Chapter 1658: Chapter 1637: Test Murphy looked at Gao Yang, and Gao Yang looked at Murphy. Their eyes were both cold. Their paths were different, but both Gao Yang and Murphy understood that when the other made a threat, it wasn’t just a threat—at least, it wasn’t a mere verbal scare tactic. If they said they’d kill your whole family, they had to kill them all. If they said your death would be ugly, your death would have to be hideous. For both Gao Yang and Murphy, doing what they say is their foundation for survival. So, Gao Yang never doubted that Murphy would really expose his secrets completely. Gao Yang tried to keep his gaze calm when sizing up Murphy. Acting nonchalant, he could kill someone with a calm face, and now, for Gao Yang, that wasn’t difficult. Latest content publıshed on 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩·𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖·𝘯𝘦𝘵 Murphy continued to stare directly at Gao Yang, then suddenly sighed, and said in a low voice, “We used to get along pretty well.” Gao Yang said nothing. Murphy spread his hands, looking helpless, and said, “Believe me, under some torture, even if you were really mute, we could make you speak.” Gao Yang still said nothing. Murphy looked helpless and said, “Why do this? Speaking would be beneficial for you, for me, for everyone. You plan to keep secrets for Grand Ivan, but there is no way to really keep his secrets. Since it’s useless, why not make it simpler instead of turning against each other to the point of life and death?” After finishing, Murphy sighed and said solemnly, “None of us can control our destinies; you should understand that. So, you should also know that whether I worry about dying miserably or not changes nothing in the current situation. If you don’t speak, I’ll have to force you to.” Gao Yang sighed and then said softly, “I’m not too afraid of dying, but I’m very afraid of pain. Most scared of being tortured to death, tortured to the point of death. So, fine, I’ll tell you.” Murphy smiled a bit, lowered his voice, and said, “I know, you’re planning to kill me here, take my gun, and fight your way out. Even if you end up dying, it’s still better than being captured alive. Is that what you’re thinking?” Gao Yang could only helplessly look at Murphy and said with a wry smile, “Is your imagination always this rich?” Murphy opened his suit, revealing the empty gun holster under his arm, and then smiled, “See, no gun, the holster is empty. I know you can perform miracles with a gun and you’re a great fighter. I’m confident in my own fighting skills too, but to prevent surprises, I didn’t bring a gun. I was afraid you’d take it. Also, my people know what can happen, so even if you kill me here, you won’t escape. You and your girlfriend will end up miserably.” Gao Yang sighed again, remaining silent. Murphy raised one finger and said softly, “Speak or not?” Gao Yang thought about lying to buy some time, but after pondering briefly, he abandoned the idea. It was impossible to achieve. He wasn’t that naive anymore. Not speaking or lying would lead to the same outcome: being tortured until he talked. Instead of wasting time, he might as well just be straightforward. Gao Yang decided to take action, just as Murphy said. Seeing the look in Gao Yang’s eyes, Murphy suddenly shouted, “Come in!” Murphy’s voice was very loud, and Gao Yang, who was about to take action, felt a chill. Between him and Murphy was a table, even if he could subdue Murphy, it wouldn’t affect the overall situation. Besides, Murphy was a skilled opponent, and Gao Yang wasn’t sure he could take down Murphy instantly. As for taking Murphy hostage, that would be even harder. The door opened, and a person came in and stood behind Murphy. Murphy didn’t speak, still silently watching Gao Yang. Gao Yang knew it was his last chance, but he said nothing, just slightly lowered his head. At the same time, his upper body leaned slightly forward. Murphy smiled at Gao Yang, reached out for the document on the table, and said loudly, “I need to have a further discussion with Mr. Gao over his statement. You all go ahead with your tasks.” The person took the statement and left, closing the door behind them. Gao Yang looked at Murphy and whispered, “What do you mean?” Murphy shrugged, pouted, and said, “A test, and you passed.” Gao Yang frowned. He had thought about the possibility of Murphy testing him, but he couldn’t think of any reason why Murphy would. So, he quickly dismissed that possibility. He didn’t expect that it really was a test. Seeing Gao Yang’s furrowed brow, Murphy smiled helplessly and said, “The higher-ups ordered me to test you. Even though I find this game quite boring, I had to comply. I hope you understand.” Gao Yang whispered, “Why? As a cleaner, what reason do you have to test me?” Murphy shrugged, “Of course, because of Grand Ivan.” Gao Yang’s eyes widened suddenly, speaking in a low voice, “Grand Ivan! He asked you to test me?” Murphy scratched his face, smiled, and said, “You misunderstood. I’m not testing you for Grand Ivan; I’m testing you for the cleaners. Well, it’s a bit complicated.” Gao Yang gestured for him to continue. Murphy sighed and then said softly, “Some of what I said earlier was true, and some was false. The part that was false is that I really don’t want to know Grand Ivan’s whereabouts, nor do I want the U.S. Government to solve the Grand Ivan problem. Also, I won’t do anything substantially dangerous to you or your girlfriend, and that includes everyone you care about. Earlier, it was just a test on behalf of the cleaners for you, merely a test, nothing to worry about. The cleaners’ first rule is never to pose any threat to our clients at any time, in any matter!” After casually saying so, Murphy said seriously, “For people like us, the organization’s interests come first. Nation is merely a term for us, without any real meaning. So, my public identity is irrelevant to you. Remember this, my only purpose in testing you was to assess whether you meet our requirements, and you passed the test. So, here’s my next real question: Are you willing to replace Grand Ivan’s position among the cleaners?” Gao Yang was thoroughly confused. He furrowed his brow again and said with a bewildered look, “What do you mean?” Murphy said very seriously, “I wasn’t lying earlier. Grand Ivan has been missing for too long, and there’s a split within the cleaners. The prevailing faction believes someone should replace Grand Ivan’s position and role, and through our assessment, you’re the only suitable candidate. So now, my question is, are you willing to replace Grand Ivan in the cleaners, become our S-level client, and meanwhile, become our partner?”