The train driver in the courtyard

"Li Aiguo!"

Zhao Jitian's roar was like a thunder that broke the silence of the Gobi Desert.

These three words, wrapped in sand, exploded among the crowd like cannonballs.

The guards were in unison, their yellow clay shoes moving in unison over the gravel.

Li Aiguo looked up and saw four or five guards quickly blocking in front of him, forming a human wall.

Lao Hei's calloused palm silently pressed against the holster.

Director Li's fingers behind his back were slightly curled up, and his knuckles turned bluish white.

The yellow sand in the sky suddenly froze, everyone's pupils shrank into needle points, and the whole world held its breath at this moment.

In this chaos, the tense atmosphere became increasingly intense, as if it was a string stretched to the extreme that could break at any time.

"Zhao Jitian, what do you mean?" Director Li's voice was wrapped in the cold wind of the desert, making people's eardrums hurt.

Zhao Jitian walked forward two steps in the face of the wind and sand, and said loudly: "Director Li, we have reason to suspect that Li Aiguo is the one who sabotaged the mushroom planting work.

The serious deviation in the data calculated by the 9th Office today was most likely caused intentionally by him using a calculator.”

"Ridiculous!" Director Li shouted angrily, "Just based on this, you conclude that he is Dieter? Without solid evidence, you can't jump to conclusions!"

"Director Li, we have obtained the evidence. I know you have a good relationship with Li Aiguo, but in the face of major issues, I hope you can stand firm and live up to the trust of the organization."

Zhao Jitian’s meaning is very clear. If you protect Li Aiguo, it would be tantamount to violating organizational discipline.

This is a strategy often used by Zhao Jitian, how could Director Zhao not understand it.

"Where's the evidence?"

Zhao Jitian turned to look at Gu Keming, motioning him to present the so-called "evidence".

Gu Keming understood and took a document from the guard beside him and handed it to Director Li. "Director Li, this is some of our preliminary investigation information. Although it is not complete, all signs point to Li Aiguo."

Director Li frowned and flipped through the documents quickly, frowning slightly: "These are all groundless rumors and speculations. How can they be used as evidence?"

Director Li was an upright man and had no idea that he had fallen into Zhao Jitian's trap.

Zhao Jitian sneered twice: "It is precisely because of the doubts that the Security Corps wants to investigate Li Aiguo. Don't worry, we will not wrongly accuse a good person, nor will we let a bad person go."

Director Li reacted after hearing this, his eyes narrowed slightly: "If an investigation is needed, it should be sent by the Confidentiality Department. What does it have to do with the Security Corps?"

"Director Li, the Security Regiment is also responsible for the security of Factory 221. Why can't they come forward?" Zhao Jitian stared at Director Li. "Or do you think the Security Regiment is not trustworthy and has wronged Comrade Li Aiguo?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Second Battalion Commander Gu Keming puffed out his chest, and the guards behind him all showed angry expressions.

This is what it means to be unreasonable and what it means to use someone else's force to defeat him.

Director Li is the nominal head of Factory 221. If he disagrees with the security regiment carrying out the investigation, it would mean that he does not trust his subordinates and is not united with the masses.

Li Aiguo sighed in his heart. As a leader who came from the army, Director Li was an expert in fighting and charging.

But here, it seems too upright.

Chief Li was still struggling with the evidence, not realizing that the other party's intention was not to find the truth at all.

Under such circumstances, it is natural for Director Li to be passive.

Director Li also realized his predicament at this time. He opened his mouth several times, not knowing how to refute Zhao Jitian.

At this moment, Li Aiguo suddenly turned his head and looked at Director Li: "I don't know what happened that made Deputy Director Zhao misunderstand me as Dieter. But I believe that under the leadership of Director Li, the Ninth Bureau will definitely be able to investigate the matter thoroughly."

His meaning was very simple: the calculator is the equipment of the Ninth Bureau, and I, Li Aiguo, am an expert from the Red Star Computing Institute assigned to the Ninth Bureau. You, the director, should quickly seize the investigation authority.

When Zhao Jitian heard this, he immediately felt something was wrong and wanted to stop it, but Director Li had already understood.

"Director Zhao, this matter is of great importance. We should indeed conduct a serious investigation." Director Li looked at the guards behind him and said, "Detain Li Aiguo and bring him back to the Ninth Bureau."

"Yes!" The guards strode forward.

They had just taken the rope from the truck to tie up Li Aiguo's arms, but Li Aiguo had already pulled out the belt and tied his own hands.

Guards: “.”

Doesn’t Commissioner Li know what fear is?

Zhao Jitian also began to murmur in his heart. Logically, Li Aiguo should beg for mercy and beg Director Li.

But why are you so calm now?

Does Li Aiguo have any intention?
But at this time, Zhao Jitian had no time to think deeply.

He absolutely could not tolerate things being abandoned halfway, so he quickly gave Gu Keming a wink.

Gu Keming and his guards suddenly blocked the way.

Director Li's face turned serious: "Zhao Jitian, this is our Ninth Bureau's internal affairs, it has nothing to do with your preparatory office!"

"The suspicious points were discovered by our 221 Factory Preparatory Office, and we also have the right to investigate." Zhao Jitian said, and winked at Gu Keming again.

Gu Keming was still a little hesitant, but after receiving the signal, he gritted his teeth and whispered, "Raise your guns!"

Clatter, clatter, the sound of metal bolts hitting each other came one after another.

The guards of the Second Battalion raised their rifles.

The tense situation at the scene escalated again.

Director Li never thought that Zhao Jitian would actually dare to take action. At this time, he realized that the situation seemed to be more serious than he had imagined.

"Gu Keming, what are you doing? The gun is pointed at the enemy, how can you point it at your own comrades? Quickly order them to put down their guns."

Gu Keming bit his lip and insisted: "Director Li, according to the rules and regulations of 221, our security regiment is directly under the jurisdiction of the preparatory office. I am just following orders."

"Gu Keming, don't forget your identity!" Director Li said again in a stern voice when he saw that Gu Keming did not move. "You are a guard protecting confidential projects, not a tool for some people to do whatever they want! If you continue to do it, it will easily cause panic in the factory."

Zhao Jitian's heart tightened. He didn't expect Director Li to speak so harshly and directly point out his intention.

But he still pretended to be calm and lit a cigarette: "Only class enemies are afraid, Director Li, I think you are blinded. Li Aiguo is a serious suspect, we are just performing our duties. But you have been protecting Li Aiguo, which has violated organizational discipline."

After that, Zhao Jitian gave Gu Keming an order: "Please perform your duties. If you encounter anyone who dares to resist, you can shoot directly."

As soon as this order came out, Zhao Jitian undoubtedly had a complete break with Director Li.

On the surface, Gu Keming's shouting just now seemed to be deafening, but in fact, he was a little scared inside and was hesitant to order the guards to take action.

At the same time, the guards had already raised their guns, and Lao Hei quickly pulled out his pistol.

The two sides were on the verge of a fight, and the situation on the scene instantly came to a stalemate.

The workers outside were too far away to hear the conversation and had no idea what was going on.

But seeing everyone on the verge of a fight, they realized that something big was happening.

Liu Hong whispered: "Xiao Meng, it seems that the train driver is in big trouble. We have to stay away from him later."

Zhou Xiaomeng didn't say anything, but the hand that was holding Liu Hong's arm was trembling slightly.

At this moment, a figure separated from the crowd and came in from outside.

He held a cigarette in his mouth, his hands behind his back, and walked in a square step, with great vigor and speed.

When Director Li saw that the person coming was Lao Mao, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

When Zhao Jitian saw Team Leader Cat, he felt a little nervous, but he didn't take the old cat seriously.

After all, in his opinion, Lao Mao was just a team leader of the Meteorological Bureau. Compared with the "contest" between him and Director Li, he was not qualified at all and was far from being able to intervene.

Zhao Jitian did not make any move to stop him, and Gu Keming naturally did not step forward to stop Lao Mao.

Just like that, the old cat strolled in leisurely.

"Everyone is busy." The old cat seemed not to notice anything.

As he walked, he looked at the canteen director and said, "Captain Seven, it's already dinner time, why haven't you cooked yet?"

"Ah?!" This nonsensical sentence instantly attracted everyone's attention to the captain of the seventh company.

Zhao Jitian also subconsciously turned his head to look.

In the blink of an eye, a black light flashed.

Before Zhao Jitian could react, he felt a chill on his forehead and a black gun was already pointed at his forehead.

"Old Cat, what are you doing? Put down your gun!"

Zhao Jitian was so shocked and angry that he couldn't even hold the cigarette in his mouth, and it fell directly to the ground.

"What? Only you, the preparatory office, can use the guns, but I, Old Cat, can't?"

Lao Mao turned sideways and used Zhao Jitian as a shield to block Gu Keming's gun.

At the same time, he pointed the gun at the back of Zhao Jitian's head and said coldly, "Director Zhao, which one do you think is faster, Xiao Gu's gun or mine?"

At this time, Zhao Jitian was so frightened that sweat was already pouring down his face.

Especially when he heard that Lao Mao fired the gun in his personal capacity and not on behalf of the Confidentiality Bureau, he immediately understood that this guy was serious.

Even though Zhao Jitian usually brags a lot, when it comes to a life-and-death situation, he is not willing to exchange his life with that of the old cat.

Just kidding, as the deputy director of the preparatory office, he has a bright future.

But Lao Mao was just a comrade from the Meteorological Bureau. In his eyes, he was nothing more than a "rotten life".

Zhao Jitian made a decision in an instant and took a deep breath: "Ahem, Comrade Lao Mao, you may have misunderstood."

"Misunderstood?"

"What a misunderstanding." Zhao Jitian smiled and said, "Just now I was discussing this with Director Li on behalf of the Preparatory Office."

"Has it been discussed?"

Lao Mao's wrist stiffened, and the muzzle of the gun was pressing against Zhao Jitian, causing him to suck in his breath.

He nodded hurriedly: "We have definitely discussed it! Our preparatory office has decided to jointly investigate this matter with the Ninth Bureau. Director Li will be the head of the investigation team. What do you think?"

“I think it’s a bit unfair.”

"what?"

"Where are the investigators? I think the investigation should be jointly conducted by the Confidentiality Department and the Security Corps." Old Cat said coldly.

Zhao Jitian realized that his clever trick had been discovered, and could only smile awkwardly: "Yes, yes, yes, I'll do as you say."

"Hey, Director Zhao, you didn't listen to me. This is the result of your discussion with Director Li." Lao Mao reminded him.

"Yes Yes Yes"

"What about now?" The old cat tilted his head and raised his chin towards Gu Keming.

Zhao Jitian knew what Lao Mao meant. He turned his head and glared at Gu Keming: "Second Battalion Commander, put your gun down immediately."

Gu Keming felt a little aggrieved. He had the overall situation under control, but Lao Mao did not play according to common sense. However, he could only follow orders at this time.

In fact, Gu Keming didn't think about it carefully. He appeared here with the guards of the second battalion, which caught Director Li off guard.

The guards put away their guns. Director Li gave orders to the guards, and the guards also put away their guns. The situation at the scene instantly eased.

At this time, Zhao Jitian still had a gun pointed at his head.

Zhao Jitian grinned and said, "Team Leader Cat, does this thing hurt a lot now?"

Only then did Lao Mao put away his pistol.

But before putting away the gun, he whispered in Zhao Jitian's ear: "Director Zhao, the people in our Meteorological Bureau crawled out of the pile of dead bodies."

Zhao Jitian said with an awkward expression: "Team Leader Mao, for the sake of Li Aiguo, are you willing to risk your entire future?"

"He is my brother." Lao Mao put the pistol into the holster and ignored Zhao Jitian.

He walked straight up to Li Aiguo and said, "Comrade Li Aiguo, now we need you to cooperate with the investigation. I hope you can correct your attitude!"

Zhao Jitian looked at the old cat and his face turned pale.

He realized that he seemed to have overlooked something - Director Li took into account the unity of Factory 221 and would make concessions on many things.

These guys at the weather station don't have such a high level of ideological awareness.

However, Zhao Jitian was not panicked, after all, Big Brother's data would not be wrong.

When the joint investigation team gets to the bottom of the matter, that will be the day when Lao Mao and his gang will be destroyed.

After a while.

The workers of Factory 221 enjoyed a wonderful sight. The train driver from Beijing was escorted by a group of people to a room in the warm building.

This is not strange. What is strange is that the personnel responsible for the escort came from three departments.

One is the Second Battalion of the Guard Regiment led by Gu Keming.

One is Director Li’s guard company.

The last one is the gray Zhongshan suit from the Confidential Department.

Liu Hong stood in the crowd, completely stunned: "What terrible crime did this guy commit?"

She grabbed Zhou Xiaomeng's arm and said, "Xiaomeng, from today on, you don't know this Li Aiguo. You must remember what I said."

Zhou Xiaomeng watched Li Aiguo being taken away and whispered, "The train driver, it seems like he hasn't eaten yet."

As night falls, the lights in the previously busy Jiusuo are dim.

Director Deng and others were shocked when they learned that Li Aiguo had been arrested.

They all put down their work and came to Director Li's tent.

"Old Deng, you came at the right time. I just had a conversation with Comrade Aiguo.

He asked me to tell you not to panic, as long as you check the data step by step, you will be able to find out the truth. "

With the comfort of Director Li, Director Deng and the comrades from the Ninth Institute finally felt relieved.

Director Deng stated on the spot that even if he had to give up five kilograms of flesh, he would recalculate it twice as soon as possible to help Li Aiguo clear the injustice.

After the comrades from the Ninth Institute left.

Director Li picked up the tea poured by Deputy Director Zhu, took a sip, and looked up at his deputy.

"Old Zhu, I thought everyone came to the Gobi Desert because of the same dream. What happened today is a lesson for me."

Deputy Director Zhu understood what Director Li meant.

In the past, Director Li, as the director of the Ninth Bureau, had the authority to handle work within Factory 221.

Deputy Director Zhu had reminded Director Li several times to pay more attention to the small actions of some comrades in Factory 221.

However, in order to avoid suspicion and more out of trust in the Preparatory Office of Factory 221, Director Li rarely exercised this power.

But today, he was surrounded by the deputy director of the preparatory office and his men. If it wasn't for Lao Mao who suddenly broke the rules and held Zhao Jitian hostage with a gun.

In order to consider the overall situation, he could only watch Li Aiguo being taken away by Zhao Jitian.

Director Li was also a general commanding thousands of troops before liberation. How could he not realize that something was wrong?

"Director, the situation inside Factory 221 is very complicated"

Deputy Director Zhu secretly breathed a sigh of relief. As long as Director Li realized this, things would be easier in the future.

Because the situation inside Factory 221 was complicated, Deputy Director Zhu did not comment too much and instead analyzed today's events.

"Director, Comrade Lao Mao is too bold today. Will Zhao Jitian report this to the higher-ups? Should we prepare in advance?"

Director Li waved his hand and said, "No need, we are all in the dark.

Zhao Jitian's behavior today has gone too far. If he dares to complain to his superiors, he will probably be the one to be punished."

You should know that Director Li is the top leader in the Gobi Desert.

He was appointed personally by the Deputy Chief of the General Staff and the Minister of the Second Ministry of Machine Building, and his status was extraordinary.

However, there was one thing that Director Li couldn’t understand: Li Aiguo was too calm today.

When Lao Mao rushed in and took Zhao Jitian hostage, everyone was stunned.

Li Aiguo smoked with a calm expression, as if he already knew what would happen.

"Could it be that this guy arranged the whole thing?" As soon as this thought came to his mind, Director Li quickly shook his head.

"Impossible. Even I didn't expect Zhao Jitian to dare to attack. Li Aiguo doesn't even know Zhao Jitian, so how could he have expected that?"

The 221 Preparatory Office at this time.

Zhao Jitian was furious in the office.

"He pointed a gun at my head in front of all the factory workers. He really thinks he can do whatever he wants just because he has the weather station as his backer."

"If it weren't for 10..." Zhao Jitian was halfway through his words when he saw Gu Keming prick up his ears and quickly swallowed the rest of his words.

Gu Keming quickly stood up and pretended that he didn't notice anything, but he began to wonder who Director Zhao's backer was.

10后面应该还有一个数字，103？104？102？还是10
Suddenly, a figure appeared in Gu Keming's mind and his eyes widened suddenly.

No wonder Director Zhao dared to go against Director Li, it turns out he has found a powerful backer.

"Gu Keming, Gu Keming!"

Zhao Jitian shouted twice, but seeing that Gu Keming did not respond, he got so angry that he picked up the enamel pot and threw it at him.

The enamel pot flew past Gu Keming's shoulder. He was startled and stood at attention quickly.

"Director, Old Cat actually dared to pull a gun on you. I think you should report this to your superiors."

“Gu Keming, this is not a job you should care about.”

Zhao Jitian knocked on the table and said, "Keep an eye on Li Aiguo these days. You know what to do."

"Know what?" Gu Keming was stunned.

Zhao Jitian whispered something in his ear.

Gu Keming's eyes widened little by little, and he looked a little embarrassed: "Director, it's not appropriate to not let people eat and sleep.

I think we should focus on the investigation.”

“Gu Keming, everything we do is for the great cause of mushroom cultivation.

I believe that the people have sharp eyes and can understand everything we do!
"Zhao Jitian waved his hand heavily: "You follow the order!"

"Yes!" Gu Keming saluted, turned and left.

Zhao Jitian heard the footsteps gradually fading away, stood up, closed the door, and walked to the desk.

He picked up a red telephone, and after the call was connected, he lowered his voice and reported what had happened today into the microphone.

I don't know what the other side said.

Zhao Jitian nodded repeatedly into the phone: "Don't worry, I will definitely find evidence. We can't let Lao Li and his men go further and further in the wrong direction."

The person on the other end hung up the phone. Listening to the beeping sound coming from the receiver, Zhao Jitian took a while to hang up the phone.

At this moment, his face was full of excitement, and he looked four or five years younger.

"What the hell is Diao Deyi doing? Is their surname Jiang or Wang? I'm going to ask her indirectly. I have to observe her and guard against her."

Light a cigarette and hum the tune of Sha Jia Bang.

Zhao Jitian felt as if he was about to reach the peak of his life.

*****
On the other side, Gu Keming had already arrived at the warm building.

This is the best accommodation building in Factory 221.

It is built of red bricks and the ground is paved with green bricks.

Li Aiguo was detained by temporary workers in a room near the corner of the fifth floor.

There are three checkpoints, one at the confidentiality department, one at the guard regiment, and the last one is guarded by guards from two guard companies.

Gu Keming went up the stairs with his hands behind his back. As soon as he reached the fifth floor, he was stopped by Lao Hei and his men.

"Second Battalion Commander, please stop."

Gu Keming looked at the guards from the security regiment behind Lao Hei.

The squad leader caught Gu Keming's gaze and helplessly spread his hands towards him.

The meaning is obvious: they can't control Lao Hei either.

"Comrade Laohei, I am here to interrogate Li Aiguo." Gu Keming took a deep breath.

The old man sternly said, "Director Li has instructed that no one is allowed to interrogate Comrade Li Aiguo without him present."

Gu Keming: “.”

He took a deep breath and said, "I want to meet Li Aiguo."

The old man frowned and said, "Director Li has instructed that no one can meet Li Aiguo without his note."

Gu Keming: “.”

Just then, the old cat came up the stairs.

He was holding a bottle of Moutai in one hand and an oil-paper bag in the other, which seemed to contain peanuts.

The corridor was too narrow for two people to pass through. When he saw Lao Mao, Gu Keming subconsciously turned his body to the side and nodded to greet Lao Mao.

"Captain Cat, you are here."

The old cat saw Gu Keming, but ignored him and walked towards the dormitory with a swagger.

Looking at the figure of the old cat, Gu Keming asked: "What's wrong with him?"

The old man frowned and said, "Comrade Lao Mao has a note from Director Li."

Gu Keming: “.”

Unable to bring him to trial, yet still able to drink Maotai, Gu Keming was confused for a moment as to whether Li Aiguo was a prisoner being interrogated or a guest coming for recuperation.

But at this moment he suddenly realized that he seemed to have no solution at all.

"Hehe, Brother Hei, today's matter is just official business, please don't mind it." Gu Keming took a deep breath and smiled awkwardly.

He turned around and was about to leave.

"Xiao Gu, I remember when I pulled you back from the wolf's mouth, you asked me why I risked my life to save you."

Hearing Lao Hei's voice from behind, Gu Keming froze in place.

"I told you at the time that we were on the same path and were true comrades. But now, I think you've gone astray."

Gu Keming was shocked, hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and went down the stairs.

Looking at his back, Lao Hei sighed silently and muttered softly: "A few days ago, Aiguo told me that this road is too difficult, and the number of people who can walk all the way to the end will become fewer and fewer. I didn't believe it at first, but now it seems..."

****
At this time, Lao Mao had already pushed open the door and entered the dormitory.

Seeing Li Aiguo leaning on the bed reading a book, he put the Moutai and peanuts on the table and said with a smile: "You are not in a hurry."

"With your brother helping me, why should I worry?"

"Oh, Moutai, it's corrupt, Comrade Lao Mao, you are corrupt."

Li Aiguo poured a glass of wine, drank it all, then picked up some peanuts and put them in his mouth, which were crunchy.

"This is the first time that confidential materials have been successfully transported to the Gobi Desert. The leader of the ministry gave it to me."

The old cat looked at Li Aiguo's leisurely look and suddenly asked, "Aiguo, now that the plan has begun, what exactly are you planning?"

As soon as the words came out of his mouth, the old cat realized that he had made a mistake.

As an old comrade at the meteorological station, he knew too well the rule that one should not ask questions that should not be asked.

But he couldn't help it.

This story started this morning. As soon as Lao Mao got up, Li Aiguo called him into the tent.

Li Aiguo gave him a gun and then handed him the telegram sent by the farmer.

There was only one line of words on the telegram: Follow the driver's orders in everything.

The old cat didn't care at first.

After all, the Tiangang has been overthrown now, and Lao Mao often follows Li Aiguo's orders to carry out tasks.

However, the old cat never expected it.

This "everything" actually included asking him to hold a deputy director of the preparatory office hostage with a pistol.

(End of this chapter)