uniformed soldiers before turning to Gao Yi, "Follow me."

The man walked ahead, seemingly unconcerned about Gao Yi being able to harm him barehanded.

This wasn’t surprising—Yuri’s words must’ve carried weight.

Although, whether Yuri could still manage to keep things under control when he’d promised everything would stop at daybreak—now already well past noon—remained unknown.

At that moment, Gao Yi realized the destination didn’t seem ordinary.

This building—wasn’t it the Kremlin?

Although Gao Yi had never been here, the iconic onion domes of the Kremlin were instantly recognizable. Leaving the inconspicuous, small building, crossing a grand archway, standing beneath those towering onion domes, and entering a vast, magnificent hall—Gao Yi’s sense of awe only grew stronger.

As they moved further in, the opulence began to diminish, leading them into a merely spacious and well-lit hall.

The place was heavily guarded. Soldiers stood tall and proud; their posture exuded an imposing presence.

But wasn’t it a bit too casual? Just one person escorting him—shouldn’t there be more guards?

Gao Yi couldn’t help but muse: Did these people not know about his infamous alias, Busan?

When the doors, painted white, opened, Gao Yi stepped inside and immediately saw Yuri—and sitting casually against a table with arms crossed was Vladimir Qin Pu.

Gao Yi had anticipated the possibility of meeting Qin Pu, but not like this.

"Uh, uh... hello, Mr. President..."

It wasn’t unreasonable for Gao Yi to stutter with meaningless syllables; his astonishment was simply too great.

Qin Pu remained with arms crossed, his gaze sharp as a blade, though it failed to pierce Gao Yi’s composure.

Yuri stayed seated, while Qin Pu stood. More strikingly, there wasn’t a fourth person in the room.

Yuri pointed to Gao Yi, speaking seriously, "This is the man who calls himself an Assassin but lacks qualifications in that field. However, as a Gardener, he has achieved extraordinary accomplishments in intelligence gathering."

Qin Pu remarked coolly, "I don’t like that nickname."

Gao Yi immediately responded, "You can also call me Busan."

Qin Pu uncrossed his arms, shrugged slightly, and straightened up, stepping away from the table.

"I’m very tired, so let’s get to the point. I still need to deliver a speech explaining the large-scale terrorist attack in Russia."

Surprisingly, Qin Pu was cooperative and almost approachable.

Gao Yi glanced at Yuri.

Yuri spoke calmly, "The CIA, Military Intelligence Sixth Department, and French External Intelligence Agency—three of the world’s most influential intelligence services have already invested in him. Naturally, we should be involved too. I will join as the KGB’s representative. That’s the arrangement."

Qin Pu stared at Yuri. "That’s all?"

"Of course not. First, we can acquire a significant amount of unplanned intelligence. Additionally, this allows us to establish a reliable and discreet communication channel."

Yuri shifted his gaze to Gao Yi, "What can you bring to Russia?"

"Hmm, uh, well..."

Gao Yi pondered and realized wavering self-doubt wouldn’t suffice here.

He had to appear confident. Now that Yuri was on board, he was already the leader of the Inner Five Permanent members.

"Let me be frank."

The hesitation disappeared as Gao Yi addressed Qin Pu with steady self-assurance, "The Garden cannot function without the KGB, just as the world cannot function without Russia. That’s why I’m here. As to what I can offer Russia—that depends on what Russia needs."

It was empty rhetoric. If Qin Pu couldn’t see through such platitudes, he wouldn’t be fit to be the Russian president.

Qin Pu frowned slightly and said gravely, "Do you have the capability?"

Gao Yi nodded earnestly. "Isn’t everything we’ve accomplished so far enough proof?"

What had they accomplished? Gao Yi didn’t actually know, but since Qin Pu wasn’t asking clear questions, he wasn’t going to give clear answers.

Qin Pu lowered his gaze, scratching his brow with his hand. Then, sighing, he said, "I didn’t expect you to kill Glakov under these circumstances. Fine. It’s a personal feud—I won’t pursue it further."

Yuri nodded and smiled faintly, "Thank you. The past is settled now. I have no one left to exact revenge on, and even if I did, I wouldn’t pursue it. It’s enough."

"If you want to go, I’ll let you go. If you wish to join this so-called Garden, I’ll allow it. Whatever the Garden does, whatever you plan to do—just don’t harm Russia’s interests or challenge its dignity. Can you promise that?"

Yuri nodded, smiling calmly, "Of course."

Qin Pu walked toward Yuri, extending his hand. As Yuri shook it, Qin Pu said sternly, "I hope the next news I hear about you is good news—not something that shames me. You’re my only friend. Don’t disappoint me. Don’t let me down."

Yuri maintained his placid smile. "Of course."

Qin Pu let go of Yuri’s hand, stepped back, and said gravely, "I’ll announce that you died of illness. From now on, Yuri no longer exists. You have no ties to Russia, nor any ties to the KGB. You represent no one but yourself."

"I know. No need to remind me."

Yuri’s tone toward Qin Pu was neither polite nor respectful.

Yet Qin Pu remained serious, "Goodbye."

With that, Qin Pu turned and left, leaving the large room to Gao Yi and Yuri.

Gao Yi stared at Yuri in silence.

Yuri spoke evenly, "Do you know why I brought you here?"

"Because... you wanted me to witness this. To show off your connections, so you brought the president along to make an impression."

"You’re very sharp."

Yuri smiled appreciatively, "Forget everything you’ve seen here. Don’t tell anyone—I mean anyone. Can you promise me that?"

Without hesitation, Gao Yi replied, "Of course. I promise—no one will ever hear about what happened here from me!"

Yuri spread his hands slightly, "I’ve exhausted all my favors in Russia. From now on, it depends on whether I can bring enough benefits to Russia. We can leave now."

Some things shouldn’t be said too plainly, but Gao Yi couldn’t resist, "Some things I’ll never discuss after leaving here. Some questions I’ll never ask again once I walk out of this room. So, can you tell me now—why?"

Yuri contemplated for a moment before leaning close to Gao Yi and whispering, "I created the opportunity, devised the plan, and put him in that position. Understand?"

Gao Yi took a deep breath and whispered back, "Got it. So, does that mean... we, um... have free reign in Russia?"

Yuri shook his head, smiling faintly, "I told you—I’ve used up all my favors. If you want support, it depends on our performance. Let’s go. Staying here any longer isn’t appropriate."