CHAPTER 1788: CHAPTER 1767: DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE

Gao Yang genuinely felt there was no need to recruit a new soldier right now, especially an untested one who had never been on the battlefield.

If it was about recruiting cannon fodder, the kind you don’t have to take responsibility for, Gao Yang would unhesitatingly bring Rebrov under his command. But seeing the orphan and his widowed mother, with his father having just been killed not long ago, taking the eldest son away seemed unreasonable. After all, following him was far more dangerous than going to the frontlines.

Gao Yang looked at Yarebin again, then shook his head and said, "No, I don’t think Rebrov joining me is a wise choice. In fact, there’s nothing I have for him to do right now. So, Rebrov, I think it’s better for you to protect your mother and brother and head to Moscow together."

After Gao Yang finished addressing Rebrov, Rebrov frowned and said, "Excuse me, how is it possible that the murderer who killed my father is not dead yet?"

Yarebin replied solemnly, "Strictly speaking, the murderer who killed your father is indeed dead. However, the mastermind behind the attack is still alive. In my view, the person who actually did the killing was just a tool; the mastermind is the real culprit."

Rebrov nodded, turned to his mother, and said, "Mom, I really can’t go with you. I want revenge!"

Gao Yang coughed lightly and then said loudly, "Hold on, I don’t need you to seek revenge. It’s true that the mastermind is still alive, but we’ll soon take him down. No one who provokes us can stay alive, so you don’t need to worry about revenge. Also, I truly don’t have anything you can do here. My advice is to take your mother and brother and live a good life."

After saying that, Gao Yang said to Yarebin, "We don’t need a young man who has just lost his father to continue working for this organization, right?"

Gao Yang clearly expressed his views, and Yarebin shrugged, then said, "Alright, you’re the boss, it’s up to you. But let me remind you, Rebrov taking over his father’s business is relatively safe because after Djo’s death, there’s essentially no danger. Additionally, I suggest you look into Rebrov’s background. I think, with his experience, he’ll find it hard to abandon everything and start anew in Moscow. If you don’t take responsibility for him, he might run off to join some militia in Eastern Ukraine, which is even more dangerous."

From Yarebin’s gaze, Gao Yang understood that Yarebin indeed thought Rebrov was useful, so he looked at Rebrov.

Before Rebrov could speak, his mother nodded and said, "That’s right, following you is indeed safer. Konoyalev mentioned that you saved his life and gave him everything he has today. On top of that, you’re willing to do all this for us after his death. I believe you’re a reliable person. If possible, please help Rebrov and let him go with you."

Gao Yang looked puzzled at Rebrov, then said softly to the hopeful-looking Rebrov, "Briefly tell me your background."

Rebrov stood upright and said loudly, "I’m 24 years old this year. I enlisted at 19, served in the 11th Artillery Brigade for two years, then entered the Sumy Higher Artillery College as a sergeant to study in the Ground Artillery Command program. I studied for three years and just received orders yesterday to end my studies early, transfer with the rank of lieutenant to the 26th Artillery Brigade as an artillery platoon leader, and report tomorrow."

After hearing Rebrov’s story, Gao Yang understood why Yarebin insisted on Rebrov joining him. Rebrov is a rare artilleryman, an artillery commander from the Sumy Higher Artillery College.

For Gao Yang now, it’s not difficult to find a retired artillery officer, even a mid-to-high-level officer with experience. You just have to look carefully, and you can definitely find one. But it’s rare to find someone like Rebrov, professionally trained, with such a fitting family background, and most importantly, so young, like a blank slate ready to be shaped.

Considering how eagerly Somalia awaits artillerymen and how Three Cannons wants to train the Skull Gang’s artillery but finds that they need a commander to lead directly into battle while Three Cannons cannot take the field personally. Also, thinking about the tasks in Yemen that require a highly reliable and skilled professional artillery commander, Gao Yang understood Yarebin’s thoughts.

Now, without Yarebin’s reminder, Gao Yang’s interest was already high.

Gao Yang coughed lightly and said to Rebrov, "Following me is still very dangerous; I must make that clear to you."

Rebrov said loudly, "I’m not afraid of danger."

Gao Yang looked at Rebrov’s mother and said softly, "I won’t intentionally put him in dangerous positions, but he will still face many dangers."

Rebrov’s mother said softly, "It’s still a lot better than him going to the eastern front line to fight."

Gao Yang nodded, stood up, and said to Rebrov, "Then come with me. Coincidentally, you can help arrange matters for your mother and brother, bring your father’s remains home, and organize the funeral. There are some tasks I can have you do right away. If you perform well enough, I’ll let you stay. If you don’t perform well, you can go wherever you want. You have ten minutes. We’ll wait downstairs for you. You can take some last minutes to discuss with your mother."

After saying that, Gao Yang said softly, "Let’s leave first. Goodbye."

Gao Yang and Yarebin left first. When they got downstairs, Gao Yang said to Yarebin, "I think Rebrov is indeed quite useful. But why are you so insistent on having him join us? Logically, his role doesn’t seem to warrant such effort from you."

Yarebin nodded and said, "A competent artilleryman is always useful. Competent artillerymen are easy to find, but ones who are loyal and reliable are not so easy. And Rebrov, his mother and brother are in your hands, which at least ensures he’s quite reliable. Also, you’ve done so much for Gleyanov’s family. You must let others know; otherwise, what’s the point? You have to let those who need reassurance know how generous and responsible you are. And Rebrov serves as a living advertisement for that."

Gao Yang nodded and wryly smiled, "It’s still too utilitarian. However, I did think of this too. Let’s bring him along to test him over the next couple of days. If he’s just a hothead, then forget it. I’m not interested in starting from scratch to teach a reckless guy how to stay calm. Also, how did you discover that Rebrov is from the Sumy Artillery Academy?"

Yarebin said displeased, "Fool, the photos in their living room are taken at the entrance of the Sumy Artillery Academy. Didn’t you see that? Your observation skills are lacking, aren’t they?"

Gao Yang wryly smiled, "I saw, but the school’s name is in Ukrainian and I can’t read Ukrainian. Also, I didn’t realize it was the gate of a school; I thought it was a military camp."

After saying that, Gao Yang waved his hand and said to Yarebin, "There’s another matter. Now that we’ve met the most important person, the remaining people need reassurance, but there’s no need to meet them all today. Now, I think..."

Yarebin said, "Don’t be hesitant, just say what you want. You want to find Anastasia now."

Gao Yang smiled, "Can’t hide it from you. Yes, I want you to help me make a call to find Anastasia. If Anastasia is still alive, I need to contact her first."

Yarebin spoke softly, "Why do you want to contact Anastasia first?"

Gao Yang spread his hands, "I can’t ruin Anastasia for Brian’s sake. Initially, I thought what you said was real, that it was a tragic love story, so I just wanted to help Brian find her. But now I know that Anastasia isn’t what she seems. This isn’t a love story; it’s a spy thriller. So, if Anastasia doesn’t want to see Brian, I should at least get her opinion."

Yarebin laughed, speaking softly, "I’ll give you a phone number. Call and ask her yourself, just mention my name. You’re right, if Anastasia doesn’t want to meet Brian, then let Brian find another way. I don’t have the habit of betraying a comrade."

Yarebin recited a phone number. After Gao Yang saved it to his phone, he spoke softly, "Should I call now?"

"Of course, since you’ve decided to do it, why delay?"

Gao Yang immediately dialed the number, and soon, a voice said softly, "Who is this?"

Gao Yang spoke gently, "Hello, Yarebin asked me to call you. I need your help to investigate the file of a former KGB agent, Anastasia. I need to know where she is now and get her contact information if she’s still alive."

"Alright, no problem. I’ll find out right away. Also, who are you? Is Yarebin beside you? Can you let him take the call?"

Gao Yang covered the receiver and softly told Yarebin, "He wants you to take the call."

Yarebin showed an expression of disdain, "No, I have no interest in talking with someone who breaks promises."

Gao Yang shrugged, picked up the phone, and just when he was about to remove his hand from the receiver, Yarebin reached out and said, "Better give me the phone."

Yarebin took the phone, then began to walk and speak loudly, "Hello, Baskov!"

Gao Yang didn’t follow him, just watched as Yarebin walked away, talking as he went. After making a circle and coming back, the call had ended. When Yarebin handed the phone back, he spoke softly, "Remember this number. If you need anything, call this number and look for Baskov. He will help you."

Gao Yang understood why Yarebin changed his mind and took the call after all. Yarebin was exerting all efforts to create opportunities for him as his chosen successor. So when Gao Yang took the phone, he said loudly, "Thank you."