Ultimate Firepower
Chapter 542 - 521: Stealing Home

Chapter 542: Chapter 521: Stealing Home

Although he felt there shouldn’t be any issues, he couldn’t truly set his mind at ease until the matter was fully resolved.

Alexander definitely didn’t realize he was entangled in such a monumental deal, nor did he understand how much his promotion had stirred others’ emotions. But he was certain of one thing: the credit he earned must not slip away.

"Arrest him!"

Returning from Saint Petersburg to the KGB, Alexander’s first move wasn’t to meet with Plevenov but instead to apprehend the mole as quickly as possible.

"What are you doing? What’s going on?"

The look of bewilderment, tinged with some incomprehension, almost made Alexander doubt himself.

Could it be that he had paid a hefty price only to obtain false information?

If that were the case, the joke would be far too big. Alexander wouldn’t even know how to approach Gao Yi about compensating for his losses.

This is the downside of intelligence that comes too easily and simply, lacking a complete chain of evidence.

To arrest someone based solely on a name and title—frankly speaking, Alexander was taking a substantial risk.

There’s no room for timidity now. He was all in, forging ahead despite any apprehensions. At any rate, he could only trust that the intelligence from Gao Yi was accurate.

Alexander, with an air of disdain, said coldly, "I’ve come to catch you myself, and you’re still hesitating? Let me tell you—spill everything you know quickly. If I can arrest a few more of your associates, you’ll have a slightly better time. Otherwise... take him away."

Insiders understand their own methods best, and Alexander’s straightforward threats caused Alekayev’s psychological defenses to crumble immediately.

Of course. Once they’ve come knocking at your door, what’s the point in trying to deny it?

"I’ll talk! I’ll say everything! Just don’t torture me or use truth serum—arrest them immediately, and you’ll still catch them."

Alekayev’s surrender happened even faster than Alexander’s most optimistic expectations, but this wasn’t the first time he’d encountered such a situation today. As a result, Alexander wasn’t too surprised.

However, Alekayev couldn’t speak out too quickly, or else the CIA agents wouldn’t have time to escape, and that would be a major problem. This was part of the deal—he couldn’t risk hurting his own people.

And who were his own people? Naturally, the operatives in the Garden.

He’d have to rely on the Garden for future missions, so he couldn’t tarnish his reputation or ruin his connections there.

Presumably, the CIA agents had already retreated. But without confirmation, there was no guarantee. If they were inefficient, then this could still go wrong. Better not rush it.

Alexander waved his hand and ordered, "Take him to the Bureau of Security for interrogation, immediately!"

Alexander made a grave mistake—he didn’t hand the case over to the director but instead gave it to Plevenov at the Bureau of Security.

Under normal circumstances, Alexander’s actions would be condemned, but now, everyone knew he had aligned himself with Plevenov. It was also widely understood that Plevenov had become his new patron, while Nikolai was sidelined.

If you don’t protect your own allies, then don’t blame them for finding another patron. No matter how this reasoning was debated, Alexander wasn’t worried.

Feeling triumphant, Alexander had Alekayev taken away while immediately making a call to Plevenov.

"Deputy Director, I’ve apprehended Alekayev, and he has already confessed. Please proceed with interrogation quickly to prevent his accomplices from catching wind and fleeing."

Plevenov sternly responded, "Be cautious. There are accomplices within our ranks. Prevent any leaks of information and ensure stringent confidentiality. I’ll report this to the President right away."

After hanging up, Plevenov took a deep breath to compose himself, then made a call to the Kremlin.

"I have important information to report. Today, we’ve apprehended two traitors and a United States spy. Just now, we caught a KGB mole, and the evidence is conclusive."

"Understood."

A secretary at the President’s Office answered the call and respectfully relayed the information to the Secretary-General: "Sir, Plevenov from the KGB’s Bureau of Security has called. They’ve caught two moles and one American spy. He says detailed information needs to be presented to the President directly."

"Noted."

While this wasn’t an extraordinarily major development, it was significant enough. Such incidents might occur only once a year—or even less frequently—so it clearly warranted attention.

The Secretary-General stood, proceeded to the President’s Office, knocked on the door, received permission to enter, and respectfully said, "Mr. President, Plevenov from the KGB’s Bureau of Security reports that they’ve just captured one American spy and two moles."

Qin Pu raised his head but didn’t immediately speak. Instead, he frowned slightly, deep in thought.

The operation was swift and decisively executed.

"Plevenov..."

Qin Pu muttered softly before calmly saying, "Let me see the report."

"There isn’t one yet; this just happened."

Qin Pu nodded and said expressionlessly, "Have him draft a detailed report for me."

As his secretary was preparing to leave, Qin Pu suddenly said, "Wait."

The secretary stopped.

Qin Pu deliberated briefly and then instructed, "Draft an order appointing Plevenov as the KGB’s Director. Furthermore, have Plevenov come here immediately—I want to hear his report firsthand. Go."

"Yes, Mr. President."

The secretary left, returned to his office, picked up the phone, and called Plevenov. When Plevenov answered, he spoke with a slightly lifted tone: "Deputy Director Plevenov, come over right away. The President wants to hear your report in person."

"Understood. I’ll come immediately."

The secretary’s message hadn’t changed—it was the same as every previous directive. But this time, his tone carried a faint hint of elation.

"Alright, I’m waiting for you here."

After the call ended, Plevenov’s heart raced.

Just now, while listening to the secretary’s tone, did he catch a hint of cheerfulness?

Did this mean the President had already decided on him?

Could it really be so simple?

Was this an illusion?

Swallowing hard, Plevenov realized he hadn’t prepared adequately for this—he hadn’t even composed answers to potential questions from the President. It was all happening too quickly, almost unrealistically.

Then why did the President’s secretary speak in that way?

Was it an implication?

It should be. Regardless, Plevenov needed to be mentally prepared.

After taking a deep breath, Plevenov dialed Alexander and said casually, "I’m heading to the Kremlin to report directly to the President. Relay any key details or points to me briefly. If necessary, I’ll request the President summon you personally so you can deliver your report."

Delegating a task that one person could handle to another might make Plevenov appear incompetent, but it was the ultimate reciprocation for Alexander.

A good superior operates this way—Plevenov wasn’t like Nikolai, who would abandon his subordinate after the task was completed. That wasn’t the mark of a good leader.

Alexander trembled with gratitude, saying, "Thank you for your support, Deputy Director."

"I’ll head over now—prepare yourself."

Plevenov hung up the phone, personally drove to the Kremlin, and awaited the President’s summons.

Although Plevenov’s position required him to report to the President frequently, as the director of a KGB division, he had never briefed the President in person after capturing spies.

The President was sharp—he wasn’t easy to fool. But precisely because he understood everything, he wouldn’t pry too deeply into the underlying rivalries or hidden transactions involved.

If you had the ability to secure the position, you were appointed. If not, you could be replaced at any time.

This time Plevenov didn’t linger—the President was waiting to see him, so he entered directly.

"Mr. President..."

Qin Pu was straightforward and disliked wasting time. Maintaining his poker face, he said, "What’s the situation? Was this a longstanding discovery that culminated today, or was it a sudden revelation?"

Plevenov answered respectfully and honestly, "I received the information just recently. However, this case was led by Alexander, who had been investigating covertly for some time."

Honest, capable, tolerant of others, and above all, decisive—these were Qin Pu’s assessments of Plevenov.

The President didn’t inquire about case details; he wasn’t concerned with them.

Plevenov straightforwardly asked, "Would you like Alexander to report to you?"

Qin Pu waved dismissively, saying, "That won’t be necessary. You are the newly appointed KGB Director. I’ll sign and announce the presidential order. Return and handle this case properly."

"Understood, Mr. President."

Plevenov stood upright and saluted.

The President didn’t summon Alexander, which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, as he had declared Plevenov the new Director—everything else was now a mere formality.

Most notably, the President refrained from significantly intervening in KGB personnel arrangements. This meant Alexander’s fate was entirely at Plevenov’s discretion.

Excellent.

Everything fell into place effortlessly. A single thought, one sentence, and everything was finalized.

Plevenov spent less than five minutes with the President before leaving with his new appointment. On the way back, he called Alexander.

"Alexander, come report to me about your work."

Technically, Plevenov was not Alexander’s direct superior and had no authority to demand his report. But the statement carried only one implication:

It’s done.

Elated, Alexander replied respectfully and joyfully, "Yes, Director. I’ll head over immediately."

Plevenov didn’t correct Alexander for addressing him as Director—he simply hung up the phone.

It was done—mission accomplished.

Now it was time to divide the spoils—or rather, share the fruits of victory.

Qin Pu was efficient—he wouldn’t delay issuing the appointment order. He would sign it today, ending KGB’s chaotic internal struggle.

There was no chance of a comeback for those who had already fallen from grace. However, for those still battling without a clear winner, luck was on their side.

Plevenov’s gambit paid off. Now there was no need to argue or compete—everyone would take their turn in line for their rewards. This time, though, it would depend entirely on Plevenov’s judgment.