Ultimate Firepower
Chapter 543 - 522: A Line

Chapter 543: Chapter 522: A Line

Actually, there’s no official title, yet Gao Yi feels so busy.

How did it come to the point where it feels like there’s not enough of him to go around?

Getting a private jet invites scrutiny, but always flying commercial is also a hassle.

Thinking carefully, if Andic Group could somehow be eradicated...

Leaving such a lurking threat is ultimately a major concern; it needs to be dealt with, added to the agenda.

Although his brain was occupied, Gao Yi gazed at Sith lying on the hospital bed, yet his thoughts had drifted far away.

"Boss, I’m fine. You should go and handle your affairs. I’m sorry, but I won’t be of much help for a while."

Sith spoke sincerely, doing his best to keep any impatience or perfunctoriness from his expression.

Gao Yi snapped back to reality and replied softly, "Oh, yes, no problem. Focus on your recovery."

This hospital room, calling it a presidential suite is an understatement, as a typical presidential suite couldn’t match this setup.

A massive suite, three bathrooms, a bedroom, a living room, an audiovisual entertainment room, and a special room designed for medical examinations, sanitized daily by doctors and nurses to maintain a sterile environment.

There’s even a semi-equipped but functional surgery room.

The most striking feature, however, is the presence of four stunning nurses.

Recovering in such a place isn’t just convalescence—it’s practically a vacation.

The KGB provided Sith with the best accommodations, and Sith was starting to feel less inclined to leave.

"Just go; don’t worry about me. I’ll come find you all after I’ve recovered."

Sith couldn’t resist issuing a subtle dismissal. Although he couldn’t move freely yet, there was an ongoing chess game on his mobile platform beside the bed. If Gao Yi didn’t leave, how could he resume playing against the gentle, skilled, and evenly-matched nurse?

Gao Yi glanced at the chessboard pushed to the side of the bedpost, nodded, and said, "Alright, speedy recovery."

No farewells necessary—no point interrupting someone enjoying their chess game.

What a fantastic place to recuperate.

Gao Yi left Sith’s room and met Alexander waiting outside.

Alexander beamed and asked Gao Yi, "How is he?"

"Very good, excellent. Thank you."

"No need to thank me."

Alexander, feeling triumphant, reflected on the events. Yesterday, Qin Pu formally appointed Plevenov as head of the KGB, and today Plevenov held a meeting to officially promote Alexander to Deputy Chief of the Security Bureau.

Alexander didn’t secure the position of KGB Deputy Chief, but landing the Security Bureau chief role was inevitable. For now, Plevenov was doubling as Security Bureau chief, but once he officially transitioned duties to the KGB, Alexander would take over fully.

While the promotion seemed only half a step forward, the newfound authority was substantial. Previously, Alexander handled menial errands—a mere gofer. Now, as Security Bureau chief, Alexander became a prominent figure within the KGB hierarchy.

Alexander understood the importance of maintaining relationships. Gao Yi wasn’t his direct benefactor but his most important ally, and this alliance had to be carefully preserved.

"The Director wants to meet you, but you know how it is—he’s overwhelmed with work after just stepping into the role. He’s in a meeting now. Should I arrange the meeting with him afterward?"

Plevenov wanted an audience with Gao Yi, but even that required vetting through Alexander.

Should they meet?

Gao Yi pondered briefly before asking, "Do you think I should meet him?"

Alexander whispered, "He’s a bit uneasy—afraid you’ll ask him to do things he doesn’t want to. For now, his feelings toward you are mostly worry with little else."

Plevenov’s concerns were justified. No one likes being a puppet, and no one enjoys being blackmailed. Meeting him now seemed unnecessary.

Still, Gao Yi hesitated, deciding it was best to meet with him.

Not for any other reason, but for Huaxinfeng.

"Let’s meet him, to ease Director Plevenov’s concerns and doubts."

Gao Yi smiled at Alexander and whispered, "Moving forward, all KGB matters will pass through you. I won’t deal directly with Plevenov—it’s safer that way."

Gao Yi’s intention was clear: any KGB-related affairs would remain under Alexander’s jurisdiction since Alexander was truly his ally.

Alexander chuckled in reply, "Alright, I’ll let him know. Wait in my office for now."

The situation felt surreal—walking freely in the heart of the forest, preparing for a formal meet-up with the KGB Director. Yet, according to Gao Yi’s assessment, the upcoming meeting might get tense, even unpleasant.

Having ascended the ranks so quickly felt almost surreal.

Gao Yi entered Alexander’s office. Though the space hadn’t been upgraded yet, that was likely only until tomorrow when Alexander officially moved into a more grandiose office.

After waiting around an hour, Plevenov arrived alone.

Gao Yi stood up, Plevenov nodded, and approached to shake hands earnestly with Gao Yi.

During their last café encounter, Plevenov had appeared relaxed. Now, as the newly appointed Director, his brows remained furrowed, reflecting some weighty unease.

"Please, have a seat."

Plevenov sat down and gestured for Gao Yi to do the same. Once seated, however, Plevenov seemed at a loss for words.

Threatening Gao Yi?

Plevenov’s unease hadn’t lessened. Though he was now Director, his deepest fears lingered—if anything, they weighed heavier upon him.

Gao Yi glanced at Alexander and briefly considered signaling him to leave, then decided that it would be detrimental to Alexander’s standing in the long term. Thus, Gao Yi addressed Plevenov directly: "Apologies, could we speak privately?"

Plevenov deliberated briefly before nodding.

At that, Alexander rose and exited the room, softly shutting the door behind him.

Plevenov smiled faintly and asked, "What would you like to discuss?"

"Hm, let’s talk about Rana Gadot."

Was Plevenov’s fear tied to Rana? Gao Yi couldn’t be sure, so he decided to test the waters. Upon mentioning the name, Plevenov’s brows furrowed initially, but he quickly exhaled, visibly relieved.

That struck the target; it calmed Plevenov down.

Gao Yi murmured, "Allow me to elaborate. Rana Gadot, codename Huaxinfeng, is the most elusive member of the CIA’s highly secretive Freedom Wind unit."

Plevenov shrugged but said nothing.

Gao Yi added casually, "Are you familiar with Freedom Wind?"

Plevenov shook his head.

"Explaining it could get complicated... Let’s just say Freedom Wind is my mortal enemy."

Plevenov stared at Gao Yi in astonishment.

Gao Yi spoke softly, "Freedom Wind is my enemy because my allies within the CIA must eliminate Freedom Wind."

"Oh?"

Plevenov seemed slightly stunned. After a moment’s thought, he prodded, "Go on."

Gao Yi explained plainly, "Freedom Wind must be eradicated completely—no survivors. Currently, only two core members remain: one codenamed Wei Feng, and the other Huaxinfeng, aka Rana Gadot."

Plevenov grew visibly animated, whispering, "So that means... we share the same goal."

Gao Yi said softly, "Is it convenient for you to disclose what Huaxinfeng secured from you, or, what threat she posed to you?"

"That..."

Plevenov appeared utterly conflicted, verging on agonized—not as if guarding a vital state secret, but in the manner of someone caught doing something deeply embarrassing.

It was the sense of urgency one might experience deleting compromising browser history before dying, rather than jotting down last words.

Understood.

Gao Yi quickly interjected, "No need to elaborate. I have only one request. When I move against Huaxinfeng, I hope you can provide necessary support."

Plevenov affirmed gravely, "That won’t be a problem!"

From now on, they were allies, united by a common enemy.

Gao Yi smiled as he shook Plevenov’s hand again and said quietly, "Then I won’t keep you, Director. Farewell."

Plevenov stood, saw Gao Yi to the door, and called out to Alexander waiting outside: "See the Gardener out for me. Farewell, and best wishes."

The meeting lasted mere minutes. Alexander escorted Gao Yi out and, unable to contain himself, asked, "What did you talk about? That was fast."

"Just confirmed what Plevenov’s greatest fears are and assured him that we have a mutual enemy. Now you can relax; he won’t move against us hastily, certainly not during his tenure."

Gao Yi spoke with confidence. Alexander was stunned and asked, "Why?"

"I told you—we have a mutual enemy. And this enemy is beyond his capabilities to handle. We don’t need any dirt on him, just shared interests. Remember the codename: Huaxinfeng. If Plevenov ever tries to betray us, that name could be a lifesaver."

Alexander grasped the point intuitively. Gao Yi then whispered, "I’ll head straight to the United States next. There are some matters to attend to. I may require some manpower—can the KGB assist?"

"Of course, just say the word."

Gao Yi paused and shook Alexander’s hand, saying softly, "Change your mindset, buddy; you’re not Black Gloves anymore! Never again!"

Alexander froze, then straightened his back, his face lighting up with a broad grin. His grip on Gao Yi’s hand strengthened, and while shaking firmly, he said jovially, "You’re absolutely right, my friend. I need to embrace my new role."

Being Black Gloves for so long had made it a habit—cautious and deferential by nature. Yet from now on, Alexander’s posture could stand tall. He wasn’t Plevenov’s subordinate Black Gloves, but rather his partner. His stance could finally reflect this shift.

Gao Yi released Alexander’s hand and smiled, "Goodbye, my friend. Best of luck."