Chapter 2694 - 2668: Equal Partnership

Has Yarebin truly forgiven Baskov?

Even after so many years, Yarebin has not forgiven Baskov. Understanding Baskov does not mean Yarebin forgives him.

Yet when Gao Yang faced difficulties, Yarebin suddenly decided to come to Moscow and suddenly considered forgiving Baskov. Is this possible?

Gao Yang understood that Yarebin felt it was difficult for just Tarta and his team to complete the fishing mission and needed Baskov’s help. So he decided to come to Moscow, leading to this meeting.

"There is a matter, needing your help, harmless to Russia, and in my view beneficial to Russia."

Yarebin calmly stated the main purpose of his visit to Moscow.

Baskov replied seriously, "Please go ahead."

Before Yarebin could speak, Gao Yang suddenly said, "Master, allow me to speak."

Yarebin looked at Gao Yang with some surprise, but Gao Yang said very seriously, "Master, let me handle this."

Yarebin hesitated for a moment, then smiled and nodded at Gao Yang, saying, "Very well, you do it."

Gao Yang gestured for Baskov to follow him and quietly said, "Mr. Baskov, let’s talk over here, please."

Baskov nodded, bowed slightly to Yarebin, and followed Gao Yang to the side.

Gao Yang wanted to talk to Baskov alone, leaving Yarebin and Glewatov time to be with the memories of fallen comrades, but this wasn’t the main reason.

Gao Yang knew what Yarebin intended to say.

Yarebin came to Moscow not on a whim or just to honor fallen comrades; he wanted Gao Yang to meet Baskov, inform him about the Black Demon legacy, and most importantly, get Baskov’s help for Gao Yang.

Forgiving Baskov and acknowledging him as part of the Black Demon was just a beneficial choice made by Yarebin after weighing pros and cons.

The beneficial choice doesn’t mean it’s Yarebin’s preferred choice. Gao Yang believes that if not for his issue, Yarebin wouldn’t have returned to Moscow in his lifetime nor wanted to see Baskov. Some matters can’t be judged as right or wrong; betrayal is betrayal, and betrayal can’t be forgiven, no matter how grand the justification.

What Yarebin would explain next involved Jim Fishing Shah Intelligence Bureau and CIA issues, which involved too many nations, especially also involving IS. It couldn’t be handled by just a few people. Thus, Yarebin preferred to say he forgave Baskov against his own wishes, to seek Baskov’s utmost effort in helping him.

Once Gao Yang understood, he didn’t want Yarebin to say he forgave Baskov against his wishes and then negotiate Baskov’s help.

Yarebin already gave enough; he absolutely shouldn’t sell his dignity any further by haggling with Baskov. Perhaps Baskov might agree to all Yarebin’s conditions outright, or if Gao Yang negotiated himself, Baskov might reject, but Gao Yang just didn’t want Yarebin to speak these words.

Having walked to the side, Gao Yang stood facing Baskov, both scrutinizing each other more carefully than ever.

Soon, Gao Yang sighed and said, "Yarebin came here because of me."

Baskov smiled slightly and said, "I know. If I couldn’t see this clearly, then I would indeed be too incompetent, no, downright foolish. I really can’t figure out what merits you possess to make the Captain entrust the Black Demon to you."

After speaking, Baskov sighed deeply and said, "The Captain is very old, I’m old, the Black Demon is old, but the Black Demon is still the most precious treasure in this world. Any country wants this treasure: Russia, America, Huaxia, to any country the Black Demon is invaluable wealth, even the aged Black Demon, yet you are the one who inherited the Black Demon. Honestly, I’m very curious."

Gao Yang spread his hands and said, "Sadly, I can’t explain your doubts. I myself can’t understand it either, perhaps because the Master finds me pleasing to the eye."

Baskov exhaled and said, "I know a bit about you, not much; I know you have ties with Grand Ivan, and also some connections with several armed forces in Ukraine, but none of these seem to justify you leading the Black Demon."

Gao Yang said solemnly, "I’m a mercenary; my main profession is mercenary, although I have contact with Grand Ivan, I’m not an arms dealer. Okay, I’ve just retired from the mercenary circle, Mr. Baskov, I’d rather not discuss my origins or profession; now I want to talk about something meaningful."

"Please go ahead."

"I have a security company, the Solar System Company."

"I’ve heard of it, an American company, just emerged, has big backing, lots of business, and wide networks—all yours."

"I am an ally of Grand Ivan."

"Oh, yes, you just mentioned, though I didn’t expect you two are allies—not bad."

"The Cicero Family is my ally."

Baskov didn’t speak, he scrutinized Gao Yang, then raised his eyebrows and said, "Ally?"

Gao Yang nodded and said, "Ally, very close ally. If you don’t believe me, I can demonstrate my power."

Baskov’s eyes widened slightly and said, "I understand now. The recent upheaval in the Cicero Family, Justin’s comeback from an outsider’s role—your handiwork! If that’s true, then you really are tight allies with the Cicero Family..."

Gao Yang smiled slightly and said, "I also possess a top-notch armed force that can operate globally. The Solar System Company is my legitimate front. Surely you understand my meaning."

Baskov looked at Gao Yang and said, "Let me guess, top-notch armed force, Iron Madonna... No, Satan! Satan..."

Gao Yang smiled and said, "Just a code name, really just a code name. Black Demon and Satan, you should be able to infer something."

Baskov exhaled deeply and nodded, "I should have realized it earlier, indeed!"

Gao Yang said solemnly, "Most importantly, I am the current Captain of the Black Demon, you understand what that means."

Baskov nodded but still maintained a serious expression, saying, "What does it mean? What are you trying to convey?"

Gao Yang said very seriously, "I’m merely trying to clarify something; what we are about to discuss isn’t me begging for favors from you. You are not in a position to bestow anything."

Baskov slowly nodded and said, "I understand. You mean this is a cooperation, an equal partnership, right?"