Jiang Cheng’s premonition came true.
The next day, when she visited a factory in Yangcheng, He Gong appeared at the perfect moment, joining the group of participants.
Jiang Cheng marveled: All spies have some real skills.
He Gong didn’t speak to Jiang Cheng throughout the visit; it was only afterward that he approached her.
At the same time, Factory Director Hu was surprised to learn that He Gong actually knew Jiang Cheng, and they were acquainted personally.
Then, Factory Director Hu decided to invite He Gong to join for a meal.
Jiang Cheng, to preserve some face for He Gong, didn’t refuse his companionship.
During the meal, He Gong remained humble and reliable, maintaining proper conversation without crossing lines despite knowing Jiang Cheng.
He Gong’s decorum made Boss Hu more fond of him.
Perhaps due to the alcohol, or perhaps for other reasons, Boss Hu mentioned He Gong’s improved design.
"President Jiang, He Gong’s improved machine is definitely the one!"
Boss Hu gave a thumbs-up and continued, "The improved machine can reduce error rates, lower costs, and increase efficiency—a machine definitely worth promoting."
"But He Gong is honest, not one to fight or vie; if he were to sell it, he could definitely make a lot of money."
As Boss Hu spoke, Jiang Cheng echoed his sentiments.
After the meal ended, Jiang Cheng bid farewell to Boss Hu.
He Gong made no move, leaving Jiang Cheng uncertain of his intentions.
She returned to the hotel, suspecting that He Gong’s efforts to contact her surely had a purpose.
Indeed, the next night, He Gong visited the hotel.
Sun Aiguo came to relay a message, and after Jiang Cheng pondered for a moment, she asked him to bring He Gong up.
He Gong soon arrived in Jiang Cheng’s room, looking conflicted.
"He Gong, what brings you to me?"
"Don’t mind my bluntness..."
Jiang Cheng paused, giving He Gong a rather pressurized look.
"There is no real friendship between us; yesterday I gave you face."
Jiang Cheng’s direct intent to send He Gong away actually relieved him somewhat from worry about exposing himself.
He never underestimated Jiang Cheng.
A self-made woman is sharper and more ruthless than any man.
If Jiang Cheng did hold onto that little rental friendship, He Gong would truly be suspicious.
"President Jiang, my purpose for coming is not what you think."
He Gong handed the file to Jiang Cheng, while his backpack, checked by Sun Aiguo, remained outside.
Even his entire body was frisked by accompanying security, bringing nothing inside.
Jiang Cheng looked at the file on the table but did not touch it.
He Gong appeared embarrassed, almost standing rather than sitting.
"President Jiang, I know I’m not your equal, nor am I here for friendship. I discovered something but have no one around who can reach higher levels. You’re my only hope."
He Gong pushed the file a bit closer, glancing at the surrounding people, but Jiang Cheng remained unmoved, saying, "If you want to speak, do it now, as you won’t get another chance."
Jiang Cheng closed the path, making He Gong more anxious, but also more resolved.
"President Jiang, I accidentally discovered that Boss Hu is a spy!"
This sentence made Jiang Cheng’s gaze sharp, fixed on He Gong.
"He Gong, some things shouldn’t be said carelessly."
"I’m not speaking carelessly; I have evidence. This is proof of Boss Hu relaying information abroad several times. I know my voice is weak, which is why as soon as I saw you, I eagerly came forward. I’m truly not doing this for myself!"
For a moment, Jiang Cheng almost believed He Gong’s sincere words.
Indeed, someone who can lurk for so many years is never given away freely.
Jiang Cheng looked at He Gong for several minutes before finally speaking: "I’ll take a look; He Gong, please leave."
He Gong didn’t persist and left under Sun Aiguo’s lead.
After He Gong left, a person sat opposite Jiang Cheng, one of the accompanying medical staff.
Wearing gloves, he checked the file.
"No poison."
Jiang Cheng nodded, wearing gloves, flipping through the file.
Without the premise of He Gong as a spy, the file’s credibility was high.
Jiang Cheng put the file down.
A real spy accusing someone else, for what purpose?
A spy has only one goal: to harm Hua Xia.
So, if she believes and captures Boss Hu, what will be the impact?
Jiang Cheng realized something—if Boss Hu is really captured, perhaps no one would ever want to assist her again.
Is He Gong aiming to cut off Jiang Cheng’s cash cow?
Perhaps there’s a deeper motive, but Jiang Cheng doesn’t know the full picture, only speculating.
Meanwhile, Shen Que had already arrived in S City to meet Factory Director Fang.
After an hour of secret discussion, Factory Director Fang finally remembered He Gong’s case and informed Shen Que.
Shen Que immediately contacted his former leader.
After reporting, Shen Que remained uneasy, but if he left, what about the elders and children at home?
As Shen Que was worried, Shen Xing returned.
Wearing a military outfit, Shen Xing, with bright eyes and a sharp brow, spoke first to Shen Que: "Brother, I’m here for the family."
This alone made Shen Que understand Shen Xing was on duty.
The task was likely to protect the family.
Shen Que patted Shen Xing’s shoulder, saying not a word, but the brotherly promise was fully mutual.
Shen Que left, heading to Yangcheng.
At this time, Jiang Cheng in Yangcheng also showed a sense of "responsibility".
One phone call after another was made from her room, initiating the investigation on Boss Hu.
He Gong and others monitoring Jiang Cheng felt secretly pleased at her taking the bait.
A battle of both sides believing themselves to be the real fox had begun.
Shen Que secretly arrived in Yangcheng, sneaking in through the window after midnight.
Jiang Cheng was nearly scared to death.
"You are too brazen!"
Jiang Cheng looked down at the hotel; she was staying in the top floor.
"How did you get up here?"
Shen Que hugged Jiang Cheng, comforting her: "It’s alright, I didn’t climb from the first floor, started from two floors beneath you."
Jiang Cheng, with her face against Shen Que’s chest, her breath was once again tight.
"The family?"
"Shen Xing has returned."
Shen Que’s words made Jiang Cheng understand.
Shen Xing now was no less capable than Shen Que, having done numerous secret missions unknown to both of them.
"That’s good."
Jiang Cheng eased a bit, hugging Shen Que’s waist: "Results should be in a few days."
"Mm, I’ll stay with you."
Neither slept that night, analyzing all the files and messages together in bed.
The conclusion was that He Gong had long been on the surveillance rope; this time, it seemed Hua Xia intended to use him as bait to break all hidden points.
Jiang Cheng was just the lure, needing only to cooperate.