Chapter 36: Summoned for Tea

"Ah~ ah~ ah~"

……

Hearing this death-defying sound, the entire Information Division couldn't help but pay attention.

Facing the "you know what" looks from his colleagues, Xiao Wang blushed instantly.

That "Hound" really set him up! He had the audacity to swear that the flash drive likely contained important scientific research data. Well, this "research" data was certainly important. In any other setting, he would have wanted to save it to his private folder. But this was the Information Division of the Ministry of State Security!!!

It was no wonder they were considered the big shots of the Information Division; how could there be a video that played automatically like that?

Faced with this mortifying noise, Xiao Wang muted the computer immediately. When he realized the mute command was ineffective and understood that the computer was infected with a virus, he ripped out the speakers.

However, the next moment, the computer’s built-in system alarm speaker began blaring that same death-defying sound again.

By now, any normal person could tell the computer was infected.

A chief, walking over from a distance, glanced at Xiao Wang’s computer and curled his lips into a smile.

"Interesting."

This was the Ministry of State Security’s Information Division! Arguably the most secure place in the country, where every computer had its own built-in defense system. Yet, this virus had easily bypassed those defenses. If they hadn't learned the hard way in the past—mandating that all devices must be disconnected from the internal network when accessing unknown data—the entire Information Division might have been compromised by now.

"Chief, this virus is accessing location information and network connection logs."

"Oh?"

Two hours later, as more technical experts joined in, they searched the entire computer but couldn't find the virus, which had suddenly gone into hiding.

At this moment, nobody was laughing anymore. This computer virus was beyond their expectations. A virus that knew how to hide... was a completely different matter from one that just mindlessly caused mechanical destruction!

"It’s getting more and more interesting!"

"I recall Hound told you this flash drive was handed to a spy by a student from Shuimu University, right?"

"Yes, Sun Yutong, female. She claims she only copied some data from a company server and did not steal any classified state secrets."

Upon hearing this, the chief glanced at Xiao Wang.

"Who says she didn't? Passing data to a spy is treason."

"Go check the detailed background of this company."

"I’m actually quite curious now: what could possibly be inside a company started by these Shuimu students that would be worth a spy’s attention?"

"And this virus in the flash drive—if I’m not mistaken, it should be the handiwork of a technician from that same company."

"Hmm, find an opportunity to make contact. This virus—it’s excellent! It’s perfect for infuriating those spies."

Not long after, all the information regarding Zhi Lifang Technology Co., Ltd., as well as Li Ping'an’s personal details, were pulled up. This included the photo taken when Zhao Peng had helped register the company. When the chief saw Zhao Peng’s photo, a flicker of surprise appeared in his eyes.

Just then, a technician walked over, looking somewhat excited.

"Chief, we just did a quick test on the 'Pet Spirit' product from Zhi Lifang Technology. The AI learning algorithm inside is significantly more intelligent."

Listening to the technician, the chief fell into deep thought.

If one could write a computer virus with a certain level of "intelligence" that knew how to hide, it stood to reason that they could also possess more advanced learning algorithms.

"Have Hound come to my office."

The next morning, Li Ping'an was out of it during class.

A whole night had passed, and the virus hadn't sent back a single bit of information. This shouldn't be happening. Just as Li Ping'an was at a loss, he caught a glimpse of someone outside the classroom door.

Good grief, it was his counselor!

Li Ping'an kicked the drowsy Zhao Peng, who jolted awake. After glancing over, Zhao Peng silently gave Li Ping'an a thumbs-up under the desk.

But was the sun rising from the west today? Throughout his entire time at university, the counselor had never once checked up on their classes. Why was he here today?

It wasn't normal! Very not normal!

When the bell rang and the professor left, the counselor, Wang Jingwen, walked into the classroom and called out to Li Ping'an, who was packing his books:

"Li Ping'an, pack your things and come with me."

To avoid causing his classmates to speculate, Wang Jingwen added, "I have some questions about your company."

Li Ping'an nodded and quickened his pace. "Understood."

Following behind the counselor, Li Ping'an felt confused. What could be so urgent that it couldn't be said directly and required a trip to the office?

Halfway there, Wang Jingwen suddenly stopped. She turned around and said earnestly to Li Ping'an: "Don't lie later. Lying is useless."

Li Ping'an was completely baffled. "Teacher, what’s going on?"

"The Ministry of State Security."

"Huh?"

Once it sank in, Li Ping'an’s heart began to pound. He knew his right eyelid had been twitching all morning for a reason.

Seeing Li Ping'an’s reaction, Wang Jingwen thought he was just scared; after all, most normal people would never cross paths with the "Ministry of State Security" in their entire lives, let alone be summoned by them.

"Don't be afraid. They aren't man-eating tigers."

"Since they didn't just drag you away, it means you haven't committed a crime. They’re likely just here to clarify a few things."

"If you had really done something wrong, it wouldn't be me coming to get you today, understand?"

"Just like that female student last night—the State Security agents came and took her away directly."

"Last night?"

"Yes, didn't you check the group chat? A student named Sun Yutong was taken away by the state security agents."

"Sun Yutong?" Li Ping'an paused.

"You know her?"

"She's an intern at my company."

Hearing this, the smile on Wang Jingwen’s face widened. "Then there’s even less to worry about. The state security people are probably just here to ask you about Sun Yutong."

"Let's go."

Li Ping'an, following behind the counselor, felt a pang of guilt. He had been wondering why he hadn't received any information all night. Li Ping'an never imagined the flash drive would fall into the hands of the Ministry of State Security. He had been expecting a location ping and an alarm.

This... how was he supposed to handle this now?

Li Ping'an’s original intention was to mess with the rival company that stole his data, but he had gone too far. He had messed with the Ministry of State Security. Just imagining the agents opening the flash drive and automatically playing those rare videos made his scalp crawl.

A few minutes later, under the silent prompting of his counselor, Li Ping'an pushed open the door to a small conference room and walked in.

At first glance, a woman who looked quite easy to talk to was busy operating a heavy-duty laptop. Beside her were two muscular men with narrowed eyes, both of whom looked like they could knock him out with a single punch.