Chapter 534 James Agreed
James had always kept his distance from the military and wasn't very clear about the situation, nor did he know that the National Security Agency had lost so many talents.
James once again scanned the twenty-three martial artists. From their eyes, James saw a deep sense of sorrow, not feigned but heartfelt. In an instant, James was moved.
James was never afraid of others being tough; he was only afraid of them playing the emotional card because, deep down, James was not a cold-blooded person.
If the entire National Security Agency only had these twenty-three martial artists, it would be quite pitiful, just slightly better than a big family.
But a family was a family, and a country was a country. Even if the National Security Agency was just one department, it was still a serious matter.
No wonder he hadn't encountered any martial artists in Lindwood City over the past five years; it turned out that the talent pool had dwindled severely.
Noticing James's hesitation, Rolf sensed he had managed to persuade him. Filled with a subtle joy, he continued, "Mr. Smith, I am well aware that you are the eldest son of the esteemed Smith family, and your noble status makes you reluctant to demean yourself by becoming a mere martial arts coach. This, indeed, was an oversight on my part. If you do not mind, Mr. Smith, I am willing to elevate your position to the head coach of my National Security Agency. You can come by the Agency at your convenience to train the members, thereby enhancing our strength. If even this title does not satisfy you, then I will not press the matter any further."
Clio widened her eyes. In her impression, although Rolf appeared gentle on the surface, his style was extremely tough and iron-fisted. She had never seen such a humble side of Rolf!
Not only Clio, but everyone present also found it unbelievable.
Rolf's acting was top-notch. Originally, James was almost fooled by him. But seeing Clio and the others' reactions, he instantly realized that Rolf was trying to deceive him.
However, this lie was also stating the truth.
It was clear that the National Security Agency indeed lacked talent and desperately needed James to join and cultivate new strength for them.
"Mr. Tackett, you really flatter me," James sighed. "Being the head coach of your National Security Agency sounds great, with high status and power. But once I take that position, I'll be tied to the National Security Agency. Your plan is quite clever."
Rolf wasn't surprised. He already understood James's exceptional intelligence and knew that playing tricks in front of James was useless and would backfire. The best approach was to be honest with James.
Indeed, Rolf had used some tactics earlier, but that was out of a desperate need for talent and wouldn't offend James.
Now, Rolf and James were in a game of strategy.
Rolf said, "Mr. Smith, you misunderstand. I won't force you to be tied to the National Security Agency. If one day you become disheartened with the National Security Agency and want to sever ties, I will absolutely not stop you!"
Rolf said this righteously and earnestly. If it were someone else, they might have been fooled. More than half of the individuals present had red eyes with affection, moved by Rolf.
Unfortunately, it was impossible to deceive James. He immediately discerned Rolf's intentions, believing that if he wished to leave, no one, not even Rolf, could stop him.
However, James didn't bother to argue with Rolf over such details. He fell into his own thoughts. To be honest, with the Lewis family and the Percy family joining forces for revenge, he wasn't afraid. He could kill one if one came, and two if two came. But he couldn't avoid the fact that he had a family now. He was no longer alone; he had Jennifer, Dennis, and Kaitlyn to consider.
Moreover, he had already left the Smith family, so seeking their protection again was unrealistic.
Joining the National Security Agency was the best choice for now. After all, no matter how rampant the Lewis family and the Percy family were, they wouldn't dare openly oppose the National Security Agency.
And frankly, deep down, James still had a sense of patriotism. The National Security Agency was a national department, mainly responsible for domestic security. Now that its strength had dwindled, he still wanted to contribute.
However, James had to handle this carefully.
As someone from a prominent family, he deeply understood that dealing with the military was the most challenging and required careful handling.
Everyone was waiting for James's answer. Rolf wasn't in a hurry, either, quietly watching James and making coffee for him.
After more than a few seconds, James said, "Mr. Tackett, I can train talents for the National Security Agency, but I don't want any position. Just pay me a salary according to national standards. You can set a requirement for me to train a certain number of talents within three years. After that, I can leave at any time."
Rolf's hands trembled slightly upon hearing this. He thought for a few seconds and then said, "Alright, since Mr. Smith is so reluctant to be tied to the National Security Agency, we won't force you."
Clio looked at James, even more puzzled about what he was thinking. In her eyes, the National Security Agency was a place that everyone had a desire to attend.
But James was different. Rolf personally came with such a humble attitude to recruit him, even offering the head coach position, and James was still unmoved and wanted to refuse.
She couldn't figure it out.
However, this made James's status in her mind even higher. She had never seen such a mysterious man as James.
James directly said, "What are your requirements, Mr. Tackett?"
Rolf thought for a moment and then said, "Originally, our National Security Agency had ten third-stage martial artists, sixty-six second-stage martial artists, and over three hundred first-stage martial artists. Now, we only have five third-stage martial artists, twenty-five second-stage martial artists, and about a hundred first-stage martial artists!"
With this, James couldn't help but be surprised. It was a huge loss!
James was curious about what exactly had transpired within the National Security Agency.
Clio's eyes were already filled with undisguised pain and sorrow, clearly having experienced a great battle.
James broke the silence and said, "Alright, within three years, I'll help you train ten third-stage martial artists, sixty-six second-stage martial artists, and three hundred and fifty first-stage martial artists. After that, I'll leave. I also hope that during these three years, the National Security Agency will protect my wife and family."
Now it was Rolf's turn to be astonished. Those words had been intended merely as a ploy to start from a high asking price and negotiate. He never expected James to agree outright.
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