Ultimate Firepower
Chapter 669 - 643: Different from Others

Chapter 669: Chapter 643: Different from Others

People’s mindset changes with their status.

Previously, Panetta was also the one in a higher position, but he and Gao Yi could be said to complement each other, helping one another, more like partners rather than a relationship where one must depend on the other to survive.

Now, well, now Panetta has soared to the sky.

Panetta’s rise is because he has clung to the President’s powerful support.

However, Gao Yi and Panetta are different.

Gao Yi hasn’t clung to anyone’s legs.

Gao Yi is clinging to many powerful people, okay.

Panetta has no choice, but Gao Yi does. Panetta has no second path, whereas wherever Gao Yi steps, there is a path. This difference is huge, and it needs to be understood.

In the Underworld, Gao Yi is the Gardener, and even without any American resources, he is the uncrowned king of the Underworld.

Gao Yi can go to Northeastern University, but he can also peacefully live out his life.

Gao Yi can go to France, he can also go to Saudi; in France he has an easy life prepared, in Saudi he has a good brother.

The UK and Russia are not major considerations, but just seeking peace is definitely feasible, living a life with a hidden identity is definitely feasible.

Even if Gao Yi blows up Mount Fuji, it’s no problem; his connections are that strong, his channels that wide.

Gao Yi doesn’t want to be tied to the United States’ ship, especially not to Panetta and the President’s ship.

Now Panetta says he wants Gao Yi to take on more important responsibilities, which obviously means planning to give him an official position.

This is no good; once Gao Yi accepts the position offered by Panetta, he becomes Panetta’s subordinate, changing their relationship from mutual help or leverage to needing to depend on Panetta.

The most concerning thing is that Americans understand the concept of pledging one’s allegiance too.

What if Panetta suddenly asks him to get some intelligence from Northeastern University? How would Gao Yi manage then?

That’s why Panetta’s seemingly normal statement has stirred a huge wave in Gao Yi’s heart. Gao Yi is now left with full alert after the excitement from Panetta’s promotion fades away.

The two walked until Panetta pushed open a door to an office and gestured for Gao Yi to close the door after entering.

The office was small, containing only a desk and two chairs, looking more like a guard room.

Gao Yi closed the door, then asked Panetta: "What is this place? Is talking safe here?"

"Safe, of course safe."

Gao Yi turned to Panetta and asked: "You just said let me play a more critical role, what role is that?"

Panetta seriously replied: "Join the CIA."

It’s here, it’s really here.

Gao Yi furrowed his brows, thought for a moment, and said: "CIA? Should I start from the grassroots?"

"No need to start from the grassroots, but the rank indeed can’t be too high. Actually, it doesn’t absolutely have to be the CIA; if you prefer other units, it’s possible too. The Special Service Bureau is inconvenient, but the Department of Homeland Security works; you could be my assistant, I have the authority to recruit staff as consultants, but my suggestion remains with CIA, it’s easier."

Gao Yi replied without hesitation: "No way, I won’t do it."

A rejection should be straightforward.

If Gao Yi hesitated some, trying to come up with an excuse to appease Panetta first, then the rift between him and Panetta would be irreparable.

Gao Yi needed to make his stand clear, and let Panetta see his plans clearly. If Panetta chooses to respect his choice, they can continue to work together. But if Panetta insists on him surrendering, then today brings the break.

Gao Yi said seriously to Panetta: "I know you mean well, you want me to have a bright future, because no matter how wealthy or powerful the Underworld is, it’s all hollow, and it could be over with a single gunshot any day, but..."

Hands spread out, Gao Yi said helplessly: "Right now I have great relations with Northeastern University, I can directly enter the Kremlin in Russia, in France, the UK, Saudi, and even in the United States, I have many friends, I can do many things, but if I join the CIA or the Department of Homeland Security, then how will the Pentagon think, how will Northeastern University think, how will France, the UK, and Russia think?"

Panetta obviously understood all these things Gao Yi said.

Panetta’s goal was to bind Gao Yi to himself, not because he didn’t understand or thought Gao Yi didn’t understand, but hoping that after his skyward rise, Gao Yi would abandon all other temptations and choose him firmly.

It’s actually just like a romantic relationship; Panetta is riding high and a bit carried away, which is normal.

Panetta was silent for a while, then he sighed softly and said, "Alright, you’re right."

At this point, no matter what Gao Yi says, it would be wrong, but keeping silent would also be wrong.

The rift has already been created, and it’s hard to mend, even if it appears seamless on the surface. Panetta shouldn’t have said those words to Gao Yi.

Judging by Panetta’s expression, you could tell he already regretted it.

There’s no cure for regret in this world; what’s said is said, spilled water can’t be retrieved. Panetta knows that in the future, Gao Yi will surely guard against him, and might start plotting how to eliminate him as soon as he leaves the room.

If Panetta is smart enough and decisive enough, he should also start considering how to get rid of Gao Yi at this moment.

That’s the only way; it conforms to the universal truth that you can share adversity but not prosperity.

Then, the rare trait that allows Gao Yi to rise to the top began to shine.

"I’m about to say something I probably shouldn’t."

Gao Yi spoke up. He should have politely and respectfully bid farewell to Panetta and then immediately started preparing safeguards, but instead, he said seriously, "Don’t tie yourself down to the President’s ship. That ship is bound to sink. Even if you bind yourself to him tightly, you’ll only shine for a few years. And then what? Even retiring normally will be difficult for you!"

Panetta was stunned because he didn’t expect Gao Yi to say these things to him, much less in a tone of warning.

Gao Yi continued, very seriously, "But it’s okay. As long as I’m alive, I will ensure the safety of you and your family. I’m still young; given my age, you can live to be a hundred without worrying that someone will come back to settle accounts with you."

Gao Yi isn’t good at flattering people; he doesn’t have Feng Biao’s skill for it, but blunt honesty is more moving. This is why he can rise up and give Feng Biao a hand, instead of relying on Feng Biao’s help.

"You... you..."

Panetta didn’t know what to say because Gao Yi’s angle was completely unexpected.

Gao Yi, with the unique vigor of a young man, said, "You’ve watched me grow step by step. You should know what kind of person I am, so your best choice is to help pave the way for me while you still have power. Make my path smoother and safer. This way, after you retire, I can protect your family for decades. Once you retire, don’t cause any trouble, and in ten years at most, people will have forgotten you. By then, your family will at least be a family of billionaires. Uh, you have children, right? We’ve known each other for so long, and I don’t even know."

Gao Yi was not making a threat; he didn’t need to threaten.

Panetta is not stupid, and he certainly understands Gao Yi’s strength.

Panetta took a breath, smiled self-deprecatingly, and said, "I actually thought about having you under me. Damn, a troublemaker like you only knows how to kill. Recruiting you into my staff would only be asking for trouble."

Gao Yi grinned but said nothing.

With a serious expression, Panetta said, "I have two sons and a daughter. My eldest son is in college, and my little daughter is only eight. If you have time, come to one of my family gatherings. How about this Christmas?"

"Alright."

Panetta wiped his face and said, "My eldest son is outstanding; he can become a lawyer. The second son is a bit dull; he’s a member of the school football team, but he can’t pursue a career in professional sports. I think his future won’t be smooth. My little daughter, well, she’s just an angel."

"Let your eldest son develop freely. As for your second son, how about setting up a fund for him, or he could become an excellent investor. Maybe he’ll quickly discover some innate talent. As for your daughter..."

A little girl can’t be expected to become a wealthy woman just yet, and as a father, you wouldn’t think of such a thing either. The greatest wish is for her to be safe and happy all her life.

Gao Yi thought for a moment and said, "I can’t guarantee much else, but we are brothers. Your daughter is my niece. If someone tries to harm my niece, as her uncle, I’d have to kill their whole family."

Panetta said nothing. He just leaned on the desk and said, "Hmm, yes. I can’t take care of my children for many years, but you can."

Gao Yi shrugged and said, "This is the right way to use a young man with a sense of justice and loyalty. Do you have any concerns? Or do you see any risks? Talk to me."

Panetta had never truly thought about listening to Gao Yi’s opinions before, but at this moment, he sighed lightly and said in a low voice, "I was just a deputy director before, and a regular one at that. Even if I made a mistake, at worst I’d be dismissed. But now I’m too deeply tied to the President. I can’t resist the allure of power. I know too many secrets. I know how difficult and dangerous the President’s situation is. So no matter how the President leaves, I’ll be purged."

Gao Yi nodded and said, "That’s what we discussed earlier. You don’t have to be purged as long as I’m a deterrent."

"I’m thinking about how to make you more of a deterrent. With your current identity and power, the word ’deterrent’ doesn’t quite apply yet."

"Uh..."

Gao Yi scratched his head and said, "That’s your area to think about. I don’t quite get these things, so it’s up to you to find a way."

"Now you’re pretending not to understand."

Panetta shot Gao Yi a disdainful look, then thought for a moment and said seriously, "Just the Dark Web won’t do; just an Underworld identity isn’t enough. But what to do... I’ll have to research it. I’ll have to seriously study this."