Chapter 8: A New Journey

Everything went smoothly when boarding the plane, but would it go smoothly when disembarking? Although Yang Yi had confidence in Li Fan, he still couldn't help but feel anxious. It wasn't until the immigration officer stamped his passport that his worries finally disappeared.

As he boarded the plane, Yang Yi suddenly realized that this might be his last moment in this country, and that his feet would truly never set foot on this land again

Only one number remains, and as Yang Yi dials it, he feels truly anxious, for he fears that the greatest legacy left by his father has completely lost its significance

Yang Yi took a deep breath, and then he said in a slightly trembling voice: "I am the son of James Yang"

Yang Yi nodded and did not speak further

Yang Yi said softly: "Is there a possibility of this? May I ask how long you have been using this number?"

After a brief moment of silence, the person on the phone quietly said, "This is [name], may I ask who is speaking?"

Half tentatively, Yang Yi provided a reason, and after a moment of silence, John Jones quietly said: "What if I don't want to listen?"

The airplane took off, and as he watched everything familiar quickly shrink until it was covered by clouds and became invisible, Yang Yicai withdrew his gaze

Upon arriving at the airport, Li Fan glanced at Yang Yi and said softly, "I won't go down to see you off. You need to be more careful when you're on your own in the future..."

John Jones immediately hung up the phone, and as a result, Yang Yi was truly left in complete confusion

A gentle female voice spoke a sentence in Dutch, and Yang Yi, feeling somewhat nervous, said in a low voice: "Hello, I am looking for Phyllis"

Mr. Mike Smith? If you are not playing a prank, I would like to inform you that he passed away three years ago

Yang Yi's true feelings are not as easygoing as he claims, but he does not intend to express his genuine emotions, and Li Fan also shows no intention of probing further into this matter

At least ten seconds later, John Jones finally said in a low voice: "James Yang, that James Yang? I don't remember knowing this person, let alone his son"

Yang Yi's heart grew cold for a moment, and then he pondered for a while before quietly saying: "He has another name, Yang Sheng. He asked me to make this call; he left this number a long time ago."

Li Fan said expressionlessly: "A poor family on a rich road, having a little more is always good; I can't help you with anything else, so let's leave it at that"

I would like to tell you how my father died

Or rather, can Yang Yi dare to say what he truly wants to do

It has been a long time, at least five or six years

After hesitating for a moment, Yang Yi made the final decision. The only person left to contact was John Jones, so he had no choice at all

On the fourth call, Yang Yi reached Xianggang. This time it was not a disconnected number; someone answered. However, a man spoke rapidly for a long time, and he did not understand a single word. Moreover, it was evident that the person on the other end did not understand the English he was speaking.

Yang Yi opened his arms, got out of the car, closed the door, and watched Li Fan's car drive away until it disappeared from his sight

Yang Yi nodded slightly, he opened the car door, but just as he was about to get out, Li Fan suddenly said: "Wait, you... never mind, be more careful."

Yang Yi and Li Fan do not actually share a deep emotional bond, nor can they be considered particularly close, as they have only met a few times in total. However, despite the lack of blood relation, Yang Yi can imagine the man who has watched him grow up, the contributions he has made, and the sacrifices he has endured behind the scenes.

But just as Yang Yi was contemplating what to do next, his phone suddenly rang again

Good evening, who is it

Then forget it, I apologize for disturbing you

It is sufficient for you to adapt; if you truly embark on the path of becoming a spy, then the life you have experienced these past few days will become your new normal. Hand over your identification and mobile phone to me

Leaving the airport, Yang Yi truly arrived in the United Kingdom, and his most pressing task at the moment was to purchase a mobile phone and obtain a SIM card; otherwise, his uncertainty about the road ahead would continue indefinitely.

Yang Yi hung up the phone and mentally marked a cross next to the first contact, indicating that this contact was no longer useful

Having purchased the phone, Yang Yi pondered whether to call the British number listed in the contacts or to dial all five numbers one by one

Yes, but I would prefer to meet and discuss in person

Li Fan's car is waiting downstairs, but Yang Yi feels that Li Fan is more like escorting him to the airport rather than simply giving him a ride to the airport. The difference of a single word makes a significant distinction.

Li Fan no longer spoke; he was not a talkative person

Ultimately, Yang Yi decided to go through the contacts one by one; at the very least, he needed to ascertain whether the individuals listed in the address book left to him by his father could still be reached.

Not happy, but it doesn't matter much

Yang Yi was at a loss when asked, as even he did not know what to do next with the people on the list left by his father.

Yang Yi took a breath and said softly: "Hello, I am looking for Mr. John Jones"

The call was dialed out and was quickly connected; an older man, who sounded somewhat aged, answered the phone

Although it is a list left by my father, and it is said to be composed of people he deemed trustworthy, eleven years have already passed. So much time has gone by, who knows how many changes have occurred? Can those who were once trustworthy still be relied upon now?

Yang Yi took out a plastic bag, which contained his mobile phone, as well as his identity card, household registration book, property certificate, student ID, and passport; all of his useful and useless documents were inside.

The woman on the phone switched to English, and she asked in confusion: "Sorry, I think you might have dialed the wrong number?"

Li Fan shook his shoulders slightly, feeling somewhat uneasy, and murmured, "Hmm"

There is no way back anyway

There are no particularly complex emotions, nor is there an overwhelming sense of patriotism; Yang Yi simply wishes to bid farewell with a kiss to this land that he may never be able to set foot on again

This time, the period of silence has been extended.

Items that should not be seen by others at home were destroyed, and items that should not be seen by others on the computer were deleted. Yang Yi only packed some clothes and personal belongings, leaving his home with just one suitcase.

Although he has been away for eleven years, Yang Yi grew up in the United Kingdom, so his language skills are certainly not an issue. He still speaks with a pure and fluent London accent.

It is time to look ahead

John Jones calmly said, "I have changed my mind. If you still want to see me, tell me where you are."

This issue appears to be quite simple, yet Yang Yi has been contemplating it since he received the contact list and has not yet made a firm decision, as there are indeed pros and cons to consider. Now that he is able to make phone calls, he naturally needs to make a prompt decision.

The United Kingdom does not have an identity card system. Although the British government once intended to implement and attempted to establish an identity card system, this decision was soon revoked.

Li Fan has prepared everything for him, and Yang Yi, who only brought a small suitcase, just needs to board the plane

The most ideal scenario in the plan is to first meet with my father's old friend, at least to observe him for a while. However, this John Jones is not even interested in meeting and directly inquires about Yang Yi's purpose for the meeting. As a result, Yang Yi is indeed feeling somewhat hesitant. Although he is not someone who dwells on the past, there are certain matters that he must approach with caution.

The Bank of England card, your account name, contains one hundred twenty thousand pounds, in addition to the money from selling your car, I have rounded it up for you

Yang Yi said softly: "Didn’t I tell you that you don’t need to give me money, Uncle Li? I can’t use that much, how can I pay you back?"

Regardless of whether the person answering the phone is the one Yang Yi is looking for, he has no intention of making further contact, as it is evident that he and the person on the other end are speaking different languages, unable to understand each other. Whether the other party truly does not understand or is feigning ignorance, the value of this number for communication has ceased to exist

Thank you

After getting into the car, Yang Yi remained silent, primarily because he did not know what to say. However, after glancing at Yang Yi, Li Fan suddenly asked: "How have you been feeling these past few days?"

The call was disconnected, and Yang Yi was momentarily taken aback. He dialed the third number, reaching Poland, but he too quickly hung up the phone, as it was simply a non-existent number.

The car has already been sold, sold to a wealthy car enthusiast, and the price of 1,200,000 is not considered too low. However, poor Yang Yi is unable to even collect the payment; he certainly cannot ask the buyer to carry 1,200,000 in cash to him. Nevertheless, this is indeed something he does not need to worry about.

Oh, I truly made a mistake, I apologize for disturbing you, goodbye

Taking a deep breath, Yang Yi turned and walked into the airport

John Jones fell silent for a moment, and then he finally said: "I remember him now, so what do you want from me?"

Yang Yi opened his passport and found a bank card and a plane ticket to London tucked inside.

When leaving, Yang Yi indeed felt a sense of escape

The second contact is in the United Kingdom, but Yang Yi decided to make the call to the UK last, because he is in the UK. If he can get in touch, the greatest possibility would be to seek refuge with this British person. Therefore, Yang Yi made the second call to the United States, and this number is a landline.

Yang Yi sat back in his seat, glanced at Li Fan, and then suddenly opened his arms to embrace Li Fan, whispering: "Uncle Li, thank you for taking care of me all these years. Don't worry, I will be fine."

Li Fan took the plastic bag and then handed Yang Yi a passport, whispering: "Your name is still Yang Yi, but everything else has changed. You should remember it yourself."

A birth certificate, driver's license, passport, and bank statement can serve to verify the identity of a British citizen. Since Yang Yi possesses a passport and a bank card, it indicates that Li Fan has already resolved the issue of nationality for him

Hello

The first call was made to a number in the Netherlands. Last time, this number was intercepted by Li Fan, but this time there was no obstruction. Soon, the call was connected.

Only Yang Yi's gaze ahead was somewhat bewildered, especially when he set foot in the United Kingdom after more than ten years; he felt a bit nervous in his heart

Thus, Yang Yi knelt on the ground and, amidst the astonished gazes of many, kissed the land beneath his feet.

Hello, I am looking for Mr. Mike Smith

John Jones immediately said, "No, no, I don't think it's necessary to meet, or for you to state your purpose for seeking me first."