Chapter 1515: Doubting Everything
The research facility is heavily guarded, with a post every three steps and a sentry every five.
The arrival of Ye Fan, Zhang Lu, and Li Tong was quiet, and Zhao Gongming, who had received the news, had been waiting for some time.
Zhao Gongming, the head of the security team at the research facility, is responsible for all the security measures within the facility.
"I knew you were coming and received orders to fully cooperate with you and follow your lead. It’s been quite a wait since I got the news, but now that you’re here, things will be easier." Zhao Gongming said excitedly, looking at Ye Fan and the others.
"Show us the security of the research facility," Ye Fan said calmly.
"Sure, no problem." Zhao Gongming agreed readily.
Under Zhao Gongming’s guidance, Ye Fan and his companions took a brief look at the security measures of the research facility. As Zhao Gongming led the way, he explained, "All security facilities are top-notch. The entrances and exits of the facility have fingerprint recognition systems. Everyone has their own job and tools, which need to be frequently checked and monitored in detail. Anyone entering or leaving the facility is not allowed to take anything extra. If caught, there will be consequences."
Listening to Zhao Gongming’s explanation, Ye Fan and the others also pondered over related matters.
Ye Fan and his team aren’t very familiar with the research facility, only superficially acquainted. The purpose of this visit was to show their faces and leak a message to the infiltrators within: the facility is under many watchful eyes.
Ye Fan and others really don’t know who in the facility has issues or who to trust, thus the work ahead is bound to be troublesome. They can only judge by the infiltrators’ exposure or actions.
The security measures and surveillance systems of the facility are like eyes overseeing it all, which is what Ye Fan needs to grasp and control first and foremost. This is the only way to have a direct understanding of the situation at the facility.
"Make sure every security team member remembers our appearance. From now on, we’ll frequently be in and out of the facility. Our faces will be our pass, and everyone should remember clearly; if they encounter us, they’re not to block us, just let us pass." Ye Fan gave his first command.
"Yes." Zhao Gongming complied without hesitation.
"Copy a month’s worth of surveillance footage from inside the facility for us to take." Ye Fan requested again.
"Yes." Zhao Gongming affirmed.
"Take us to have a look at the guardhouse." Ye Fan commanded.
The guardhouse is a crucial checkpoint for everyone entering and exiting.
At the guardhouse, there was an old man that everyone called Uncle Sun. Despite his age, he was experienced against enemies, had sharp eyes, was impartial, and dared to discipline anyone. He was deeply respected by everyone inside the facility.
As long as one doesn’t do anything wrong, there’s no issue. But if Uncle Sun catches a fault, a scolding is unavoidable.
Due to Uncle Sun’s fairness and impartiality, he was greatly respected and revered.
"Uncle Sun, Uncle Sun." Zhao Gongming arrived here with Ye Fan and the others, calling out loudly, "These three will be frequently in and out of the facility from now on, either alone or with others; these are special circumstances. When encountered, they’re definitely here for something, and they are not to be investigated or questioned, understood?"
"No need to shout, I’m not deaf." Uncle Sun glared at Zhao Gongming, then turned his attention to observe Ye Fan, Zhang Lu, and Li Tong, muttering, "The imposters from Zhang Jiefang’s and Li Dingguo’s families."
Evidently, he recognized Zhang Jiefang and Li Dingguo, thus identifying Zhang Lu and Li Tong.
"Good day, elder." Zhang Lu and Li Tong greeted respectfully, even though they didn’t know Uncle Sun’s identity. Given that he mentioned their fathers’ names, it was clear that Uncle Sun was no ordinary person.
Indeed, working as a doorman in such a crucial department, surveilling everyone, how could he be an ordinary person?
"This young man is not bad, he must be your leader." Uncle Sun glanced at Zhang Lu and Li Tong, then fixed his eyes on Ye Fan.
"Elder’s discerning eye saw through it at a glance." Ye Fan replied politely.
"You three step back; I wish to speak to him alone." Uncle Sun ordered a bit domineeringly.
Zhang Lu, Li Tong, and Zhao Gongming stepped back reluctantly, putting some distance between them.
"Young man, I won’t question who you are or your identity. I’ve already guessed your origins and purpose." Uncle Sun’s expression was sharp, "I want to ask, just how severe is the problem?"
"Very severe, possibly beyond our expectations." Ye Fan hid nothing.
"Aren’t you afraid I’m a spy for telling me all this? If I were, you would have leaked quite a bit of information, wouldn’t you?" Uncle Sun’s gaze shifted, pressing Ye Fan with his stare.
"From the moment I stepped into the facility, everyone is suspect, including you, elder. Since you can guess our origins and purpose, even if I don’t leak this much, you’d know much more." Ye Fan replied indifferently.
"Indeed, quite impressive, young man. I admire your caution of suspecting everyone and trusting no one." Uncle Sun expressed his appreciation, showing a hint of joy: "The facility has secretly been working for nearly twenty years. Should enemies infiltrate or plant a spy, one can only guess how much preparation has been made for such an important project. With so many people interested, it’s commendable you have this mindset."
"Elder overpraises me, I’m unworthy of such admiration." Ye Fan showed respect to the old man, recognizing him as an Iron-blooded Warrior from their brief conversation.
"The facility’s existence has been lengthy, so lengthy that the background information on many individuals has become obscure. The first people to join the project and those who followed one after another into the project are numerous. No one knows what problems might arise or who might harbor ulterior motives capable of becoming a spy, which is why extra caution is required." Uncle Sun advised.
"I will remember the elder’s words." Ye Fan contemplated.
"One more crucial reminder: it’s imperative to ensure the background of everyone involved in this investigation is clean; otherwise, should issues arise, it would be catastrophic." Uncle Sun spoke wisely.
"I’ve had this in mind, though not yet arranged. I will remember the elder’s warning." Ye Fan replied seriously.
With Uncle Sun’s suggestions and advice, Ye Fan truly gained a lot.
"Young man, you have truly impressed me. With you around, I’m much relieved." Uncle Sun was very pleased.