[Comprehensive British and American] How agents solve the single problem

38

After much deliberation, Phoebe decided to open a bank account.

Although she has not officially worked yet, it would be too late to apply for an account when she needs it.Phoebe tells Merlin what she thinks, and he supports her.

"This is proof of identity, and other information that may be required."

Merlin rubbed the space between his brows. He has had some headaches since this morning. The man opened the drawer and took out a full set of documents that he had prepared for Phoebe.White cats don't have any legal status, but what's up against a Royal Secret Service logistics officer.

He handed the document to Phoebe: "If the bank manager recommends any financial management or credit activities to you, it is best to bring back a leaflet, and I will explain the terms to you. Don't take their words lightly."

Phoebe didn't care: "I don't have any money."

Merlin: "You will, and sooner or later you need to touch these, girl."

Phoebe nodded understandingly.

If it is said that manners and social etiquette can be learned in a short period of time, then life experience and subject knowledge need a lot of time to learn and become proficient.Especially in terms of numbers, being a cat doesn't need to keep accounts every day.

There is no rush for this, and I have to find a qualified full-time teacher to teach her.

Merlin patted Phoebe on the shoulder: "Go early and come back early."

Phoebe, however, didn't move, she took a step forward with the file, almost squeezing between Merlin's knees.

She reached out and touched the corners of Merlin's eyes lightly on the edge of the frame: "Merlin didn't rest last night."

Merlin closed his eyes.

He did not. Last night, he asked Q for the information on the transaction chain, and Q really sent it—a huge information network that took Merlin a whole night to analyze.

Moreover, the high-level executives of MI6 demanded to catch the culprit of the kidnapping case as soon as possible, wishing that Mrs. M would send her most powerful agents out to catch the Spaniards and get to the bottom of it.This is the fundamental reason why Merlin hates bureaucrats: the matter has come to this point, the kidnapping case is just one of many cases, and the key is to catch the person who opened the account at the bank in Rachiv.But the officials are only worried about the international impact of the kidnapping case.

Now they don't even know his name, and they will startle the snake if they act rashly.

"I'll go to rest after I've dealt with the affairs at hand," Merlin replied, "I'll control the time, don't worry."

Naturally, Phoebe would not believe his perfunctory words, and the girl showed disapproval.But she didn't insist: "Then you must lie down and rest before I come back."

"I promise you."

Phoebe's face brightened when she got the promise. She smiled, bent over, and kissed Merlin on the cheek: "See you later, Merlin."

After Phoebe left, Merlin turned his attention to MI6.

He first contacted Q again, and the accompanying quartermaster said that Mrs. M was dealing with her superiors, and if she wanted to convince them, she had to come up with a plan.

Merlin had a headache.

It's not that things are difficult, he really has a headache.Perhaps it was because of not resting for several consecutive nights, Phoebe ran out of the house the day before, and was investigating clues yesterday, Merlin had already clearly felt his brain protesting.

After all, he has also passed the age where he can sleep continuously with a few cups of black coffee.

"I think your idea is feasible," Merlin said, "start with Rachev."

"yes."

"how?"

Q, in another part of the communication, was silent for a rare moment before responding: "I thought you were going to stick to old school morals or something."

That has to be some persistence.Now it is obvious that this is the best solution, and Merlin will not give up the only way to track down the real culprit for the sake of illusory morality.

"My thinking is that Rachev has ties to multiple terrorist groups and he's laundering money for them, and that's where we can start and look for loopholes."

"Or you can look for flaws."

"you mean……"

It's not immoral to play tricks on someone who has no morals, right?

Merlin squeezed the space between his eyebrows: "Let me think about it, Q, I have to take a rest."

It will take a while to plan this.In a state of high fatigue, the quality of work cannot be guaranteed. Merlin decided to settle the less important matters before thinking about it.

But Merlin still overestimated his physical limit.

It doesn't take much time to open an account from the bank, and Phoebe obediently shirks all financial projects.

She took her bank card and bought a tape at the nearby thrift store on the way home.

When the owner of the thrift store heard that she wanted to buy David Bowie's tapes, he immediately turned from indifferent to indifferent to enthusiastic, and gave her a business card before leaving.

Another business card.

Phoebe rang the doorbell, then looked curiously at the little card with a simple design.

She thought that if people want to keep in touch with each other, they only need to exchange phone numbers. She didn't expect that there are so many complicated ways.

Phoebe, who put away her business card, waited for a while, but Merlin did not come to answer the door.

Is he out?I said I'm going to rest.

Phoebe took out her key and opened the door herself.After entering the hallway, the girl obediently changed into her slippers, and then went straight to the study: "Merlin?"

The computer was on and the mug was put aside, but there was no one in the study.

That is resting.

Phoebe thought for a moment, then shook off her shoes.

As a cat-turned-human girl, Phoebe could completely mute the sound of her footsteps if she wanted to.Of course, the premise is not to step on the loose and comfortable slippers.Phoebe quietly walked to Merlin's bedroom and opened the door, and he had already rested.

Merlin didn't change his clothes, just lay down with all his clothes on, apparently just planning to take a nap.

Merlin was not very alert at home, so the man didn't notice when Phoebe approached. She climbed onto the bed and approached Merlin cautiously.

Merlin still didn't wake up.

He took off his glasses, and his handsome brows were slightly frowned.Not sleeping well?Phoebe reached out, trying to smooth the man's frizzy eyebrows.

Phoebe startled at the heat her fingertips felt.

"ah."

Phoebe yelled a little, and she withdrew her hand like an electric shock. After being stunned, she tested the temperature of Merlin's forehead with the palm of her hand.

He has a fever.

"Merlin," Phoebe said decisively, she pushed Merlin's shoulder, "Merlin, wake up."

After finally waking Merlin up, the man groaned, raised his hand to support his forehead, and seemed to be enduring a severe headache.He opened his eyes with difficulty, and his usually clear and calm brown eyes were covered with a light mist.

"Phoebe?" he said hoarsely.

"Merlin, you have a fever."

Phoebe held down Merlin as he tried to get up.

"Did you take medicine?"

"what?"

Well, look at his blank expression is not.

Human sickness is not the same as cat sickness, and Phoebe read a book on dealing with everyday accidents at the estate of the Royal Secret Service about how to deal with a febrile sick person.

At that time, Eggsy found out that Phoebe was joking when she was learning to identify drugs. He said that Phoebe didn't have to worry about getting sick or anything, and Merlin would take care of her.

Facts have proved that studying is still useful, before Merlin can take care of Phoebe, Phoebe will take care of him first.

"Do you have a sore throat?" Phoebe asked.

Merlin cleared his throat and coughed a few times before opening his mouth.

Phoebe: "..."

Quite serious.

"Merlin lie down."

Speaking of Phoebe, she rolled over and got off the bed. As soon as she landed, Merlin who was lying beside the bed noticed her bare feet.

"Shoes, girl." He reminded me.

"Merlin, please pay attention to yourself first," Phoebe muttered while running to the corridor to find slippers, "It's so serious."

She ran to the bathroom and dug out a thermometer, anti-inflammatories, and fever reducers from the cabinet above the mirror.

Merlin still sat up when he returned to the bedroom.

"Have you got the thermometer, Phoebe?" he asked.

Even her normally pleasant voice became vain and hoarse, and Phoebe's heart ached.

She obediently stepped forward, adjusted the thermometer and handed it to Merlin.Then he turned around and ran to the kitchen to pour a glass of water: "I think you need to see a doctor, Merlin."

Merlin shook his head.

He took the thermometer, then his glasses.

Phoebe immediately grabbed his arm: "Merlin still wants to work?"

Merlin: "Don't worry, girl."

He put on his glasses and turned on the communication: "I just contact the medical department."

Only then did she feel relieved.

There are professionals helping remotely, and Phoebe is immediately relieved.

Merlin refused the medical staff's request to come directly to the door, but it hasn't reached that point yet.He took the medicine that Phoebe brought, and then told her to go to the kitchen to get back the ice pack.

Taking advantage of Phoebe's departure, Merlin called out the internal communication and had to ask the current Arthur Harry for leave, and then asked the medical department to convey the news of his absence to the logistics.

He still had time to take a look at the analysis progress of the IT department. The mission to investigate Laqiv had been released before, and it was just——

Merlin's thoughts came to a halt as Phoebe pulled off his glasses.

The girl pressed the ice pack to his forehead, and the sudden low temperature made Merlin shiver.

"He has a fever of 38 degrees, and Merlin is still working," Phoebe said angrily. "It's because I'm so tired that I'm sick!"

Strictly speaking, it was an inflammation, but Merlin wasn't going to argue with Phoebe about something like that, because the girl standing by the bed looked like she wanted to throw his glasses and phone out the window.

"have a good rest."

Fortunately, Phoebe didn't really do that, she just put the glasses on the bedside table, then pulled off the sheets: "Change and rest."

Well, it looks like he's going to stop trying to get work done while Phoebe's gone.

That's okay, adjust the status as soon as possible, so that we can deploy the plan about Laqiv.Merlin didn't insist anymore, he took the quilt that Phoebe lifted up with great effort: "I will rest, you go and take off your coat first, okay?"

Coaxing Phoebe away, Merlin got up and changed into pajamas.

It wasn't until this moment that he really felt that he was indeed having a high fever. When Merlin turned over and got out of bed, his whole body felt like being crushed. The pain in his throat was secondary, and he felt like his head was about to explode.

He sat on the head of the bed, and Phoebe returned with a brand new mug, hot tea this time.

The girl stuffed the mug into Merlin's hand, then threw off the slippers and crawled to Merlin's side with great dexterity.

Merlin retreated instinctively, trying to keep a distance from Phoebe: "Be careful of contagion, girl."

Phoebe: "I'm not afraid, I'm in good health."

She walked around behind Merlin, stretched out her hand, and her soft fingers landed on the man's forehead. Compared with the hot skin, the girl's fingertips were almost icy cold.Phoebe leaned into his ear: "Have a headache?"

Merlin breathed a sigh of relief: "A little bit."

Judging by his expression, I'm afraid it's more than just "a little bit".

"I learned it from a book," said Phoebe, leaning against the man's back, rubbing Merlin's temples lightly, "and said it would relieve the headache."

"Thank you."

Merlin whispered, he still didn't forget to raise the cup in his hand: "And hot tea."

You don't need to look to know that Phoebe is snickering behind his back.

Her other hand rested on Merlin's brow bone, stroking away the frowning brow bit by bit.Phoebe's cheek was against his shoulder, a little heavy under the heat, but Merlin didn't mind.

He turned his head just in time to meet Phoebe's clear eyes.

Her face was close at hand, and her breath was blowing to her neck, which was hotter than the hot skin.

"Don't do this again next time." Phoebe's fingertips lingered on his skin, and the girl's voice was barely audible. "Merlin is very important, so he needs to stay healthy."

Merlin laughed: "Because I want to make fried fish for you?"

Phoebe: "No, no!"

She blushed, evidently Phoebe remembered her stupid remark.

"I don't, that doesn't count!"

"Really," Merlin teased deliberately, "I remember you saying the same thing in a similar situation before."

"no!"

Phoebe whimpered in shame as she wrapped her arms around Merlin's back and buried her cheek in the crescent of his neck.

"No no no," Phoebe refused to accept the reality, "That doesn't count, Merlin is too much!"

"Okay, I'm too much."

Merlin didn't intend to make things difficult for Phoebe either, it wasn't long before she became a human.Phoebe's growth has been seen to change her mind almost every day, and it's a good thing that she's more human now than she was back then.

"If I didn't say it," he patted Phoebe on the back of the head with his backhand, "how about this matter being exposed?"

"Humph."

Only then did Phoebe agree to raise her head. She held Merlin's hand tightly and pointed at the cup over his shoulder: "Hurry up and drink and rest."

Merlin didn't miss the domineering tone in her tone, she finally found a chance to boss her around.He couldn't help but shook his head, then brought the mug to his lips.

The taste turned out to be very good.

He raised his eyebrows in surprise, which made Phoebe smile: "Paddington taught me, he said that Merlin always drinks coffee, which is not good for the stomach."

Although Merlin actually prefers coffee to tea-this point is often complained by field agents as "not enough British", if it is not enough, it is not enough, he is Scottish.

But it's nice to have a change every now and then, especially since Phoebe cooked it herself.

Merlin nodded approvingly: "It tastes really good, girl."

Phoebe: "Hey."

She became proud, as if secretly stuffing the stars in the sky into her eyes.The gray eyes were shining brightly against the sunlight outside the window, but the smile on Phoebe's face disappeared when she smiled.She waited for Merlin to finish her tea and put the mug on the bedside table.

"It's time to rest."

announced Phoebe, and semi-compulsively pushed Merlin to lie down and cover herself with the blanket.Of course the girl came to his side reluctantly, she was still lying on his shoulder, her bright eyes never left.

The emotion in her eyes made Merlin turn his head uncomfortably: "What?"

"Nothing," Phoebe shook her head, "it's just..."

The slender fingertips returned to Merlin's brow bone again, and Phoebe stared at Merlin quietly: "I've never seen Merlin like this before."

"Have you ever seen me sick?"

Phoebe nodded, then shook her head again.

She rested on the side of his face, tracing the contours of the man's face with her fingers.

"I've never seen Merlin sick before."

The fingertips landed on the bridge of his high nose, and then his eyes.Merlin's eyelids closed at her touch, her hands brushing the man's beautiful lashes.

The usual Merlin is gentle, tough, and almost omnipotent.Phoebe likes the way he sits at his desk and concentrates. Merlin, who has a solemn and calm expression, is the booster for all royal agents. With him, no matter how difficult the problem is, he can find a solution.Phoebe often wished he could hold her in his strong arms, stroke her hair, say over and over again in a nice voice that he liked her and loved her.

But the sick Merlin was different.

"I've never seen Merlin look haggard."

Then down, his angular cheekbones and jawbone.

"So powerless and fragile."

Phoebe said, supporting her body with her arms, closing the distance between the two of them.I want to hold such a Merlin in my arms in turn, I want to support his fragility, I want to protect him, I want to kiss his green eyes with light mist, and then I kiss him all the way along the bridge of his eagle-like nose, biting his mouth Keep the lower lip.

The two faces were so close that their noses almost touched.Phoebe looked into his brown eyes, and continued to speak in a low voice: "This kind of Merlin is also very good, I want to see more of this kind of Merlin."

Merlin: "..."

Why did he feel that Phoebe's speech and eyes were a bit dangerous.

But soon the smile returned to her face, and Phoebe threw herself into his chest and announced with a smile, "So I can do whatever I want!"

He just has a fever, and it's not that he can't move. Isn't it too fast to raise the cat's tail, girl.

Merlin didn't know whether to laugh or cry, he stretched out his hand to hold Phoebe.Even if he is sick, Merlin is still a man who is nearly 1.9 meters tall, and it is not easy to subdue a noisy little girl.

With a little effort, he lifted Phoebe up from the bed: "You've been thinking about such a mess all day long."

Phoebe, who was pushed to one side, was instantly disillusioned: "Woo."

Sure enough, just being sick wasn't enough, and Phoebe decided to talk about it later.

She simply sat up, looked at the time, and decided not to disturb Merlin.His time was precious, and it was best to fall asleep as soon as possible.

"I'll wake you up to take your medicine at dinner time," Phoebe said, "Merlin should hurry up and rest."

On this point, it is rare for workaholic Merlin to reach a consensus with Phoebe.

"Please help me go to the study and turn off the computer, girl."

"it is good."

Phoebe, who took over the task, burst into a smile. She glanced at Merlin, then leaned down and pecked lightly on the man's lips.

Phoebe's reflexes were far faster than normal, and Merlin was off guard.He just saw Phoebe approaching quickly, and then almost undetectable pressure gently brushed between his lips, the sweet breath that belonged to Phoebe just approached and then moved away like a ghost.

When Merlin recovered, Phoebe turned over and ran out of the room with a smile on her face.

He raised his hand to press his lips, the touch of a light kiss still remained on the skin, entangled in the senses together with the scent of orchids in her hair.

this girl.

Always wanting to take advantage is not what a lady should do, and her habit of expressing emotion through physical contact may be difficult to correct.Normally, Merlin would definitely find an opportunity to criticize Phoebe, but forget it today.

With the fever still lingering, Merlin decided to be a little selfish and keep the kiss.

When Phoebe arrived at the study, she found that the computer was not turned off. Merlin who was lying on the bed probably really only planned to take a short rest and enter the battle again.

She sat down at the desk, the height of the man's chair was a little short for her, and Phoebe adjusted the chair, then woke up the sleeping laptop.

Before turning off the computer, Phoebe stumbled across Merlin's files.

It is very impolite to tamper with other people's computer files, even if the computer belongs to Merlin.But Phoebe saw the word about Spaniards right away.It was Phoebe who had discovered his clue first, and it was her feline friend, so Phoebe instinctively stopped.

This is a simple plan, Merlin only started it, it said ""The Count of Monte Cristo" Tanglar", and then the rest of the information, the first half is all about the Spaniard.

It turned out that he was just doing things for money, and Phoebe was a little disappointed. She thought that the clues provided by the cow cat Kevin were invaluable.

But the Spaniard was indeed a useful clue, and Merlin followed him to find a banker named Rachev.

Who is that?

Phoebe roughly flipped through the information in the file—the file was just open, it wasn't peeking.But Phoebe didn't dare touch the other files.There is not much information about Rachev above.

At the end of the document, Merlin wrote two lines of remarks at the end: Try to persuade MI6 to cooperate, maybe leave London, and send Phoebe to Paddington for now.

Phoebe: "..."

She turned off the computer blankly.

The hour hand pointed to seven o'clock in the evening, and Phoebe opened Merlin's bedroom door again.She tiptoed to the man and touched his forehead.

The heat had faded, and Phoebe's touch woke Merlin from his sleep.He subconsciously stretched out his hand, and before the palm touched the head of the bed, the girl had already handed him the glasses.

"Thank you," Merlin put on his glasses, "What time is it?"

"It's time to eat, Merlin feeling better?"

Throat still hurts like tearing, but headache is much better.Merlin followed Phoebe out of the bedroom to the kitchen and found that she had prepared everything.

Is there anything warmer than sitting in a chair when you're sick, drinking hot soup and waiting for someone to bring your meal to the table?Merlin has been single for many years and rarely gets sick. He almost forgot the last time someone was busy in the kitchen for him.

Phoebe learned more than jam sandwiches and biscuits from Paddington.The petite girl waited for Merlin to finish drinking the hot soup, and then ran to the stove in joy. She imitated Merlin's usual cooking appearance, tied her apron around her waist in a serious manner, and her long light golden hair was scattered behind her back. The movement shakes slightly.

She even hummed the song, which was exactly the one Merlin played to her last night, and Phoebe had played it over and over again in a day.

"I know you don't have a good appetite, and the stew may be a bit greasy." Phoebe put the cream stew on a plate and brought it to Merlin. "But at least your stomach will be warm after you're full. Give it a try."

Speaking of which, Phoebe sat down, handed the spoon to Merlin with great anticipation, looked at him with bright eyes, and almost wrote "Hurry up and praise me immediately" written on his face.

Merlin smiled helplessly.

It's true that he didn't have a great appetite, but he tried it anyway to do Phoebe's face.

The taste of the entrance is surprisingly good, not too greasy.Even with cream added, it tastes just slightly milky and sweet, and as Phoebe said, it really warms the stomach after eating.

Merlin offered heartfelt compliments: "You might consider opening a restaurant, Phoebe."

Phoebe gave him a big smile.

Merlin: "I'm not kidding. With your baked biscuits, you can set up a family restaurant on the streets of London, and you can earn back the cost. This is much better than Mrs. M's invitation letter."

In fact, until now, Merlin felt that this kind of life was more suitable for Phoebe than being an agent.It is not only life-threatening to risk life and death outside, but also courage to witness countless filth and darkness.Eggsy, who can still smile brightly after saving the world several times, probably has a heart of gold.

Of course, Merlin knew that Phoebe had it too, but he hoped that she would not get in touch with the dark side of this world.

"No."

Phoebe answered curtly.

"It's okay to cook for Merlin, but not for others!"

"..."

Well, Merlin is very honored to receive this exclusive treatment.

He put down the spoon, and before he could speak, Phoebe changed the subject: "Does Merlin have any plans for the future?"

Merlin paused: "Yes."

If it wasn't for the sudden fever, he should have finished discussing with Q at this time.But this is not a bad thing, Merlin who was lying on the bed had already used his waking time to complete the rough plan.

"If all goes well, girl," he cleared his throat, but the hoarseness of illness could not be removed, "I may be out of London for a while."

"But Merlin is in the logistics."

"If necessary, I will also leave my post," Merlin said. "Of course, it's not a real field trip. It's just that in some places with poor conditions, it's easier to direct the overall situation by visiting the scene in person."

"That, that..."

"Can you come to Paddington for a few days for a while?"

Phoebe didn't answer, but she had it written all over her face.

Merlin sighed, "Phoebe."

Phoebe: "I know."

The girl muttered a few words reluctantly, but Merlin couldn't hear clearly, and she quickly restrained the displeasure on her face: "Okay then, but I have to wait until you fully recover before going."

"Of course." He also didn't want to go into battle with an illness, which would affect his state.

But, Phoebe let go of this topic so easily?Merlin didn't expect this, and he planned to spend a long time trying to appease Phoebe according to how clingy she was.

What is this feeling that she has finally become sensible!

Phoebe, however, didn't let it go.

The next morning.

Merlin's condition has improved a lot, but the inflammation is still not healed.He got up early in the morning after taking his pills and went to work, and Phoebe, after a few laps between the study and the bedroom, made the grand announcement that she was going out.

Merlin was stunned: "Do you have an appointment?"

Phoebe: "Yeah."

"I didn't hear you talk about it yesterday."

"Because Merlin was sick yesterday." Phoebe took out the thrift shop owner's business card from his pocket. "I made an appointment with the boss yesterday. He will put in a new tape today."

"Well."

Merlin picked up the hot tea made by Phoebe himself: "Be careful on the road and come back as soon as possible."

Since Phoebe has always said what to say, Merlin didn't think much about it. Even Phoebe, who was allowed to turn around and left the study, didn't even give the routine parting kiss, which only surprised Merlin a little: a few days In the meantime, she has become a little fan of David Bowie?

Phoebe's heart was pounding as she left the apartment.

This was the first time in her life that she really lied to Merlin.

When watching movies with Paddington before, Phoebe didn't quite understand the plots of lying to her lover and relatives.In her opinion, she and Merlin had nothing to hide, one was because Merlin knew everything, and the other was because Merlin was Merlin, he was totally different from others.

But today Phoebe had to lie.

She walked out of the block and turned onto the opposite road from the thrift store.

It must be done as soon as possible, otherwise, if Merlin checks her situation on a whim, he will still be discovered.So Phoebe trotted all the way to the subway.

Phoebe's destination is James Bond's residence in London.

When she rang the doorbell, James Bond thought it was Q or Eve.Little is known about his London residence, and few of those who do have a direct door-to-door relationship.

So when Bond opened the door and saw Phoebe, who was out of breath and whose blond hair was messed up by running, Agent 007, who had saved everything in life and death countless times, was rarely speechless.

"Hello," Phoebe greeted breathlessly, "Mr. Bond."

"Who told you my address?" He asked directly.

"I checked Merlin's email," she said, "his private mailbox has your address."

"..."

The quartermaster of the Royal Secret Service, a man who has mastered countless secrets all over the world, was kidnapped by a little girl who has just become a human being for half a year. The home address of MI6 agent 00 is of course the key information, James Bond De now really felt that either his old acquaintance should retire, or he could already prepare a wedding gift for Merlin and this little girl.

"Come in and talk." Bond stepped aside and opened the door.

Compared with Merlin's low-key and simple apartment, Bond's residence is much more grand.His apartment itself is located in a wealthy area, and the interior decoration also reflects the owner's good taste everywhere.

Phoebe followed Bond into the living room, where she was treated even worse than a visit to Archie's.Bond sat down on the sofa: "I don't have drinks here, ma'am, so excuse me."

"...I can drink."

"But I won't be addicted to alcohol at ten o'clock in the morning," Bond raised his eyebrows. "What's the matter?"

Well, Phoebe wasn't planning to stay long anyway.

Since the other party looked straight to the point, Phoebe was not polite: "Is your next target Rachev?"

Bond was taken aback.

The perfunctory look in his pale eyes disappeared in an instant. Agent 007's expression froze, and he subconsciously straightened his back.

"Don't tell me, even Merlin told you."

"He didn't."

said Phoebe seriously.

"But I probably know your plan," she continued. "If you cooperate with the Royal Secret Service, Mr. Bond, can you take me with you?"

"You peeked at Merlin's file."

"is it okay?"

"Merlin didn't know you were here, ma'am."

"Can you?"

Bond's expression was stern, and his sea-blue eyes carried a solemnity and vigilance that never existed in the past.The gesture made Phoebe move instinctively.

She felt threatened.

Even standing on the ring with James Bond throwing his fist at her, Phoebe didn't feel as threatened as she is now.

After a long time, the man leaned forward, putting his elbows on his knees.

"Phoebe," he said in a cold voice, "Have you ever considered, what would Merlin think if he found out that you had peeked at his files and found me to make such a request without telling him?"

"He will be very angry."

"And you did it anyway."

"I want to help him!"

Phoebe's voice rose slightly.

"I was the first to find clues about the Spaniards. Even Mrs. M thought I was talented. Since I am eligible to participate in special training, then I also—"

"—Being able to participate in special training does not mean that you can become an agent, ma'am. Even if you become an agent, you have to obey the arrangement of your superiors."

Speaking of James Bond stood up, he had already assumed the gesture of seeing off the guests.

"And," Bond added, "this may not be possible. You don't even have a bank card, and you still want me to take you out of the UK?"

"I have!"

Phoebe quickly took out her bank card: "I just opened an account yesterday."

Bond: "..."

Agent 007 felt powerless deeply.

"The situation is far more complicated than you think, Phoebe," Bond said helplessly, "obediently listen to Merlin's arrangement and wait for him to come back. This is the safest choice."

With the look of refusing to talk, what else can Phoebe say?

She was disappointed, but not surprised.Phoebe had predicted this outcome long before she made the decision to come to her.But she was still willing to try.

What if there is a turning point?

"Ok."

Phoebe stood up too, but she was in no hurry to leave.

"Then may I ask a question that has nothing to do with this matter?"

"Please."

"There's a character named Tanglar in The Count of Monte Cristo," Phoebe said, "but I haven't read the book. Who is he?"

Bond revealed a color of doubt.

The man was silent for a moment, as if he was thinking about whether this was a trap or another metaphor.But Phoebe, who asked the question, had a serious expression and clear eyes, completely looking forward to the story.

"He's the enemy of Edmond Dantès," Bond replied to Phoebe anyway. "A banker."

"banker."

Have there been too many things related to the bank recently, Phoebe murmured in her heart.

Phoebe nodded: "Thank you, Mr. Bond."

Bond: "I'll take you - wait."

Before he could finish speaking, the phone rang at home.

It's the 21st century, and the landline in contemporary family life is almost a decoration.Bond turned suspiciously and picked up the living room phone, and Phoebe was really startled at that moment.

She thought it was Merlin who had discovered her whereabouts.

But Bond, who answered the phone, looked as usual.

"I hope you can remember what you just said, Agent 007," Q said coolly in another part of the phone, "I mean, the part that agents should obey the arrangement of their superiors."

"You put listening devices in my apartment," James Bond, the king of unruly, shot back, "and you made me play by the rules."

"I hope so too, but unfortunately I don't have time to gossip about the private life of the secret agent. The positioning and monitoring system on Phoebe was designed by me when I was in the royal secret service. It is easy to hack into the program."

"..."

Bond glanced at Phoebe, who tilted her head in confusion, obviously unaware that she had become a humanoid self-propelled listening device.

"What's the matter?" he asked.

"I have something to say to Phoebe," Q said, and in order to prevent Bond from thinking he was playing tricks, the young man added again, "it's about her proposal."

Agent 007 immediately frowned.

He held the phone in silence for a moment, it was obvious that Q on the other end was talking to him.After about half a minute, Bond put the phone away and turned to look at Phoebe.

"Looking for you, ma'am."

Phoebe blinked blankly.

If Q is looking for her, just call her cell phone.Merlin had already sent her number to everyone she knew.

But in a daze, Phoebe answered the phone anyway.

"Phoebe," Q said directly, "Bond can take you there, but I have one condition."

"If you use this to threaten me to join you, I will not agree!"

"What? No."

Q's tone remains calm.

"You said you wanted to help Merlin," the young man said seriously, "if I want you to betray him for Merlin