Chapter 419: Taken Away

“Yes, there really was such a person—and I was the one who arrested him. Why? Do you two know that man?” he asked with a troubled expression.

When Li Yiyi saw the frown on his face, she had a vague feeling that things weren’t going to be so simple.

“We don’t know him. We just want to see him and ask a few questions. Comrade Zhong, is he still in your station?” Li Yiyi quickly followed up.

Zhonghe glanced at the couple with a helpless expression. “You’re a bit late. That man was taken away yesterday by someone else. They just paid a small fine, and then he left. As for where he went, I really don’t know.”

Upon hearing this bad news, the young couple exchanged a look—there was a hint of frustration in their eyes.

Jiang Hong quickly asked again, “Did you interrogate him? Why was he asking about the military district’s pharmaceutical factory—what was he up to?”

Zhonghe shook his head. “We did interrogate him after he was brought in. But that guy had a tight mouth—we didn’t get a single useful piece of information out of him. It was like he’d received special training. All his answers were vague and official-sounding. Said he was just curious about the factory and was merely asking the students about it.”

The couple listened quietly, realizing that it really might be impossible to get any useful clues from this lead.

“It’s fine. We’ll treat you to a meal another day. We’ll head back for now,” Jiang Hong said, patting Zhonghe on the shoulder.

Zhonghe replied, “Leaving just like that? Not even staying for a cup of tea?”

As soon as he said that, the couple smiled at the same time.

Zhonghe heard their laughter and didn’t immediately understand what was funny.

Li Yiyi chuckled, “Comrade Zhong, we’d better not casually drink tea around here. The tea at your place isn’t exactly something people drink casually.”

As soon as Zhonghe heard that, he immediately got the joke and laughed along. “Alright, alright, that was my bad. Another time then. You two take care on the way.”

After leaving the police station, on the way back, the couple discussed the situation.

“This man’s definitely not ordinary. He got taken away so quickly—his people must’ve been worried he’d spill something,” Li Yiyi said, stroking her chin as she spoke to Jiang Hong, who was driving.

Jiang Hong kept his eyes on the road, but after hearing her analysis, he couldn’t help chiming in. “Looks like our son’s sense for spotting bad people is pretty accurate. This man’s definitely suspicious. Wife, I think our pharmaceutical factory’s being targeted. We need to report this to the district authorities.”

Li Yiyi nodded in agreement and said, “Alright, I’ll leave that to you. Go talk to the leaders and make sure they’re prepared. We don’t want anyone exploiting a loophole while we’re left in the dark.”

After that, Jiang Hong dropped her off at her workplace, then drove himself back to the military district.

Once Li Yiyi returned to her post, she went straight to see Director Cheng and reported on her recent trip and its outcome.

“Dr. Li, don’t be so modest. You made significant contributions on this mission. The researchers who came back have already reported your efforts to the higher-ups. Thanks to you, not only did I get praised at the meeting yesterday, but our entire hospital received recognition,” Director Cheng said with satisfaction.

After saying that, he suddenly remembered something. “Oh right, Dr. Li, do you remember that parasite you brought back?”

Li Yiyi’s eyes immediately lit up. She nodded and replied, “Of course I remember. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that bug in my entire life.” Her expression turned excited. “Director, did they trace its origin?”

She hadn’t expected the higher-ups to move so quickly—the parasite had only just been sent off a few days ago, and they already had results?

“There’s a lead,” Director Cheng said gravely. “According to the investigation, this kind of parasite was found decades ago in an R-nation research lab. It’s odorless and invisible. During the war, quite a few of our soldiers were affected by it.”

Li Yiyi’s heart grew heavy upon hearing that. Thinking about the hardships of those years would weigh on anyone.

“For years, we believed these parasites had been completely eradicated,” Cheng continued, “but no one knows why they suddenly reappeared in a small village like that.”

He looked at her seriously. “Dr. Li, the higher-ups didn’t say it outright, but during that meeting, everyone could tell—R-nation is up to something again. They’ve never given up since their defeat. Their schemes have never stopped.”

Li Yiyi pressed her lips together, a serious expression settling on her face. “Director, just speak plainly. When it comes to matters of national importance, I’m willing to follow the organization’s arrangements.”

Hearing her response, Director Cheng broke into a pleased smile and said loudly, “Good! Then I’ll get straight to the point. From now on, you won’t need to report to the hospital every day. Just come once a month. Your new task is to assist with a higher-level assignment. Don’t worry, your salary will still be paid as usual.”

Li Yiyi looked puzzled. “Director, I don’t quite understand what you mean.”

“It’s like this,” he explained. “At yesterday’s meeting, the higher-ups officially assigned you to a special research organization. From now on, you’ll just need to work over there. You don’t need to come to the hospital unless something comes up.”

Still a bit confused, Li Yiyi was about to ask more when the director handed her a small piece of paper.

“This is the address of the department you’ll be reporting to. Get ready—you start tomorrow.”

Li Yiyi took the note and glanced at it. The address looked a bit… odd. It said pig farm?

“This address is… quite something,” she said, quirking a smile.

Director Cheng glanced at it and chuckled. “The work is confidential. This kind of place doesn’t raise suspicions—it’s safe.”

Li Yiyi laughed too. “It’s definitely safe. If you hadn’t told me this was my new assignment, I’d have thought you were asking me to go study piglets.”

Hearing her joke, Director Cheng burst into laughter. “Dr. Li, I never would’ve guessed you had such a playful side!”