Chapter 1510: Mole
The secret data leak from the institute suddenly implicated its high-level personnel, presenting a truly thorny issue, with chief engineer Li Dingguo and deputy chief engineer Liu Qianjin placed in front of everyone.
There is no doubt these two are the oldest and most senior members of the institute, having dedicated their lives to the cause of research.
But under these circumstances, the suspicions are directed at them, leaving the action team quite uncomfortable.
Just accepting this brutal truth is heartbreaking enough, let alone having to take action against the forefathers of the institute.
In the action team, many are juniors to Li Dingguo and Liu Qianjin, with intricate connections; at this moment, having to act against such revered seniors, everyone’s emotions are heavy, feeling perplexed and unsure of what to do.
"My proposal to monitor the two, seems none of you are agreeing?" Ye Fan stated calmly and powerfully: "This is not the time for sentiment; what lies before us is a war, a smoke-free yet incredibly brutal war. Everyone involved in this battle should have this awareness and not shrink back because of personal feelings and avoid the fight in negativity."
Li Tong said nothing.
Niu Ben and others in the action team bowed their heads, their expressions complex.
They understood Ye Fan’s words well, yet truly disregarding personal emotions was still very challenging.
"Isn’t this surveillance a bit too hasty?" Zhang Lu expressed her opinion, saying, "Should we not switch surveillance to covert investigation? After all, Li Dingguo and Liu Qianjin’s alertness is quite high. If they perceive it, wouldn’t it chill their hearts? Moreover, if those conducting the surveillance are exposed and trigger other misunderstandings, it could lead to a bad outcome."
"Although that’s said, I won’t change my mind about the surveillance." Ye Fan insisted decisively: "Calling it surveillance, why not call it protection instead? When appropriate, the person surveilling can reveal their identity and transform into covert protection. Right now, we must be on high alert; even the enemy is frequently moving. If, in desperation, they target Li Dingguo or Liu Qianjin, who could bear such a loss?"
He continued: "My suggestion is clear; I don’t aspire for your understanding, but I demand you execute my orders without reservation, without negotiating conditions, and without invoking personal emotion."
"I agree with your arrangement." Zhang Lu pondered seriously before making up her mind.
If she contradicted Ye Fan now, how would Ye Fan’s authority as the team leader hold?
Moreover, rationally, Ye Fan’s arrangement was very reasonable, and hardly a better method was available.
While everyone was downcast and their fighting spirit bleak, Zhang Lu had to side with Ye Fan.
"The investigation hasn’t even begun, and you’re acting this way. If you believe Li Dingguo and Liu Qianjin are innocent, then find out who falsely accused them and clear their suspicions. Even though only Li Dingguo and Liu Qianjin can access complete power data, there’s no guarantee other people couldn’t access the secret data through shady means."
Ye Fan exclaimed loudly: "Seeing you like this is truly disappointing. Even if the worst happens and the suspect is indeed problematic, does it mean we stop the investigation? Letting high-level data get leaked while you stand idly by and do nothing?"
"Leader, you’re right, we’ve been overly worried." Li Tong shared her stance, saying: "Given the current situation, the possibility that Li Dingguo and Liu Qianjin might be problematic isn’t nonexistent, but without solid evidence, it’s merely suspicion. Whether to clear their name or if they truly are problematic, these are facts we cannot change and must execute."
"Even if the suspect has issues, we must know that justice does not favor sentiment; in such matters of importance, every person must face punishment." Zhang Lu spoke solemnly.
"Everything follows the leader." Niu Ben and others looked at each other, then expressed their attitude with passionate resolve.
"Regarding surveillance, how is this personnel issue arranged?" Li Tong asked.
Ye Fan contemplated briefly before confirming, "Let Yang Shu and Qian Weiguo go to protect Li Dingguo, Shen Tingting and Gao Qiang to protect Liu Qianjin. Calling it surveillance might truly mean covert protection."
Ye Fan could only entrust this crucial work to Yang Shu and others, feeling uneasy about others.
By splitting genders, they could uncover more issues through diverse perspectives.
This was Ye Fan’s expectation for gleaning solid insights from Li Dingguo and Liu Qianjin.
Through a brief understanding of Li Dingguo and Liu Qianjin, Ye Fan believed their chances of being problematic were slim; then there’s only one possibility: this might be a smokescreen, intentionally framing them.
Thus, Ye Fan’s arrangement was more about protection, and perhaps clues or even suspicious individuals could be found around Li Dingguo and Liu Qianjin.
"Now, I feel relieved, even if the enemy is desperate, their chances of succeeding are almost zero." Li Tong remarked contentedly, knowing the competence of Yang Shu and others, feeling extremely assured.
"Covert protection should start immediately, while overtly, we can conduct investigations. Through interacting with suspects, we can gain direct insights. Once suspicions are cleared, our subsequent actions become smoother and our direction clearer." Ye Fan decided resolutely, "I intend to visit Li Dingguo and Liu Qianjin. Who among you has a convenient identity to accompany me, ensuring no suspicion is aroused?"
Zhang Lu and Niu Ben exchanged glances, finally Zhang Lu stated boldly: "To visit Li Dingguo, only one person can accompany you without raising doubts."
"Who?" Ye Fan asked.
He must meet these two in person and prepare before entering the institute.
"Li Tong’s father is Li Dingguo." Zhang Lu remarked oddly.
"No wonder your reactions were odd when I suggested monitoring Li Dingguo earlier." Ye Fan realized, then looked at Li Tong, asking: "What do you think?"
"I am the most suitable to accompany you to meet Li Dingguo." Li Tong said straightforwardly: "Personal emotions are personal; work is work. I believe my father is absolutely not problematic."
"Through data, I also believe your father lacks suspicion, but I want to personally confirm and lay groundwork before entering the institute," Ye Fan stated seriously.
Li Tong’s expression shifted, uncertain whether Ye Fan’s belief in her father’s innocence was genuine.
Meanwhile, within the action team, a message was sent out: Zhang Rui’s identity has been exposed.
Just these few words indicate the identity of the woman in the blue dress, named Zhang Rui, is false.
The most unexpected part is, there are enemy spies within the institute.