MMB Chapter 1501 really is the former bureau chief
Chapter 1501 really is the former bureau chief
During the hour or so that Director Jiangling was waiting for his arrival, Chen Jun asked the old man many detailed questions about the Abyss Organization.
From their organizational structure, the code names and characteristics of their core members, their main sources of funding and money laundering channels, to the known distribution of their domestic and international outposts, and even their internal debates and factional divisions regarding the "alien invasion" theory...
Old Man Hua answered every question, speaking freely and without reservation.
His answers were clear, logical, and detailed, with much of the information corroborating Chen Jun's previous knowledge or speculations, and even filling in many previously unknown key details. The depth and breadth of his intelligence could not have been fabricated by a temporary imposter. In particular, when he mentioned certain highly secretive transnational fund transfer paths that only the highest levels of government might know, and several "white gloves" disguised as normal companies, the accuracy of his information was astonishing, even to Chen Jun.
Although Chen Jun had stopped Lao Wen from arguing back, the look of suspicion on his face never diminished as he stood to the side.
One thought kept running through his mind: a former director of the National Security Bureau, in his seventies or eighties, who should be resting peacefully at Babaoshan Cemetery, faked his death to escape and infiltrate the world's most dangerous and mysterious terrorist organization? And stay there for years? This scenario is too absurd! Does the National Security Bureau lack personnel? Are they sending a retired director to do such a life-or-death job? Even if he were willing, would the organization agree?
Time passed in the exchange of questions and answers. Finally, the roar of helicopter rotors echoed over the manor. Soon after, a series of rapid and powerful footsteps approached from afar.
Jiang Ling, the current director of the National Security Bureau, dressed in a crisp uniform, looked travel-worn but his eyes were sharp as an eagle. He strode into the hall, escorted by a team of elite special agents. His gaze immediately locked onto Old Man Hua, who was sitting in a chair and being "guarded" by members of the Strategic Bureau.
Jiang Ling's steps abruptly halted. He paused for a moment, seemingly unable to believe his eyes. Then, he strode forward, almost running to Old Man Hua, bent down, and brought his face very close, scrutinizing the other man's face carefully from head to toe, as if trying to etch every pore and every wrinkle into his mind.
The hall was silent; everyone held their breath, watching this scene unfold.
A few seconds later, Jiang Ling's body jolted violently, his eyes flashing with a complex light—a mixture of disbelief, ecstasy, excitement, and deep sorrow. This usually dignified and composed director, who commanded the nation's most secretive security force, had actually…
"Pfft!"
His knees buckled, and he knelt down on the floor in front of Old Man Hua!
"Director Jiang...!" Jiang Ling's voice trembled violently, choked with sobs. "Is...is it really you?! You...you're still alive?! I...I thought you...I personally...personally watched your burial! I go to sweep your grave every year! How...how could you..."
He couldn't go on; tears welled up and streamed down the tough man's resolute face. He gripped Old Hua's hand tightly, as if afraid that if he let go, the man before him would disappear again. The sobbing didn't sound like that of a powerful bureau chief, but rather like that of a child who had lost a loved one and finally found them, filled with the immense shock of reunion and the release of long-suppressed emotions.
This scene completely dispelled the last trace of doubt in Chen Jun's heart. The fact that Jiang Ling could lose his composure and reveal such genuine emotion left no room for doubt about the old man's identity.
Old Wen, standing nearby, was completely stunned the moment he saw Jiang Ling kneel down. He froze on the spot, his mouth agape, wide enough to fit an egg. Only one thought was flashing through his mind:
"Holy crap! Holy crap! Holy crap... It really is! It really is that legendary old devil! The former director of the National Security Bureau! Wang Huasheng!"
Immediately, a wave of immense embarrassment and lingering fear washed over him. He had just… actually been hurling insults at this national treasure-level veteran, this legendary hero who had disguised himself and faked his death for years to serve the country… and used such vile language? Calling him a “scammer,” a “fake,” a “charlatan”…
Old Wen felt his face burning, wishing he could disappear into the ground. He subconsciously shrank back, took half a step back, and tried to minimize his presence. At the same time, he forced a smile that looked worse than crying, filled with infinite awe and embarrassment, and bowed repeatedly in the direction of Old Man Hua (now confirmed to be Director Wang Huasheng). His eyes were full of "I'm sorry, I was wrong, please don't hold it against me, sir."
Jiang Ling cried for a while, her emotions calming down slightly, but she still held Wang Huasheng's hand tightly, asking in a hoarse voice, "Old Director... what exactly happened? You... how did you come up with the idea of faking your death... to infiltrate 'The Abyss'? How much suffering have you endured over the years!"
Wang Huasheng gently patted Jiang Ling's hand, gesturing for him to get up. There was a hint of emotion in his eyes, but more so a calm and resolute composure born of experience.
“It’s a long story, Jiangling,” Wang Huasheng said in a gentle yet firm voice. “More than ten years ago, we began to notice the emergence of the ‘Abyss’ organization. It was different from ordinary terrorist organizations or criminal groups. Its targets were more bizarre, its methods were more covert, and it seemed to have unimaginable resources and technological background. Conventional investigative methods could hardly penetrate its core.”
He paused, looked at Chen Jun and Lao Wen, and explained, “At the time, I had just reached retirement age, and my health had ‘coincidentally’ been diagnosed with some ‘problems.’ So, a bold plan was formed—to have me, the ‘deceased’ former director, with a completely different identity and background, ‘accidentally’ come into contact with the ‘Abyss’ recruitment channels, and then…naturally infiltrate them. My age, experience, and clean background became the best cover. Who would have thought that an old man with his neck buried in the yellow earth would be an undercover agent?”
Old Wen listened with utmost respect, nodding vigorously, inwardly praising, "Awesome! Absolutely awesome! This is the true king of undercover agents! An Oscar-worthy performance! Enduring humiliation and hardship, infiltrating the enemy's lair, and staying there for so many years... I admire you! I'm completely in awe!"
In a moment of impulsiveness, he blurted out, "Director! Your experience is invaluable! Can we collaborate? I happen to have an undercover project on hand, and I'm in dire need of someone like you to stabilize things..."
"What nonsense!" Jiang Ling glared at Lao Wen, interrupting his "wishful thinking." "The old director is so old, he has already sacrificed enough for the country! You want him to take more risks? Don't even think about it! The priority now is to ensure the old director's absolute safety and to turn the valuable intelligence he brought back into actual strike operations!"
Wang Huasheng completely ignored Lao Wen's "project invitation." His gaze returned to Chen Jun, and his expression became serious and focused: "General Chen, Jiangling. My identity has now been confirmed. So, let's get down to business."
He stood up, his back ramrod straight despite his age, exuding an air of authority and strategic brilliance: "'The Abyss' organization's infiltration of our country is likely deeper and wider than you currently know. They are not content with conducting biological experiments; they are quietly planting their ideology and personnel in the economic, cultural, and even some grassroots sectors. To completely eradicate this cancer, the efforts of a single department are insufficient."
Wang Huasheng's gaze swept over Jiang Ling and Chen Jun, his tone resolute: "I suggest that a top-level joint task force be established immediately! Led by the National Security Bureau and the Strategic Bureau, and in conjunction with the police, military intelligence departments, and even economic investigation and cybersecurity departments, to achieve comprehensive sharing and seamless coordination of intelligence, personnel, and operations! Only through this powerful alliance and concerted effort can we, like a comb, uproot every poisonous thorn buried in our nation's body!"
He looked at Chen Jun: "General Chen, you are one of the discoverers and leaders of this operation, and your opinion is crucial. What are your thoughts on the next steps?"
All eyes in the hall were on Chen Jun.
Chen Jun listened quietly, his gaze calm, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the armrest of his chair. When Wang Huasheng asked for his thoughts, he stopped tapping, slowly raised his head, and his gaze, like a drawn sword, swept over Jiang Ling and Wang Huasheng present.
Then, he spoke slowly, his voice not loud, but like a thunderclap, it resounded in everyone's ears:
"If... we are to carry out such a large-scale joint operation, we will be facing a highly secretive, transnational organization supported by a bizarre belief."
He paused, then spoke clearly, word by word:
"So, instead of passively defending, tracking, and eliminating... why don't we take the initiative?"
"How about a 'country-swapping' tactic?"