Chapter 59: Joining G.I. Joe
"Scarlett, are you sure this is the place?" General Hawk, dressed in civilian clothes, stood in front of Louis Bar.
"Mason has been performing exceptionally well lately, and to celebrate his promotion, they're going to party all night here. Judging by the time, they should be here by now." Scarlett adjusted her glasses, looking at the information displayed on the screen, and replied.
"Damn bar—I hate places like this!" General Hawk inexplicably recalled his experience four years ago.
Entering the bar, deafening music assaulted their senses. General Hawk gave Scarlett a look, signaling them to split up and search. Scarlett took the lead and squeezed toward the bar.
The bar counter was slightly elevated, offering a commanding view of most of the dance floor. Scarlett had barely sat down when three or four men approached her.
She casually brushed off several, but one tall, handsome man with designer glasses persisted, relentlessly pursuing her.
Just as she was about to kick the man away in frustration, she heard a deep, magnetic voice behind her.
"Buddy, in Paris, you won't get any woman's attention like that!"
Scarlett turned around and was slightly taken aback. The man in front of her was none other than their target for the night, Mason de Cobray.
Not long after work, Mason had been dragged to a bar by a group of enthusiastic colleagues. He had little interest in this peculiar bar culture and didn't know if they were celebrating for him or just looking for an opportunity to blow off steam.
After a few drinks, his teammates had all disappeared, either heading to the dance floor to hunt for prospects or seeking thrills in secluded corners with their pre-arranged companions.
He was left all alone.
"The fickle French!" Mason was now starting to doubt whether the notes and hints he'd received that morning were just malicious jokes.
As he was listlessly drinking, he suddenly noticed a striking splash of auburn at the bar, and Scarlett's fair and beautiful face came into view.
He was startled at first, then remembered that this beauty was a member of G.I. Joe. He then picked up his glass and leaned closer, leading to the scene just now.
Hearing Mason's words, the handsome man's face darkened. He took a few steps closer and whispered to Mason, "This is my target—get lost!"
Mason raised his hand, feigning nonchalance, and said, "Don't be tense, brother—I'm just here to have some fun." Hearing Mason's words, the man's eyes flashed with contempt. Just when he thought Mason would apologize and turn to leave,
Mason reached out and patted his shoulder, applying slight pressure, and a sharp, excruciating pain shot through his shoulder blade.
"I'm in a good mood today and don't want to hurt anyone. Either you leave right now, or I'll break your arm!"
"Ah...ah! I'll leave, I'll leave right now!" A venomous glint flashed in the man's eyes as he hurriedly begged for mercy.
"Get lost!"
Mason released his grip, gesturing for the man to leave.
He couldn't be bothered to use force on such small fry. Who knew if this was part of an assessment? It was best not to leave too much of a violent impression.
After getting rid of the handsome man, Mason sat down in his seat. "Beautiful lady, I helped you get rid of that creep—aren't you going to buy me a drink?"
Scarlett was slightly taken aback, gave Mason a penetrating look, and then snapped her fingers. "Could you please bring this gentleman a glass of milk—hot?"
Mason's face fell. Well, this woman was really sharp-tongued, never willing to give an inch, always competitive and trying to one-up others.
"My name is Mason de Cobray—what's yours?"
Mason didn't know if this woman was here to recruit him or had another mission. He just didn't want to miss any opportunity, so he pretended to be casual, hoping to get some information out of her.
Scarlett smiled but didn't answer his question. Mason didn't mind, taking the milk the bartender handed him and taking a sip.
Who knows why there would be hot milk in a place like this?
"You're not local to Paris, are you? Are you traveling here? I can be your guide and show you around the city." Mason continued to try to get closer.
"Mr. Mason, how is what you're doing any different from that creep you just chased away?"
Mason opened his mouth, then suddenly became speechless.
How could they be the same? That guy just obviously wanted to sleep with you, but my goal is to join G.I. Joe through you. Of course, sleeping with you would be great too.
Mason could only mutter these thoughts to himself, but he dared not show them on his face. Well, he had to admit that talking to a woman with such a high IQ and extreme confidence was incredibly exhausting!
But just then, he suddenly heard a deep male voice behind him: "It seems this lady doesn't like pretty boys like you. Perhaps I should give it a try."
Mason turned around, his eyes narrowing slightly, a barely perceptible gleam of joy flashing deep within them.
It was General Hawk!
He lowered his head, using the act of drinking milk to conceal his expression. Since even General Hawk was here, their purpose was obvious.
"What should I do next? Should I greet him casually, or..."
Mason hesitated, but then General Hawk cut to the chase: "Mason de Cobray, elite member of the French Counter-Terrorism Bureau, formerly served in..." General Hawk rattled off a string of Mason's file information as if reciting from memory.
Mason feigned alertness. "Who are you?"
"You may have heard of us, or you may not. We come from a special international organization, an elite force jointly established by dozens of countries!"
"I am General Hawk, and the woman behind you is Scarlett." General Hawk extended his hand. "I'm here to formally invite you to join G.I. Joe!"
Hearing this, Mason almost laughed with excitement, but he could only feign hesitation, asking for more detailed information before reluctantly agreeing.
Seeing him agree, General Hawk seemed relieved and let out a long breath.
"I've already processed your application, and your file will be transferred out of the Counter-Terrorism Bureau soon. However, this is just an invitation—it doesn't mean you've officially joined G.I. Joe."
"Your performance and grades in the upcoming assessments will determine your position within the team—whether you become a frontline operator like Scarlett, or a second-line support operative."
"I hope you perform well, and that your name will appear on the frontline roster." He extended his hand, speaking solemnly.
"Mason, welcome to G.I. Joe!"
Scarlett stood up and patted Mason on the shoulder. "Whether you'll show me around Paris depends on your performance!"
Mason glanced at Scarlett's curves. "I'm more curious about your scenery than the scenery of Paris..."
Just then, on a high-rise building opposite Louis Bar, a dark figure slowly set up a sniper rifle.
[Goal Tracker]
PS 500 → 2 Bonus Chapters
Reviews 10 → 1 Bonus Chapter
If you enjoyed it, consider a review.
P2treon DarkFoxx has 20+ advance chapters