Miss Beautiful C.E.O and her system

"There's a catch," said Gu Yi.

"As expected, what does our General Tang demand?" Ling Qingyu muttered.

"Why are you speaking like it's the end of the world?" Gu Yi joked.

"You have to protect me, Mother. I'm being targeted by a pervert."

"Haha."

The two bantered in a humorous manner. What Gu Yi shared didn't bring any surprises—Ling Qingyu had anticipated a similar outcome.

It was obvious that the wolf members accompanying the mission had another task: to monitor her girls.

General Tang envied her girls' expertise and experience. Though Country C conducted regular crackdowns on narcotics and small terror cells, if Spirit Fox's experience level were used as a benchmark, none of the special units could surpass them.

After all, the girls had accomplished barricaded hostage rescues, cross-border hostage rescues, dismantling of armed gang cells, and a few open-field battles in addition to close-quarters ones.

In fact, special police units lacked funding compared to the military in terms of training and equipment, though their capabilities weren't low.

It was the restraints imposed on them that created difficulties in fighting criminals in dangerous battles.

For instance, the military didn't suffer from the same restrictions and could act freely. Without their hands tied, their strength overshadowed the police.

Of course, a level difference mustn't be overlooked, but the combat disparity shouldn't feel like night and day if everything were equalized—even if the military strictly selected special forces members.

With the same training levels, equipment, and rules, the difference between police and military wouldn't be significant.

This was why Spirit Fox's expertise piqued General Tang's intense curiosity. She even wanted to pry open Ling Qingyu's head.

If Ling Qingyu hadn't been a close confidante of Gu Yi, like herself, General Tang would have robbed everything like a bandit.

Even then, Ling Qingyu suspected General Tang had never given up on prying into her affairs.

Sure enough, Gu Yi's words confirmed her guess:

"Qingyu, General Tang wants to cooperate with you and set up a new base in Province N. Your airbase suits her needs. She wants to incorporate Spirit Fox into her newly founded Special Operations Command under the Southern Theater."

Ling Qingyu: "…"

Gu Yi: "Qingyu, are you listening? Hello?"

"I am, Mother. I'm just too dumbfounded to speak." Ling Qingyu took a deep breath. "You must seek justice for me, Mom. This is too much!"

Ling Qingyu didn't care about the Y-20 aircraft anymore. It was a pity, but if a foreign party intervened in her group, especially her precious cohort, she would never accept the deal, no matter how tempting it seemed.

"Okay, I knew your reaction would be like this, and I've already told her so," Gu Yi laughed.

"Of course, outrageous demands are doomed to fail. What does she expect? Hmph!" Ling Qingyu snorted.

"So, she suggested a deeper cooperation. You'll earn a lot too."

"Not at the cost of infringing on my power," Ling Qingyu scoffed.

"Of course. As an elder, how could I hurt you?" Gu Yi soothed and carefully explained the cooperation.

"I hope so," said Ling Qingyu with a smile as she listened to the proposed deal.

In fact, Gu Yi had tried hard to cater to Ling Qingyu's favor. The cooperation sounded domineering if she didn't listen carefully. Experience new stories on My Virtual Library Empire

What General Tang wanted was Spirit Fox's involvement in missions when requested. The decision, however, would remain in Ling Qingyu's hands.

The Wolf Special Forces under Tang's command would cooperate with Spirit Fox in future missions, while Spirit Fox operators would gain unofficial military identities.

The girls would resemble a certain unofficial unit in Country A, not even registered but under JSOC—Joint Special Operations Command.

Ling Qingyu complained: "I feel like my girls are getting further away from what I intended. Do you want them to be like a certain CAG with the call sign Delta?"

"It would be a waste of their talents," Gu Yi replied, brushing off Ling Qingyu's protest.

That wasn't talent—it was her money, Ling Qingyu thought. Although her girls were capable, without her wealth and Tang Ziyi's leadership, the current scenario would have been impossible.

The infamous Delta Force seemed official but was never part of any military. The unit was so secretive that no one except their commanders knew their identities.

Unlike the flaunting SEALs, Delta rarely made headlines, but their involvement was devastating to their enemies.

From Gu Yi's tone, it seemed General Tang wanted to expand her control and influence in the special operations community. Not that Ling Qingyu cared either way—she only wanted to secure her benefits.

Furthermore, the base would be stationed near Ling Qingyu's airport. Both parties would jointly manage the airfield and share intelligence.

The recent operation had displayed Spirit Fox's remarkable intel. It was clear that General Tang felt hungry for more.

Ling Qingyu speculated maliciously that the military was doing this on purpose to monitor and study her troops from another angle. At the same time, they intended to exploit these advantages and subtly control Spirit Fox's rhythm.

Should she agree or not? Perhaps Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue could play a greater role here and see things she couldn't at the moment.

Ling Qingyu decided to remain calm. "I don't think this is a good idea. All my secrets are being watched."

"It's politics, dear," Gu Yi comforted. "General Tang has gained a lot because of your help, and I can vouch for her. Cooperating with her won't make you lose. When you venture into military enterprises, her words will carry a lot of weight."

Ling Qingyu nodded at Gu Yi's persuasion. Both sides didn't speak explicitly. Some matters were better discussed in person.

It was true that Spirit Fox's successive rescues alongside the Wolf members had indirectly increased General Tang's reputation and power.

Perhaps it even opened the path for further promotion, removing the word "Lieutenant" from her rank—a four-star general.

Making friends with someone of such stature brought huge benefits despite the dangers posed by General Tang's opponents. Besides, it wasn't good to refuse Gu Yi's personal invitation.

Maybe noticing Ling Qingyu's discomfort, her mother-in-law added:

"Of course, although I said this is the deal between us, it depends on your choice. General Tang has already given permission to deliver the aircraft to you anyway. She just wants a deeper connection and to take a step further after hearing my praise for you. I also agree with her."

"That'll be an honor, but I'd like to discuss it with my friends before confirming a few matters."

"That's natural. Once you've decided, just contact me," replied Gu Yi. "Oh, General Tang sends her regards to Tang Ziyi and invites your friend to meet her again."

Damn, Ling Qingyu cursed inwardly. This general even wanted to pry away Tang Ziyi. Her subordinates were about to be robbed!

Of course, Ling Qingyu was exaggerating. She understood how much her support benefited her girls. There was no other party in the world that could match hers.

"Mother, believe me, I am truly grateful for your help. I just can't make immediate decisions on some matters, especially those related to Spirit Fox," Ling Qingyu tried to sound tactful.

"I understand, my dear. No worries. I believe that little girl Tang Ziyi will agree. You can bet on it."

"If everything fails, I hope the airfield will still belong to me."

"Of course, my reward still stands even if you reject General Tang's offer. Come on, dear. You have no strings attached—it's just mutual benefit. You know how our circle works. Besides, don't you trust me?"

"I trust you," Ling Qingyu quickly answered. "It's just that my base would no longer hold only girls. You know even male mosquitoes are forbidden in my residence."

"Why are you so insistent on preferring females? You don't have some particular male phobia, do you? Now that you mention it, I've noticed this about you."

"You also know my sexual orientation. As a wealthy person, can't I enjoy my own eye candy? I don't want to ruin my happiness."

"As long as you're happy." Gu Yi was obviously speechless.

The call ended with Ling Qingyu's ambiguity. Gu Yi didn't mind Ling Qingyu's style—she would have behaved the same.

Though the benefits outweighed the risks, anyone would feel conflicted when privacy and freedom were in jeopardy. Still, Gu Yi knew Ling Qingyu would likely agree.

However, Gu Yi guessed there might be another catch from Ling Qingyu. The art of negotiation between the two parties was destined to connect once Gu Yi served as a middleman.

Ling Qingyu felt a headache the more she contemplated and weighed everything. It seemed like she gained everything except the ability to cooperate freely on her own terms.

Nonetheless, favors were the hardest to repay, especially those from high-ranking generals. Of course, the returns must be substantial.

Once she agreed, however, outsiders would undoubtedly mark her as part of General Tang's faction, tied to the military Southern Theater.

Should she request additional identities beyond Spirit Fox when cooperating with the army?

The idea wasn't bad—confidential, separate identities for different occasions.