Chapter 19: The Investigation

[Account “Dump Truck” Recent File Access: “Assessment Report on Criminal Organizations in District 10”]

[Extended Dwell Field: “Upon investigation, the ‘Blue Signal’ organization, active between 1650 and 1662, was involved in... suspicious transport of abnormal projects or biological entities exhibiting unusual characteristics. Following multiple severe casualty incidents within the organization, they temporarily abandoned such ‘special operations’ and shifted focus to assisting cross-district human smuggling and narcotics trade. It is reported that secret docks exist in Pingyuan City of District 10 and several other port cities. For detailed on-site inspection reports, see this (internal link).”]

The Director of the Bureau’s Information Technology Department fell into deep thought while reviewing the newly submitted access records.

Since the unsettling incident a few days ago, the Director had suppressed all information relating to the Dump Truck account, choosing to handle the matter personally.

If the earlier visits by Dump Truck were driven by curiosity, what was this latest activity about?

Why investigate such inexplicable information?

He could not deny harboring suspicions—after all, the account’s behavior was highly unusual. Yet, knowing the friction between the Field Operations and Intelligence departments, if the user behind this account truly was the person he suspected, the peculiar and immature actions suddenly made sense.

...After all, this wasn’t the first time something like this had happened.

Only this time, the stir was bigger.

Still, his doubts only intensified.

If aiding that young agent named Kyle was a show of defiance toward the Intelligence Department, then exploiting temporary workers and conscripting containment subjects to manage Facility 031’s containment failures was crossing a line. Though for someone of such rank, rules were mere suggestions, this was truly unreasonable...

However, the Director was not reckless enough to immediately raise the issue to superiors.

To hold a position just below the Bureau Council and above thousands of others, one must not only be capable and well-liked but also adept at accurately gauging the intentions of higher-ups.

If his guess was right, it would be a major breakthrough.

But if he was wrong...

He could not bear the wrath of the Council members, especially those with volatile tempers.

The terrifying scenarios flashing through his mind made him shiver. At his age, he could not withstand such pressure. Rubbing his thinning hair anxiously, he finally made a call to a trusted acquaintance—the Director of Field Operations.

“It’s me. Check something for me, and don’t tell anyone…”

“Are you signaling to have your department side with me?”

“This is personal. Just consider it me owing you a favor.”

“Ha, just joking. So, what mysterious matter are you digging into?”

“Has the Bureau or any other organization conducted operations recently in Pingyuan City, District 10? Possibly involving a criminal group called ‘Blue Signal.’”

“Wait—step outside, private talk.”

The Field Operations Director sent away his assistant, then rapidly typed on his computer.

After a few seconds, the answer came.

“No.”

“Are you sure there’s nothing?”

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“Any operational mission I don’t know about means only two possibilities—you know what they are—either those Council members or the Mobile Task Force.”

Just as suspected.

The Information Director steadied himself as his mental scales fully tipped toward “Dump Truck is an imposter.”

This implied an impersonator had infiltrated the Bureau’s intranet!

The accessed information likely related to the real identity, and by following the clues, they could expose this person!

Realizing the gravity, he eagerly opened his mouth to share the secret with his allies within the Bureau:

“I just discovered something very serious. Don’t be afraid when I tell you.”

“What is it?”

“That notorious Dump Truck account is—”

“Ding!”

The familiar notification sound struck the Director like a hammer blow.

An ominous feeling forced him to halt the word “impostor” on his lips.

“Oh? Hold on... The Alliance has unusual movements in District 10. They dispatched three assessment teams to Pingyuan City, and several others have crossed from District 9. They’re active in District 10—oh, they’re chasing that ‘Blue Signal’ you mentioned. The Alliance is intercepting their smuggling boats. You’d better join Field Operations; where did you get this intel, faster than even our undercover agents!” The Field Operations Director’s excitement and curiosity were palpable. “By the way, what did you say about ‘Dump Truck’?”

“I... I meant... ‘Dump Truck’ has noticed this too.”

“Big shots care about the whole picture, haha. Too bad the Alliance moved fast; no chance for conflict. Alas, they got there first.”

The Information Director’s mind seemed to turn to mush. He mumbled some words he barely remembered and hurriedly ended the topic.

After hanging up, he was drenched in sweat.

He shakily removed his glasses and clutched his chest, feeling he had nearly lost his life over this.

Fortunately, he had approached the Field Operations Director instead of reporting directly upward.

Fortunately, he spoke slowly.

It was as if Lady Luck herself had saved him.

From now on, he must never again suspect this “Dump Truck.”

...Perhaps the user had already noticed all his offenses and simply dismissed him with disdain.

Thanks to the generosity of that benevolent Council member!

The Director pondered for a moment, then unlocked the account’s “permission confidentiality” setting, praying his actions had not provoked the user’s displeasure. With a heart full of gratitude for surviving the ordeal, he resumed his duties.

-----------------

“Shi Rang.”

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Two light taps sounded at his ear.

Shi Rang looked up to see a colleague knocking on his cubicle partition.

“The Editor-in-Chief wants to see you in his office.”

Suppressing his excitement, Shi Rang merely nodded without showing it on his face.

He saved the blank news draft, then wound his way through the crowded cubicles resembling a nursery, arriving at the solitary office door.

The Editor-in-Chief had frosted glass on the inner side of his office, revealing only vague outlines within. Occasionally, he would appear by the clear glass pane at the door, scanning the newsroom with his beady eyes. The two desks nearest the door bore the brunt of his scrutiny; Shi Rang had sat at one of them upon joining the paper, enduring countless scoldings.

After two knocks, a voice called out:

“Come in.”

Shi Rang took a deep breath, held it, and stepped into the smoke-filled office, mechanically taking a seat opposite the desk, hoping the conversation would end quickly.

The Editor-in-Chief’s round face was shrouded in cigar smoke; with no windows open, the office resembled a suffocating “wonderland.”

“I read your proposal. Quite thoughtful. Didn’t expect you to have the knack for investigative journalism. Your research on ‘Blue Signal’ is thorough... Actually, I think a graduate from a prestigious university like you is wasted as a columnist.” The Editor-in-Chief scored a harsh line across the proposal’s cover, then stamped a large checkmark. “I approve. Drop your current assignments, apply for investigative credentials, and head to Pingyuan City. Don’t forget to submit your receipts for reimbursement.”

The smooth progress made Shi Rang wary as he raised his gaze.

Sure enough, the Editor-in-Chief sucked on his cigar like a big shot and exhaled a “but.”

“But—you must understand, investigative journalist funding isn’t free. Look at our top reporters; they get tens of thousands of funding and uncover explosive scoops, earning salaries in the six figures and sometimes even honorary citizenship awards from City Hall. This is your first time doing this—if what you bring back isn’t impressive, what am I to do? Times are tough; the paper isn’t making money easily. You understand, right? If your performance falls short, your salary might not get paid.”

Shi Rang smacked his forehead twice.

“Alright, go.”

Before the Editor-in-Chief could wave him off, Shi Rang dashed out.

A trail of smoke followed him from the office, causing nearby non-smoking colleagues to cough and fan the air with printouts.

Shi Rang ran to the window and took deep breaths of fresh air, his lungs nearly bursting.

After recovering, he gazed at the bustling traffic outside the newsroom and smiled.

He had a lead—hope of finding Yingshang.

Thanks to the Bureau’s Headquarters for providing such intelligence and an unprecedented investigative approach.

Users on that website truly were capable of anything!

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