Phoenix did not answer Luo Ziling’s question, but instead began to speak of her own accord.
Phoenix told Luo Ziling that the main reason for the lengthy preparation time for this operation was because the 13th organization had received support from Western intelligence agencies.
Dragon Rise did not want to have a direct conflict with Western intelligence agencies.
Not just Dragon Rise, no intelligence organization in any country wishes to have a direct confrontation with other intelligence agencies or special forces. If such a conflict truly occurs, it would blow the situation out of proportion, and the cost would be grave.
Even if conflict arises, it is conducted in secret, trying to avoid bringing matters to the surface as much as possible.
"Is this why we’ve been silently putting up with the fact that the 13th organization targets Huaxia people repeatedly without taking direct action?" Luo Ziling couldn’t help but interrupt Phoenix, "If an operation against the 13th organization might provoke a conflict with Western intelligence agencies, will you continue to stand by and watch?"
"What you said isn’t entirely correct, but the meaning is similar."
Luo Ziling was instantly furious upon hearing this: "Western intelligence agencies support the 13th organization, allowing them to strike against Huaxia people. Aren’t these intelligence agencies afraid of the situation getting out of control? We’ve held back from taking direct action, repeatedly delaying, is it because we’re afraid it will become unmanageable? Haha, it aligns with our national disposition, considering the so-called greater picture for everything, thinking for others. When can we do things without considering these, striking when we feel like it? Those who offend us, regardless of how far, shall be punished. When can this slogan stop being just empty talk?"
Phoenix was stunned for a moment, not expecting Luo Ziling to suddenly become so agitated.
"Alright, I was just venting, don’t take it seriously." Seeing Phoenix stunned there, Luo Ziling waved his hand, signaling her to continue.
Phoenix glared at Luo Ziling, but ultimately said nothing about his complaints.
She continued, "Last time, we wanted to solve the main figures of this organization through poisoning because we wanted to solve it in the lowest-profile way possible without blowing it out of proportion. Unfortunately, we still failed in the end and aroused their suspicion. As a result, we took a long time preparing for the next operation before finding the right opportunity to strike."
"This time, killing the Western intelligence agent who had semi-public contact with the 13th organization was also a show of our stance. Although not very forceful, at least it signaled to the U.S. Intelligence Agency that we’re willing to take action against anyone." Having said this in response to Luo Ziling’s earlier complaints, Phoenix continued, "A member of our team successfully infiltrated the organization over several months. He mixed the drugs you provided into their dinner, ultimately poisoning them."
At this point, Phoenix finally smiled, "This time we were fortunate that five main members of the 13th organization all got poisoned and quickly died from the poison. Actually, after those people were poisoned and died, our mission was already accomplished. But we thought we should take the opportunity to solve all the problems, so we launched an attack on their base amidst the chaos. We also succeeded in the subsequent actions without any casualties and wiped out the remaining dozen or so members before safely retreating."
Luo Ziling thought for a moment, felt something was amiss, and immediately asked, "Why didn’t you use poison to kill all the members?"
"That’s impossible!" Phoenix shook her head, "Successfully poisoning the main members in one shot already exceeded our expectations. You have to understand that they don’t dine together; different members eat in different places, so poisoning all their meals is an impossible task. Therefore, we launched an attack after adequate preparation to thoroughly resolve the issue. There were six team members involved in the attack, Lin Lan was the action leader, and both Falcon and Shanque participated in the operation. Unfortunately, they got injured during the mission."
"Alright, I roughly understand the situation!" After hearing Phoenix’s not very detailed account, Luo Ziling grasped the situation and curiously asked, "It sounds quite ordinary. Why did you remind me not to be surprised when I heard it?"
"The situation is not as complicated as you think, it’s actually very simple, simple to the point where we don’t want to talk much about it." Phoenix calmly stated, "It’s not as thrilling as you think, so I advise you not to have high expectations."
"Alright!" Luo Ziling nodded lightly, "I indeed overthought it."
Phoenix looked at Luo Ziling curiously, "You just aren’t satisfied because Lin Lan got injured again, right?"
"Of course, a little!" Luo Ziling didn’t deny it, "I know she’s been hurt many times, and getting injured again makes me worry."
"During operations, it’s inevitable that someone gets hurt; it’s unavoidable. The process of an operation is like going to war, and how can there be no injuries in war?" Phoenix sighed softly, "Without the drugs you provided, the difficulty of the operation would have increased several times. There are many poison experts in that organization, and ordinary poisons are easily detected by them. So, your contribution to this operation is significant."
Luo Ziling thought of another problem and immediately asked Phoenix, "Did the death of that U.S. Intelligence Agency member at this organization’s base really have that much impact? Would Western intelligence organizations change their attitude towards them because of this?"
"Of course, it had an effect. The CIA member’s death has already angered the CIA’s high levels. I can’t tell you the specifics, and you don’t need to know. In fact, you can see something from how the Paris police and related French departments handled the situation low-key after the incident." At this, Phoenix showed a playful smile.
Luo Ziling suddenly understood, "You’re saying the French side thought it was the CIA’s move? That the CIA wanted to eliminate this organization?"
"I won’t speculate on that, how the Gallic Rooster thinks is their business, and it’s unrelated to us." Phoenix said, revealing a faint smile.
Luo Ziling also laughed softly, not asking any more questions.
Phoenix stood up, her voice tender, "They need to rest for a while. During this period, you should stay here. If any unusual situation arises, we will transfer immediately. If nothing abnormal happens, you stay here until they recover and return to the country, at which time you will return with Lin Lan."
At this point, Phoenix paused, then softly continued, "After this operation, Lin Lan might apply for retirement."