On the second morning, Xia Lei received a message from Tang Yuyan. I have already approved of her return and her resignation. You have two more days to find the spy.
Xia Lei showed Long Bing and Fan Fan her message.
“She suddenly gained a conscience?” said Fan Fan.
Liang Siyao said, “Nope. She probably just approved because she now knows that Ah Bing wants to resign and will not threaten her throne.”
Long Bing’s contribution far exceeded Tang Yuyan. She was the one who arrested Yu Shanhe, who was a major criminal. More importantly, she was Xia Lei’s woman. Although Xia Lei had no official title in China, he was the pride of the nation. His reputation was astounding in the country. If she wanted to replace Tang Yuyan, it would be a piece of cake. This threatened the Tang family.
“Do you think the Tang family leaked information about Ah Bing working on a Japanese mission?” said Fan Fan.
Liang Siyao stared intently at him, waiting for an answer. She already had an answer for herself.
Xia Lei smiled bitterly. “Probably not. That is considered treason. Even if the Tang family are ruthless people, they would not risk it. You can speak of it here but don’t mention it outside of our home.”
“You’re too kind. You trust so easily,” said Fan Fan.
“The law forbids murder, yet there are so many murderers out there, no? The law also forbids corruption, yet bribery still happens, right?” said Liang Siyao.
Her words made sense. He just didn’t want to believe it.
“Fan Fan, get your grandfather to come to the office,” said Xia Lei, changing the topic.
“Alright, but why do you want him to come?” Fan Fan seemed awkward. “Are you talking to him about the wedding? He won’t accept your dowry.”
“It’s not about the wedding,” said Xia Lei. “I am going to trick him.”
“Huh?” Fan Fan was stunned…
When he arrived at the office, Xia Lei got busy, typing out a document at his desk.
Qing Caiyue walked in. “Director Xia, why isn’t CEO Liang here today?”
Xia Lei said, “She’s out picking wedding dresses with Fan Fan.”
She walked over to him. “Is she picking a dress for herself or for Fan Fan?”
Xia Lei quickly turned the monitor off and pretended to be solemn. “Caiyue, don’t say that. It would be bad if other people hear you.”
She grinned. “Director Xia, everyone knows about your marriages. Also, it’s not a bad thing. All the men in the company are so jealous.”
“Just don’t say that,” said Xia Lei.
Qing Caiyue walked over, slightly lowering her chest. The top three buttons of her shirt were undone, revealing her fair skin. He could clearly see her deep cleavage and smell the fragrance of her perfume.
Xia Lei instinctively leaned back. “What are you trying to do?”
“Director Xia, have you forgotten what happened in France? You almost…” Qing Caiyue said seductively. “We almost did it.”
Xia Lei said, “That was a misunderstanding.”
Qing Caiyue continued leaning closer towards Xia Lei.
“Siyao, you’re here,” he said suddenly.
Qing Caiyue straightened up and turned around, only to realise Liang Siyao was never there.
She pouted. “Director Xia, you lied.”
Xia Lei said flatly, “Caiyue, stop this nonsense. We will never be together. If you continue this behaviour, I will have you sent to the Shu Di base. Go make me some tea.”
Qing Caiyue’s eyes darkened. Just now, Xia Lei was like a friend who was an old crush but now, he was truly just her boss. There was a cold distance between them. Right now, she was just an employee here for her paycheck.
Qing Caiyue turned around to make him some tea.
He turned the monitor on to continue working. When she brought his tea over, he turned it off again.
“Director Xia, what are you typing?” Qing Caiyue placed a cup of Jinjunmei black tea.
“It’s not important. You may leave to do your own work now.”
“Mm.” She turned and left.
“Wait,” Xia Lei stopped her. “Elder Fan will be coming today, please prepare for that. Decorate the conference room. Inform my chef to prepare lunch.
“Are many people coming?” said Qing Caiyue.
“Not many, just a few leaders from the military. Right, it needs to be more official. Get some girls who can dance and sing. Arrange for a few performances,” said Xia Lei.
“No problem, Director Xia,” said Qing Caiyue. “Which military leaders are they? We’ve never done any performances before, why now?”
Xia Lei said, “This time, the general of the Airforce is coming along with a major figure from Pakistan. I heard this Pakistani will play an important role in our military position within the South Asian subcontinent. He will be bringing with him a...” Xia Lei trailed off. “That’s all you need to know. Go prepare, remember to choose talented and beautiful girls. It’s important for the image of Thunder Horse Group.”
Qing Caiyue smiled. “Then I should perform myself, I will be the face of Thunder Horse.”
Xia Lei waved. “Go, go.”
Qing Caiyue left. After that, he turned the desktop monitor on and accessed the Thunder Horse Group’s surveillance system. This time, he did not use any tactics because he already had the highest authority clearance within the organisation.
Boxes appeared on the screen, people at every corner of the place were put on display.
It was time to cast the net a second time.
There were many suspects but he had no direct evidence that anyone was the spy. He made Qing Caiyue go choose the performers and knew that this news would reach the spy’s ears. This was the first step to his plan.
The plan wasn’t supposed to be this soon but Tang Yuyan only gave him two days. If he still couldn’t find the spy, then the Bureau 101 would intervene. When that happened, the spy would either run or do something drastic to save themselves. He did not want to accept any of these outcomes. He had to catch the spy by his own means!
Meanwhile, within the academy of sciences.
Fan Fan put a fresh set of formal attire on Fan Yiming’s office desk.
“What’s the matter?” Fan Yiming, who was busy with work, looked up at his precious granddaughter.
Fan Fan said, “Grandpa, change into this and visit the Thunder Horse Group.”
“No. That punk has been going behind my back. Does he know who I am? I’m his grandfather! If he doesn’t treat me as one, then I refuse to recognise him as my grandson! Listen to me, don’t marry him. You won’t be happy married to him.”
“Sigh. Grandpa, you’re acting like a child!” Fan Fan pouted. “He didn’t tell you because you didn’t have the ability to keep the secret. Do you know how important the secret is to our country?”
“I could protect you well enough. Why can’t I protect this secret?”
“Is it the same thing? Also, didn’t he say he’ll tell you when we get married?”
“I can’t sleep, I can’t eat. I’ll probably die before your wedding.”
“What are you talking about? I don’t want to talk about this.”
“Hmph, fine.” Sometimes, Fan Yiming acted like a child. His hatred towards Xia Lei was like a child hating his class teacher.
Fan Fan sighed. “Grandpa, I came today because you need to accompany an important person from Pakistan and a leader from the Air Force on a visit to Thunder Horse. This is very important. Your presence will show our sincerity. Listen to me, go change.”
“I’m not going. I’m not going no matter what you say.” Fan Yiming was stubborn.
“Fine.” Fan Fan said, “If you go, I’ll get Xia Lei to give you the true recipe and manufacturing process of Alloy X for your research. What do you think?”
His eyes shone with excitement instantly. “Are you serious?”
“Of course I am, I’m your granddaughter, why would I lie to you?” Fan Fan gave a solemn expression.
“He’ll listen to you?”
“I’m pregnant with his child, he’ll listen to whatever I say.” Fan Fan pushed her hips out forward to show the small bump on her belly.
“I knew it. Sigh, fine. I don’t want to scrutinise your lifestyles. I’ll go change.” Fan Yiming picked up the tuxedo from the desk and left for the lounge.
Fan Fan left the office and went to her office.
When she opened the door, there were several people in airforce uniforms and a Pakistani. He was clad in traditional attire, slightly tanned and had a tall nose. He had the classic Punjabi look. Punjabis made up a major portion of Pakistan, a branch of the Aryan people. They were easily distinguishable.
Liang Siyao was also in the office. “So?”
Fan Fan smiled. “It’s done. My grandfather is easy to convince. He’s just like a child sometimes.”
Sometimes, Fan Yiming acted like a child but women were best at coaxing children.
“I’m done too.” Liang Siyao grinned.
The ‘generals’ from the air force came over to shake Fan Fan’s hand, calling her ‘Director Fan’.
These weren’t any soldiers. They were teachers from a performing arts school in Jingdu, all experienced actors. The Pakistani wasn’t any important figure from Pakistan. He was just a student actor who came to Jingdu to further his studies.
“Are you all okay with it?” said Fan Fan.
“Of course.” The actors were all relaxed.
“You all remember what to say, right?” said Fan Fan.
“We remember. Don’t worry, General Fan. We will put on a good show,” said the actors.
“That’s good, let’s go then,” said Fan Fan.
A group of actors and two pregnant directors.
The only audience member changed into his tuxedo excitedly.
The show was about to begin.