Chapter 66: Guarding Secrets
September 26, Thursday, noon. A certain logistics compound, the command building of the Western Inspection Zone, Intelligence Department, Information Section.
In the conference room, a few blurry videos were still being repeatedly played on the large screen; these were partial recordings from the military hospital siege operation three weeks ago.
Han Xiao had been here for almost a week, sitting here almost every day, except when she went home to eat and sleep, repeatedly checking various materials from the previous disastrous defeat.
“Sister, the post-processing of the videos from the Intelligence Department is ready!”
Han Jieqian pushed the door open, holding a thermos on his left hand and a portable hard drive in his right, looking quite helpless. “Why wait for the post-processed videos? You insist on squatting here watching a pile of original records. This is what you call ineffective work.”
Since I was doing nothing anyway, just plug it in. I’ve already done a preliminary screening over the past few days, and we can check the effects of the post-processing according to my list.
As she spoke, Han Xiao reached for the portable hard drive in Han Jieqian’s hand, but he quickly moved it behind his back.
“Let’s eat first. It’s almost one in the afternoon.”
Han Jieqian, smiling, opened the thermos and took out a lunch box. Han Xiao rolled her eyes, took the lunch box, opened it, took a deep sniff, revealing a satisfied expression but expressing insincerity, “Hmm, my mom is not back yet, this must be my dad’s cooking, very bad.”
Han Jieqian sat across from Han Xiao, intertwining his hands on the table, grinning, “You’ve been here every day, leaving the embroidery team behind. Are you okay?”
Looking up at her cousin and then down to savor her food, Han Xiao’s tone became a bit somber, “I’ve been forcibly put on leave, where else can I go… now I’m a grounded phoenix, worse than a chicken. The embroidery team has withdrawn from combat readiness to rest and replenish personnel, and Deputy Captain Bai is also not busy.”
“Um, I heard from Third Uncle that all actions of the elite teams in the future will be evaluated quarterly and that the replenishment of rare blood type personnel will no longer be on an egalitarian basis… This has turned into a complete war of attrition.”
Han Jieqian sighed softly, leaning back with his hands behind his head, shaking his head slightly: “Ordinary blood type Shadow Arrow members can only receive up to thirty injections of blood invasion immunity agents before they must retire. The efficacy is also significantly worse, and dealing with subordinates entirely relies on looks. This certainly isn’t a solution.”
“How sentimental… Before the blood invasion immunity agents were invented, didn’t the Shadow Arrow troops fight to the bitter end?”
Han Xiao picked up a napkin to wipe her mouth, looking disdainful, then touched the work computer beside her, “Xiao’ge, connect the hard drive, accompany me to take a look… Hey, speaking of which, aren’t you an intelligence officer? You should help me with this work proactively!”
Having been pressed into service, Han Jieqian could only accept the computer mouse with a bitter face.
“Stop! Yes, capture this frame!”
“No, this segment is still too blurry.”
“Yes, yes, yes! This one, zoom in, zoom in!”
Han Xiao tapped her pen repeatedly on the table, while Han Jieqian obediently followed her instructions, separating out one piece of content after another that she found interesting.
By the time dusk approached, the data screening work finally reached a pause. Han Jieqian rubbed his shoulder, looking helpless, “Over a hundred battlefield recording videos, it’s really life-threatening.”
Ignoring her cousin’s complaints, Han Xiao enlarged a screenshot from a certain video on the screen, staring at it intensely. In the image, a mysterious bloodsucking man’s body collapsed in mid-air, clutching the body of a bloodsucking woman.
This was the only shot illuminated by a searchlight halfway, relatively clear; the clothing of the two targets revealed many details.
She opened another video clip, which featured the Xuanjia team led by Tao Qiaoer engaging in a firefight with mysterious external forces, but the distance was too far and there were almost no lighting conditions. Even with post-processing, only vague outlines could be discerned.
Their outfits were somewhat familiar… reminiscent of that smuggling operation at the border of Yasheng, the bloodsuckers encountered were somewhat similar… it couldn’t be the Black Blood Clan; which families in the orthodox or wandering blood clan had this style…
Han Xiao fell into deep thought once again.
……
……
That evening, Zhou Ping, who should have been resting at home due to her physiological leave, suddenly returned to the Jinh River Club.
In the staff break room, Jiang Yao and Xiao Ling were helping Jiang Yan wipe her body to ensure her cleanliness while sleeping, and saw Zhou Ping peeking her head at the door.
“Xiao Ping, why are you here? Didn’t you take a leave?”
Xiao Ling, holding the wrung hot towel, paused in mid-air, looking puzzled.
“Um, just a little something… Sister Xiao Ling, Xiao Yao, I need your help with something…”
Zhou Ping walked to the bedside, took the towel from Xiao Ling’s hand, and began to wipe Jiang Yan’s thighs, lowering her voice, “Could you lend me some money?”
Typically appearing lively and cheerful, Zhou Ping seemed a bit awkward at the moment, especially when it came to borrowing money, her face reddening.
“How much do you need?”
Jiang Yao nodded without much thought, but quickly realized Xiao Ling’s hand was pressing down on her arm.
“Xiao Yao, wait a moment… Xiao Ping, didn’t you just buy a house and a car earlier this year? What big expenses do you have?”
Xiao Ling, who was relatively close to Zhou Ping, found it strange that she suddenly needed to borrow money, feeling that something was off.
Considering the treatment of the Windflower organization, for someone like Zhou Ping, who had been part of it for over ten years, besides the club salary, she also had the chance to participate in some secret operations, earning considerable special bonuses, averaging at least thirty to forty thousand yuan per month.
Moreover, the blood supply for Windflower members was largely considered a benefit. As for expensive hormonal suppressants and blood transfusions, they were distributed free based on need, so most people’s daily expenses were minimal, easily saving up tens of thousands a year.
Years of stable living conditions had led many Windflower members, including Zhou Ping, to purchase properties and vehicles in the urban area, live well, and aside from the looming concerns of safety and growth, there had hardly been anyone facing financial troubles.
Yet now, Zhou Ping’s hesitant borrowing began to raise Xiao Ling’s suspicions that something was wrong.
“I plan to open a high-end large escape room business with a friend… I’ve almost used up my savings from buying the house and car earlier this year…”
Zhou Ping quickly explained, awkwardly nodding at Xiao Ling, “I still need six hundred thousand. I just want to ask everyone to lend a little, and I’ll pay it back within two years.”
Six hundred thousand isn’t too much, but since Xiao Yao and Jiang Yan haven’t bought houses or cars yet, I can lend you three hundred thousand; you’ll have to find the rest yourself.”
Xiao Ling probably understood Zhou Ping’s expression, smiled gently, and continued to wipe Jiang Yan’s body, while Jiang Yan still looked a bit puzzled about why Xiao Ling was blocking for her.
After Zhou Ping left the room, Xiao Ling finally revealed a mysterious smile, “Xiao Yao, Xiao Ping has a regular boyfriend now, did you know?”
“I know! She mentioned it a few days ago… Wait, isn’t this supposed to be a secret?”
Jiang Yao was taken aback but then saw Xiao Ling’s smiling face, resulting in mixed emotions, realizing that this kind of news was already common knowledge.
“Ha, actually we are happy for her; after all, everyone wants to live a more normal life… Xiao Ping is only in her early thirties, she still thinks like a little girl, it’s natural to want this. Ah, think of me, approaching forty, I’ve already let go of these things.”
As she spoke, she pretended to sigh with wisdom.
Well, I didn’t dare ask Sister Xiao Ling your age, you just revealed it yourself… Jiang Yao felt a bit awkward.
“Hehe, I’m quite satisfied with how young I look now.”
Xiao Ling’s expression shifted from mature to suddenly clever and quirky; it seemed a woman’s outer beauty remained youthful, causing her spirit to remain youthful as well.
“Your and Jiang Yan’s skin is really good… and I didn’t smell any makeup or skincare products; terms like born beautiful must be meant for you, I’m so envious…”
After the wiping work ended, Xiao Ling rearranged Jiang Yan’s nightgown, finally revealing an envious expression.
Before Jiang Yao could respond, there was a knock on the door behind them. Xiao Ling naturally reached out to pull the air conditioning blanket over Jiang Yan’s body.
Ten seconds later, Zhao Peng entered with a cautious expression.
Xiao Ling, did you just lend thirty thousand to Xiao Ping?
Zhao Peng slightly frowned, seemingly sharing Xiao Ling’s concern.
“Um, I was just about to find you, Brother Zhao, to talk about this.”
Xiao Ling quickly stood up, “She said she wants to open an escape room business, which is with that boyfriend she met. I even had dinner with him before; he’s quite handsome and a teacher from a training institute, seems to have a good temper and character.”
“Alright, understood. I’ll cover the money she wants to borrow. You don’t need to take any part in it.”
Zhao Peng thought for a moment, his expression eased significantly, but his tone remained serious: “If you have time, investigate a bit but don’t let Xiao Ling know… Additionally, I have something to discuss with Xiao Yao privately.”
“Okay, Brother Zhao.”
Xiao Ling quickly nodded, then exited, not daring to express any dissent.
“Xiao Yao, how is your sister today?”
Locking the door, Zhao Peng sat at the bedside, looking at the sleeping Jiang Yan, then turned to Jiang Yao: “Your sister’s condition is normal now. You don’t need to transfuse blood to her tonight; you and Xiao Dong can switch shifts tonight.”
“Oh, Brother Zhao, is there something going on tonight?”
Seeing his particularly serious expression, Xiao Yao straightened her body.
“Yes, Wan Jie will be away for a few days, and we’ll have dinner together tonight. There’s also something important that needs your cooperation.” As he spoke, Zhao Peng gestured towards Jiang Yao’s body, “It’s quite simple; I’ll take you for a check-up.”
“Me? A check-up?”
Jiang Yao glanced at the sleeping Jiang Yan, a wave of alertness washing over her, and her face visibly showed resistance.
“You’ve been promoted too quickly, and both Wan Jie and I are concerned.”
Zhao Peng said casually, his calm tone mixed with concern.
Jiang Yao trusted Zhao Peng completely; the caring and justifiable words from him instantly soothed her sensitive nerves.
“Additionally, I’ve seen you getting along well with everyone over these months… but I must remind you, any past of your sisters shouldn’t be disclosed; you are very special, you must protect your own privacy, and this is also Wan Jie’s meaning.”
In Zhao Peng’s mind, he recalled the last time he covertly protected Jiang Yan’s trip to the East Suburb Martyrs’ Cemetery, as well as the findings he gathered from investigating the children’s welfare institution in Zone W.
The Jiang sisters in front of him were such a mysterious and astonishing existence. Even with his temperament, it wouldn’t be said there were no ripples in his heart.
Brother Zhao probably refers to that big lump of meat; this certainly cannot be disclosed to the outside… Jiang Yao was stunned, then quickly nodded.
Seeing Jiang Yao’s expression, it was clear that her understanding seemed to lack the depth he had imagined; Zhao Peng could only nod.
Since Wan Yue had not exposed certain matters, and as the only well-informed person, Zhao Peng naturally kept his mouth shut. But once the facts surfaced in his mind, they would occasionally jump out to remind him of something.
He had a vague premonition that the ideal Wan Yue had for Windflower might one day be realized, and hope lay within Jiang Yan and Jiang Yao. But the prerequisite was that he must help the Jiang sisters cultivate absolute trust in Wan Yue, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in Windflower while guarding their most private secrets, making sure that any incident that might cause estrangement between the Jiang sisters must be avoided at all costs.
Windflower should forget the past and look to the future.
……
As night fell, vehicles on the streets traversed like fireflies, and the entire city emitted a special sense of anxiety and urgency.
The days leading up to the National Day holiday always held a unique atmosphere, where everything and everyone was so hurried and careless; everyone’s mind was no longer on work and was restlessly stirring.
At the swankiest hotel in City C, on the top floor rotating restaurant, in a luxurious private room, Zhao Peng stood by the door like a bodyguard, keeping his eyes straight ahead.
“I’ve never had western food…”
Before leaving, Wan Yue had chosen a vintage organza dress, and Jiang Yao was now quite awkwardly sitting down, staring at the nearly two-meter radius round table in front of her, as well as the only two dining companions in the room, her face visibly anxious.
“One time is enough. Besides, who said every woman must be graceful? You’re here to eat, not to pose; eat however you like.”
Dressed in a black evening gown, Wan Yue glanced at Zhong Jing across the table and rolled her eyes, “Were there problems with last quarter’s accounts? Jiang Yao and I have matters; what are you doing here?”
“Heh, Master, I’m just responsible for the bill…”
Zhong Jing rubbed his nose, awkwardly stating, while secretly sizing up Jiang Yao, who was not far from Wan Yue.
“If you want to pursue certain people, it must be mutual feelings; don’t play ambiguous games while standing in front of me.”
Glancing at the light golden-haired girl beside him, then at the young man diagonally across from her, Wan Yue’s smile was very mysterious: “Your skill in attracting people is indeed impressive, and you’re starting to do it right in front of me.”
Jiang Yao seemed to understand, her face a mix of urgency and anger, glaring fiercely at Zhong Jing, feeling as though she would bend the wrong fork and knife in her hand.
As dishes were served, most of them were large plates with small portions, exquisitely presented but utterly incompatible with the appetite of bloodsuckers.
Jiang Yao ate quickly, her combination of knife and fork gradually transforming into a combination of knife and spoon, as this was more convenient to manage.
With such small portioning, is a knife really necessary?
Zhong Jing showed no particular expression; in fact, his behavior today was rather uncouth and obnoxious, as he started to eat with his hands, making the serving staff look astonished.
Zhong Jing’s even more vulgar dining movements attracted everyone’s attention, which instead made Jiang Yao, who had no idea about Western dining etiquette, seem more elegant, at least not so particularly odd, and even helped lighten her mood, causing her to smile several times.
This kid, too shrewd, knows how to put on an act, even going so far as to play with me; it’s clear he can see through it at a glance but still thinks for others, truly a natural romantic… Wan Yue watched this scene with a satisfied smile but sighed inwardly.
“Stop pretending; I find your considerate demeanor annoying… Flirting in front of me?”
Finally, as Zhong Jing accidentally spilled soup on himself, Jiang Yao screamed, and Wan Yue finally sighed, heavily putting down her knife and fork.
Feeling exposed, Zhong Jing, with a cheeky grin, grabbed a napkin to wipe his mouth and even winked at Jiang Yao.
“I’ll go to the bathroom; if you have anything to say, say it quickly. Later, I still need to take her to do important business.”
Wan Yue made an excuse to leave, and Zhao Peng understood, closing the door behind her. The private room was left with just Jiang Yao and Zhong Jing.
“Did you deliberately eat so roughly and unsightly just to make me less embarrassed?”
Jiang Yao whispered, her face slightly flushed.
“With everyone looking at me, you shouldn’t be nervous; it works well.”
Zhong Jing casually tossed the napkin aside, loosened his tie, lit a cigarette, and smiled simply and easily.
No wonder they say you’re a scoundrel; you really know how to please women… No, why are you trying to please me! I warn you, don’t think too much!
Jiang Yao felt a bit incoherent, her expression inexplicably flustered.
“You’re the one acting startled; I haven’t said anything yet.”
Zhong Jing was taken aback, smiling bitterly.
……
An hour later, under Zhong Jing’s eager offer to drive, Wan Yue and Jiang Yao arrived at Shengci Hospital.
In the luxury ward area on the top floor, a young doctor and a nurse had been waiting, smiling warmly to welcome Wan Yue, Jiang Yao, and Zhao Peng.
“Deputy Director Jin has something urgent and cannot come; I’m here to serve you ladies.”
The service level of private hospitals was indeed excellent; as long as the payment was adequate, it felt like a warm spring breeze and a home away from home.
“Do you know the details that Old Jin assigned?”
Wan Yue glanced at the two medical staff with ordinary identities and silently nodded, indicating they had honored their agreement.
“Yes, all health examination data can only be delivered to the client in person. The hospital retains no backup data whatsoever. Please rest assured, Shengci Hospital’s commitment to client privacy protection is absolute.”
Without Jiang Yao’s company, she felt inexplicable tension upon entering, especially in a place like a hospital. Though she sensed that the Windflower leader in front of her was trustworthy, there still lingered a modest fear within her of feeling weak and helpless.
The so-called examination was straightforward,
There was only one person for the examination: Jiang Yao.
To Wan Yue, the Windflower organization did possess secret high-end medical equipment, but for the precise medical devices required for examinations like today’s, they were expenses Wan Yue couldn’t afford, or rather, it was unnecessary; Old Jin’s Shengci Hospital was naturally the best choice.
The results of the most advanced MRI scan quickly emerged, and as the imaging data was reviewed, the young doctor revealed a hint of tension.
This young lady has an anomaly in her heart area, suspected early signs of a myocardial tumor… no, that doesn’t seem right, it’s quite small, thankfully using the most advanced MRI equipment from this hospital. But whether it’s benign needs further testing.
Additionally, there are some abnormalities in the ovarian area; I recommend…
No need for recommendations; just destroy all data, or I’ll smash this place.
Wan Yue coldly stated, while Zhao Peng directly followed the young doctor into a side room, seemingly monitoring any of his actions.
Sister Wan… Is there something wrong with my body?
Jiang Yao’s face turned slightly pale.
No, you’re very healthy; I just want to know where you two are unique. But no matter what is discovered, it remains your secret.
Wan Yue stroked Jiang Yao’s light golden hair, revealing a gentle smile; Jiang Yao quickly nodded, her anxiety easing.
……
Jiang Yan was still in hibernation, so Zhao Peng and Jiang Yao shouldn’t stay outside for too long. At Wan Yue’s indication, Zhao Peng took Jiang Yao back early.
As they sat in Zhong Jing’s car, Wan Yue didn’t specify where they were going but stared blankly at the hospital building at the parking lot’s head, her brow furrowed.
Master, is there something wrong with Xiao Yao’s body?
After a minute of silence, Zhong Jing could not help but murmur.
Can’t understand, does it count?
Wan Yue did not turn around, lightly saying, “You’re not an idiot; you should see our attitude towards her and her sister.”
Yes, they should be very special bloodsuckers, they will be Windflower’s trump card.
Zhong Jing thought for a moment and nodded slightly; Zhao Ge and Huang Ge were both tight-lipped, so it should be Wan Yue’s intention.
Do you really want to know what makes them special?
Wan Yue suddenly smiled, shrouded in mystery.
No, then it wouldn’t be interesting; keeping the suspense is worth cherishing for a lifetime, don’t reveal it too soon.
Zhong Jing shook his head almost instinctively, wearing a mischievous smile, “How about this: wait until I’m on my deathbed, then tell me.”
Alas, you little romantic who would change a thousand knives, if you dare say that to her, it’s likely you’ll really end up courting her; who knows how many streets Jiang Yan would chase you down with a gun… Keep the secret, regardless of what you know or don’t know.
Zhong Jing grinned slightly, noncommittal about Wan Yue’s assessment; the atmosphere in the car began to feel a bit eerie.
Having followed her for several hours, they had chatted about so much nonsense… Now tell me, what’s the matter you wanted me to help with today?
Wan Yue rolled down the car window and lit a cigarette.
Master, is the Hejian consortium backed by bloodsuckers?
Zhong Jing had a rare serious expression, “They came to my house; it was a woman, along with some strange people.”
Wan Yue glanced at Zhong Jing’s face, chuckling softly, “That was a major investor your father made a deal with back in the day; what are they planning—that should be your father’s concern.”
Xiao Jing, there are some things I must tell you; that is your right as a member of Windflower. But some matters, even if you know, don’t change anything. Your curiosity is too strong; it’s both a strength and a weakness.
You know, keeping a sense of mystery and freshness with women; yet with your own matters, you dig too deeply and get confused. No wonder they find it appealing.
Zhong Jing felt a bit awkward, even his usually thick-skinned face turned slightly red.
Don’t overthink; it definitely won’t affect your family’s safety. Those Japanese have been keen on tying themselves to your father since thirty years ago; they have no major mal intentions, just for profit.
Although Wan Yue’s words sounded somewhat reluctant, the underlying implications were sufficiently clear, and Zhong Jing could only nod silently.
Let’s go; take me back to Longquan Mountain Villa.
Wan Yue flicked the cigarette out of the car window, creating a beautiful arc.
