A police officer leading the group stepped forward and took the identification from Liu Jia's hand: "From the Space Administration? What are you doing here?"
Liu Jia did not answer his question: "Call your top leader and ask him to check if our documents are genuine."
The police officer leading the team thought the man was right. If the document was genuine, they should report it to their superiors. They had heard that the province had gotten into big trouble because of Chenguang County. A large number of troops were conducting military exercises around Chenguang County. They didn't know what had happened, but many people had photographed mysterious aircraft, and there were quite a few of them. Could this be related to the space agency? Rumors were circulating that the F-16 had attacked Earth, but the government had not come forward to confirm it.
The police leader made a phone call, said a few words, and then detained them. However, he did not remove the surrounding cordon. The police still pointed their guns at Zhao Qiang and Liu Jia. Zhang Xiaohu and Wang Ping took the opportunity to run to the police and incited them, saying, "Arrest them quickly!"
The police officer in charge said, "We're waiting for instructions from above, so please be patient."
Zhao Qiang and Liu Jia packed the pile of parts into a wooden box. At that moment, the orders from above were issued. The police leader's expression changed after hearing a few words, and his gaze towards Zhao Qiang and Liu Jia became somewhat strange. He repeatedly said "Yes" before hanging up the phone and then waved to the police behind him: "We're on the same side, put down your guns."
Zhang Xiaohu was getting anxious. After waiting for so long, all he got was the result of "one of their own"? "What do you mean 'one of their own'? Hurry up and arrest them!"
The policeman said with a bitter face, "Young Master Zhang, it's not that we don't want to agree, but their status and background are indeed too great. If we offend them, it will be difficult to explain to your father."
Zhang Xiaohu and Wang Ping were puzzled: "Who are they?"
The policeman refused to explain to the two men. He stepped forward cautiously and said, "So it really was a misunderstanding. Which of you is Director Zhao?"
Zhao Qiang nodded, and the policeman immediately stepped forward and saluted, saying, "Our bureau chief and the provincial department director will be here shortly. Please wait a moment, Director Zhao."
Zhao Qiang said, "No need. Send a container truck and find a few people with good political credentials to help me transport something. Everyone else can leave."
(Thanks to med0000 coins for the donation! Thanks to medmn and sword kiss for their support!) RO!
Volume 2 [784] Section
The police dared not disobey Zhao Qiang's orders; their superiors had said that if this man was even slightly displeased, these men would be sent home immediately.
Wang Ping and Zhang Xiaohu were furious. Wang Ping stepped forward and stopped Zhao Qiang, saying, "Hey, uncle, you're being very rude. We brought you here, and now you're trying to take the robot away without even asking us? What do you mean by that?"
Zhao Qiang wasn't angry. He said, "Wang Ping, you and Zhang Xiaohu are key figures in discovering the robot; you've made a significant contribution. Tell me what kind of reward you want."
Zhang Xiaohu wanted to refuse. He didn't want any reward; he just wanted to keep the robot. But Wang Ping was much smarter than him. She realized that this time it probably wouldn't work. Zhao Qiang's background was probably more powerful than theirs, because the police officers who usually treated them like chickens ignored them. So they couldn't miss the opportunity to get something from Zhao Qiang.
Wang Ping said, "Uncle, you said it yourself, you owe us a favor." Zhao Qiang said, "You discovered the robot and reported it to me in time, so you deserve a reward. I owe you a favor, and you can ask for it anytime."
Wang Ping asked, "What if we ask for the absolute highest price, would you agree?" Zhao Qiang replied, "Maybe others wouldn't agree, but with you..." Wang Ping blushed slightly, but quickly recovered, and said with a hint of reproach, "Uncle, you're really lewd! You're even eyeing a young girl like me?"
Zhao Qiang was exasperated: "Little kid, don't spread rumors." The police had already called over a group of people. These people, though curious, didn't ask many questions. They followed Zhao Qiang to the cabinet, and when they saw the robot on the ground, they paused for a moment. However, these police officers had participated in the battle recently and knew a little about the matter, so they weren't too surprised.
The container truck arrived shortly after, followed by the director of the Municipal Public Security Bureau. The provincial director would arrive a little later. The director greeted Zhao Qiang with utmost respect, repeatedly saying, "Director Zhao, thank you for your hard work. We were unaware of your presence and have failed to warmly welcome you."
Zhao Qiang said, "Stop talking nonsense. Finding a robot this time was our luck. Now we'll send someone to transport it back to Beijing. You'll assist with the escort. I'll naturally report the details to the Provincial Public Security Bureau and the Ministry of Public Security. You'll be credited."
The director of the Tiannan City Public Security Bureau was overjoyed. Zhao Qiang had just handed him a great achievement for nothing. Especially since this achievement was to be reported to the Ministry of Public Security, what difficulties would there be in advancing his career? So the director became even more respectful to Zhao Qiang. Zhao Qiang said that if he reported it to the director of the Ministry of Public Security, he would absolutely believe it. Who was that person? "Not to mention the Ministry of Public Security," he said, "even if I reported it to the top leader, the director would absolutely believe it." Recently, news about Zhao Qiang had spread like wildfire among the high-ranking officials in various provinces.
Under Liu Jia's command, several strong men first packed the robot into a wooden box, then, chanting slogans, they lifted it onto a container truck. The disassembled parts were also packed into a separate box. Liu Jia personally escorted the truck. The Tiannan City Public Security Bureau dispatched eight police cars to follow and protect it, and they rushed to Beijing overnight. At the same time, a helicopter also took off from Beijing to pick it up. It is believed that the robot will arrive in Beijing soon, and then it will be handed over to Yang Shiyun for disassembly and research.
Zhao Qiang did not leave Tiannan City. "It's relatively close to Chenguang County." If there are still robots, then Tiannan City, this bustling provincial capital, should be their primary target for destruction. However, those robots trapped outside seem to have vanished without a trace, and many undercover investigators cannot find them.
The next morning, Liu Jia returned in a helicopter belonging to the special forces division, accompanied by Xu Changhe and Tang Na. "Xu Changhe's arrival was to be expected; the robot was discovered in Tiannan City, and it was only right for the Special Affairs Department to come and conduct further searches." But what was Tang Na doing here?
Zhao Qiang expressed his dissatisfaction with Liu Jia for bringing people here without permission. Liu Jia quietly pulled Zhao Qiang aside and said, "Director, this really wasn't my idea. How could I dare to bring people here for you without my permission? This was Secretary Yang's arrangement, and General Manager Xu also approved it. I was just carrying out the order. Please don't be angry with me."
Zhao Qiang touched his nose: "Yang Shiyun arranged for Tang Na to come over? Xu Xiaoya even agreed?"
Liu Jia said, "Of course, Secretary Yang said that she was not qualified as a secretary in the Special Affairs Department and could not stay by your side every day to assist you with your work, so she selected a new secretary for you. President Xu agreed, and that's how Donna came."
Zhao Qiang said, "She is American."
Liu Jia grinned and said, "I heard she's betrayed us and is now on our side."
Zhao Qiang asked, "Are you sure?"
Liu Jia said, "Why don't you interrogate her yourself, Director?"
Zhao Qiang nodded: "That makes sense. You haven't had breakfast yet, have you? Let's go have breakfast first."
Liu Jia and Xu Changhe went to the hotel restaurant, ordered breakfast, and hid to the side. Zhao Qiang and Tang Na sat at a table. Breakfast was simple: Zhao Qiang ordered soup dumplings, porridge, and pickled vegetables, while Tang Na had bread, jam, and milk.
"Are you unhappy about my arrival?" Donna spread jam on her bread and ate it in small bites, very elegantly, unlike Zhao Qiang who stuffed his mouth full of steamed buns one after another.
Zhao Qiang nodded, mumbling, "Yes. Do you know why you're here?"
Donna said, "I'll help you with something, it seems to be related to robots." "You're American, this is a Chinese secret, do you think I'd be happy about that?" Tang Mang's expression turned sour. "I'm not going back to China, okay? I'll settle down here soon, don't look at me like you used to!" Zhao Qiang asked, "Can I trust you?"
"Yes!" Donna said firmly.
Zhao Qiang hummed in agreement. Actually, Donna knew quite a bit about this matter; after all, she had once been a member of the underground adventurers. So Zhao Qiang no longer rejected her. Besides, having a blonde, blue-eyed woman from the Qingyu region as his secretary made Zhao Qiang feel quite happy. Donna was a great beauty with a sexy and hot figure, something that Chinese girls couldn't compare to.
"So what's my task today?" Donna put down the bread in her hand and struck a pose as if she was ready to get down to business.
Zhao Qiang said, "You need to eat well before you can work. Liu Jia will take you to our office branch in Tiannan City later. You'll stay there and oversee things, mainly monitoring online news about robots. Notify me immediately if you find anything. Also, help me prepare for the visit of important officials from Tiannan City."
Donna asked, "Where are you going?" Zhao Qiang replied, "Xu Changhe and I are going down to take another look. Since there's a robot in this area, there's a possibility that a second one will appear. We need to search while waiting for Yang Shiyun to send us an analysis of why the robot stopped working."
The establishment of the Aerospace Bureau's Special Affairs Division branch in Tiannan City was only a few days ago, and it was carried out in secret. Yang Shiqi sent special forces personnel to select the location and install the equipment, and also sent dozens of auxiliary technicians.
After breakfast, Donna and Liu Jia went to the branch office to take charge. Zhao Qiang and Xu Changhe drove the special forces' off-road vehicle around the streets. The two planned to go to the counties and cities below, because some news cannot be obtained by sitting at home and waiting.
"Hey, uncle, stop the car! Stop the car!" someone shouted from behind. Xu Changhe glanced at Zhao Qiang before stopping the car. Zhao Qiang said, "She's a friend. Let's wait for her."
Wang Ping arrived breathlessly, leaning against the car window, panting heavily. "Uncle, where are you going?" Zhao Qiang replied, "I'm not telling you."
Wang Ping feigned surprise: "No way, Uncle, you're planning to deny everything after you took advantage of me last night?" Zhao Qiang retorted angrily: "How can you talk like that?"
Wang Ping said, "Last night we helped you find... that." Wang Ping had been told by her family that "things related to robots are not allowed to be mentioned in public," so she changed her words at the last minute.
Zhao Qiang said, "Yes, so what kind of reward do you want? Tell me."
Wang Ping tapped her forehead: "I haven't figured it out yet. Let me follow you and think about it as we go."
"No way!" Zhao Qiang refused.
Wang Ping blocked the car's path, saying, "If you won't let me follow, then I won't let you leave." Zhao Qiang could only reply, "Fine, you have to obey my orders. Otherwise, I'll still kick you out."
Wang Ping happily climbed into the car: "No problem, I promise to be obedient, as obedient as your little slave."
Zhao Qiang was sweating profusely. Are all kids these days so unrestrained? They don't care about their language at all.
Xu Changhe continued driving, gradually leaving the city center along the road. "Uncle," Wang Ping spoke again, "there are no outsiders here now. Judging from that driver, he seems to be one of your own. It's just a matter of relationships."
Zhao Qiang flatly refused, "There's nothing to say." Wang Ping chuckled, like a fox who had successfully stolen a chicken. "Uncle, you're not being fair. Are you pushing me aside now that there's someone new?" Don't forget, I provided you with information. Without my help, you wouldn't have been able to find the robot.
Zhao Qiang said, "I'd like to express my gratitude, but you haven't made any requests."
Wang Ping said, "We'll leave the payment from last time for now. I'm not short of money right now. If you're willing to listen to me, I guarantee you'll get something this time too!"
Zhao Qiang was startled: "So you still have news?"
Wang Ping said, "Please answer my first question first, and then I'll answer this one." Zhao Qiang pondered, "About the robot? Please take the things out of your pocket first. I think your parents must have talked to you about the gag order. You're not a child anymore, don't take this lightly. You can't afford to take responsibility if something goes wrong."
Wang Ping was taken aback, then reluctantly pulled a voice recorder from her pocket. "What's with the yelling? I'm just playing with it. Do you think I'm a Kuomintang spy? Tell me, what's this robot all about?" Zhao Qiang continued sternly, "And don't think I'm a child!" Wang Ping was startled again, then took out an MP4 player from her bag; it was recording. Zhao Qiang remained serious, saying, "And also, I'm not easily fooled."
Wang Ping scolded, "Are you a cybernetic eye?" and pulled a pinhole camera from her collar. It was as small as a matchbox, and she angrily threw it at Zhao Qiang.
Zhao Qiang said, "Young lady, I'm doing this for your own good. Although I don't know who your parents are, do you know how much harm it would cause if this got out? Your parents wouldn't escape the blame either." Wang Ping shrugged, "Then it's definitely okay now, right?" Zhao Qiang pointed to Wang Ping's mouth, "You still need to watch your mouth."
Wang Ping kept her mouth tightly shut: "Fine, I won't say anything." Only then was Zhao Qiang satisfied, and he asked, "Do you believe in the existence of intelligent life other than humans?"
Wang Ping exclaimed in surprise: "Aliens?"
“No, no,” Zhao Qiang immediately denied, “to be precise, we can’t call it that, because it hasn’t been confirmed yet.”
Wang Ping said, "If they're not human, then aren't they aliens? Does that even need confirmation?" Zhao Qiang replied, "Of course it does. Humans consider themselves the rulers of Earth, but how much do we really know about the planet we stand on? How many secrets are hidden beneath its surface?" Wang Ping added, "This matter is probably related to the frequent military activity around Tiannan City recently, isn't it?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Yes, but we'll have to wait until we find more robots to confirm the secrets. Tell me what you've learned."
Volume Two [785] Teacher
Wang Ping said mysteriously, "A friend of mine secretly told me that he saw something that looked like a machine kill someone."
Zhao Qiang's heart skipped a beat: "Murder?"
Wang Ping said, "Yes, it was murder. Although my friend wasn't sure, based on his description, I think the murderer was exactly the same as the robot we saw last night."
Zhao Qiang said, "Shouldn't a report have been filed for murder? Why haven't we seen any response from the authorities?"
Wang Ping said, "Report a crime? Do you think we're stupid? Reporting a crime will involve a lot of things, so only a fool would report a crime."
Xu Changhe, who was driving, said, "How can you have such thoughts, kid?"
Wang Ping said, "Uncle, what's wrong with our thinking? Don't you know that helping an elderly person cross the street might bring bad luck? And if you see an old man fall, you absolutely can't help him up. It's an unspoken rule, don't you understand? If you report it, the police will ask you why you were there? Did you participate? You'll definitely say no, but the key question is, will the police believe you? It'll take a lot of explaining, so nobody wants to report it. Besides, my friend has a criminal record. He'd run away in fear if he saw the police. You want him to go to the police station? Dream on."
Xu Changhe was sweating profusely. He really couldn't refute it. In this day and age, doing a good deed could easily lead to being framed, so people who do good deeds are almost extinct. And if the person reporting the case has a criminal record, the police are very unlikely to believe him.
Zhao Qiang interrupted Wang Ping's complaints about society: "Alright, take us to the scene and see for ourselves."
Wang Ping said, "I'm sorry, I don't know that place either."
Zhao Qiang said, "Call your friend right now and have him come out and take us there."
Wang Ping said, "He's probably off and asleep right now. We can't find him. We'll have to wait until night. Those people are all night owls."
Zhao Qiang said, "It's like you said nothing at all."
Wang Ping said, "How can you call them the same? At least you know that robots can be alive, and they are hostile to us humans. Director Zhao, do you think the frequent troop movements recently might be related to this? It is said that some people heard loud fighting sounds in Chenguang County, but the government later covered it up and said that the army was conducting exercises."
Zhao Qiang laughed and said, "Yes, it's just a drill. Do you know your friend's address? Let's head over there."
Wang Ping said, "I understand, but they are all promising young men involved in the underworld. You can't arrest them, otherwise I won't take you with me."
Zhao Qiang said, "Okay, I won't arrest them. I'm just from the Space Administration, not the Bureau."
Wang Ping scoffed, "Tch, you're still lying to me. What did you do last night? I promised not to steal Zhang Xiaohu's robot. Do you know Zhang Xiaohu cursed me all night, saying I let a wolf into the house? How do you explain what happened last night?"
Zhao Qiang blushed: "Didn't I promise to give you compensation and remuneration? Go ahead and mention it."
Wang Ping said, "We're not short of money. You can tell by the car Zhang Xiaohu drives."
Zhao Qiang said, "Then what do you want me to do?"
Wang Ping thought for a moment and said, "Uh... how about this, you pretend to be my teacher and come home with me first."
Zhao Qiang was taken aback: "Pretending to be a teacher?"
Wang Ping said, "Of course, I skipped class today. My homeroom teacher called my mom and tattled on me. Now my mom is looking for me everywhere. If you don't pretend to be a teacher and fool my mom, how can I help you find me?"
Zhao Qiang said, "That's true, but do I look like a teacher to you?"