Chapter 1681 - 1680: Terms
Chapter 1681 - 1680: Terms
Ling Feng perked up at once and quickly asked, "There’s an insider?"
"Yes!"
Rick nodded, "According to the information we’ve received, the Roth family spent a few million US Dollars searching for any traceable documents and clues. Just the data analysis alone took two months, and that analyst wasn’t killed, so we’re looking for him!"
"Such an important matter, and Mr. Rick told me everything. Thank you for your trust!"
Ling Feng chuckled, surprised internally, but his face remained cheerful.
He was a bit confused about Rick’s intentions. Logically, such matters should be confidential, yet Rick was completely open with him. What was the motive behind this?
Rick smiled, "Mr. Ling, don’t doubt, I have my reasons for doing this!"
After saying this, he looked into Ling Feng’s eyes, "As for Mr. Ling’s deeds, I’ve read everything publicly available online. I greatly admire your abilities, as well as the things you’ve accomplished. This time, regarding the City of Gold, I’d like to ask for your help."
Ling Feng realized everything now.
He thought to himself that Rick was quite shrewd, wanting to leverage his abilities to help!
After hesitating for a moment, Ling Feng was about to agree directly, but then he had a flash of insight and asked, "Helping isn’t impossible, but surely I can’t spend my time and energy for nothing, right?"
He had just thought about it; if he agreed without any consideration, Rick would definitely be suspicious!
After all, seeking nothing in return is somewhat one of my characteristics.
If I weren’t to ask for any benefits now, it would surely raise suspicions!
Sure enough, upon hearing Ling Feng, Rick smiled, "Mr. Ling is straightforward, just as I imagined. Rest assured, we won’t let you down!"
Ling Feng grinned, "It’s better not to say such words, as they hold no value. Rather than guaranteeing I won’t be shortchanged, it’s better to talk about something substantive. After all, if the City of Gold is found, it could bring enormous wealth instantly!"
"Then, Mr. Ling, what benefits do you want?"
Rick’s eyes flashed sharply as he probed.
Ling Feng chuckled, "I really don’t know what to propose. Mr. Rick, you should suggest something. If I’m satisfied, I’ll agree to help you right away!"
"This..."
Rick lowered his head in thought, then looked up and said, "Mr. Ling, on behalf of the Investigation Bureau, I can promise you a check of over a million US Dollars as compensation for this work!"
Upon hearing this, Ling Feng snorted disdainfully, looking displeased and asked, "Mr. Rick, aren’t you underestimating me a bit? Just a million US Dollars to move me?"
"..."
Rick also knew that Ling Feng might not be impressed by such a small amount of remuneration, but his authority was limited, and this was the most he could offer!
Now that he had tested Ling Feng’s reaction and saw his reluctance, he had to say, "Sorry, Mr. Ling, this is all I can promise. If you want better remuneration, I need to report to the higher-ups for a decision."
"No hurry!"
Ling Feng smiled and then said coolly, "Actually, you already have quite a bit of information. As long as you find that data analyst, you might be able to solve the mystery and head straight to the City of Gold. Whether I’m involved is not even that important!"
Rick glanced at him, considering saying the truth, but thought better of it and stood up, smiling, "Let’s leave it at that for now. When we have new developments, I’ll call Mr. Ling anytime, and then we can have a thorough conversation!"
"Sure, no problem!"
Ling Feng and Catherine stood up and escorted Rick out the door together.
After he left, as the door closed, Catherine immediately said to Ling Feng, "Do you know why Rick wants your help?"
"Of course, because of my skills and good looks!" Ling Feng joked.
Catherine rolled her eyes and then scoffed, "Stop being vain; that’s not the reason at all!"
Ling Feng looked at her with a grin, "Then why is it?"
"Rick’s intention is definitely to make you lead this search for the City of Gold. Although the Investigation Bureau is an independent entity, it’s still a government agency, and the members of the Roth family have already infiltrated the parliament and have been working in politics for years. If the Investigation Bureau acts on its own, they’ll definitely be blamed for trying to take what’s on other’s plates," Catherine said.
Upon hearing this, Ling Feng finally understood, then said, "Oh, so they’re just making me take the fall!"
"Yes, with you being the frontman, the Investigation Bureau can benefit silently in the background. That’s what works best for both parties. So I guess Rick will come up with better terms once he’s back," Catherine said.
Ling Feng frowned and pondered for a moment, then asked, "So, what conditions should I request to make it easier for them to agree?"
"You’re asking me?"
Catherine shot him a glance, somewhat displeased, "I haven’t even left the organization yet, aren’t you asking me to betray my country?"
"Who said that? It’s not betrayal, just lending me a hand out of affection,"
Ling Feng chuckled, pulling her slim waist towards him, and whispered.
Catherine’s cheeks flushed red. Fortunately, there was no one else in the room, or she would have been embarrassed enough to pull away instantly!
Because Ling Feng’s hands had started getting unruly!
She struggled a bit and glared at Ling Feng, "Alright, I knew you were shameless. Let me go first, and I’ll help you think about the terms!"
"Great, you’re the best!"
Upon hearing this, Ling Feng smiled, quickly giving her a peck on the lips, and then let her go, grinning.
Once they sat down, Catherine thought for a bit, "The resources the Investigation Bureau can mobilize are limited, and their influence is mainly within America. Unlike the Intelligence Bureau, which stretches its tentacles worldwide."
"Hmm, think it over for me, both so I won’t lose out and to ensure they’re willing to part with it!" Ling Feng nodded.
Catherine furrowed her brow, seriously contemplating. Seeing this, Ling Feng put his arm around her shoulder, "Take your time, no rush."
After a while, the bedroom door opened, and Lina and Vivian walked out from inside.
Seeing Vivian’s red and swollen eyes, clearly from crying hard, Ling Feng got up and said to Lina, "Tell her that Bob didn’t die in vain. I will find the real culprit and avenge him!"
"Thank you, Brother Ling!"
Lina gratefully said; after all, as a stranger, there was no obligation to deal with these matters, but because Vivian provided some clues, Ling Feng decided to help seek revenge. This bond should be cherished.
After expressing her gratitude, Lina continued, "Brother Ling, it’s getting late. I’ll take Vivian back now."
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