Liu Hui walked out of the room, his mind deeply unsettled. Hu Xian'er was the first to notice his strange demeanor and quickly approached him, asking with concern, "Water Buffalo, what happened? You don't look right."

Liu Hui forced a smile. "Nothing serious. I need to step out for a moment. Can you look after them here?"

"Are you sure nothing is wrong?" Hu Xian'er asked, suspicion clouding her eyes. She couldn't fathom why Liu Hui would leave their guests if nothing significant had occurred.

"It’s nothing, really. Be good and listen to me. I’m heading out now," Liu Hui soothed. A man’s burdens, no matter how heavy, should never be allowed to worry his family.

Liu Hui returned to the others, offering a smile. "Everyone, please enjoy yourselves. I have a quick matter to attend to outside. I’ll return later for more drinks." With that, he walked out under the puzzled gazes of the group.

Mei Peng murmured suspiciously, "Something big must have happened at the company; otherwise, the Boss wouldn't leave at a time like this."

Zhou Tengyun watched Liu Hui depart with a thoughtful expression. He, too, quickly bid farewell to Hu Xian'er and followed Liu Hui out.

Soon, everyone understood that a major company issue was unfolding, pulling Liu Hui away to handle it. Their mood for leisure instantly vanished, and one after another, they made their excuses to leave. Even Liu Hui’s parents and Hu Xian'er’s parents departed, their faces etched with worry. Only Hu Xian'er remained at home, silently fretting for Liu Hui.

Liu Hui hurried toward the Starry Sky Science Research Institute. Chen Changsheng was standing at the entrance waiting for him. Seeing Liu Hui arrive, Chen Changsheng immediately escorted him to his office.

"Director Chen, what exactly is going on?" Liu Hui demanded the moment he sat down.

Chen Changsheng spoke with deep shame. "Boss, I apologize. Our monitoring personnel made a critical error. He suffered from sudden diarrhea during his shift and was forced to abandon his post for five minutes. During those five minutes, he failed to monitor activity in the laboratory. Fortunately, even after returning to duty, he immediately reviewed the footage from the preceding five minutes. That’s how he discovered that three minutes ago, a researcher named Deng Qingjun copied a portion of our research data onto a portable hard drive and left the Institute carrying a high-grade energy stone. Every security officer who should have intercepted him along the route suddenly experienced the same temporary bout of diarrhea, allowing Deng Qingjun to brazenly walk out with the materials. Once this situation was discovered, the monitoring officer immediately sounded the alarm. Wu Yuanjia from the security company received the alert and swiftly dispatched personnel to our location. After a preliminary understanding of the situation, they have already sent a pursuit team after the researcher, Deng Qingjun."

Liu Hui asked with mounting impatience, "Have we determined exactly what Deng Qingjun took?"

Chen Changsheng replied, "Analysis of the data on that computer shows that Deng Qingjun copied the manufacturing technology for our super submarine and the miniaturization technology for the laser weapon. Additionally, he took with him an eighth-level energy stone. This level-eight stone has already been inscribed with an energy conversion array, allowing him to directly use the stored electrical energy. Deng Qingjun himself is a researcher specializing in laser weapons."

"Isn't our security supposed to be formidable? How could research data and a high-grade energy stone be stolen?" Liu Hui asked, his anger rising.

"Boss, based on the current analysis, this Deng Qingjun must be a spy planted in our company by outsiders. He cannot be acting alone; there must be accomplices providing backup. Otherwise, we wouldn't have all our monitoring staff simultaneously suffering from diarrhea and deserting their posts. Our security protocols did not anticipate this scenario, so we lacked corresponding contingency plans or drills. This lapse allowed Deng Qingjun to escape the Science Research Institute in that extremely brief window," Chen Changsheng admitted sheepishly. In any case, this massive security breach at the Starry Sky Science Research Institute was inextricably linked to him; at the very least, he bore responsibility for the management failures.

Liu Hui inquired, "How long has Deng Qingjun been gone?"

Chen Changsheng checked his watch and answered, "Deng Qingjun left the Science Research Institute eight minutes ago."

Liu Hui considered for a moment, picked up a walkie-talkie, and connected to Wu Yuanjia. "General Wu, what is the status on your end?"

Wu Yuanjia’s voice crackled over the radio. "Boss, our security personnel reviewed the surveillance footage and have determined the researcher’s escape route. We are in pursuit now and should catch up momentarily."

Liu Hui stated with grim intensity, "General Wu, I emphasize this again: I want that researcher brought back, dead or alive. And everything he is carrying must be recovered as well."

Wu Yuanjia replied, "Understood, Boss. Rest assured."

Liu Hui put down the walkie-talkie and instructed Chen Changsheng, "Director Chen, immediately seal off the Science Research Institute. No one moves without authorization. Cooperate with security personnel to find anyone still lurking inside."

Chen Changsheng quickly accepted the order and departed to carry it out. Liu Hui remained in Chen Changsheng's office, awaiting updates from all fronts.

Deng Qingjun ran desperately through the dark woods. He had finally accomplished his mission to steal commercial secrets. However, the situation had not unfolded as he anticipated. His movements were discovered by the Starry Sky Science Research Institute's monitoring staff within minutes, and pursuit teams had already been dispatched.

Deng Qingjun had been embedded within the Starry Sky Science Research Institute for over half a year, consistently feigning diligence and hard work until he finally gained the trust of the Institute’s upper management, earning a position in the laser weapon research lab as a specialist. Upon entering the lab, he was stunned by the existence of the already miniaturized laser weaponry.

As an authority expert in laser weaponry himself, he understood the technology intimately. While the outside world was still grappling with the research phase of miniaturizing laser weapons, Starry Sky Group had already succeeded, and moreover, the resulting weapons were devastatingly powerful. Crucially, he discovered a high-grade energy stone within the Institute—an energy source so versatile that its existence, if revealed to the outside world, would certainly cause an uproar.

Deng Qingjun knew that successfully returning with this data would instantly earn him the highest trust from his organization, bringing wealth, women, and status. Thus, with the cooperation of his external handlers, he seized this rare opportunity to copy the miniaturized laser weapon schematics. Unexpectedly, he also found the manufacturing blueprints for the super submarine on that computer. In a surge of avarice, he copied all those plans as well, taking them along with an eighth-level energy stone from the Institute.

Just as Deng Qingjun was inwardly congratulating himself, nearing the designated rendezvous point, he heard the sound of pursuit behind him—the barking of tracking dogs, followed by the rhythmic thrum of a helicopter overhead.

The area surrounding the Starry Sky Group was primarily mountainous forest, meaning Deng Qingjun had not yet exited the woods and had not linked up with his extraction team. Seeing the incredible speed of the pursuing security personnel, he knew he would be discovered soon. In this moment of critical danger, he pressed a button on a hidden device in his pocket, continuing to run forward, hoping for the organization’s aid to escape. If he succeeded, he would be a hero within their ranks.

Wu Yuanjia sat in the helicopter, meticulously scanning the escape path of Deng Qingjun. He understood the gravity of the situation and was determined to retrieve the rogue researcher at all costs to prevent the leakage of the company's proprietary secrets.

"Chief, the infrared scanner shows a moving biological signature approximately in the twelve o'clock direction ahead. Based on the surrounding environment, that should be the individual we are looking for," the pilot suddenly reported.

Wu Yuanjia turned and spotted a small red figure moving rapidly on the infrared display.

Wu Yuanjia exclaimed with relief, "Follow it immediately! Turn on the searchlight!"

Deng Qingjun was sprinting hard when he suddenly noticed a helicopter hover directly above him. Then, a high-powered searchlight snapped on, instantly bathing him in blinding light. Deng Qingjun panicked; he knew he had been found.

Having located Deng Qingjun via the searchlight, Wu Yuanjia recognized him instantly, having seen his face on the surveillance tapes.

Having found his primary target, Wu Yuanjia leaped from the helicopter, landing deftly on a large tree branch. With another powerful bound, he dropped directly in front of the fleeing Deng Qingjun.

Deng Qingjun, already frantic, suddenly saw his vision blocked by a dark silhouette—a powerfully built man radiating raw intensity standing before him. Before he could react or evade, the man seized him by the throat. Held suspended in the air like a limp ragdoll, Deng Qingjun could no longer move.

Wu Yuanjia had subdued Deng Qingjun instantly. He immediately searched the man and found a portable hard drive and an energy stone tucked into the breast pocket. A surge of triumph went through Wu Yuanjia; the stolen goods were recovered. He delivered a sharp punch that knocked Deng Qingjun unconscious, then gave orders into his walkie-talkie: "Alarm cancelled. Target secured. Everyone return to base."

The helicopter descended, lowering a rope ladder. Wu Yuanjia grabbed Deng Qingjun and ascended into the aircraft. The helicopter then turned back toward the Starry Sky Group, while the security personnel, with their dogs, began their trek back.

Wu Yuanjia felt a wave of relief, having fulfilled Liu Hui’s direct order by capturing Deng Qingjun. As the helicopter sped back in the night, a sudden red dot flashed from the darkness below, followed by the launch of a rocket. The helicopter, completely unprepared, had its tail section blown clean off. Losing all control, it began to spin violently as it plummeted.

Sensing disaster, Wu Yuanjia clutched Deng Qingjun and leaped from the dying aircraft, managing to cushion his fall onto the ground using tree branches. Before he could fully recover, another rocket streaked from the darkness, striking the helicopter’s fuselage dead-on. The aircraft instantly detonated in a massive fireball, crashing to earth.

Wu Yuanjia was stunned. Before he could process the attack, intense vehicle headlights flared all around him, blinding him and preventing him from identifying who or what force surrounded him. Then came the roaring of heavy engines, followed by a booming voice amplified by a loudspeaker: "Attention personnel ahead! We are the Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese PLA, Unit 3348. We are currently conducting military exercises in this location. You have entered our exercise perimeter. To prevent the leakage of military secrets, you are ordered to drop your weapons and surrender immediately, or we will open fire and eliminate you!"

Wu Yuanjia was aghast. He had no idea this area had suddenly become a PLA military exercise zone. While encountering such a situation usually wouldn't be a crisis, he was currently holding Deng Qingjun, who possessed vital Starry Sky Group data and secrets. Surrender was impossible; if Deng Qingjun fell into enemy hands, the Starry Sky Group's secrets would be completely compromised.

After a moment, Wu Yuanjia's eyes began to adjust to the intense lights. Squinting, he surveyed his surroundings and saw that he was encircled by over a dozen armored personnel carriers (APCs). Heavy machine guns, caliber 12.7mm, were mounted atop the carriers, manned by soldiers whose muzzles were all trained directly on him. Any slight movement would result in a hail of bullets turning him into a pincushion.

Above, the roar of helicopters intensified as three armed gunships materialized, hovering menacingly above Wu Yuanjia’s head. Their searchlights were fixed on him, and their mounted weapons were locked onto his position, ready to open fire at the slightest provocation.

Seeing himself completely hemmed in, both on the ground and in the air, Wu Yuanjia knew escape was impossible—especially against the national army. He shouted into the open air, "I am Wu Yuanjia, head of security for the Starry Sky Group. This is the Starry Sky Group headquarters. We received no notification that this area had been designated an exercise zone. I demand to speak with your commanding officer."

The voice over the loudspeaker responded impatiently, "I am the commander here. Does our unit’s military exercise require approval from a small company like yours? Our drills are highly classified military secrets; you have no right to know about them. I warn you again: you have trespassed into our exercise zone. Surrender now, or we will shoot."

Seeing the commander’s refusal to reason, Wu Yuanjia knew he couldn't surrender. He prepared to contact Liu Hui via his walkie-talkie for guidance on this unexpected development, but the device only hissed with static—no signal whatsoever.

The opposing commander boomed through the speaker, "This area is under our electromagnetic interference field. Your walkie-talkie is useless. I will now count down from ten. If you have not surrendered by the time I reach zero, we will commence the attack."

Wu Yuanjia broke out in a cold sweat. His situation was dire. He absolutely could not hand Deng Qingjun over to this group, yet escape was impossible. Worse, he couldn't reach his boss for instructions.

As if to heighten the pressure, five massive Type 99 main battle tanks emerged from the woods, their colossal main cannons all aimed squarely at Wu Yuanjia.

The loudspeaker voice began its count: "One. Two. Three…"

Sweat beaded on Wu Yuanjia’s forehead. He tightened his grip on Deng Qingjun, a sliver of realization dawning on him. Tonight’s events felt orchestrated—a calculated conspiracy against the Starry Sky Group. Why else would the Hong Kong Garrison suddenly appear around their headquarters without any prior notification?

"Seven. Eight. Nine…" the voice continued.

Wu Yuanjia gritted his teeth and resolved to fulfill his duty. He would not surrender, even in death, because letting Deng Qingjun and the data fall into their hands would gravely harm the Starry Sky Group’s interests. This was repayment for the Boss’s faith in him; despite several previous security failures, the Boss had never blamed him, only encouraged him. Thus, he chose acceptance of his fate. But before he died, he would kill Deng Qingjun—no more Starry Sky Group secrets would leak.

"Ten." The loudspeaker paused. "You have entered the operational area of Unit 3348 and refuse to surrender. To protect national military secrets, we are authorized to neutralize you."

Wu Yuanjia gave a grim, hollow laugh and prepared to snap Deng Qingjun’s neck. Just then, a flash of white light streaked overhead. The propeller of one of the hovering armed helicopters was cleanly severed, sending the aircraft into a rapid dive until it crashed violently into a large tree. The crew scrambled out of the cockpit. As they dropped from the tree, another white streak flashed, and the downed helicopter suddenly exploded with such force that the resulting shockwave staggered even the soldiers manning the APCs. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please cast your recommendation votes and monthly tickets at (.m). Your support is my greatest motivation.)A

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