Scholars in the courtyard.

Chapter 2950 I'm Just a Supporting Character
Yang Xiaotao was prepared for the consequences, not for any other reason than that he felt the silence had lasted too long and some people had forgotten the fear brought by the Nine Departments.

Since that's the case, let's make the lesson more profound.

As for Qing Lao's admonition, Yang Xiaotao would naturally listen and keep it in mind.

But he also knew Qing Lao's character well; he was upright and honest, and acted with integrity.

However, sometimes it lacks deterrent power.

This is especially true for those who frequently break the rules.

They always think they can break the rules, but you can't.

You need to fight back within the rules.

This is why a gentleman can be deceived by his principles!
What Yang Xiaotao wanted to do was to tell them that obeying the rules is corresponding, and to make them clear about the consequences of breaking the rules.

"Minister Yang!"

While she was thinking, Lou Xiao'e had already brought back the photocopied materials and placed them on the table.

After waiting a while, Guan Zhiyong arrived at the headquarters by car and then ran upstairs.

He didn't want to hear any news from the outside world during this period, but he had no choice but to listen to some of it.

Just hearing that one point made Guan Zhiyong furious.

Now he finally understood why headquarters had issued a notice prohibiting discussion of related topics.

There are all sorts of rumors circulating, so instead of listening to all that nonsense, it's better to focus on doing your job well.

But now he suddenly received a call from Yang Xiaotao, and the sound of his voice on the phone gave him an urge to fight.

That's right, fighting.

He didn't believe that Minister Yang would back down. Others might not know what had happened before, but he was certain of one thing: Minister Yang was never one to suffer a loss.

Calling him here now is tantamount to making arrangements before a battle.

Thinking this way, when she arrived at the office door and saw Yang Xiaotao's hurried and energetic appearance, her thoughts became even more certain.

The battle is about to begin.

In the conference room, the old Taoist priest sat leisurely in his chair, swinging his legs, looking completely idle.

Of course, this is just an appearance.

The entire research institute has been in turmoil because of the pipe materials issue. Although Lao Dao is a big man and has experienced many big events, he is still a little nervous about this project.

Especially given his position, it's impossible to say that nothing happened; he just hid it well, only showing it to the young people at the research institute.

Director An Zhongsheng shared the same thoughts as the old Taoist priest.

Of course, he was under much more pressure than the veteran.

The research institute has indeed made some achievements in recent years, but that's all in the past. Right now, their most important task is to secure the materials for the natural gas pipeline.

Especially when the project has reached a point of urgency.

Rubbing his temples, An Zhongsheng pondered his next research direction.

A breakthrough must be achieved as soon as possible.

But where is the breakthrough?

We can't just blindly do things like headless flies.

He looked up at the researchers in the room and thought to himself that he should hire more college graduates this year, since he couldn't give them all to the Alloy Bureau!
Even if the distribution is based on contributions, they should take the lion's share.

I made up my mind to find some time to say something to Director Yang.

Then I looked at the old Taoist priest, and it was hard to say what that old guy was all about.

Even if it doesn't work, there's always a sudden flash of inspiration.

It works, but when you actually need it, you can't use it!
Damn it!
crunch
The door opened, and Yang Xiaotao led Guan Zhiyong in, followed by Liu Lixue and Lou Xiao'e.

After the door closed, everyone's gaze swept over the room one by one, finally settling on the documents held in the arms of Lou Xiao'e and Liu Lixue.

At this moment, the old Taoist priest, An Zhongsheng, and everyone in the research institute were staring intently.

They all had the same thought in their minds.

Is this made?

The people in the room quieted down and watched as Lou Xiao'e and the other woman placed the materials on the table.

At this moment, I felt an impatient longing, eager for Yang Xiaotao to reveal the answer.

But when Yang Xiaotao revealed the truth, everyone's expectations turned into disappointment.

"Director An, I need you to select a group of capable personnel to form a task force to complete a mission!"

As soon as Yang Xiaotao finished speaking, everyone's expression changed.

Not only is it not what they want, but they also want to assign someone to do another study. It's a bit unreasonable to ask them to do something they don't want to do.

Seeing Yang Xiaotao's stern expression, no one dared to speak.

"Director An, are you having any difficulties?"

As soon as Yang Xiaotao finished speaking, An Zhongsheng immediately stood up and assured him, "Reporting to Director Yang, there's no problem!"

"Okay, let's choose the people now!"

"Yes!"

An Zhongsheng did not hesitate and immediately began calling out names.

Soon, a task force of six people was formed, with Xu Ning as the team leader and Wang Manshan as the deputy team leader.

After An Zhongsheng finished speaking, Yang Xiaotao looked at the person who had been called out and stood up, and then said, "Old Taoist, you join us too!"

The old Taoist priest nodded, not finding it surprising.

"Except for those called out, Director An will stay behind. Everyone else may leave!"

Yang Xiaotao spoke again, and the others immediately got up and walked out.

No one dared to speak. They all knew that it was best not to hear or ask anything they shouldn't know.

The remaining people also took Yang Xiaotao's actions seriously.

Some people even clenched their fists secretly, their faces solemn.

The meeting room door closed again. Yang Xiaotao looked at the people present and then gestured to Lou Xiao'e to distribute the materials.

"This is the production process data for zirconium alloy."

"I need you to work with the steel mill to understand it as soon as possible and produce the alloy for me."

"This research is a secret study, and no one is allowed to disclose any information to the outside world."

"Director Guan, your steel plant must fully guarantee the research and production work."

"The raw materials we need will not go through the original channels. I'll ask the Ministry of Machine Building to help us solve this problem!"

Guan Zhiyong nodded quickly, "Yes, I guarantee I'll complete the mission!"

When Yang Xiaotao said that, he understood that Yang Xiaotao didn't want others to know.

In his heart, that was Yang's trust.

Yang Xiaotao nodded and looked at everyone present again, "Comrades, this is a very difficult task, and also a very important task for the Ninth Department!"

Everyone's expression tightened; even if Yang Xiaotao hadn't said those words, the situation before them was already evident.

With serious expressions on everyone's faces, Yang Xiaotao spoke again, "Comrades!"

"My expectation period for you is one week!"

"The latest time cannot exceed ten days."

"In other words, I need you to produce results within ten days!"

"Are you confident?"

"Have!"

Everyone shouted in unison.

The pressure of the mission, the pressure from Yang Xiaotao, did not frighten them.

On the contrary, they felt a greater sense of honor in being able to contribute to the Nine Departments.

At this moment, Yang Xiaotao suddenly laughed, "Of course, if you finish it within a week, I'll give you a medal!"

After he finished speaking, everyone laughed.

"Take a thorough look at these materials as soon as possible. If you need anything, just ask Director Guan. If he can't solve it, come directly to me."

"Director An, you need to take care of both sides, and the natural gas supply cannot be delayed."

"This period may be difficult, but there's no other way. This is what we do. If we don't do it, who will?"

An Zhongsheng felt a surge of emotion, and immediately stood up and said earnestly, "Don't worry, Minister Yang, I know!"

Yang Xiaotao nodded, then left the meeting room with the others and turned to leave.

Lou Xiao'e and Liu Lixue quickly followed Yang Xiaotao away, and then the conference room fell silent.

After a moment, An Zhongsheng came to his senses and looked at everyone, saying, "Alright, stop standing there. Xu Ning, take your men and quickly sort out the data and arrange the work."

Xu Ning nodded and immediately assigned tasks.

At this moment, the old Taoist priest walked to the side and sat down with his hands behind his back, and An Zhongsheng followed him over.

"What did you figure out?"

An Zhongsheng knew that the old Taoist was incredibly shrewd and would definitely be able to see something. The old Taoist didn't hold back, whispering to An Zhongsheng, "I suspect it's related to the matter at the Second Ministry of Machine Building!"

"The Second Ministry of Machine Building?"

"That…"

In an instant, An Zhongsheng understood the purpose of this alloy material.

"In that case, we need to make this alloy material as soon as possible."

He then looked at the old Taoist priest.

The old Taoist priest stroked his slightly graying beard, his face beaming with excitement. "Of course! This is a big show, we can't let it down!"

……

come back to the office.

Yang Xiaotao sent Lou Xiao'e and Liu Lixue away. Although both of them knew that Yang Xiaotao was up to something, they were helpless in the face of his attitude.

Especially Liu Lixue, whenever Yang Xiaotao asked her to leave, it meant that she shouldn't tell her family about this.

And she did indeed abide by this rule.

There was no one else in the room, so Yang Xiaotao picked up the phone and made a call.

Mr. Chen has been living a very regular life and work schedule lately.

I came to the office in the morning to process documents, took a nap at noon, and then went home after working for a while in the afternoon.

I read the newspaper for a while in the evening and then go to sleep.

This gave him the feeling of starting his retirement life early.

In comparison, Secretary Guo has been extremely busy lately.

Not only did they have to maintain their daily work, but they also had to organize materials and documents for Mr. Chen and handle some trivial matters.

We also need to pay attention to recent events, especially those that Mr. Chen instructed us to attend to.

During this period, he had arranged for many people to inquire about the situation.

"Xiao Guo, come here for a moment."

Just as Secretary Guo was compiling the collected information and hadn't even finished organizing it, Chen Lai's voice came from the office.

Secretary Guo didn't dare to delay and quickly got up and went into the office.

"Chief."

Old Chen nodded, then picked up a document from the table and handed it over, saying, "Go to the Ninth Department and give it to Yang Xiaotao."

Secretary Guo was taken aback for a moment, but quickly recovered and took the materials, saying immediately, "Okay, I'll go right away."

"Well, let's go!"

Old Chen waved his hand, and Secretary Guo quickly took the documents and left.

After Secretary Guo left, Old Chen took his teacup and walked to the window, his face first showing helplessness and then anticipation.

"I knew you couldn't sit still."

He took a sip of tea, then chuckled, "This time, let's not cause a major disaster."

After saying that, he returned to his seat and picked up the phone.

"Hey, you guessed it, he called me."

There was a sudden silence on the other end of the phone, followed by a long sigh, "I shouldn't have let someone try to persuade him."

"Haha, this is called backfiring."

Old Chen smiled, and then the two of them hung up the phone together.

After hanging up, Yang Xiaotao dialed again.

"Dean Ji, my name is Yang Xiaotao."

"Minister Yang, hello."

Ji Xiang, who was at the Ninth People's Hospital, answered the phone and finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Even if Yang Xiaotao didn't call, she would call the other party herself to find out what to do next.

Every day, people come to see the injured person. A few days ago, I managed to fool them by saying that I couldn't be disturbed during the treatment, but recently, more and more people have been coming, and some have even brought documents to approve it. My small body can hardly handle it.

"How are those people in health?"

"Minister Yang, several people have weakened immune systems, increasing their chances of getting sick. They also need to take medication regularly!"

"There are still some people."

Ji Xiang gave a brief explanation of the illness, and then Yang Xiaotao asked, "Can you determine the cause of the illness now?"

Upon hearing this, Ji Xiang remained silent for a moment, then gritted her teeth and said, "Director Yang, it can be basically confirmed that it was caused by radiation."

"As for the reason, I personally believe it is slow radiation. When submarines are underwater for extended periods, air cannot circulate effectively, leading to the accumulation of radioactive material."

After Ji Xiang finished speaking, Yang Xiaotao roughly understood what was going on.

Who has gone there recently?

Ji Xiang quickly said, "At first, it was comrades from the Second Ministry of Machine Building who came, and then it was the Logistics Department."

"Later, a group of people came, saying they were from the accident investigation team, and they've been coming almost every day this week."

"However, none of these people went in; we stopped them outside."

Yang Xiaotao nodded, "Okay, I'll have someone send you a satellite phone later!"

"Ok."

Yang Xiaotao then hung up the phone.

In Shanghai, Zhang Wu was worrying about personnel arrangements in his office.

Just then, the phone rang, and Zhang Wu answered it casually.

"Hey!"

"Uncle, it's me."

Hearing Yang Xiaotao's voice, Zhang Wu glanced at the adjutant who was helping to organize documents in the office, then picked up the phone, turned to the side, and lowered his voice to say, "Xiaotao, what is it?"

"Uncle, are the people from the Jiaolong submersible still with you?"

"Apart from those sent to the hospital, everyone else is on standby at the base."

"Okay, is the captain here?"

"exist!"

The two answered each other quickly, then paused for a moment before Yang Xiaotao asked again, "Uncle, what are their opinions?"

Zhang Wu paused for a moment, then said, "They are very concerned about their comrades' health."

"However, they don't regret it."

Yang Xiaotao took a deep breath. "Uncle, write down the satellite phone number so they can stay in touch."

"Also, if the captain wants to come to Beijing, could you please make the arrangements?"

Zhang Wu immediately understood what Yang Xiaotao meant and said, "I'm fine here, but you must be careful."

Yang Xiaotao laughed and said, "Don't worry, I'm just a supporting character at most."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Xiaotao went out to the security department's training ground.

Liang Zuoxin is training newly recruited soldiers and preparing for a new round of special forces selection.

"Lao Liang."

On the training field, Yang Xiaotao ran to Liang Zuoxin's side and said, "I have something to do."

Liang Zuoxin turned around and saw Yang Xiaotao, just in time to hear these words, and his eyes immediately flashed with intense fighting spirit.

He was fully aware of the situation outside.

He also found out the specific reasons and knew the other party's plans.

They knew that what they cared about wasn't the soldiers' health, but rather how to achieve their own ulterior motives.

That's it.

The best way to deal with this kind of person is to make them realize their 'misplacement'. If reasoning with them doesn't work, then the only option is to 'beat' them to wake them up.

After all, so many people are willing to sacrifice their lives for the revolution. Is it not a bit disrespectful to ask them if they are willing?

Isn't that a bit silly?

Now that Yang Xiaotao says he has something to do, I instinctively feel it's time to wrap things up.

As for where this net is?

That's Yang Xiaotao's job. They just need to follow orders and help tighten the net.

"Old Liang, don't get agitated."

Seeing Liang Zuoxin's expression, Yang Xiaotao knew that the other party had misunderstood, so he quickly explained, "Don't get agitated, it's nothing, it's nothing."

Yang Xiaotao then explained about the satellite phone incident and mentioned that he would be deploying more personnel to strengthen security at the hospital.

Liang Zuoxin was still excited when he heard this, because this was the first thing Yang Xiaotao had done related to this matter during this period of time.

This means that the counterattack has begun.