Chapter Nine, Colleagues and Rivals
During this time, the other three stood by, their gloomy faces turned towards the closed door, guarding the entrance like bodyguards. Lu Linbei stood opposite the broad-faced man, watching his every move. Lu Yezhou leaned against the kitchen, avoiding eye contact with anyone. He was usually talkative, but at such moments, he preferred to let others take the lead.
The people outside even know their nicknames
There was once a teacher who had high hopes for Lu Linbei, believing that he should become an analyst. However, it is regrettable that only those truly bearing the surname Mei are qualified.
Lu Yezhou lowered his head and did not look at anyone, biting his lip as if he were about to speak, but ultimately remained silent
Ding Pulun nodded and said, "It is indeed hard to believe, but this is the truth. There is no need for us to deceive each other in such matters. You two should take a seat, and Mr. Cui, try not to be too nervous. Since we are here to negotiate, it is best to establish a good relationship from the very beginning"
Upon seeing the gun, Ding Pulun, sitting at the other end of the sofa, appeared somewhat awkward. He shifted his legs and advised, "Mr. Cui, there is no need for this. I believe these two will not act foolishly."
The Emergency Department of the Meteorological Bureau of the Zhai Wangxing Joint Committee is precisely what the Mei family refers to as an "organization". Mei Qianchong is an external investigator responsible for gathering intelligence, while analysts belong to the internal system, engaged in the work of sifting through sand to find gold, identifying useful parts from a multitude of intelligence.
How much longer?" Ding Pulun asked
Cui Zhuning seemed to feel that mere looks and words were insufficient, so he pulled out a gun from his right pocket. This was a genuine standard pistol, not a spy's dart; it had more bullets, a longer range, and greater power
Ding Pulun was deeply moved, while Cui Zhuning had already reached the door, standing to the side, precisely in the position where Lu Yezhou usually stood, drawing out his pistol and preparing to shoot
The broad-faced individual was not at all reserved, walking up to the sofa and sitting down, adjusting their posture and pushing the microcomputer and peripherals aside.
Haha, there are differences among spies, after all, you are newcomers
Therefore, when a voice that was clearly not one of the familiar ones shouted out this number, the confusion of the two people in the room was understandable; the term "double agent" simultaneously sprang to their minds, making them feel as though they had been betrayed
The two exchanged a glance, and Lu Yezhou turned to find a kitchen knife, while Lu Linbei hid by the wall to avoid being shot from outside the door
The less we know, the safer we are; the more you know, the happier you are
Two guests entered the room, the one with a broad face looked around, "Just like when I lived here, nothing has changed. That sofa was chosen by me, how is it, still comfortable?"
Lu Yezhou ran back holding a knife, inquiring with his eyes about what to do next
Well, let's arrange these two first. Cui Zhuning stood up
I have said that we are 'one family'." Ding Pulun pointed to his companion at the door, "This is Mr. Cui Zhuning, an investigator from the Information Department of the Meteorological Bureau, so he can also be considered part of the family.
Whether it is the tone that is different or the expression that is off, from that moment on, the phrase "a family" that came out of that person's mouth sounded somewhat strange, as if a novice apprentice of a sorcerer, having not yet mastered the art, rashly recited a magical incantation, still hoping it would take effect immediately
The broad-faced individual paused and smiled, saying: "I suggest negotiation; force is not the best way to resolve issues"
A mid-level analyst not surnamed Mei appeared alongside an investigator surnamed Cui, and the impact on these two novice spies was no less than that of a living human suddenly being told they were a robot
The door opened slightly, and Lu Linbei first saw a man of similar age, dressed in a fashionable and neat manner, with a strikingly wide face, smiling directly at him
Lu Linbei and Lu Yezhou were even more astonished. Although they both belonged to the Meteorological Administration, the Emergency Department and the Information Department were not "one family"; rather, they were adversaries at odds with each other. As the two major intelligence organizations of the government, they each devoted a portion of their resources to investigating the other.
Both parties remained silent for a while
"Double agents are certainly individuals you will encounter in the future, without a doubt," said Uncle San, not emphasizing his words with his usual raised finger, but instead slumping his tall, thin body in the chair, his gaze lowered as if in a state of confession. "Do not be deceived by them, but do not become overly emotional either. Make full use of their value, and then proceed as necessary. Do not be too demanding of them, for that double agent may very well be your friend, or even yourself."
As the broad-faced man was about to enter the house, the sullen-faced person beside him reminded, "Let those behind the door come out first"
After a lengthy discussion, Ding Pulun raised his hand, hesitated for a moment, and pointed to the relatively quiet Lu Yezhou, "You will answer the door later. As for the other Mr. Lu, please remain seated and do not make any noise. Although we are colleagues, if you cause any trouble, I will have no choice but to act according to the rules. Let us work together to strive for a resolution without resorting to violence or firearms, shall we?"
The broad-faced man finally felt satisfied with his sitting posture. Seeing that the other three remained still, a hint of surprise appeared on his face, and he quickly smiled, saying: "I apologize for forgetting to introduce myself. My surname is Ding, and my name is Ding Pulun. You probably do not know me; I work in the Emergency Department of the Meteorological Bureau as a mid-level analyst"
Cui Zhuning walked slowly over, sitting on the armrest of the sofa, legs apart, with both hands still in his pockets, as if holding a weapon
483 is not only the group number, but also the exclusive "code" shared between the group leader and the members, which even top superiors are unaware of. It is not arranged in order, but rather selected randomly. If two groups happen to have the same name, neither party will ever discover it.
However, now there is a person who neither has the surname Mei nor the surname Lu, yet he claims to be an analyst, and a mid-level analyst at that. Generally speaking, individuals who reach this level are at least forty years old
"Alright, I will not cause any trouble." Lu Linbei was compelled to speak, his heart filled with frustration and humiliation, even surpassing his concern for Mei Qianchong
Cui Zhuning holstered his pistol, "Very good"
"Isn't the emergency department's space insufficient?" Lu Linbei retorted
It should be so
We are friends
This is impossible, Lu Yezhou blurted out
Ding Pulun let out a brief laugh, "He has figured it out."
Mei Qianchong specifically instructed that no one can be trusted, not even acquaintances from the farm or superiors within the organization
Indeed, there is no need. Lu Linbei tried to keep his voice calm, focusing his gaze on Cui Zhuning's eyes rather than the handgun. "You are here to find Mei Qianchong, and you have something to say to him. Neither of us is qualified nor capable of intervening."
Sigh, regardless of the circumstances, the three of us are colleagues in the emergency department... Alright, you go ahead and speak.
At this point, Lu Linbei had no other choice but to take two steps back and open the door.
Lu Linbei shook his head; he had a feeling that it was better to obey the orders from the outside. The two of them were merely novice spies at the bottom level, lacking information and weapons, and were completely unable to protect themselves
"No." Lu Yezhou replied, lowering his head
"In less than ten minutes," Cui Zhuning replied
Indeed, it should not be referred to as negotiation, but I fear it cannot be stated outright; this is entirely for your benefit. In our line of work, the less you know, the better.
Lu Linbei silently moved the only two dining chairs over, sitting beside the somewhat reluctant Lu Yezhou across from the sofa, trying to maintain as much distance as possible from the "guest"
Lu Linbei pondered for a moment and asked, "Since we are 'one family', what matters cannot be openly discussed and must instead be negotiated?"
"Are you seeking revenge?" Lu Linbei asked once more.
Lu Linbei and Lu Yezhou both murmured in agreement, yet they shared a singular thought: regardless of how compelling the reasons may be, after this incident, Ding Pulun would certainly not remain in the Emergency Department. His best outcome would be to preserve his life
Rest assured, we mean no harm, and I can tell you that we are— 'a family'.
Should we start making preparations
Ding Pulun waved his hand, "I don't think it's necessary. They have been quite cooperative. They are all colleagues from the emergency department, and we will see each other often in the future. I don't want it to be too awkward. You two, no matter what happens later, you won't suddenly cause any trouble, will you?"
Ding Pulun was not satisfied, "I do not understand the meaning of nodding"
Lu Linbei and Lu Yezhou exchanged a glance, unable to completely conceal their surprise.
Old Bei, Ye Zi, do not be foolish; the enemy will not be as courteous as we are
Lu Linbei hesitated for a moment before reaching out to open the door
Should we contact the con artist first?" Lu Yezhou asked softly
As a mid-level intelligence analyst, Ding Pulun seems to have not received complete spy training. He was the first to break the silence, stating, "Although you may not care, I still want to explain a bit more: my collaboration with Mr. Cui is entirely temporary. Once this matter passes, I will return to my duties at the Emergency Department. Of course, I do not participate in the open and covert struggles between the Mei and Cui families; I only perform my own responsibilities and serve the Star Alliance Committee, but I will never assist outsiders"
Lu Linbei also felt a bit guilty, but he was not as panicked as he had anticipated
"Let us begin. " Ding Pulun took the initiative, taking control of the entire situation, "There is no need to be too serious, after all, we are family. Let us start with some casual conversation. If either of you has any questions, feel free to ask."
"How could it be that serious?" Ding Pulun laughed and also stood up, "It's just a negotiation, no, it's just a conversation to clarify some matters. At that time, it might inconvenience you to stay in another room for a while, but there will definitely be no danger to your lives, whether it is for you or for Mei Qianchong. You call him Lao Qian, right? I am quite familiar with him, we can make it say we are friends. So please rest assured, it is really just borrowing your place for a while." You call him Lao Qian, right? I am quite familiar with him, we can make it say we are friends. So please rest assured, it is really just borrowing your place for a while.
Lu Yezhou pressed his lips tightly together
Lu Yezhou walked out in displeasure and threw the chopping knife into the kitchen
The status of the Cui surname in the Information Department is akin to that of the Mei surname in the Emergency Department, both being of direct lineage and authenticity
The door opened a little wider, revealing a second man, also in his twenties, dressed in sportswear, as if he had just returned from a run. He had his hands in his pockets, his expression gloomy, and his eyes averted from others.
Haha, you are quite an interesting person. The place is certainly spacious, but some things can only be said outside, as the situation is too complicated, really too complicated. Sometimes I envy you newcomers, knowing less and not having to worry so much, unlike us, sigh, it's a headache. Times have changed, push forward another five years, whether it's the Emergency Management Department or the Information Department, everyone is competing fiercely, but they follow the rules, and no one will lose their life. Gathering intelligence should have been an easy job, who would have thought it would come to this today? Times have changed, push forward another five years, whether it's the Emergency Management Department or the Information Department, everyone is competing fiercely, but they follow the rules, and no one will lose their life. Gathering intelligence should have been an easy job, who would have thought it would come to this today?
Cui Zhuning, sitting on the armrest of the sofa, expressed a bit of impatience and interjected, "Why waste words? Let’s be direct; it will save both parties some trouble"
It is very simple. Cui Zhuning's gaze was filled with threat, "This matter is strictly speaking none of your concern; it is merely to borrow your place for a while. As long as you remain honest and just sit here, there will be no issues."
Some experiences can lead to rapid maturity after just one occurrence, and a life-and-death crisis is one of them. At least for Lu Linbei, this is the case. The assassination attempt he encountered on the street not only instilled fear but also dispelled a considerable amount of it.
Lu Linbei nodded slightly
"Not the worst," Lu Linbei said, "Please take a seat"