Super Invincible Battleship

Chapter 195: Chapter 118 Critical Moment

Watching Yang Liu walk away, Yan Fei fell into deep thought. Contrary to his expectations, the first person to cause trouble turned out to be Yang Liu, who had gained considerable benefits from this incident. Therefore, based on general case analysis, Yang Liu definitely was the primary suspect in the kidnapping of Lu Pingping.

However, during his conversation with Yang Liu, Yan Fei found that although Yang Liu was greedy and his methods somewhat despicable, being the mastermind behind the schemes against his own group, he was a scoundrel in an open and aboveboard manner. He wanted to acquire Dream Technology, and though he used some tricks, he told Yan Fei straightforwardly, hardly resembling the despicable villain behind Lu Pingping’s kidnapping.

Therefore, Yan Fei became confused again. Could this kidnapping case really be just a simple kidnapping without the complexity he imagined, its occurrence at this time just a coincidence? Then this kidnapping case was taken advantage of by Yang Liu. Could it be that the so-called mastermind behind everything did not exist and was just a figment of his imagination?

Yan Fei had just set the time for the stock transfer signing with Yang Liu for tomorrow evening at eight o’clock sharp. The reason, as Yang Liu speculated, was because Yan Fei hoped that more time in the day could bring about an unforeseen turn of events. If no opportunity arose, he would not be stingy, and would immediately transfer Dream Technology to Yang Liu, using the money to rescue Lu Pingping. As for the rest, that could be discussed once Lu Pingping was safely back.

What disappointed Yan Fei was that until seven o’clock the next evening, no good news had come. The Shanghai Municipal Government was still in meetings, the opposition seemed to be on the verge of giving in but reaching a compromise before the deadline was unlikely. And various banks, VC companies, even high-interest loan businesses from Shanghai’s underworld, hadn’t given Yan Fei a definitive response; the turn of events he had hoped for had not materialized.

And Yang Liu, as if he was certain of Yan Fei’s compliance, made early preparations. For tonight’s news conference, he had arranged not only for television stations, video websites, and news media from across China to witness this momentous occasion, but had even managed to have the signing event broadcast live via satellite TV and the internet. In short, Yang Liu intended to expose the signing process to the entire national audience, proving his legitimate acquisition of the company to avoid any later disputes over stock ownership.

At 7:30 p.m., under Yang Liu’s arrangement, journalists from various television networks and online media outlets gathered at the Dream Technology Headquarters Building—they were all set to witness the groundbreaking event of this corporate takeover in China.

Yan Fei remained in his office, looking around at everything familiar to him, his heart full of reluctance. The company was the culmination of his and Lu Pingping’s hard work. Although he could start over, he had ultimately failed and didn’t know what Lu Pingping would think when she found out he had sold the company after her return.

Just then, a knock on the door of the office came, and Yan Fei said, “Please come in!”

The office door opened, and a woman walked in. Upon seeing the woman, Yan Fei was immediately astounded and blurted out, “You! What are you doing here?”

The woman who entered was none other than Yu Xiaozhou from the China Special Duties Unit. Yan Fei had previously contacted her through the Auxiliary Brain to return the important USB drive to her. Now, Yu Xiaozhou, in a professional suit, presented a different kind of appeal. Compared to before, she had less of a heroic air and more of a seductive charm.

Yu Xiaozhou walked into Yan Fei’s office and, seeing his expression, she immediately asked, “Mr. Yan, do you know me?”

That’s when Yan Fei remembered that in reality he wasn’t supposed to know Yu Xiaozhou. He had been absorbed in thought and, upon seeing Yu Xiaozhou, had unconsciously spoken to her, making it seem like he knew her. This expression immediately aroused Yu Xiaozhou’s suspicions.

Yan Fei’s mind whirled, and he quickly thought of an excuse, saying, “Of course I know you. You are Yu Xiaozhou, the recipient of the national security medal. I’ve read about your exploits on the internet and seen your photo. You’ve made many contributions to the country, and I greatly admire you.”

Yu Xiaozhou then breathed a sigh of relief. She had thought that her cover had been blown while on a task overseas, and had instinctively become nervous, not expecting that it was the news report authenticating her identity that had led Yan Fei to recognize her. Moreover, she was in China, so there was no reason for her to be nervous. Remembering the task for which she came, she said earnestly, “Mr. Yan Fei, it seems I don’t need to elaborate, as you already know I am a worker from an important department of China. I’m here to relay some critical intelligence to you.”

After saying that, Yu Xiaozhou handed Yan Fei a badge. He opened it and saw “Beijing City Management Team Procurement Services Department” written on it, along with Yu Xiaozhou’s photo, her full name and title, and a bright red stamp.

Seeing Yan Fei’s puzzled expression, Yu Xiaozhou took back the badge and said, “Actually, this badge is just a cover for my identity. I can’t tell you the specifics of my department because it pertains to state secrets. All you need to know is that I bear no ill will towards you and that I am here to help.” @@novelbin@@

Yan Fei responded, “I understand, your line of work is very dangerous, and it’s important to protect yourself.” He then made a welcoming gesture, and Yu Xiaozhou took a seat on the sofa opposite him.