You, a living person, are telling me I've served in the underworld for ten years?

"Summon them! Immediately!"

Jiang He's voice was resolute, carrying an unprecedented sense of seriousness and command.

"Put aside all non-core tasks! Gather all the key personnel you can find! We must analyze the situation immediately! There is no time to lose!"

The information traveled like a thunderclap, instantly reaching the core network.

Three hours later.

A secret safe house in the east of the city, converted from an old warehouse.

The heavy metal gate closed shut, shutting out all the noise and light from the outside world.

The cold light of the incandescent bulb illuminated the rough alloy table in the center of the empty hall. The atmosphere was as tense as a fully drawn bowstring.

A group of people sat around the table.

The main character is Jiang He, whose face is as somber and iron-like.

To his left stood Qiuniu, a towering figure like a silent iron tower, his face bearing several old scars, his aura as deep and unfathomable as the sea. To his right was Su Meng, a seemingly ordinary data analysis genius dressed in a plaid shirt and jeans, but with eyes as sharp as a scanner, his fingers constantly tapping on the virtual keyboard in front of him.

Next to Qiuniu was Xing San, whose face was sallow and looked sickly, but whose fingers were unusually nimble as he carefully examined the patterns on a piece of armor.

Next to Su Meng sat Liu Yu, whose demeanor was as if she had stepped out of a classical painting, listening quietly.

Chen Yang leaned against one side.

Jiang He didn't waste a single word, his gaze sweeping over everyone like lightning.

"Emergency mobilization! The reason is self-evident."

The information Chen Yang brought back, combined with the data Su Meng had been collecting, pointed to one fact—genetic agents and equipment were no longer the single point we initially identified! Instead… it was a web that was spreading rapidly!

His voice echoed through the spacious warehouse.

"The objectives must be adjusted! From now on, all intelligence priorities are to be reassigned."

We are fully committed to tracking down all sources related to gene technology, suspicious funding chains, special talent mobility records, and clues to undiscovered underground facilities! Our primary objective is to identify the core supply chain of the Heavenly Alliance and its most closely connected upstream companies and families! We must expose the true 'big spider'!

"Boss."

Xing San broke the silence first, his chameleon-like fingers repeatedly twisting the cold matrix fragment of the Zhou family, his brows furrowed.

"I have a preliminary understanding of the fragments."

The one belonging to the man in black was the oldest and most lifeless, like an early prototype made with inferior materials; Wang Shengxiong's piece was vibrant, like it was alive; the Zhou family's piece... felt sealed by a powerful energy fluctuation, a bit cold, and a bit hard.

He looked at Chen Yang.

"When you make a move, you feel your energy being suppressed?"

Chen Yang nodded.

"Yes. The sense of suppression is very strong. When they make a move, their power is very concentrated, but it feels like they are being restrained and cannot be fully exerted."

Su Meng immediately responded, her fingers swiping rapidly across the tablet.

"The analysis report has just been partially updated! Preliminary comparison and screening based on the texture feature scanning database."

The pattern of the black-clad man's armor fragments is similar to the crude modifications found in some black clinics in South America; the geometric matrix pattern of the Zhou family's armor has been simulated in three high-risk laboratories in North America that involve brain-computer interfaces and neural enhancements! But it is only similar, and there are still significant differences in the details.

Wang Shengxiong's piece... the texture cannot be modeled and compared, the activity data is too abnormal, and it is severely interfered with by unknown energy.

The reverse engineering progress at Tiangong is stuck at 3.7%, with the cracking tool showing signs of logical failure when it comes into contact with live samples.

Liu Yu's gentle voice carried a rational tone.

"The parallel development of multiple technological paths means that the market may have become fragmented."

Although Tiandao Alliance possesses core active gene technology, its upstream raw material suppliers and contract manufacturers may have already penetrated multiple lines of the industrial chain.

Tracing the financial chain by starting with the rare medicinal biological raw material extracts at the source might be more valuable than blindly screening downstream buyers. I've come across several hidden accounts within my family that point to a recent surge in cross-border smuggling of a type of algae called 'Originium algae,' which strongly overlaps with the culture medium components of some gene-based drugs, warranting further investigation.

Qiuniu's voice, like muffled thunder, rang out, carrying the unique simplicity and killing intent of a soldier.

"No matter how many lines there are, there is only one core! Find the one that is most closely connected to the Heavenly Dao Alliance! Continue to follow Chen Yang's line closely with the 'Third Uncle' behind Wang Shengxiong. If necessary... you can risk creating a reason for Wang Shengxiong to take you to see his Third Uncle!"
Other subplots and clues: Xing San focuses on key hidden lines and traces their origins; Su Meng provides technical support; Liu Yu uses her family network to provide cover and deeper information.

But remember—all methods! Avoid alerting the enemy! We're pulling weeds out of a minefield; we're looking for the biggest one!

Jiang He looked around at everyone and slammed his fist on the table.

"It's settled then! Cross-validation, following the clues! Qiuniu will be responsible for tracking possible secret production line locations; Xing San and Su Meng will collaborate, focusing on matching raw material origins and process characteristics; Chen Yang will continue to maintain the depth of infiltration along both lines, with a key breakthrough on Wang Shengxiong and the person behind him!"
Liu Yu is in charge of intelligence gathering, analysis, and modeling! Meeting adjourned! Everyone on your own! Efficiency is key!

Everyone stood up without saying a word. The heavy metal door opened and closed, and several figures quickly disappeared at the ends of the safety passages leading in different directions.

The air was thick with a lingering sense of urgency, and the three metal fragments lying silently on the table revealed a great crisis and the prelude to change.

Leaving the hidden warehouse safe house, Chen Yang's fatigue was replaced by a deeper sense of urgency.

He quickly reintegrated into the city's traffic and crowds, like a drop of water flowing into the ocean, instantly covering up any trace that shouldn't exist.

It's approaching noon.

Sunlight streamed through the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the CEO's office area on the top floor of the Dave Trade Building in a dazzling yet impersonal golden glow. The corridor echoed with the rhythmic footsteps, carrying an air of elite indifference, and the rustling of pages turning.

Chen Yang changed into the high-quality assistant's suit, and his aura once again became deep and reserved.

He knocked on Lina's assistant's office, which was next to Jack's office, right on time.

"Come in."

Lina's cool voice came through.

As I entered, Lina was still dressed in a simple yet well-tailored suit, sitting upright behind her large desk working on documents.

The intermittent anxiety caused by the clash of Eastern and Western bloodlines seemed to be temporarily suppressed by a strong focus on work, revealing a certain competence and detachment.

Just then.

A series of slightly hurried footsteps came from outside the door, along with a voice that had a strong foreign accent, was deliberately lowered in its eagerness, but still sounded abrupt.

Oh! Lina! Darling!
They said you were back these past few days! God! I dropped everything and came right away!

The office door was pushed open without prior notice!

A tall, upright Western youth with dazzling blond hair strode in.

He wore a tailored Italian-made suit, his face with deep, sculpted features like a Greek statue, and his azure eyes, like the clearest waters of the Aegean Sea, were filled with undisguised passion and admiration. His gaze was fixed on Lina, as if Chen Yang in the office was merely an eyesore of furniture.

Lina frowned, looked up from her documents, and stared coldly at the door. "John. What brings you here? I'm working."

Her tone was flat and indifferent, carrying a deliberate sense of distance.

"Work?"

The blond youth called John seemed completely oblivious to the coldness in his tone, taking two steps forward and becoming increasingly enthusiastic.

“Oh my god, when can’t you work? What you need is rest and sunshine on the beach! I’ve already booked a private plane to Phuket this afternoon! You know, I’m on a private island over there…”

He seemed to have finally "discovered" Chen Yang, who stood quietly like a pillar.

When John's gaze fell on Chen Yang and he saw that he was wearing a business suit from the Dave Group, and more importantly, Lina showed no reaction to his presence and seemed completely at ease... John's perfect, sunny smile froze for a moment!
Deep within his azure eyes, a sharp, icy scrutiny and displeasure flashed like a venomous snake!

This is absolutely not the attitude one should have towards an ordinary assistant!

"Oh?"

For the first time, John's voice carried a questioning quality that was cold, in addition to his enthusiasm.

He walked up to Chen Yang, his posture still elegant, but his gaze was like a probe scraping over every inch of Chen Yang's body, his tone carrying a condescending scrutiny.

"This person... looks unfamiliar? New? Assistant? Personal assistant?"

"Personal assistant?"

Chen Yang slightly raised his eyes, his gaze calm and unwavering, his body maintaining a professional, slightly bowed posture, and his voice steady and clear.

"Yes, Mr. John, I am Miss Lina's security and administrative assistant. It's my job."

This humble yet assertive reply was like a thorn piercing John's arrogant nerves.

"Responsibilities?"

The icy chill in his azure eyes deepened, even carrying a hint of undisguised disdain.

"How much personal service? Is it for safety? Or 'perfect service'?"

He deliberately dragged out his pronunciation, his words like poisoned needles, carrying a Western aristocratic tone of sarcasm, aimed straight at Chen Yang's vitals.

The air in the office seemed frozen.

Lina suddenly stood up, her porcelain-white and delicate face as if covered with a layer of frost, her eyes sharp as if they could scrape bones.

"John Dane! Watch your words!"
This is the headquarters of the Dave Group, not your yacht overflowing with cheap champagne! My work arrangements and my assistant selections require no explanation to you! I have no obligation to accept your slander and conjecture! Now, please leave! Immediately!

Her voice wasn't loud, but every word was like an icicle falling to the ground, carrying the unquestionable sharpness of someone in a superior position.

John's smile froze completely, as if a perfect mask had suddenly shattered.

No one had ever dared to contradict or even drive him away so openly! Especially not for an Eastern man he looked down on!
He stared at Chen Yang with eyes like a venomous snake locking onto its prey.

"Hmph..." He forced a threatening snort through gritted teeth before abruptly turning his head and forcing a twisted, hypocritical smile at Lina.

"Oh, dear Lina, please forgive my abruptness... I was so excited to see you that I spoke without thinking."

But as for you… you know my feelings will never change, no matter what kind of people surround you…

He deliberately emphasized the word "identity," then stopped looking at Chen Yang altogether, as if even a glance would taint his eyes. He strode away from the office, his face contorted with embarrassment and resentment, slamming the door shut with a loud bang!
The turmoil has temporarily subsided.

Lina sat down again, her chest heaving slightly, clearly quite angry at John's rudeness.

She took a breath and spoke to Chen Yang, who had remained silent beside her.

"I'm sorry, 'Assistant Zhang,' for bothering you unnecessarily."

He's just a...spoiled megalomaniac.

"It's within my duty, Miss, please don't mind."

Chen Yang's tone remained calm, as if he wasn't the protagonist of the heated exchange just now.

It was lunchtime.

Lina, seemingly wanting to completely distance herself from any potential harassment from John, and also with a sense of compensation, took the initiative to speak to Chen Yang.

"Assistant Zhang, you must be tired after working all day. I know there's a new local restaurant nearby with a good reputation. Would you do me the honor of going to try it? It's a way of... rewarding you for your hard work this morning."

"it is good."

Chen Yang nodded.

As the assistant he was playing, he naturally couldn't refuse the boss's daughter's reasonable request.

The restaurant boasts an elegant ambiance and specializes in traditional fusion cuisine. Just as the exquisite dishes were served, that persistent, haunting figure reappeared!
John somehow got wind of the news and ended up going to the restaurant too!

His perfect, sunny smile returned to his face, as if the unpleasantness of the morning had never happened. He walked straight over, pulled out a chair, and was about to sit down.

"Lina! What a coincidence! It seems you also appreciate the food at this restaurant? I'm also quite hungry, shall we eat together?"

"I'm sorry, the seats are full."

Lina didn't even look at him. She elegantly picked up a piece of cabbage heart with her chopsticks, speaking as if shooing away a fly.

"We are discussing serious matters and do not wish to be disturbed."

John's outstretched hand, ready to pull out the chair, froze in mid-air, and the smile on his face instantly turned into a gloomy expression.

He forcibly suppressed his anger, turned his gaze to Chen Yang opposite Lina, and his tone suddenly turned cold.

"What? An assistant can talk to Lina about 'business' now? Since when did Dave's Group start having assistants give reports during meals? Or... do you need to settle your 'business' privately behind the table?"

This was practically an insult! The harsh mockery drew sidelong glances from several other tables of guests.

Chen Yang held the chopsticks without pausing, picked up a piece of fish meat with the bones removed, put it in his mouth, chewed, and swallowed.

Throughout the entire process, he didn't even lift his eyelids, as if John's malicious words were nothing more than a passing noise outside the window.

His calmness at that moment was the best response to the other party's extreme contempt!
"John Dane!"

Lina was furious. She slammed her chopsticks down on the bone plate, making a crisp sound.

"Get out of here right now! Otherwise, I don't mind having security 'escort' you out! Or having the security department assess the potential threat you pose to your father's collaborative project!"

After the "threat" and security were brought up, John's face finally fell completely.

He let out a heavy snort, glaring at Chen Yang like a wounded beast, his eyes filled with resentment and a determination for revenge, before finally turning and storming off. (End of Chapter)