Chapter 131: Chapter 130
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The following day.
At the Arasaka Tower, on the thirty-third floor in the Counter-Intelligence Department, the Minister's office.
Tang Yu was seated in his padded office chair, talking to his old boss, Arthur Jenkins.
Sasha poured a cup of warm water, placed it on a small saucer, and gently set it on the desk in front of Tang Yu.
The warm water was boiled and then cooled to the right temperature.
She knew Tang Yu's habit of drinking warm water, so she prepared it while he was on the phone.
After setting down the cup, Sasha turned and walked to another office area, took her seat, and began her day's work.
This office area, arranged by Tang Yu for her, was located on the left side, near the office door.
Although her workstation wasn't large, it was fully equipped, and she was content to work in the same office as Tang Yu.
She had to help Tang Yu organize the day's tasks. Since he was now the acting director and had not been to the company for a while, many issues had accumulated that needed to be sorted out and scheduled, waiting for Tang Yu's decisions and handling.
There were also numerous reporting items within the department that required Tang Yu's responses; otherwise, many tasks would be delayed, affecting the department's overall efficiency.
Sasha carefully focused on her screen, diligently working. Whenever she felt tired, she would yawn, steal a glance at Tang Yu, and continue working contentedly.
Suddenly, one work item caught her attention.
Kate?
The new Deputy Director of the Counter-Intelligence Department.
Kate had sent multiple inquiries to Tang Yu, seeking confirmation on the handling of the "military-grade Sandevistan" and hoping for Tang Yu's cooperation in clarifying the situation that night.
Albeit puzzled by this job inquiry, Sasha, considering it was from a senior member of the same department, slotted it into the work schedule.
Tang Yu was still on the phone, chatting and laughing with Arthur Jenkins, seemingly reporting on work while also discussing company matters.
He was aware of Arthur Jenkins' character, who always regarded the company's departments as extremely important.
Since Jenkins was currently away on business and unable to be at the Counter-Intelligence Department, he remained uneasy even after receiving intelligence.
Therefore, right after the company square riot ended, Jenkins was the first to reach out to Tang Yu.
Tang Yu took a sip of the warm water on his desk while listening to Jenkins complain about the bitter side of travel life.
He teased his old boss for not knowing the good life when away on business, able to relax and avoid trouble, unlike when he is back, and everything becomes chaotic.
Arthur Jenkins got serious and asked, "How much intel do you currently have on that riot in the company square? There must be a connection between the riot and Kerry's concert, even though it seems the concert was scheduled first."
"But not long after, there were rumors of a riot, and, curiously, they were unanimously targeting biotechnology. Nobody would believe there's no issue there."
"Plus, you've mobilized the department's resources to help Kerry deal with the MSM record company stuff, and it has even reached me."
"The owner of MSM flew halfway around the world to where I am, pleading for mercy."
"Luckily, it was just a scare, or I would have had a hard time resolving it."
Hearing Jenkins' words, Tang Yu didn't conceal anything and frankly admitted to Arthur Jenkins, "I didn't expect such a small matter to disturb you. The issue with Kerry and the record company was indeed settled by someone I arranged."
"Moreover, I did put quite an effort into Kerry's concert. During the riot, I had specially arranged for secret service agents from the special actions department to covertly protect him."
On the other end of the phone, Arthur Jenkins seemed surprised that Tang Yu admitted it so directly, feeling reassured.
He had put some effort into elevating Tang Yu to his current position and felt his investment was paying off with Tang Yu's exceptional performance.
"Well, as long as you handle these matters cleanly and don't let some people in the department catch a hold, it should be fine," Jenkins advised.
"The company square riot turned out to be so lively; the city administration and NCPD must have stirred things up as well. I've already seen the scene; there was nobody dealing with the mess."
"Overall, as long as our department is not involved, it's fine."
Tang Yu found old boss Jenkins becoming more understanding, presumably realizing that winning hearts is more important than probing into everything.
Jenkins was curious about the truth behind the riot, but his curiosity was secondary, as it was unlikely that Arasaka Corporation was involved.
If there was any connection to Arasaka, it was probably through Tang Yu.
The riot was tied to the concert, the concert to Kerry, and Kerry to Tang Yu, a logical suspicion.
Tang Yu continued to explain, "It may be hard for you to believe, but I do have a certain rapport with Kerry."
"However, what's more important is that Kerry has a deep connection with our superior, which you should know a bit about, regarding that whole rock music business."
He was hinting at some things to Jenkins, which couldn't be spelled out too clearly.
Tang Yu's association with Kerry was recent, and the connection between Kerry and Yorinobu was limited to the sphere of rock music.
The facts were accurate, and it was up to Jenkins to interpret them since he couldn't directly ask Yorinobu.
Upon receiving this information, Jenkins immediately deduced the critical point.
The concert was a project of Kerry's but seemed likely backed by Yorinobu's silent endorsement.
He was very familiar with Yorinobu's past as a rock musician in Kyoto with the Steel Dragons.
Jenkins now understood why the city administration and NCPD were inactive and other corporations uninvolved.
Because, from the beginning, the riot was silently acknowledged by everyone.
With this, Jenkins felt the conversation had reached an understanding. When speaking with an intelligent person, it's best to say half and leave half unsaid.
Tang Yu briefly updated on the basic situations in the department, indicating that everything was running smoothly and all tasks were progressing methodically.
He hadn't given the Deputy Director Kate any specific assignments yet and would arrange some work for her when he had time.
Jenkins expressed his satisfaction after listening and asked Tang Yu to hang in there for a while longer as acting director.
Tang Yu was indifferent to whatever shenanigans his old boss was up to outside, and after giving a perfunctory response, he hung up the phone.
He had no desire to act as the director, constantly dealing with a plethora of problems.
Furthermore, he could already foresee that upon entering the director's office, a wave of gossip might arise outside.
Rumors like "Mr. Tang is on the rise again, preparing to take on the role of Director of the Counter-Intelligence Department" and "Mr. Tang has garnered the esteem of the Arasaka Family" were inevitable.
He was too lazy to clarify; often, people only believe what they see, and too many explanations might only serve to make things worse.
Sasha, seeing Tang Yu finish his call and free up, was about to present the arranged tasks to him but then realized her timing was off.
Tang Yu had taken another call and started discussing serious business.
On the phone.
Meredith chuckled, "Does this count as you owing me a favor?"
Tang Yu, of course, knew what Meredith was referring to. Last night, Channel 54 reported that the pain medication developed by biotechnology had severe side effects, indirectly helping Sasha achieve her once longed-for goal.
"Owe? I didn't ask for your help," Tang Yu responded.
"But I admit it."
"Moreover, I believe there will be an opportunity to repay it soon."
Meredith couldn't help but laugh, "At least you still have some conscience."
Tang Yu, having kept their private summit confidential before, felt Meredith was becoming less respectful.
Yet, he was an old hand at this and didn't take it to heart.
The workplace is like a battlefield; taking it too seriously means losing.
It's about seeing who can play the long game with a strong woman like Meredith.
Meredith then got down to business, speaking gravely, "Biotech wasn't thorough this time, exposing such a scandal; it's only right they suffer a setback."
"Additionally, the conviction of Joanne Koch for defrauding Militech has been confirmed. Biotech has stated they will handle it strictly, huh, pretending they were completely unaware."
"I'm not sure how deeply the biotech industry is involved in last night's riot in the corporate plaza, but the 'Nightingale Plan' is still the highest secret of Militech. Some things are best left unsaid; if the issue continues to escalate, it won't end well for anyone."
Tang Yu had already anticipated Meredith's suspicions, as the scandals surrounding biotechnology were all related to him. Moreover, these matters were generally handled through Meredith's influence. Whether it was the Joanna Kochinsky affair or the intel from Channel 54 news, possessing these two pieces of information indicated Tang Yu's significant connection to the corporate plaza riots. Although lacking concrete evidence, digging deeper would reveal more intricate details and even lead to the bold conjecture that he masterminded the riots.
Meredith now stood with him, as they both worked together to solidify the evidence against Joanna Kochinsky and expose the biotechnology painkiller scandal. In a way, she was signaling her sincerity and extending an invitation to form an alliance. Tang Yu naturally did not reject her goodwill; all affairs in the world operated on the same principle: gather for profit, disperse for profit. Both he and Meredith crossed their respective company lines to form a covert alliance based on mutual interest, proving they valued each other's capabilities.
Tang Yu then calmly said, "Since you don't dare to play big, it's better to withdraw early."
"You see, I like things big, the bigger, the better," he continued. "Without escalating matters, how could someone like me, a lone wolf, find such opportunities to thrive, what do you think?"
Meredith was somewhat surprised and softly chuckled at this new understanding of Tang Yu, acknowledging his dangerous nature.
"So, let's see just how capable you are. Mere talk is useless; you need to show real results, or who would believe you, right?"
With the conversation reaching this point, Tang Yu pondered and realized that of all the people he knew, Meredith probably knew the most secrets about him. She was well aware of the truth behind the military-grade Sandevistan, the scam involving Joanna Kochinsky, and the revelations behind the biotechnology painkillers. The two also cooperated well together.
Tang Yu grew more favorable towards Meredith. Working with the astute Meredith was comfortable, as they both understood each other's bottom lines. He didn't argue with her too much, considering she was involved in Militech and having prolonged calls with the top brass in the Arasaka Tower and the building across from it might not cast a favorable light.
After ending the call, Tang Yu had just picked up his teacup and taken a sip of water when he received a communication request from Gloria.
Upon connecting, Gloria asked with a hint of regret, "Mr. Tang, am I interrupting your work?"
Tang Yu glanced at Sasha and saw she was also looking at him, indicating that the work schedule was probably set. "Go ahead, I'm free right now."
He gestured for Sasha to bring over the work schedule while on the phone with Gloria, and Sasha hurried over with the electronic tablet, placing it gently on the desk.
As Tang Yu reviewed the day's work schedule, he frowned at the packed agenda displayed.
Gloria meticulously reported on the other end. First, Maine had refused the commission for the assignment, insisting it was something he should do and firmly rejecting any payment. Second, the energy pulse device had been removed, and the area was restored to its original state, leaving no traces. Third, Regina Jones had paid a certain commission for her help and introduction this time.
After listening, Tang Yu affirmed, "Good work."
Sasha curiously glanced at Tang Yu; he used to praise her like that, and now she wondered whom he was praising over the phone.
She knew better than to eavesdrop on Tang Yu's calls but couldn't help but feel intrigued and even a bit strangely emotional.
Obviously, Tang Yu didn't notice Sasha's unusual behavior and continued scrutinizing the work tasks on the electronic screen.
[Counter-intelligence Department requests to purchase new equipment.]
Approved.
[Counter-intelligence field agent Landis requests a transfer back to Arasaka Tower.]
Denied.
Note: No further transfer requests until designated mission is complete.
Having been a field agent himself, Tang Yu had persevered step by step, understanding the importance of completing assignments. He did not allow himself to abandon tasks halfway and would not accept the same from his subordinates if he was aware of it. As the head of counter-intelligence, he had the authority to decide what his agents should do.
[Counter-intelligence agent Kate inquires about the disposition of the 'military-grade Sandevistan'.]
Deleted.
It seemed Kate was persistently following the military-grade Sandevistan case, hoping to unearth something from it. If she was looking for leverage against Tang Yu, her approach was sensible. However, with the case already concluded and Michiko Arasaka overseeing it, she was free to investigate, though it might lead nowhere.
While Tang Yu was handling work matters, Gloria's report was almost complete, but she hesitated as if she had more to say. He inquired gravely, "Is there something else?"
Gloria asked awkwardly, "Mr. Tang, there's something I'm not sure if I should ask about... it's about the gun. It feels a bit strange to use... Skippy?"
Tang Yu wondered what could be peculiar about Skippy, a gun that was easy to use with its smart targeting. If there was anything unusual, it was likely due to its chatter.
"Is Skippy giving you lip again...?"
Gloria nodded shyly, her voice faltering.
"Well... it's not just the talking, mainly it emits some strange noises... I just tried it out..."
Gloria probably realized Skippy's constant chatter was annoying when she attempted to fire it.
"Skippy likes to sing, and it also mutters a bit. Is there an issue with its usage?"
Gloria sighed with a touch of helplessness, speaking softly, "There's no problem with the use, but is there a way to turn off the AI?"
Shutting it down was not an option since Skippy's AI was integral to the system. Tang Yu counseled patience, "Try taking it out; see if Skippy can mute itself."
After a pause, a voice suddenly came through the phone.
"Sh*t, ugh, okay, stop..."
"Most violent crimes are committed by males; don't listen to him. Keep going, girl."
"Volume increased by 300%. Still satisfied with Skippy? To continue using, jump to confirm."
Gloria: "..."
Tang Yu realized Gloria was overwhelmed by the talkative gun. He imagined the embarrassing scenario where Gloria, out with Skippy, would blush profusely every time she drew the gun. He had neglected this aspect, having never been bothered by Skippy's impertinence during his own use.
With some resignation, he said, "I understand. If it's really not working out, send the gun back, and I'll exchange it when I'm free."
Hearing Tang Yu offer to take back Skippy, Gloria quickly stashed it under a pillow and clarified.
"No, no, that's not what I meant. Skippy is quite useful, its bullet tracking is accurate, and it never misses a leg shot."
"I just feel Skippy talks a bit... crudely; I'm not dismissing the gun itself."
Tang Yu got her point—Skippy was vulgar, but the gun was good, just not very proper. There wasn't much he could do; the gun was designed that way, and Skippy's AI was its unique feature.
"Alright, you'll get used to it in time."
Gloria silently acknowledged, "Um... I understand. Sorry to bother you, Mr. Tang. You're busy..."
And with that, she decisively ended the call.
Tang Yu found her behavior somewhat strange; a crass-talking gun was all it was, but he had found it entertaining during his use.
As soon as the call ended, Tang Yu received several messages.
Jackie: "Hey, bro, what are you up to? I was looking to chat about yesterday's action at the corporate plaza. It was intense."
Kirk: "Tang, thanks for the concert gig. When you get a chance, come over—not for Johnny, just you. Await your reply."
Panam: "How did I do with the job? It was neat, right? The clan folks are pumped. Mitch and the others want to have drinks with you. Find some time to drop by the Aldecaldos, and I'll pick you up in my Thorton."
Rebecca: "Hey, corporate, don't keep dodging us. I want to know about Sasha, seriously, you must reply!"
...
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