When I type "?", it's not that I have a problem, it's that I think you have a problem.

As Brown was on the phone with Darrell, rambling about a bunch of useless things, Zhou Yi also received a message from Ethan.

Tom: "The item has been secured. We've safely withdrawn."

FBI Staff: "I'll contact you after I leave. Don't forget our cooperation."

Tom: "My memory is excellent."

FBI Staff: "Just in case."

After subtly warning Ethan and receiving his assurance, Zhou Yi played with his phone, waiting for Darrell to return.

Even if Ethan decided to run off with the item or even betray him, Zhou Yi had contingency plans in place and didn't have to worry about the situation turning completely against him. However, it would still be troublesome.

Zhou Yi didn't fear trouble, but he didn't like it either.

Therefore, issuing a warning in advance to nip any potential problems in the bud was quite necessary.

Since Ethan had already obtained the item, it was time for Zhou Yi to make his exit.

Because Ethan had succeeded so quickly, Zhou Yi hadn't even gotten to the main point yet, nor had he revealed his true intentions.

If he had already stated his intentions, Zhou Yi would have no choice but to continue down that path, as any sudden shift would inevitably cause problems.

However, Zhou Yi had been chatting with Darrell about this and that, never once touching upon the main topic!

This meant that Zhou Yi could say anything now, as long as it made sense!

Thus, Zhou Yi declared his intention to be—"friendly communication."

There was no longer a need to stall for time. Using this "true intention," which could quickly wrap things up without harming either party's interests, was clearly more suitable than "I'm here to investigate the CIA's tax issues."

However, this "true intention" had a significant impact on Darrell.

If this were an anime world, Darrell's head would probably be covered in question marks right now.

These question marks wouldn't signify an available quest, but rather—"When I type '?', it's not that I have a problem, it's that I think you have a problem."

Darrell definitely thought Zhou Yi had a problem.

"Mr. Zhou... since your objective is this... friendly, communication."

Darrell specifically emphasized the words 'friendly' and 'communication,' his professional smile barely holding on. "Why didn't you say so earlier?"

"I wanted to, but you didn't ask before!" Zhou Yi retorted righteously.

"Besides, I didn't have a chance to, Mr. Darrell. Weren't you constantly talking to me about the CIA's institutional reforms and restructuring?"

"Well... although it was a bit strange that you kept mentioning funding issues, I thought you were imparting management experience to me! Weren't you?"

Hearing Zhou Yi's explanation, Darrell was completely bewildered.

I was talking to you about those institutional reforms and building renovations to stall for time until the Director arrived, so I wouldn't have to take the fall!

And when I mentioned the need for a lot of funding, it was to preemptively explain some tax-related issues because I also pocketed... a tiny bit!

Who was imparting experience to you? Do I look that bored? Am I, the esteemed Administrative Minister, here just to impart experience to you?

Darrell almost blurted out his thoughts with an expletive.

Fortunately, his years of cultivating the skill of "one face for the public, another for oneself" allowed him to barely maintain control.

"Weren't you here about the tax issues?" Darrell's smile was somewhat contorted.

After all the twists and turns, everything had come back to the beginning, but the roles had reversed. Now, Darrell was desperately trying to get Zhou Yi to bring up the CIA's tax issues.

Because Darrell knew he was in trouble.

As an administrative minister, after an hour of conversation with Zhou Yi, he still hadn't figured out Zhou Yi's true objective.

Firstly, this was considered dereliction of duty.

Dereliction of duty was one thing; if Zhou Yi's objective was as Darrell and Brown had assumed, there would be no problem.

But now, Zhou Yi's objective wasn't "coming to collect a debt," but "friendly communication."

This meant that Darrell's delaying tactic had resulted in a massive misunderstanding, successfully roping their Director, Brown, into it.

Thinking about Brown's previous furious and somewhat irrational behavior... Darrell could already guess how Brown would treat him after arriving at headquarters and discovering it was all a huge misunderstanding.

He was doomed!

Whether it was dereliction of duty, the discovery of his attempt to make Brown take the fall, or being the most convenient scapegoat for Brown, Darrell estimated that his fate would not be pleasant!

Therefore, at this moment, Darrell even hoped that Zhou Yi's intention was to investigate the CIA's tax issues!

Because that would allow everyone to share the blame, and Brown's anger would be directed at the IRS!

Although the CIA's losses would likely be substantial in that scenario, at least the losses would be spread out, and his own potential losses would be far less severe than bearing the brunt of Brown's wrath alone!

Zhou Yi naturally understood Darrell's calculations.

But how could he possibly let Darrell have his way?

With the item already in hand, Zhou Yi's objective had been achieved. Why would he bother talking about investigating the CIA's tax issues now... wasn't that just being bored and looking for trouble?

As for Darrell's outcome, what did it have to do with him?

The consequences he brought upon himself were his to bear!

With that thought, Zhou Yi frowned in confusion, "What? The CIA's tax issues?"

"Yes!" Darrell was already getting impatient. He had no idea how much longer Brown would take to arrive at CIA headquarters.

If he could successfully shift Zhou Yi's attention to the CIA's tax problems before then, he could minimize the potential losses he might face!

"I don't quite understand what you're talking about, Mr. Darrell," Zhou Yi tilted his head. "Does the CIA have any tax-related problems?"

"I... this..." Darrell's eyes widened.

He had already been so obvious, and this person still didn't get it?

Did he really have to spill everything out himself?

But it was completely different for Zhou Yi to bring it up himself versus him exposing it!

The meeting room was being recorded. What he had said so far was already obvious enough. If he were to directly expose it and others heard the recording, he would be finished no matter what! Darrell couldn't help but fall into a dilemma.

And at this very moment, Brown arrived at CIA headquarters.

After getting out of the car, Brown glanced at the departing fire trucks, paid them no mind, and cast them aside. He strode towards the meeting room with great momentum.

He was building up his presence, intending to use overwhelming force for a swift and decisive victory, arriving late but making a grand entrance!

However, just as he reached the meeting room and pushed the door open, he heard a sentence.

"Then, we have a pleasant cooperation~"

PS: During the new book period, updates will be at precisely midnight and five minutes past midnight, making it convenient for all you readers to read the latest chapters first thing in the morning~

Speaking of which, how many people are reading my book? Is it a hundred? Give me a shout-out, won't you?