Courtyard House: A System Connecting Two Worlds, Resources for the Nation

Judging that Zhou Feng was already fast asleep, the agents who were changing shifts quietly took their positions, bringing with them Sun Yue's instructions to call Bai Ling and the team that had been on duty during the day back to headquarters.

On the way back, everyone sighed deeply, knowing full well that they were in for a scolding.

The conference room was now filled with smoke. Sun Yue sat in the main seat with a gloomy face, the cigarette in his hand burning down to the butt, which he then extinguished.

He didn't slam his fist on the table or glare at them; his voice was even somewhat low. But the more he did this, the more uneasy the group of people standing opposite him felt.

They would rather Sun Yue be furious and cursing than face him in this state; it was clear that he was genuinely angry this time.

"Comrade Bai Ling, and the rest of you."

Sun Yue's gaze swept over everyone present, and he slowly asked, "What tasks has the organization assigned you? What is the highest priority?"

Bai Ling immediately straightened her back, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke: "Report, the mission is to absolutely guarantee Comrade Zhou Feng's personal safety without his knowledge, and to do our utmost to gain his trust! Target...target safety is the highest priority!"

"Repeat it!"

Sun Yue's voice suddenly rose in pitch, causing everyone present to tremble.

"Under the circumstances of Comrade Zhou Feng's absence, his personal safety will be absolutely guaranteed! Target safety is the highest priority!"

"So... your top priority is to make sure the target has a triangular scraper stuck in their stomach, is that right?"

Sun Yue's soft voice reached everyone's ears, and all the agents present lowered their heads in shame, their faces burning with embarrassment.

But his criticism was far from over. As he paced back and forth, Sun Yue stood in front of Bai Ling.

He wasn't tall and always had a smiling face, but the oppressive feeling that Sun Yue brought at this moment made Bai Ling almost unable to breathe.

"Comrade Bai Ling, when Director Wang of the Municipal Bureau recommended you, he gave his full assurance, saying that you are exceptionally capable and meticulous!"

"That's why we're entrusting you with the most crucial and important task!"

"You think you're so 'outstanding'? So 'outstanding' that right under your nose, your protected person was held hostage at knifepoint by a teenager?"

The voice wasn't loud, but every word struck Bai Ling's heart, instantly turning her originally fair cheeks bright red.

Her eyes uncontrollably reddened, and tears began to well up in them, but she bit her lip tightly, stubbornly refusing to let the tears fall.

The main responsibility for today's blunder does indeed lie with her. No matter how harsh the scolding from Director Sun is, she has to endure it.

"Old Sun, this was indeed our mistake. But thankfully, it ended without any serious consequences, right...?"

Seeing this, the deputy director tried to smooth things over, but Sun Yue suddenly turned around, staring intently at him, his eyes bloodshot and his voice hoarse with rage.

"Is it something? Are you still thinking of saying 'a stroke of luck amidst misfortune'?"

"I'm telling you, there's no such thing as 'what if'! What if that kid's hand slipped today? What if Bai Ling was a beat slow to react?"

Sun Yue slammed his fist on the desk, causing the stack of books on it to scatter to the floor, but he seemed not to see it, staring intently at the group of people in front of him.

"The higher-ups have assembled a working group comprised of the nation's top experts, working day and night to study what technologies we can acquire from the future! How to guide Comrade Zhou Feng! How many eyes are watching our progress here?"

"What if... I mean, what if something goes wrong! How am I supposed to report to the leadership? How am I supposed to tell those comrades who are full of expectations?"

"Are we supposed to just say, 'Comrades, you don't need to investigate anymore. Our intelligence work wasn't up to par, and he was scared off by a petty thug'?"

"Can you even bring yourself to say 'I'm asking you to report to the leadership'?"

Sun Yue's roar echoed throughout the office area, and everyone present lowered their heads again, their faces burning, wishing they could disappear into the ground.

Yes, if Zhou Feng were to get into trouble because of their negligence, how would they face their comrades who have devoted themselves to the country's prosperity and strength?

How can I bear the disappointed looks in my comrades' eyes!

That would be a crime deserving of ten thousand deaths!

After venting his anger, Sun Yue sat back down in his seat, panting heavily. He picked up a glass of cold tea and took a big gulp to suppress his rage.

"I know that many of you are having reservations, feeling that it's making a mountain out of a molehill and a waste of resources for so many of us rigorously trained elites to spend all our time focusing on Zhou Feng, a seemingly ordinary young man! Some have even expressed their dissatisfaction to me, both openly and secretly!"

Sun Yue's sharp gaze swept over everyone present once again.

"But I'm making this clear today! Zhou Feng's work concerns the development of the Dragon Nation and the rise of our nation. Anyone who feels wronged or unable to perform in this job, now! Immediately! Submit a report requesting a transfer! I will not stop you, and I will arrange another position for you!"

He paused, a hint of murderous intent in his voice: "But! Anyone who chooses to stay, and dares to slacken or become careless in the slightest, then don't blame me, Sun Yue, for being ruthless! At that point, it won't be a simple matter of criticism and self-criticism!"

His words were by no means alarmist.

Everyone understands that if someone were to apply to withdraw at this time, they would not be given a lateral transfer, but rather a rigorous review and "proper resettlement".

After all, Zhou Feng's priority is now among the top in the entire Dragon Kingdom's plan, and he is ranked first in their department!

It can be said that from the moment they confirmed Zhou Feng's identity, the entire Special Operations Division served only him!

"Director Sun, we know we were wrong. This time we were careless and let our guard down. This will not happen again!"

Bai Ling was the first to straighten her posture. Although her voice was still choked with sobs, her eyes were extremely firm.

The others followed suit immediately. They were not newcomers either. Given Zhou Feng's importance, it was easy to imagine what kind of treatment they would receive if they withdrew from the protection mission halfway through!

"Bai Ling, the mistake you made this time is extremely serious..."

Sun Yue sighed, and his words made Bai Ling tremble. Her face drained of color, and she could barely stand.

"However, considering that you currently have the best relationship with Comrade Zhou Feng, and that his trust in you is likely to increase further after this incident, the organization, after careful consideration, has decided that you will continue to stay by Comrade Zhou Feng's side to carry out missions."

"Comrade Bai Ling, this is your only chance. This lesson must be etched into your very bones! Absolutely, absolutely never again!"

By deliberately saying this to Bai Ling, creating a dramatic emotional rollercoaster for her, Sun Yue had gone to great lengths to make Bai Ling understand the importance of this matter.

After a barrage of words of persuasion and beating, Bai Ling's sense of guilt and responsibility reached its peak.

She could only purse her pale lips, stand at attention with all her might, and solemnly make her promise.

"Director Sun! Thank you for the organization's trust! I hereby guarantee that such a thing will never happen again!"

"If we encounter danger in the future, I will be the first to stand in front of Zhou Feng. As long as I have a breath left, I will never let anything happen to him!"

Sun Yue's expression softened slightly, and he nodded heavily at her.

"Comrade Bai Ling, and everyone else, the mission we bear on our shoulders is no ordinary security task. It concerns the future of our country and the well-being of hundreds of millions of our compatriots! We cannot afford the slightest mistake!"

"Mistakes are not terrible; what's terrible is not recognizing them and not correcting them! This incident has served as a wake-up call for all of us! As long as we adopt the right attitude, it's not too late!"

After the speech, Sun Yue told everyone else to leave first, but called Bai Ling aside.

He took a square wooden box wrapped in red cloth from his desk drawer and carefully pushed it in front of Bai Ling.

"Previous reports mentioned that Comrade Zhou Feng has been collecting antiques and collectibles."

"The organization's analysis suggests that the value of these old objects may have returned due to future social stability. This particular item was carefully selected by experts from the Palace Museum—a blue-and-white porcelain candlestick used by Emperor Qianlong."

Bai Ling carefully opened the box.

Inside lay a beautifully crafted blue-and-white candlestick, composed of three sections joined together. The glaze was rich and the blue color pure, with intricate and ornate lotus scroll patterns on it. The craftsmanship was extremely meticulous, exuding a royal air.

"Although the experts don't know where this thing ended up," Sun Yue said in a low voice.

"But he made it clear that in terms of preserving and increasing value, these official kiln masterpieces closely related to the previous dynasty's emperors are the most valuable. You can give them to Comrade Zhou Feng first, so that he can exchange them for some operating costs in the future society, and further consolidate the connection."

Bai Ling nodded silently and resealed the box.

From job position to cost, from environment to safety, the organization has really gone to great lengths for Zhou Feng. Hopefully, all these efforts will pay off soon!