Chapter 99: 060 The Real Agent
After a busy day, Kolev massaged his aching back, a satisfied smile on his lips as he hummed the folk song he had just learned, returning to the Surface Pirate Port he had recently established.
A warm light spilled from the window of the villa.
Smiling, Kolev climbed the steps. As he was about to verify his biometric data, the door unlocked itself and opened a crack.
Kolev hummed a tune as he entered the house, hung his hat behind the door, switched to slippers, and began to speak to himself:
“The staff here are quite good. They know how to respect an old man. As long as I act a bit amiable, they think I’m a trustworthy, gullible old fellow, hahaha…”
Kolev paused his words, looking at Yang Ming lurking on the sofa.
“Oh, what’s the matter? My dear nephew, whenever you have a serious face, I feel a bit apprehensive.”
“A little trouble,” Yang Ming softly exhaled, “Come and see, Ko—cough, Uncle Haton.”
Kolev realized the gravity of the situation.
The boy almost forgot to call him “Uncle Haton,” instead calling his real name.
Kolev leaned over, looking at the projection screen in front of Yang Ming, which was playing a video.
A beach, a remote traffic route, and a flashy convertible hover car.
Driving it was a middle-aged man with short brown hair, strong features, handsome looks, a robust physique, and a smile with dimples exuding confidence from head to toe.
“Oh, a charming man.”
Kolev murmured, “At first glance, either a wealthy playboy or a womanizing movie star.”
Yang Ming laughed, “Don’t be biased against male celebrities.”
Yang Ming’s fingers gently slid, and a series of photos popped up.
It was this handsome uncle interacting with different people.
“This is a senior agent discovered by Lyu, from the New Federation, who entered the Luofeng Empire about five days ago and had been active on the Fifth Administrative Star.”
Yang Ming said slowly:
“The Fifth Administrative Star is considered the stronghold of the Luofeng Empire’s rebels, and these big merchants he contacted are probably the backers of the rebels.
“This isn’t really news. Behind the rebels is the New Federation, an open secret among the upper echelons of the Luofeng Empire.”
Kolev frowned, “Didn’t you say earlier that the New Federation has infiltrated the military? Now the New Federation is supporting the rebels?”
“It’s not contradictory,” Yang Ming said, “The New Federation aims to initiate a rebellion to overthrow the monarchy. Infiltrating the military and supporting the rebels both serve this goal. The Wind royal family is a puppet appendage of the Sherman Empire and a link through which the Sherman Empire continuously exploits Wind.”
“The situation seems to be getting more complicated. It’s not just us eyeing this piece of fat meat.”
“You’re wrong, Uncle,” Yang Ming smiled, “Because of the long-term business by the New Federation, the chaotic situation in the Luofeng Empire gives us the opportunity to fish in troubled waters. We have to thank the New Federation for this. Now, the problem is Gudun Mah and the Second Prince perceive me as an agent of the New Federation.”
Kolev’s expression froze: “Then won’t this blow our cover? Why not withdraw for a while and see what happens?”
“No, we finally have such a good start.”
Yang Ming’s eyes turned a bit fierce before he continued:
“There’s no problem with Gudun Mah. Whether or not I’m an agent of the New Federation doesn’t change the fact that I’ve got him under control. The issue now is with the Second Prince.”
Lyu explained to Kolev: “The Second Prince favors us because he values the boss’s identity as an agent of the New Federation. The Second Prince wants to transfer part of the royal family’s assets from within the Luofeng Empire to outside, and he needs a stable investment environment, with the New Federation being the first choice.”
Kolev puzzled, “The Second Prince is selling out the country?”
“The Second Prince plans to use business actions to exert influence on the New Federation and the Sherman Empire. His plan is sanctioned by the Emperor of the Luofeng Empire.
“In fact, the Emperor of the Luofeng Empire excluding the Second Prince from realizing power early might be laying the groundwork for this plan.”
There was a brief silence in the room.
Kolev whispered, “Then it’s simple. Just get rid of this senior agent.”
Lyu gently shook his head, dismissing this seemingly good idea:
“That would invite retaliation from the New Federation CIA.
“Based on past case analyses, the other side will likely retaliate to establish their prestige in the intelligence community.
“We’re not yet ready to contend with a superpower. The New Federation has been developing rapidly in recent centuries, trying to challenge the Sherman Empire’s domination of the Galaxy. Here is just the edge of the struggle between two superpowers.”
Yang Ming gritted his teeth: “First, determine the threat level of this Lulian. Take action if necessary; if risks must be taken, then we have no choice but to pin the blame on other forces. Lyu, monitor him around the clock.”
“Okay, boss,” Lyu said softly, “Should we consider any contact between the other party and the Second Prince as a kill trigger?”
“Okay,” Yang Ming squinted slightly, suddenly having an idea, “What do you think of sharing the intelligence about this guy’s contact with the rebels with the Wind royal family?”
“Oh,” Kolev raised an eyebrow slightly, “This idea sounds good.”
Lyu said softly, “The royal family can tolerate the intelligence agents of powerful countries because they don’t have the strength to confront them, but they absolutely won’t tolerate rebels within their own territory.”