Ke Xue: My standards for dating are not problematic!

Chapter 351 Kitahara: What? Shuichi Akai is going to betray us?

Judy Sterling couldn't help but feel troubled by this thought.

She had long suspected that Shuichi Akai was hiding something from her, and she had asked him about it, but Shuichi Akai just wouldn't tell her.

She tried to find out more from various sources, but made no progress and had no idea what Shuichi Akai was hiding.

This really bothered her.

Shuichi Akai naturally wouldn't tell Jodie that he had become somewhat withdrawn because of a dream.

There was no way around it; that dream was just too disgusting. He was subjected to this and that, and then that again.

He had no idea how much time had passed in the dream.

He was able to persevere entirely because of his willpower.

Even so, Shuichi Akai still felt that he was a bit depressed, so he didn't want to have contact with outsiders, which is why he refused to meet Jodie.

Because he can't get over that hurdle himself, he naturally doesn't want to meet other people. Being alone is fine; there's nothing uncomfortable about it.

On the contrary, Shuichi Akai feels a little uncomfortable when he sees other people.

Especially women, wealthy women, men, and older men—after seeing these people, he would feel a little uneasy.

These are all aftereffects of the dream.

As for the instigator of this incident, it was naturally Kitahara Natsuyu, but neither Akai Shuichi nor Jodie knew about it.

Although Shuichi Akai saw Gastly while under hypnosis, he did not know what Gastly actually was.

If Shuichi Akai were to ask about the FBI's mole within the Black Organization, he would likely learn something.

Unfortunately, he was unaware of the FBI's mole within the criminal organization.

Because only a small number of people know the list of each undercover agent, and for some, only the undercover agent's superior knows, while others have no idea who the undercover agents are.

Therefore, Shuichi Akai naturally wouldn't know. Even if he did know who the undercover agent was, he wouldn't have the undercover agent investigate such a matter.

He couldn't bring himself to say it, nor would he allow his personal affairs to expose his undercover work.

After all, he had been an undercover agent himself and knew that every day undercover was like walking a tightrope.

If the undercover agent is not activated, then the undercover agent is relatively safe. However, once contact is made with the undercover agent, then the undercover agent's safety is completely compromised.

Logically and emotionally, Shuichi Akai would not activate an undercover agent, especially since he didn't even know about it.

"Should we ask James?" Judy asked hesitantly.

James was the head of their FBI branch in Japan, a position even higher than Shuichi Akai's.

However, Shuichi Akai is a special case within the FBI, which is why he can disobey James.

However, James and Shuichi Akai have a good relationship, and they often discuss things privately.

Sometimes, friendships between men are stronger than those between men and women.

Moreover, Jodie and Shuichi Akai were former boyfriend and girlfriend, and their relationship was quite complicated, so there were some things he naturally wouldn't tell her.

But he might not necessarily tell James, especially not something that's a private matter.

"No, I have to ask first!" Judy hesitated for a moment, then immediately decided to call James and ask about Shuichi Akai.

Because she was afraid something might happen to Shuichi Akai.

She and Shuichi Akai were not only ex-boyfriend and girlfriend, but also comrades-in-arms!
As soon as she finished speaking, Judy took out her phone and dialed her boss James's number.

James's call was answered very quickly, much faster than Akai Shuichi's.

"Judy, is there something you need calling so late?" James's somewhat aged voice came through the phone.

Upon hearing this, Judy said, "Good evening, James. I have something I'd like to ask you. Are you available now?"

"You want to ask me something?" James paused for a moment, leaned back on the sofa, and turned the TV volume down a bit with the remote control. "It's convenient. You can just say whatever you want."

He now lives in Beika Town, and every time he goes out and comes home, he takes out some equipment to search his house to see if anyone has installed any devices.

He checked it again after he got home today.

There are no problems at all, so some issues can be discussed directly over the phone.

Furthermore, his phone was also wiretapped, using the latest FBI technology.

These agents in foreign lands can be used first.

James's caution stems not only from his connections with organized crime but also from his relationship with the CIA.

Domestically in the United States, the FBI can suppress the CIA because the CIA is an intelligence agency without law enforcement powers, and it primarily targets foreign intelligence agencies.

However, outside the United States, the CIA has an even greater advantage and acts with extreme malice, causing significant harm to America's neighbors as well.

The CIA was involved in some major events.

Furthermore, the CIA will also take action against the FBI from outside, after all, colleagues are enemies, even if they are family.

After all, if I don't surpass you in some aspects, where will my funding come from for the second year?

Besides, I might not be able to beat you in China, but I'll naturally settle scores and grudges abroad.

Therefore, the feud between the FBI and the CIA is quite long-standing and very deep.

This is one of the reasons why James is so cautious.

Because while he was guarding against outsiders, he also had to guard against his own people.

However, the CIA doesn't consider them one of our own!
“Okay.” Judy nodded, glanced out the window, and then began to speak.

She lived on the 20th floor and had no worries about anyone spying on her from outside the window. She had also checked the room and found no listening devices or transmitters.

Unless Kitahara Natsuhiro is spying on him from the balcony.

However, this is impossible, because judging from the time, Kitahara Natsuhiro is either watching TV or taking a shower right now.

As Kitahara Natsuhiro's neighbor, she knew Kitahara Natsuhiro quite well, even better than Akai Shuichi after he returned from the Black Organization.

After all, Kitahara Natsuhiro lived right next door; it wouldn't do to be unaware of his situation.

Soon, Judy told James what she wanted to say.

After hearing what Judy said, James nodded: "Akai has indeed been acting a bit strange lately, I've noticed it too."

As the head of the FBI's Japan branch, he cared deeply about his capable subordinates.

After all, Shuichi Akai is his ace in the fight against the Black Organization, and he absolutely cannot be allowed to fail.

Therefore, he cares a lot about Shuichi Akai. Recently, Shuichi Akai's unusual behavior has also caught his attention. He asked him about it, but Shuichi Akai wouldn't say, so he couldn't do anything about it.

After receiving Judy's call, he felt that Shuichi Akai was acting strangely.

Now I might really have to meet him in person to see what's wrong with him.

However, betrayal is impossible for Shuichi Akai, since his father died at the hands of the Black Organization.

Although Akai Tsutomu is still missing, so many years have passed that he has long been considered dead by various organizations, it's just that the status hasn't been changed yet.

Therefore, under these circumstances, the likelihood of Shuichi Akai betraying him is extremely low. Although extremely low, there is still a sliver of a possibility.

After all, Shuichi Akai has been acting very strangely lately, hasn't he?

Therefore, James needs to prepare for the worst-case scenario: Shuichi Akai's betrayal.

However, James would not tell Judy about this property.

Because he knew that Jodie and Shuichi Akai had a very good relationship and were previously boyfriend and girlfriend.

If Shuichi Akai hadn't gone undercover in the Black Organization, it's possible that the two of them would have gotten married.

Although their relationship can't go back to what it used to be, it's still pretty good.

Of course, I couldn't tell Judy.

After all, they are special agents, and sometimes they have to be wary of their own people, who are also the most dangerous.

“Yes, Xiu has been acting really strange lately. I’ve tried to ask him out, but he’s refused,” Judy said. “So I’m trying to get Xiu to come out through you, James.”

Upon hearing this, James said, "I've done that before, but Akai didn't agree to it either."

"However, I will try to get Akai to come out and meet me. I will let you know when I have news."

"Don't worry, Judy."

After hearing James's confident words, Judy relaxed considerably and a smile appeared on her face.

It's fair to say that James is now practically her pillar of support.

As for the other half of the backbone, it would naturally be Shuichi Akai, but Shuichi Akai is acting too abnormally now and can't be relied on at all.

“Okay, then I’ll leave it to you, James. Make sure you get the show arranged. Even if something really happens, we can face it together,” Judy said.

“Yes, that’s true.” James said, “It’s getting late, you should get some rest. I’ll take care of Akai.”

"Okay, you should get some rest too. Goodbye."

Judy hung up the phone and put it on the table, feeling much more relaxed.

"James, I can only ask you for help."

She muttered something to herself, then started packing her things, preparing to go to bed.

At that moment, Kitahara Natsuhiro, who had just finished showering, came out of the bathroom, shirtless and drying his hair.

"Why won't Shuichi Akai see you?" Kitahara Natsuyu smiled slightly. "Naturally, he's too ashamed to see anyone."

“This is a curse I placed on him, not a betrayal.”

It was called a curse, but it was just that he made Shuichi Akai have a dream, only this dream was a bit disgusting.

As the creator of this dream, he dared not recall it.

Because even he himself couldn't handle it.

But Akai Shuichi can’t!
It is said that dreams become hazy and are quickly forgotten once a person is awake.

But Kitahara Natsuhiro added a little something extra, so Akai Shuichi never forgot it, and naturally it turned out this way.

This was his revenge against Shuichi Akai, and his revenge on Akemi Miyano.

After all, Akemi Miyano was almost killed by Shuichi Akai, so what's wrong with getting revenge?

The reason they didn't kill Shuichi Akai was out of consideration for Akemi Miyano, Mary Akai, and Masumi Sera.

Otherwise, this guy might have been killed by him.

Although he really wanted to see Shuichi Akai fight the Black Organization, revenge was far more important than watching the show.

"But James should be able to get Shuichi Akai to come out and meet me. I'll go and join in the fun then!"

He really enjoys joining in the fun, and he doesn't care when he does it.

Anyway, he has time every day and is very free.

"Okay, time for bed. I have to get up early for work tomorrow!"

"But it would be quite interesting if Shuichi Akai were to betray us!"

A short while later, the sound of a hairdryer came from the room, then the lights went out, and he drifted off to sleep.

And at this time...
After finishing his call with Judy, James dialed Shuichi Akai's number.

"James, what's up calling me at this hour?" Shuichi Akai sat in the dimly lit living room, watching the television program.

Ever since that dream, he has gotten used to being alone in the dark, which makes him feel very relaxed.

He no longer likes being in the sunlight.

Upon hearing this, James did not hesitate at all and directly told Shuichi Akai about his and Jodie's requests.

Upon hearing this, Shuichi Akai refused without hesitation. He genuinely didn't want to go out, and even if he did, he didn't want to see anyone, especially people he knew well!

"Akai, don't put me in a difficult position!" James couldn't help but sigh after hearing Shuichi Akai's refusal, and his expression immediately turned serious.

Shuichi Akai, on the other end of the phone, fell silent after hearing James's heavy words.

He understood the other layer of meaning in James's words.

That is, James felt that he might have betrayed the FBI and joined the black organization.

After all, it's not like there aren't people within the FBI who betray their jobs and join the criminal underworld.

Betrayal by its own people once led to the complete annihilation of several FBI branches overseas, resulting in heavy losses.

Now that he himself has become abnormal, it is understandable that James would have such suspicions.

Although the possibility of him betraying them is extremely slim.

But the chances are extremely slim; betrayal is still possible.

That's why James did that.

“Okay, I understand. Then let’s meet tomorrow!” Shuichi Akai sighed and rubbed his temples. “We’ll meet at the cafe in Beika-cho 3-chome at 10:00 AM tomorrow.”

He knew he could no longer hide; if he continued to hide, he might be treated as a traitor.

But that's normal. If he were in James's position and had teammates like him, he would think the same way.

They are secret agents; they need to be suspicious of everything, even their own people!
"Okay, I'll let Judy know. You should get some rest."

"Um"

Shuichi Akai then hung up the phone.

"I'm sick!"

He growled under his breath, then slumped onto the sofa, looking utterly dejected.

Because there are some things he wants to change, but he simply can't change them.

He can't do anything!
(End of this chapter)