Mercenary’s War

Chapter 2176 - 2153: Warming a Cold Stove

Justin really doesn’t know what it means to add flowers to embroidery, what it means to give charcoal in snowy weather, so Gao Yang explained it to him seriously.

To be honest, most people in the world prefer to add flowers to embroidery, and only a few are willing to give charcoal in snowy weather.

But Gao Yang is different. He feels that adding flowers to embroidery doesn’t make people remember you. There are many who want to flatter people like Grand Ivan and Morgan, but few can really catch their eye. Seeking attention when everything is going smoothly for them, when one more doesn’t make a difference and one less doesn’t make a difference, is meaningless.

Giving charcoal in snowy weather is different. Helping someone in their most difficult time, saving their life, is a huge grace that anyone with a conscience can never forget in their lifetime.

So, giving charcoal in snowy weather is like stoking a cold stove. No matter how much wood you add, if the stove doesn’t heat up, it’s a wasted effort. But if it succeeds, the rewards far outweigh the efforts.

When Morgan and Grand Ivan were at their most dangerous, Gao Yang appeared. Of course, when offering them charcoal in snowy weather, Gao Yang wasn’t driven by personal gain, and it was a matter of risking his life. But needless to say, the outcome benefited Gao Yang greatly, and he continues to enjoy the benefits from his selfless giving for the rest of his life.

Now, Gao Yang really doesn’t mind helping Justin in his most perilous time.

Moreover, helping Justin is necessary, indispensable. Why? Because Gao Yang now doesn’t have a reliable and useful intelligence channel. Why did he contact Mario? Isn’t it to reestablish an intelligence line?

Now, the situation with the Cicero Family has become an irreconcilable conflict. Whether victorious or defeated, Gao Yang can no longer engage in any intelligence trade with the Cicero Family. Even if the conflict ends, it wouldn’t be possible, unless he could help Justin rise to power.

Some things can’t be spoken of, can’t be said. Whether Justin deliberately dragged Gao Yang into troubled waters, or if it happened unintentionally, or if it truly had nothing to do with Justin as he claimed, Gao Yang didn’t want to investigate further, because he couldn’t; Justin is very important to him now.

To continue wielding influence in the future, Gao Yang must help Justin successfully reclaim the position of Head of the Cicero Family. So, whether you call it maturity or compromise with reality, Gao Yang can’t investigate too much further.

After slowly explaining to Justin what giving charcoal in snowy weather means, Gao Yang said very seriously, "Justin, no matter where you are, you need to come back now. I’m willing to help you reclaim everything you’ve lost. Only in this way can this war truly end."

After a moment of silence, Justin said in a low voice, "Ram, I don’t want to go back. I don’t want to fight anymore, because it’s impossible to win. Going back means death, and you all will die too. The current situation is very delicate and complex. If I completely disappear, your situation might be a bit better. If I return, and show my intention to reclaim the position of Head of the Cicero Family, you will be doomed shortly. You can’t imagine the strength of the Cicero Family."

Gao Yang laughed and said, "Why do I feel that’s not the case? You said most of your men are either dead or have betrayed you, which means someone is still loyal to you. Now, explain to me why you think we would fail?"

Justin said with great sadness, "Don’t you understand? The smooth situation you have in Italy now is because there are forces who want to see the complete downfall of the Cicero Family. So, most of the Italian forces have chosen to tolerate your actions. But if I return, as soon as I appear, it will cease to be your war against the Cicero Family, but an internal conflict within the Cicero Family. It means the Cicero Family won’t be completely defeated. Whether Mario wins or I win, the Cicero Family will continue to exist. As soon as this possibility arises, the forces that are watching now will immediately take action, troops will be deployed. Can you still do whatever you want like now?"

Gao Yang confidently said, "Both Grand Ivan and I know this, and this reason is precisely why we dare to wage a large-scale battle in Italy. I also know that when the Cicero Family is truly defeated, we will face attacks from many people, because with all that has happened in Italy, the official government has to give an explanation. By then, if the official government steps in to wipe us out, wouldn’t that be a joyous result for everyone?"

Justin asked puzzled, "Since you know all this, why did you still choose to do it?"

Gao Yang took a deep breath and said, "Because my goal is to vent my anger, to kill Mario, and not to completely eliminate the Cicero Family. So, when I feel the time is right, I will naturally abscond. Why should we stay behind and be scapegoats? We will leave the Cicero Family intact. If you don’t appear, Grand Ivan and I will reconcile with a member of the Cicero Family, leaving a weakened but surviving Cicero Family, and then make our exit."

Justin said with a bitter smile, "You think beautifully, but do you really believe things will be as simple as you hope?"

Gao Yang frankly said, "Of course it won’t be that simple, but is starting a war with the Cicero Family an easy thing? Since we’ve chosen to start the war, we must pay a price. If we succeed, we succeed. If we fail, even if the Italian government doesn’t intervene, we’re finished. Grand Ivan might be fine, but Satan is definitely doomed. But no matter what, we have to fight to the end."

Justin let out a long sigh and said, "Alright, things have already come to this point. There’s no use in overthinking. If I were you, I would quickly find an opportunity to leave Italy while you still can. Otherwise, if time drags on, you’ll really have no chance left."

Gao Yang said blandly, "So, you’re really not planning to come back?"

Justin said despondently, "What can I do if I go back? I don’t have people, I don’t have money, and I can’t even use the original intelligence channel. I can’t do anything. Going back would only bring crisis and get all of you killed, I can’t do anything else."

Gao Yang said solemnly, "The reason Mario detained me and wanted to know your whereabouts from me is not that he enjoys doing so, but because he feels he must. Why? Because he’s afraid of you. If you truly had no value and posed no threat at all, would he still fear you living in this world? I don’t know the specific reason why Mario fears you, but if you lack men, I have them. If you lack money, I will give it to you. In any case, you should hurry back!"

Justin let out a long sigh and said, "Alright, since this started because of me, you won’t be at ease if I don’t show up. I’d rather stand on the same side with you and be killed by others, than have you take me out eventually, so I’ll go back."