Chapter 49: An Jie
"This..." Jiang Hong was somewhat overwhelmed and asked, "Really? Can I?"
"It's called assistant," Chen Zhen sat down behind his desk and said, "but there's no particularly complicated work to be done. I wanted you here firstly because you're someone Cao Bin trusts, his direct disciple, right? This arrangement can facilitate interaction between the Exorcism Committee and Cangqiong University..."
"Oh." Jiang Hong felt there was more to Chen Zhen's words, but he couldn't quite grasp it yet.
"Secondly, I believe you're the most suitable," Chen Zhen continued. "You're the only exorcist from a mundane background in recent years. Although it happened by a twist of fate, it's not easy being a commoner. I think for many tasks, a different perspective like yours could handle them better."
Lu Xiu said, "Then I'll leave him with you."
Chen Zhen hummed in acknowledgment, and Lu Xiu added to Jiang Hong, "I'll come to pick you up before work ends."
Jiang Hong glanced at his watch, nodded nervously, and couldn't believe his task was to run errands for Chen Zhen!
With only half an hour left in the day, Lu Xiu had disappeared somewhere, while Jiang Hong focused on familiarizing himself with his job. His desk had a sheet listing names of departments on each floor, internal phone numbers, and department heads. His job was to memorize this sheet and, when needed, deliver documents or coordinate people for Chen Zhen between floors.
Jiang Hong placed his belongings on the desk, including his Tmall Genie.
"What's that?" Chen Zhen asked, looking at it.
"Tmall... Genie," Jiang Hong hesitated, wondering whether to tell Chen Zhen that it housed a demon. Since he was just an intern and didn't want to leave Lao Sun at the university, he usually carried it with him. As long as Lao Sun stayed quiet, it should be fine, right?
Since it had passed the Exorcism Committee's security check, Chen Zhen didn't inquire further about it, assuming anything brought in wouldn't be dangerous or prohibited.
Chen Zhen hardly spoke during work hours, busying himself on the computer for a while before starting to read a novel.
At the end of the workday, Chen Zhen was still in the office when Lu Xiu arrived to pick up Jiang Hong.
"Boss, shall I make dinner for you?" Jiang Hong asked.
Chen Zhen replied, "No need, I'm waiting for my brother. We'll go out to eat. See you tomorrow, Jiang Hong."
So, Jiang Hong followed Lu Xiu, preparing to leave work and exit the Exorcism Committee building.
"Why me?" Jiang Hong was still pleasantly surprised.
Lu Xiu answered, "Didn't you understand?"
Jiang Hong looked puzzled, and Lu Xiu explained, "To facilitate communication between Cangqiong University and the Exorcism Committee. Chen Zhen doesn't know what Cao Bin is doing, and Cao Bin doesn't know what Chen Zhen is doing. You're with Chen Zhen because Principal Cao trusts you and you can indirectly convey messages to Cao Bin..."
"Oh, I see," said Jiang Hong. "But I guess Principal Cao won't ask what's happening at the Exorcism Committee, right?"
As an exorcist entered the elevator, they stopped talking. Everyone, cautious, glanced at Lu Xiu and kept a considerable distance, maintaining space.
The Exorcism Committee had arranged a cooperative five-star hotel for the students, with Lu Xiu and Jiang Hong sharing a standard room with excellent facilities including a gym and a swimming pool. As for dining, many students chose to have dinner in the Exorcism Committee cafeteria. After getting the room card, Lu Xiu led Jiang Hong to check in, and they settled in together as they were accustomed to.
"Let's not go out today," Lu Xiu said, taking Jiang Hong to the hotel's Chinese restaurant for dinner. "I have things to deal with tonight."
"Sure, sure, I'm exhausted anyway…" Jiang Hong was extremely tired. He had been mentally drained in Chen Zhen's office, feeling constantly on edge despite not doing much.
"Is it also because my family doesn't have exorcists?" Jiang Hong suddenly remembered and asked.
"Maybe," Lu Xiu replied, glancing at his phone. Ever since leading the team, his phone had been inundated with messages. Although he had delegated most to the class leader, he still had to check every message to ensure nothing urgent came up.
Almost all human students at Cangqiong University were from exorcist families, except for Jiang Hong. As Chen Zhen had mentioned, Jiang Hong was an intern enrolled as a complete non-magical person, without any faction backing, meaning no entangled interests.
After dinner, Jiang Hong messaged his parents. His father, learning about his internship, specifically reminded him to "wipe the leader's desk and water the plants." Exhausted, Jiang Hong went to bed after a shower, while Lu Xiu stayed up late working at the desk, reporting the day's events to Zhuang Xuan Hezhi and writing a counselor's report before joining him in bed.
Thus, the first day of his internship passed. The next morning, Jiang Hong felt fully revived, almost unreal.
Am I really going to work now?
Having worked at Starbucks and KFC during high school, Jiang Hong adapted quickly. His classmates were more exhausted, as working and studying fundamentally differed – you could skip classes but not work. This was evident from the grumbling in the Exorcism Committee's cafeteria in the morning.
Zhang Xiting asked, "Where did you go? You disappeared. I wanted to invite you to a bar last night."
Lu Xiu had taken Jiang Hong to the cafeteria early in the morning and then disappeared, being extremely busy these days. Jiang Hong explained he was assisting Chen Zhen, which shocked Zhang Xiting, but he soon realized Jiang Hong was the most suitable among their peers.
"I'm in the Exorcism Business Division," said Zhang Xiting. "My God, it's my first time dealing with this stuff."
"What do you do?" Jiang Hong was quite curious.
Zhang Xiting explained, "I'm rating tasks, mainly B and C level, assessing their completion. There's a heap of tasks, all over the place. I've decided to write a backend system for the Committee to facilitate their own task reporting and rating."
Lian Jiang also came over with his breakfast, looking tired, "I had to work overtime on my first day of internship. Is there no justice left?"
"What do you do?" Jiang Hong asked curiously.
"Information Department, aftermath management," Lian Jiang replied with disheveled hair. "It's like an epidemic investigation. An exorcist captured a demonized cow that breathed fire while running through two villages. We had to check how many people saw it, give each of them amnesia powder, and look for photos and comments online… Dealing with that cow took us until after nine. When you guys exorcise in the future, be careful not to be seen by unrelated people; otherwise, it's hell for those doing the information investigation. It's a job not meant for humans."
Lu Xiu came again, handing Jiang Hong his elevator card and meal card.
"Go to work after you've eaten," Lu Xiu said. "I'll join you for lunch. Things will be less busy after today."
"It's okay, you go ahead," Jiang Hong replied, aware of Lu Xiu's hectic schedule these past few days.
The central department where Chen Zhen worked had the most relaxed office hours. Arriving before ten o'clock without needing to clock in was sufficient. After breakfast, Jiang Hong sipped coffee in front of the glass conservatory at the end of the restaurant, enjoying the scenic view outside. The spring atmosphere around the fountain downstairs was pleasant. Working here seemed comfortable, though he wondered about the salary.
At 9:45, Jiang Hong entered the elevator, swiped his card, and prepared to clean Chen Zhen's desk in advance.
"Come to me," a sudden voice said.
Jiang Hong: "?"
"Quick, come to me, Jiang Hong, you've finally arrived..." the voice whispered in his ear.
Jiang Hong: "!!!"
Jiang Hong immediately turned around, only to find himself alone in the elevator!
"Jiang Hong, I see you, I know you can find me..."
Shocked, Jiang Hong stood as the elevator doors opened.
"Seventh floor, Logistics Department."
A girl entered, and the voice in Jiang Hong's ear ceased.
"Could you press twenty-second floor for me, thank you." The girl had a black band over her eyes.
Jiang Hong recognized her as the Director of the Exorcism Committee who had spoken at the Cangqiong University opening ceremony – Fang Yilan. He immediately pressed the elevator button for her, asking, "Director Fang?"
"Yes, I'm Yilan," Fang Yilan said. "I don't recognize your voice. Are you an intern?"
Jiang Hong hurriedly introduced himself, but his mind was still on the mysterious voice.
"Nineteenth floor, Central Department."
Jiang Hong bid farewell to Fang Yilan and heard that voice again in the hallway.
"I've heard your voice, I know you are Jiang Hong. Don't tell anyone, absolutely no one; it's important. I believe you can find me..."
Standing at the door of Chen Zhen's office, the voice disappeared again, sending shivers down Jiang Hong's spine. What was this? Was there a ghost in the Exorcism Committee?!
After swiping his card to enter, the voice didn't reappear. Chen Zhen was already in his office, reviewing a stack of documents. Jiang Hong arrived earlier today and conscientiously made coffee for Chen Zhen, who thanked him. Jiang Hong began to clean the desk while Chen Zhen sipped his coffee.
Chen Zhen looked deeply furrowed today, and Jiang Hong, still startled by the mysterious voice, appeared uneasy.
When Jiang Hong observed Chen Zhen, Chen Zhen happened to look up at him, raising his eyebrows inquisitively.
Jiang Hong immediately felt nervous.
"Didn't sleep well?" Chen Zhen asked.
"Uh... first day at work," Jiang Hong replied. "A bit nervous."
Chen Zhen smiled slightly. After Jiang Hong finished wiping the desk, noticing Chen Zhen's persistent frown, he asked, "Is something bothering you?"
Chen Zhen paused, then answered, "Nothing."
Jiang Hong thought to himself: Did I ask something I shouldn't have? Seems like I overstepped... Chen Zhen is essentially the CEO of the entire Exorcism Committee. As a mere intern, even if he's facing challenges, would he share them with me?
Chen Zhen continued with his documents, and Jiang Hong awkwardly returned to his seat. Shortly after, Chen Zhen instructed, "Help me print these documents, four copies each."
"Sure, right away." Jiang Hong took the documents. Chen Zhen casually set up a soundproof barrier, turning away from Jiang Hong to make a phone call by the window.
"I can help you print the documents," said Old Sun from the Tmall Genie.
"Shh," Jiang Hong quickly said, "don't talk, just help me open it, thanks."
Jiang Hong glanced at the documents, which were about the management of dangerous magical artifacts, involving several departments. After printing, he brought them to Chen Zhen for an official stamp, suggesting, "I can deliver these."
"Thank you," Chen Zhen said without looking at Jiang Hong, continuing his call. He seemed quite cool and authoritative during office hours, exuding a powerful CEO aura.
Jiang Hong visited four departments to deliver documents, chatting with fellow interns who were having tea and browsing the internet, before returning to the office. Chen Zhen had finished his work and was sitting at his desk, staring into space opposite Jiang Hong. While Chen Zhen's distraction was due to deep thought, Jiang Hong's mind was genuinely blank.
That voice hadn't reappeared. Where had it come from?
"There's indeed a significant problem." Chen Zhen suddenly spoke in the silence, startling Jiang Hong.
Jiang Hong observed him, initially thinking Chen Zhen was on the phone. But Chen Zhen's gaze was fixed on Jiang Hong, his fingers rhythmically tapping on the desk, eyes intently meeting Jiang Hong's.
"Um..." Jiang Hong didn't expect to return to this morning's conversation after nearly two hours, trying to say, "Is there anything I can do? Although my skills are limited—why does this line sound so familiar?—I'd like to help alleviate your worries, boss."
Chen Zhen smiled again, and Jiang Hong dared not meet his eyes, which seemed to see through everything, possessing the power to peer into one's soul. He focused on Chen Zhen's desk, observing his meticulously polished Brogue shoes.
"Mai Qing is still in the Exorcism Committee," Chen Zhen said.
"Oh, him," Jiang Hong remembered, saying, "I still recall Yinghuo."
Jiang Hong became interested. Chen Zhen seemed thoughtful, then said after a moment, "In fact, there's been no progress recently. Would you like to meet Mai Qing?"
Jiang Hong: "Me?" He didn't quite understand how he could help "make progress." Chen Zhen added, "A feng shui master who changed your fate. If you'd like to talk to him, I believe no one in the Exorcism Committee will stop you. Of course, there's no pressure if you'd rather not."
Jiang Hong said, "I can do it. Is there any specific information I should inquire about?"
Jiang Hong had no particular interest in Mai Qing but roughly understood Chen Zhen's intention. Concerning Yinghuo, the Exorcism Committee had exhausted all methods and clearly hadn't obtained useful information. Perhaps Jiang Hong could indirectly elicit some information from Mai Qing.
Chen Zhen was still pondering when someone knocked on the door. Lu Xiu arrived, and it was already half-past eleven.
"We'll talk in the afternoon," Chen Zhen said as he stood up. "Let's have a lunch break first."
Lu Xiu then took Jiang Hong to the cafeteria for lunch.
Lu Xiu visibly relaxed, prompting Jiang Hong to ask, "Finished with your work?"
"Yes, I'm done," Lu Xiu replied. "I'm temporarily using Gergentuolu Kedala's office next to Chen Zhen. You're welcome to come by anytime when you're not busy."
After getting their food, Lu Xiu and Jiang Hong returned to the office to eat. Lu Xiu, dressed in a suit and shirt these past days, had the air of a young, powerful executive. Jiang Hong felt like he was moving from one executive's office to another, like an innocent protagonist.
Jiang Hong observed, "There are quite a few Legos. Was Teacher Kedala a senior member of the Exorcism Committee too?"
"Yes," Lu Xiu said, "He was the office director. Why do you start cleaning as soon as you enter? Are you a cleaning robot?"
Jiang Hong replied, "It's something my dad taught me... to maintain good relations with the leaders."
Lu Xiu: "..."
This office was vastly different from Chen Zhen's, resembling a geek's study room, filled with action figures, mystery boxes, and even a saxophone. Jiang Hong's curiosity led him to discover that Kedala's credentials were impressive. He hailed from a renowned exorcist family known as "Canglang," worked at the Exorcism Committee for six years, becoming a director, participated in the exorcism war ten years ago, served as a Demon King for two years, and now chose to teach practical courses at Cangqiong University.
He told Lu Xiu about Chen Zhen's suggestion and the matter regarding Mai Qing.
"Should I be talking about this?" Jiang Hong wondered. "Isn't it inappropriate?"
Lu Xiu waved his hand dismissively, opened his lunch box, and began eating, saying, "Chen Zhen is straightforward. If he didn’t want you to know something, he would use a soundproof barrier."
Jiang Hong nodded in understanding. Lu Xiu then asked, "Do you want to meet Mai Qing? He's locked up in the prison downstairs. If you'd like, I can find a way for you to see him."
Jiang Hong said, "If so many people in the Exorcism Committee couldn't get him to talk, what can I do? Besides, since he's already captured, there's always hope if we take our time, right?"
Lu Xiu asked, "Do you know what kind of problem the Exorcism Committee is facing?"
Jiang Hong: "?"
"Infiltration," Lu Xiu explained. "Currently, everyone in the Exorcism Committee could be under Yinghuo's influence, except for Chen Zhen."
Jiang Hong exclaimed, "Is it that serious?!"
Lu Xiu said, "It's unclear who the enemy is and who's on our side. They can't find the method Yinghuo used to subvert the exorcists, nor a way to identify them. This includes high-ranking members like Dou Kuan and Wang Anjie, who might be under Yinghuo's influence."
Jiang Hong said, "That seems excessive, they don't need to be bribed by its allure."
Lu Xiu made a gesture indicating "no comment."
Jiang Hong asked further, "Then how did Chen Zhen come to know about it?"
Lu Xiu replied, "The keeper of the Heart Lamp always receives some premonitions. These are vague but can generally guide him in some direction. He is also waiting, but the longer he waits, the more dangerous it becomes."
Jiang Hong inquired, "Waiting for what?"
Lu Xiu explained, "For the next alignment of the Nine Stars, a fleeting moment that will answer a new question. They don't want to waste this precious opportunity on weeding out the infiltrators, but they have no choice."
Jiang Hong uttered an "oh," realizing that Lu Xiu also didn't expect him to get much information from Mai Qing. After lunch, Lu Xiu sat at the coffee table in his office, idly assembling LEGO pieces from under the sofa.
Today, he finally finished the preliminary work regarding the internship. As long as the students don't trouble him, Lu Xiu would have a lot of free time.
Jiang Hong dozed off on the sofa, and when he woke up, he saw Lu Xiu still playing with LEGO.
Jiang Hong yawned, sleepily watching Lu Xiu. The way Lu Xiu was assembling LEGO, he looked like a focused little boy. This was the first time Jiang Hong saw this other side of Lu Xiu, his senior.
Lu Xiu asked, "Awake now?"
Jiang Hong responded, "I'll go check if Chen Zhen has arrived."
Jiang Hong went next door; Chen Zhen was still napping. Upon returning, Lu Xiu started brewing coffee in the office and signaled Jiang Hong to get back to work seriously. So, Jiang Hong took a cup of coffee to Chen Zhen.
"This one tastes better than the one this morning," Chen Zhen commented.
"It was brewed by the teacher," Jiang Hong thought to himself: 'You sure know your stuff.'
Chen Zhen didn't mention the proposal from this morning, only saying, "Join me for a meeting this afternoon, and bring the notebook."
"Sure." Jiang Hong was still a bit sleepy, but had mostly familiarized himself with the assistant's schedule. At three in the afternoon, he arrived at the large conference room on the eleventh floor with Chen Zhen. Several department heads were already there, with only the seat to Chen Zhen's left vacant. They began reporting to Chen Zhen about the changes in the earthly veins.
"Plug in the adapter," Chen Zhen said to Jiang Hong, "open the fourth document and show it to everyone."
Jiang Hong did as instructed, and Chen Zhen explained, "This is the conclusion drawn last month by the monitoring team at Cangqiong University."
The screen displayed a graph of energy fluctuations. One department head commented, "This matches our findings. From last November to March this year, the surges in the earth's veins occasionally peaked, indicating someone is utilizing the energy of the veins..."
Just then, another man entered the conference room. He looked very young, seemingly only two or three years older than Jiang Hong, wearing black-rimmed glasses, a white shirt and woolen vest, complete with a tie, like a refined student.
As Jiang Hong looked up, he immediately recognized the man—An Jie.
This person was the head of the Security Affairs Department of the Exorcism Committee. When Jiang Hong first saw An Jie, he was with a group of exorcist bodyguards at the entrance of the Committee, expelling Lu Xiu and reminding Cao Bin that "Lu Xiu is prohibited from entering the Committee."
Jiang Hong later learned from Cao Bin that An Jie was practically the second-in-command of the Committee under Chen Zhen, responsible for the security of the entire hidden world. However, how Lu Xiu later managed to openly enter the Committee, bringing a group of students for an internship, and what conditions Cao Bin had proposed, remained unknown.
When An Jie entered, the reporter hesitated for a second, but Chen Zhen tapped the table and said, "Continue."
An Jie walked over to Chen Zhen, sitting in the first position on the left, his face seemingly marked with annoyance. He glanced at the PowerPoint on the projector, then shifted his gaze to Jiang Hong, observing him repeatedly with apparent interest.
"It's difficult to analyze the specific nodes of the earth's veins where the surges occur," said the head of the monitoring department, "we need more geomancers to join this task..."
Chen Zhen commented, "I have given you over four months already."
Suddenly, An Jie interjected, "It's not that we can't analyze it; it's that the other party is concealing the locations of these surges through other methods. The deceiver must have some kind of artifact that we are unaware of. We have too little information."
Jiang Hong roughly understood that over the past year, the Deceivers had been performing unspeakable spells or using magical formations underneath the earth, extracting energy from the earth's veins. Each act of magic resulted in minor earthquakes or changes in the natural environment, with the Exorcism Committee closely monitoring their every move.
However, the biggest problem at the moment was the Committee's inability to precisely locate the sites of these spells, with the only clear location being the Qilian Mountains.
"There's been no progress from Mai Qing's side either," Chen Zhen spoke to An Jie.
An Jie didn't respond, simply cracking his knuckles with a faint sound.
Chen Zhen: "I expect to see a clear direction in the next report. We can't keep going around in circles. That's all for now."
Chen Zhen's words were heavy, yet delivered with poise. Jiang Hong packed up his laptop and followed him out of the meeting room, leaving the department heads still in a state of disarray, discussing countermeasures.
An Jie also left the meeting room, following Chen Zhen, who seemed to deliberately slow his pace as they approached the elevator.
Jiang Hong, sensing his role, pressed the elevator button. The three of them—An Jie, Chen Zhen, and Jiang Hong—stood waiting in silence, the atmosphere turning somewhat eerie.
In this eerie silence, An Jie suddenly asked, "Is he the kid whose fate was altered by Mai Qing?"
Chen Zhen gestured for Jiang Hong to answer.
"Yes, that's correct," Jiang Hong replied tactfully, "Hello, Minister."
An Jie looked at Jiang Hong, his expression revealing an inscrutable smile.
"And the other one?" An Jie inquired, "Still with Cao Bin?"
Although Jiang Hong often played the naïve and sweet role, in such situations, he knew his place as "Chen Zhen's man" and refrained from speaking carelessly. He could sense the tension between the first and second in command of the Committee. Chen Zhen's presence was powerful, and An Jie, though younger, was no less imposing. Jiang Hong remembered Lu Xiu telling him that Wang An Jie was also a top-tier exorcist, not to be underestimated.
"Hmm," Chen Zhen responded.
An Jie added, "We should consider bringing the other one back."
Chen Zhen said, "There's no need; he knows nothing. They provide enough information for you to get a portion of the intelligence."
As the elevator hadn't arrived yet, An Jie gave Jiang Hong another look, making him feel a bit nervous. Jiang Hong subtly stepped back to stand under the protective aura of Chen Zhen, effectively shielding himself from An Jie's intensity.
"What's your name?" An Jie asked again.
"Jiang Hong," he replied.
Cool, a different kind of cool from Lu Xiu, Jiang Hong sensed the mutual hostility between An Jie and Chen Zhen—if not for this hostility, An Jie might also be a god-tier exorcist, especially being so young!
Finally, the elevator arrived. Chen Zhen entered first, followed by An Jie. Jiang Hong, being proactive, pressed the buttons for their floors.
"You're pretty good," An Jie, evidently not willing to let Jiang Hong go, commented further, "Very composed."
Jiang Hong glanced at Chen Zhen through the elevator mirror, then back at An Jie.
Chen Zhen suddenly chuckled, and An Jie added, "Chen Zhen, I want this kid. Can you lend him to me to help out for a few days?"
Jiang Hong: "!!!"
Chen Zhen, looking at Jiang Hong through the elevator mirror, asked seriously, "Do you want to go to the Security Affairs Department?"
"Ah?" Jiang Hong was taken aback, unsure how to respond, and unclear about Chen Zhen's intentions.
An Jie, with an air of nonchalance, said, "It won’t take much of your time. Come help me out for a bit, I'm short-staffed. Also, there's another matter I need to discuss with you."
Jiang Hong: "This... this..."
Unsure of what to do, Jiang Hong didn't want to go, but he guessed Chen Zhen might want him to. He didn't know why, just a fleeting sense of telepathy.
An Jie raised his eyebrows arrogantly, inquiring.
The elevator reached the twelfth floor, and Chen Zhen gestured to Jiang Hong, his eyes seemingly holding a deep meaning.
Jiang Hong said, "I'll go up and grab some things first."
An Jie didn't say anything more, nodded to Chen Zhen, and left the elevator.
Jiang Hong asked, "What does he want to do?"
Back in his office, Chen Zhen sighed, sat behind his desk, thought for a moment, and said, "Just go if he asks you to, and listen to what he has to say."
Jiang Hong thought to himself: So now I've become a spy placed by the leader with his second in command.
"Alright," Jiang Hong replied, "then I... if there's anything, I'll come and tell you, boss."
Chen Zhen said, "It's not as complicated as you think. An Jie is just suddenly interested in you, he might ask about Mai Qing, just answer truthfully."
Chen Zhen looked at Jiang Hong for a while, then couldn't help but laugh, adding, "We are colleagues, not competitors. Relax."
"Oh." Jiang Hong packed up his Tmall Genie and had to go next door to inform Lu Xiu.
Lu Xiu: "???"
Still assembling LEGO, Lu Xiu stopped his hands and asked, "Wang An Jie wants you to go over? What does he mean?"
Jiang Hong, with his crossbody student bag, shrugged and said, "Should I go back to him?"
After thinking, Lu Xiu said, "He might want to ask you something. Go and see. He won't dare do anything to you. I'm right here, just call me if needed."
Jiang Hong was somewhat afraid of An Jie, but since it had been said, he braced himself and went to the twelfth floor to report.
Just as he entered the elevator, that mysterious voice suddenly rang out again.
"Tell no one, Jiang Hong, come to me..."
Jiang Hong was utterly baffled and asked, "Who are you?"
There was no response.
"What?" the Tmall Genie in the bag asked.
"Old Sun?" Jiang Hong asked, "Did you hear that voice?"
Old Sun replied, "No."
Jiang Hong thought, "Don't tell anyone," but Old Sun isn't a person, right? So, it should be okay to tell it?
Old Sun inquired, "What did you hear?"
The elevator doors opened, and Jiang Hong immediately fell silent, proceeding to knock on An Jie's office door.
An Jie, wearing headphones and expressionless, had his feet on the desk, half-sunk into the chair while listening to music, giving Jiang Hong a cold glance, almost like a problematic high school student.
"Minister, hello," Jiang Hong said.
An Jie, enigmatically, gestured towards another desk, indicating for Jiang Hong to sit.
In just two days, Jiang Hong had transitioned from being the top leader's intern assistant to the second-in-command's intern assistant, switching offices and feeling very apprehensive.
He took out the Tmall Genie and placed it on the desk.
Expecting An Jie to ask "What's this," Jiang Hong was surprised when An Jie just glanced at it and said nothing, continuing with his music. Jiang Hong opened the work laptop provided by the Committee and sat down, lost in thought.
"You're Jiang Hong?" An Jie finally took off his headphones and asked.
Jiang Hong, nervously looking at An Jie, leaned forward.
An Jie asked, "Were you at Mai Qing's house on the day the Committee pursued him?"
Jiang Hong replied, "Yes."
The situation at that time must have been thoroughly investigated by the exorcists, so there was no need to lie. An Jie then asked, "Who else was present at the time?"
This question was difficult to answer—Jiang Hong couldn't guess what An Jie wanted to know. In fact, when they broke into Mai Qing's house, the allies present included Lu Xiu, and the enemies included someone who looked like Chen Zhen from the back. Who was An Jie asking about?
Suddenly, Jiang Hong had a flash of insight: Mai Qing was a member of the Deceiver organization, and there were accomplices in his house. The exorcists should have thoroughly investigated this, meaning An Jie knew about the enemy members. The problem then lied with their own side.
"No, that's all," Jiang Hong told a little lie.
An Jie didn't pursue further, fell silent for a moment, then gestured to Jiang Hong, saying, "Come here."
Jiang Hong stood up, walked over, while An Jie's gaze remained fixed on his eyes, his posture unchanged, as if trying to peer into Jiang Hong's soul.
"Minister... is there something you need?" Jiang Hong asked, thinking to himself: If the Committee is suspected of being infiltrated by the Deceivers, could An Jie be an undercover agent for them?
An Jie scrutinized Jiang Hong seriously for a while, his gaze impolite. After a moment, he opened a drawer in his desk and pulled out a black, flat, elongated object.
"Is this yours?" An Jie asked.
"Yes, Minister," Jiang Hong recognized the object as the metal ruler he had shown to Cao Bin and Si Gui at the beginning of the school term. Cao Bin had decided to send it to the Committee for appraisal, and somehow, it had ended up with An Jie.
Chapter 49: An Jie
"This..." Jiang Hong was somewhat overwhelmed and asked, "Really? Can I?"
"It's called assistant," Chen Zhen sat down behind his desk and said, "but there's no particularly complicated work to be done. I wanted you here firstly because you're someone Cao Bin trusts, his direct disciple, right? This arrangement can facilitate interaction between the Exorcism Committee and Cangqiong University..."
"Oh." Jiang Hong felt there was more to Chen Zhen's words, but he couldn't quite grasp it yet.
"Secondly, I believe you're the most suitable," Chen Zhen continued. "You're the only exorcist from a mundane background in recent years. Although it happened by a twist of fate, it's not easy being a commoner. I think for many tasks, a different perspective like yours could handle them better."
Lu Xiu said, "Then I'll leave him with you."
Chen Zhen hummed in acknowledgment, and Lu Xiu added to Jiang Hong, "I'll come to pick you up before work ends."
Jiang Hong glanced at his watch, nodded nervously, and couldn't believe his task was to run errands for Chen Zhen!
With only half an hour left in the day, Lu Xiu had disappeared somewhere, while Jiang Hong focused on familiarizing himself with his job. His desk had a sheet listing names of departments on each floor, internal phone numbers, and department heads. His job was to memorize this sheet and, when needed, deliver documents or coordinate people for Chen Zhen between floors.
Jiang Hong placed his belongings on the desk, including his Tmall Genie.
"What's that?" Chen Zhen asked, looking at it.
"Tmall... Genie," Jiang Hong hesitated, wondering whether to tell Chen Zhen that it housed a demon. Since he was just an intern and didn't want to leave Lao Sun at the university, he usually carried it with him. As long as Lao Sun stayed quiet, it should be fine, right?
Since it had passed the Exorcism Committee's security check, Chen Zhen didn't inquire further about it, assuming anything brought in wouldn't be dangerous or prohibited.
Chen Zhen hardly spoke during work hours, busying himself on the computer for a while before starting to read a novel.
At the end of the workday, Chen Zhen was still in the office when Lu Xiu arrived to pick up Jiang Hong.
"Boss, shall I make dinner for you?" Jiang Hong asked.
Chen Zhen replied, "No need, I'm waiting for my brother. We'll go out to eat. See you tomorrow, Jiang Hong."
So, Jiang Hong followed Lu Xiu, preparing to leave work and exit the Exorcism Committee building.
"Why me?" Jiang Hong was still pleasantly surprised.
Lu Xiu answered, "Didn't you understand?"
Jiang Hong looked puzzled, and Lu Xiu explained, "To facilitate communication between Cangqiong University and the Exorcism Committee. Chen Zhen doesn't know what Cao Bin is doing, and Cao Bin doesn't know what Chen Zhen is doing. You're with Chen Zhen because Principal Cao trusts you and you can indirectly convey messages to Cao Bin..."
"Oh, I see," said Jiang Hong. "But I guess Principal Cao won't ask what's happening at the Exorcism Committee, right?"
As an exorcist entered the elevator, they stopped talking. Everyone, cautious, glanced at Lu Xiu and kept a considerable distance, maintaining space.
The Exorcism Committee had arranged a cooperative five-star hotel for the students, with Lu Xiu and Jiang Hong sharing a standard room with excellent facilities including a gym and a swimming pool. As for dining, many students chose to have dinner in the Exorcism Committee cafeteria. After getting the room card, Lu Xiu led Jiang Hong to check in, and they settled in together as they were accustomed to.
"Let's not go out today," Lu Xiu said, taking Jiang Hong to the hotel's Chinese restaurant for dinner. "I have things to deal with tonight."
"Sure, sure, I'm exhausted anyway…" Jiang Hong was extremely tired. He had been mentally drained in Chen Zhen's office, feeling constantly on edge despite not doing much.
"Is it also because my family doesn't have exorcists?" Jiang Hong suddenly remembered and asked.
"Maybe," Lu Xiu replied, glancing at his phone. Ever since leading the team, his phone had been inundated with messages. Although he had delegated most to the class leader, he still had to check every message to ensure nothing urgent came up.
Almost all human students at Cangqiong University were from exorcist families, except for Jiang Hong. As Chen Zhen had mentioned, Jiang Hong was an intern enrolled as a complete non-magical person, without any faction backing, meaning no entangled interests.
After dinner, Jiang Hong messaged his parents. His father, learning about his internship, specifically reminded him to "wipe the leader's desk and water the plants." Exhausted, Jiang Hong went to bed after a shower, while Lu Xiu stayed up late working at the desk, reporting the day's events to Zhuang Xuan Hezhi and writing a counselor's report before joining him in bed.
Thus, the first day of his internship passed. The next morning, Jiang Hong felt fully revived, almost unreal.
Am I really going to work now?
Having worked at Starbucks and KFC during high school, Jiang Hong adapted quickly. His classmates were more exhausted, as working and studying fundamentally differed – you could skip classes but not work. This was evident from the grumbling in the Exorcism Committee's cafeteria in the morning.
Zhang Xiting asked, "Where did you go? You disappeared. I wanted to invite you to a bar last night."
Lu Xiu had taken Jiang Hong to the cafeteria early in the morning and then disappeared, being extremely busy these days. Jiang Hong explained he was assisting Chen Zhen, which shocked Zhang Xiting, but he soon realized Jiang Hong was the most suitable among their peers.
"I'm in the Exorcism Business Division," said Zhang Xiting. "My God, it's my first time dealing with this stuff."
"What do you do?" Jiang Hong was quite curious.
Zhang Xiting explained, "I'm rating tasks, mainly B and C level, assessing their completion. There's a heap of tasks, all over the place. I've decided to write a backend system for the Committee to facilitate their own task reporting and rating."
Lian Jiang also came over with his breakfast, looking tired, "I had to work overtime on my first day of internship. Is there no justice left?"
"What do you do?" Jiang Hong asked curiously.
"Information Department, aftermath management," Lian Jiang replied with disheveled hair. "It's like an epidemic investigation. An exorcist captured a demonized cow that breathed fire while running through two villages. We had to check how many people saw it, give each of them amnesia powder, and look for photos and comments online… Dealing with that cow took us until after nine. When you guys exorcise in the future, be careful not to be seen by unrelated people; otherwise, it's hell for those doing the information investigation. It's a job not meant for humans."
Lu Xiu came again, handing Jiang Hong his elevator card and meal card.
"Go to work after you've eaten," Lu Xiu said. "I'll join you for lunch. Things will be less busy after today."
"It's okay, you go ahead," Jiang Hong replied, aware of Lu Xiu's hectic schedule these past few days.
The central department where Chen Zhen worked had the most relaxed office hours. Arriving before ten o'clock without needing to clock in was sufficient. After breakfast, Jiang Hong sipped coffee in front of the glass conservatory at the end of the restaurant, enjoying the scenic view outside. The spring atmosphere around the fountain downstairs was pleasant. Working here seemed comfortable, though he wondered about the salary.
At 9:45, Jiang Hong entered the elevator, swiped his card, and prepared to clean Chen Zhen's desk in advance.
"Come to me," a sudden voice said.
Jiang Hong: "?"
"Quick, come to me, Jiang Hong, you've finally arrived..." the voice whispered in his ear.
Jiang Hong: "!!!"
Jiang Hong immediately turned around, only to find himself alone in the elevator!
"Jiang Hong, I see you, I know you can find me..."
Shocked, Jiang Hong stood as the elevator doors opened.
"Seventh floor, Logistics Department."
A girl entered, and the voice in Jiang Hong's ear ceased.
"Could you press twenty-second floor for me, thank you." The girl had a black band over her eyes.
Jiang Hong recognized her as the Director of the Exorcism Committee who had spoken at the Cangqiong University opening ceremony – Fang Yilan. He immediately pressed the elevator button for her, asking, "Director Fang?"
"Yes, I'm Yilan," Fang Yilan said. "I don't recognize your voice. Are you an intern?"
Jiang Hong hurriedly introduced himself, but his mind was still on the mysterious voice.
"Nineteenth floor, Central Department."
Jiang Hong bid farewell to Fang Yilan and heard that voice again in the hallway.
"I've heard your voice, I know you are Jiang Hong. Don't tell anyone, absolutely no one; it's important. I believe you can find me..."
Standing at the door of Chen Zhen's office, the voice disappeared again, sending shivers down Jiang Hong's spine. What was this? Was there a ghost in the Exorcism Committee?!
After swiping his card to enter, the voice didn't reappear. Chen Zhen was already in his office, reviewing a stack of documents. Jiang Hong arrived earlier today and conscientiously made coffee for Chen Zhen, who thanked him. Jiang Hong began to clean the desk while Chen Zhen sipped his coffee.
Chen Zhen looked deeply furrowed today, and Jiang Hong, still startled by the mysterious voice, appeared uneasy.
When Jiang Hong observed Chen Zhen, Chen Zhen happened to look up at him, raising his eyebrows inquisitively.
Jiang Hong immediately felt nervous.
"Didn't sleep well?" Chen Zhen asked.
"Uh... first day at work," Jiang Hong replied. "A bit nervous."
Chen Zhen smiled slightly. After Jiang Hong finished wiping the desk, noticing Chen Zhen's persistent frown, he asked, "Is something bothering you?"
Chen Zhen paused, then answered, "Nothing."
Jiang Hong thought to himself: Did I ask something I shouldn't have? Seems like I overstepped... Chen Zhen is essentially the CEO of the entire Exorcism Committee. As a mere intern, even if he's facing challenges, would he share them with me?
Chen Zhen continued with his documents, and Jiang Hong awkwardly returned to his seat. Shortly after, Chen Zhen instructed, "Help me print these documents, four copies each."
"Sure, right away." Jiang Hong took the documents. Chen Zhen casually set up a soundproof barrier, turning away from Jiang Hong to make a phone call by the window.
"I can help you print the documents," said Old Sun from the Tmall Genie.
"Shh," Jiang Hong quickly said, "don't talk, just help me open it, thanks."
Jiang Hong glanced at the documents, which were about the management of dangerous magical artifacts, involving several departments. After printing, he brought them to Chen Zhen for an official stamp, suggesting, "I can deliver these."
"Thank you," Chen Zhen said without looking at Jiang Hong, continuing his call. He seemed quite cool and authoritative during office hours, exuding a powerful CEO aura.
Jiang Hong visited four departments to deliver documents, chatting with fellow interns who were having tea and browsing the internet, before returning to the office. Chen Zhen had finished his work and was sitting at his desk, staring into space opposite Jiang Hong. While Chen Zhen's distraction was due to deep thought, Jiang Hong's mind was genuinely blank.
That voice hadn't reappeared. Where had it come from?
"There's indeed a significant problem." Chen Zhen suddenly spoke in the silence, startling Jiang Hong.
Jiang Hong observed him, initially thinking Chen Zhen was on the phone. But Chen Zhen's gaze was fixed on Jiang Hong, his fingers rhythmically tapping on the desk, eyes intently meeting Jiang Hong's.
"Um..." Jiang Hong didn't expect to return to this morning's conversation after nearly two hours, trying to say, "Is there anything I can do? Although my skills are limited—why does this line sound so familiar?—I'd like to help alleviate your worries, boss."
Chen Zhen smiled again, and Jiang Hong dared not meet his eyes, which seemed to see through everything, possessing the power to peer into one's soul. He focused on Chen Zhen's desk, observing his meticulously polished Brogue shoes.
"Mai Qing is still in the Exorcism Committee," Chen Zhen said.
"Oh, him," Jiang Hong remembered, saying, "I still recall Yinghuo."
Jiang Hong became interested. Chen Zhen seemed thoughtful, then said after a moment, "In fact, there's been no progress recently. Would you like to meet Mai Qing?"
Jiang Hong: "Me?" He didn't quite understand how he could help "make progress." Chen Zhen added, "A feng shui master who changed your fate. If you'd like to talk to him, I believe no one in the Exorcism Committee will stop you. Of course, there's no pressure if you'd rather not."
Jiang Hong said, "I can do it. Is there any specific information I should inquire about?"
Jiang Hong had no particular interest in Mai Qing but roughly understood Chen Zhen's intention. Concerning Yinghuo, the Exorcism Committee had exhausted all methods and clearly hadn't obtained useful information. Perhaps Jiang Hong could indirectly elicit some information from Mai Qing.
Chen Zhen was still pondering when someone knocked on the door. Lu Xiu arrived, and it was already half-past eleven.
"We'll talk in the afternoon," Chen Zhen said as he stood up. "Let's have a lunch break first."
Lu Xiu then took Jiang Hong to the cafeteria for lunch.
Lu Xiu visibly relaxed, prompting Jiang Hong to ask, "Finished with your work?"
"Yes, I'm done," Lu Xiu replied. "I'm temporarily using Gergentuolu Kedala's office next to Chen Zhen. You're welcome to come by anytime when you're not busy."
After getting their food, Lu Xiu and Jiang Hong returned to the office to eat. Lu Xiu, dressed in a suit and shirt these past days, had the air of a young, powerful executive. Jiang Hong felt like he was moving from one executive's office to another, like an innocent protagonist.
Jiang Hong observed, "There are quite a few Legos. Was Teacher Kedala a senior member of the Exorcism Committee too?"
"Yes," Lu Xiu said, "He was the office director. Why do you start cleaning as soon as you enter? Are you a cleaning robot?"
Jiang Hong replied, "It's something my dad taught me... to maintain good relations with the leaders."
Lu Xiu: "..."
This office was vastly different from Chen Zhen's, resembling a geek's study room, filled with action figures, mystery boxes, and even a saxophone. Jiang Hong's curiosity led him to discover that Kedala's credentials were impressive. He hailed from a renowned exorcist family known as "Canglang," worked at the Exorcism Committee for six years, becoming a director, participated in the exorcism war ten years ago, served as a Demon King for two years, and now chose to teach practical courses at Cangqiong University.
He told Lu Xiu about Chen Zhen's suggestion and the matter regarding Mai Qing.
"Should I be talking about this?" Jiang Hong wondered. "Isn't it inappropriate?"
Lu Xiu waved his hand dismissively, opened his lunch box, and began eating, saying, "Chen Zhen is straightforward. If he didn’t want you to know something, he would use a soundproof barrier."
Jiang Hong nodded in understanding. Lu Xiu then asked, "Do you want to meet Mai Qing? He's locked up in the prison downstairs. If you'd like, I can find a way for you to see him."
Jiang Hong said, "If so many people in the Exorcism Committee couldn't get him to talk, what can I do? Besides, since he's already captured, there's always hope if we take our time, right?"
Lu Xiu asked, "Do you know what kind of problem the Exorcism Committee is facing?"
Jiang Hong: "?"
"Infiltration," Lu Xiu explained. "Currently, everyone in the Exorcism Committee could be under Yinghuo's influence, except for Chen Zhen."
Jiang Hong exclaimed, "Is it that serious?!"
Lu Xiu said, "It's unclear who the enemy is and who's on our side. They can't find the method Yinghuo used to subvert the exorcists, nor a way to identify them. This includes high-ranking members like Dou Kuan and Wang Anjie, who might be under Yinghuo's influence."
Jiang Hong said, "That seems excessive, they don't need to be bribed by its allure."
Lu Xiu made a gesture indicating "no comment."
Jiang Hong asked further, "Then how did Chen Zhen come to know about it?"
Lu Xiu replied, "The keeper of the Heart Lamp always receives some premonitions. These are vague but can generally guide him in some direction. He is also waiting, but the longer he waits, the more dangerous it becomes."
Jiang Hong inquired, "Waiting for what?"
Lu Xiu explained, "For the next alignment of the Nine Stars, a fleeting moment that will answer a new question. They don't want to waste this precious opportunity on weeding out the infiltrators, but they have no choice."
Jiang Hong uttered an "oh," realizing that Lu Xiu also didn't expect him to get much information from Mai Qing. After lunch, Lu Xiu sat at the coffee table in his office, idly assembling LEGO pieces from under the sofa.
Today, he finally finished the preliminary work regarding the internship. As long as the students don't trouble him, Lu Xiu would have a lot of free time.
Jiang Hong dozed off on the sofa, and when he woke up, he saw Lu Xiu still playing with LEGO.
Jiang Hong yawned, sleepily watching Lu Xiu. The way Lu Xiu was assembling LEGO, he looked like a focused little boy. This was the first time Jiang Hong saw this other side of Lu Xiu, his senior.
Lu Xiu asked, "Awake now?"
Jiang Hong responded, "I'll go check if Chen Zhen has arrived."
Jiang Hong went next door; Chen Zhen was still napping. Upon returning, Lu Xiu started brewing coffee in the office and signaled Jiang Hong to get back to work seriously. So, Jiang Hong took a cup of coffee to Chen Zhen.
"This one tastes better than the one this morning," Chen Zhen commented.
"It was brewed by the teacher," Jiang Hong thought to himself: 'You sure know your stuff.'
Chen Zhen didn't mention the proposal from this morning, only saying, "Join me for a meeting this afternoon, and bring the notebook."
"Sure." Jiang Hong was still a bit sleepy, but had mostly familiarized himself with the assistant's schedule. At three in the afternoon, he arrived at the large conference room on the eleventh floor with Chen Zhen. Several department heads were already there, with only the seat to Chen Zhen's left vacant. They began reporting to Chen Zhen about the changes in the earthly veins.
"Plug in the adapter," Chen Zhen said to Jiang Hong, "open the fourth document and show it to everyone."
Jiang Hong did as instructed, and Chen Zhen explained, "This is the conclusion drawn last month by the monitoring team at Cangqiong University."
The screen displayed a graph of energy fluctuations. One department head commented, "This matches our findings. From last November to March this year, the surges in the earth's veins occasionally peaked, indicating someone is utilizing the energy of the veins..."
Just then, another man entered the conference room. He looked very young, seemingly only two or three years older than Jiang Hong, wearing black-rimmed glasses, a white shirt and woolen vest, complete with a tie, like a refined student.
As Jiang Hong looked up, he immediately recognized the man—An Jie.
This person was the head of the Security Affairs Department of the Exorcism Committee. When Jiang Hong first saw An Jie, he was with a group of exorcist bodyguards at the entrance of the Committee, expelling Lu Xiu and reminding Cao Bin that "Lu Xiu is prohibited from entering the Committee."
Jiang Hong later learned from Cao Bin that An Jie was practically the second-in-command of the Committee under Chen Zhen, responsible for the security of the entire hidden world. However, how Lu Xiu later managed to openly enter the Committee, bringing a group of students for an internship, and what conditions Cao Bin had proposed, remained unknown.
When An Jie entered, the reporter hesitated for a second, but Chen Zhen tapped the table and said, "Continue."
An Jie walked over to Chen Zhen, sitting in the first position on the left, his face seemingly marked with annoyance. He glanced at the PowerPoint on the projector, then shifted his gaze to Jiang Hong, observing him repeatedly with apparent interest.
"It's difficult to analyze the specific nodes of the earth's veins where the surges occur," said the head of the monitoring department, "we need more geomancers to join this task..."
Chen Zhen commented, "I have given you over four months already."
Suddenly, An Jie interjected, "It's not that we can't analyze it; it's that the other party is concealing the locations of these surges through other methods. The deceiver must have some kind of artifact that we are unaware of. We have too little information."
Jiang Hong roughly understood that over the past year, the Deceivers had been performing unspeakable spells or using magical formations underneath the earth, extracting energy from the earth's veins. Each act of magic resulted in minor earthquakes or changes in the natural environment, with the Exorcism Committee closely monitoring their every move.
However, the biggest problem at the moment was the Committee's inability to precisely locate the sites of these spells, with the only clear location being the Qilian Mountains.
"There's been no progress from Mai Qing's side either," Chen Zhen spoke to An Jie.
An Jie didn't respond, simply cracking his knuckles with a faint sound.
Chen Zhen: "I expect to see a clear direction in the next report. We can't keep going around in circles. That's all for now."
Chen Zhen's words were heavy, yet delivered with poise. Jiang Hong packed up his laptop and followed him out of the meeting room, leaving the department heads still in a state of disarray, discussing countermeasures.
An Jie also left the meeting room, following Chen Zhen, who seemed to deliberately slow his pace as they approached the elevator.
Jiang Hong, sensing his role, pressed the elevator button. The three of them—An Jie, Chen Zhen, and Jiang Hong—stood waiting in silence, the atmosphere turning somewhat eerie.
In this eerie silence, An Jie suddenly asked, "Is he the kid whose fate was altered by Mai Qing?"
Chen Zhen gestured for Jiang Hong to answer.
"Yes, that's correct," Jiang Hong replied tactfully, "Hello, Minister."
An Jie looked at Jiang Hong, his expression revealing an inscrutable smile.
"And the other one?" An Jie inquired, "Still with Cao Bin?"
Although Jiang Hong often played the naïve and sweet role, in such situations, he knew his place as "Chen Zhen's man" and refrained from speaking carelessly. He could sense the tension between the first and second in command of the Committee. Chen Zhen's presence was powerful, and An Jie, though younger, was no less imposing. Jiang Hong remembered Lu Xiu telling him that Wang An Jie was also a top-tier exorcist, not to be underestimated.
"Hmm," Chen Zhen responded.
An Jie added, "We should consider bringing the other one back."
Chen Zhen said, "There's no need; he knows nothing. They provide enough information for you to get a portion of the intelligence."
As the elevator hadn't arrived yet, An Jie gave Jiang Hong another look, making him feel a bit nervous. Jiang Hong subtly stepped back to stand under the protective aura of Chen Zhen, effectively shielding himself from An Jie's intensity.
"What's your name?" An Jie asked again.
"Jiang Hong," he replied.
Cool, a different kind of cool from Lu Xiu, Jiang Hong sensed the mutual hostility between An Jie and Chen Zhen—if not for this hostility, An Jie might also be a god-tier exorcist, especially being so young!
Finally, the elevator arrived. Chen Zhen entered first, followed by An Jie. Jiang Hong, being proactive, pressed the buttons for their floors.
"You're pretty good," An Jie, evidently not willing to let Jiang Hong go, commented further, "Very composed."
Jiang Hong glanced at Chen Zhen through the elevator mirror, then back at An Jie.
Chen Zhen suddenly chuckled, and An Jie added, "Chen Zhen, I want this kid. Can you lend him to me to help out for a few days?"
Jiang Hong: "!!!"
Chen Zhen, looking at Jiang Hong through the elevator mirror, asked seriously, "Do you want to go to the Security Affairs Department?"
"Ah?" Jiang Hong was taken aback, unsure how to respond, and unclear about Chen Zhen's intentions.
An Jie, with an air of nonchalance, said, "It won’t take much of your time. Come help me out for a bit, I'm short-staffed. Also, there's another matter I need to discuss with you."
Jiang Hong: "This... this..."
Unsure of what to do, Jiang Hong didn't want to go, but he guessed Chen Zhen might want him to. He didn't know why, just a fleeting sense of telepathy.
An Jie raised his eyebrows arrogantly, inquiring.
The elevator reached the twelfth floor, and Chen Zhen gestured to Jiang Hong, his eyes seemingly holding a deep meaning.
Jiang Hong said, "I'll go up and grab some things first."
An Jie didn't say anything more, nodded to Chen Zhen, and left the elevator.
Jiang Hong asked, "What does he want to do?"
Back in his office, Chen Zhen sighed, sat behind his desk, thought for a moment, and said, "Just go if he asks you to, and listen to what he has to say."
Jiang Hong thought to himself: So now I've become a spy placed by the leader with his second in command.
"Alright," Jiang Hong replied, "then I... if there's anything, I'll come and tell you, boss."
Chen Zhen said, "It's not as complicated as you think. An Jie is just suddenly interested in you, he might ask about Mai Qing, just answer truthfully."
Chen Zhen looked at Jiang Hong for a while, then couldn't help but laugh, adding, "We are colleagues, not competitors. Relax."
"Oh." Jiang Hong packed up his Tmall Genie and had to go next door to inform Lu Xiu.
Lu Xiu: "???"
Still assembling LEGO, Lu Xiu stopped his hands and asked, "Wang An Jie wants you to go over? What does he mean?"
Jiang Hong, with his crossbody student bag, shrugged and said, "Should I go back to him?"
After thinking, Lu Xiu said, "He might want to ask you something. Go and see. He won't dare do anything to you. I'm right here, just call me if needed."
Jiang Hong was somewhat afraid of An Jie, but since it had been said, he braced himself and went to the twelfth floor to report.
Just as he entered the elevator, that mysterious voice suddenly rang out again.
"Tell no one, Jiang Hong, come to me..."
Jiang Hong was utterly baffled and asked, "Who are you?"
There was no response.
"What?" the Tmall Genie in the bag asked.
"Old Sun?" Jiang Hong asked, "Did you hear that voice?"
Old Sun replied, "No."
Jiang Hong thought, "Don't tell anyone," but Old Sun isn't a person, right? So, it should be okay to tell it?
Old Sun inquired, "What did you hear?"
The elevator doors opened, and Jiang Hong immediately fell silent, proceeding to knock on An Jie's office door.
An Jie, wearing headphones and expressionless, had his feet on the desk, half-sunk into the chair while listening to music, giving Jiang Hong a cold glance, almost like a problematic high school student.
"Minister, hello," Jiang Hong said.
An Jie, enigmatically, gestured towards another desk, indicating for Jiang Hong to sit.
In just two days, Jiang Hong had transitioned from being the top leader's intern assistant to the second-in-command's intern assistant, switching offices and feeling very apprehensive.
He took out the Tmall Genie and placed it on the desk.
Expecting An Jie to ask "What's this," Jiang Hong was surprised when An Jie just glanced at it and said nothing, continuing with his music. Jiang Hong opened the work laptop provided by the Committee and sat down, lost in thought.
"You're Jiang Hong?" An Jie finally took off his headphones and asked.
Jiang Hong, nervously looking at An Jie, leaned forward.
An Jie asked, "Were you at Mai Qing's house on the day the Committee pursued him?"
Jiang Hong replied, "Yes."
The situation at that time must have been thoroughly investigated by the exorcists, so there was no need to lie. An Jie then asked, "Who else was present at the time?"
This question was difficult to answer—Jiang Hong couldn't guess what An Jie wanted to know. In fact, when they broke into Mai Qing's house, the allies present included Lu Xiu, and the enemies included someone who looked like Chen Zhen from the back. Who was An Jie asking about?
Suddenly, Jiang Hong had a flash of insight: Mai Qing was a member of the Deceiver organization, and there were accomplices in his house. The exorcists should have thoroughly investigated this, meaning An Jie knew about the enemy members. The problem then lied with their own side.
"No, that's all," Jiang Hong told a little lie.
An Jie didn't pursue further, fell silent for a moment, then gestured to Jiang Hong, saying, "Come here."
Jiang Hong stood up, walked over, while An Jie's gaze remained fixed on his eyes, his posture unchanged, as if trying to peer into Jiang Hong's soul.
"Minister... is there something you need?" Jiang Hong asked, thinking to himself: If the Committee is suspected of being infiltrated by the Deceivers, could An Jie be an undercover agent for them?
An Jie scrutinized Jiang Hong seriously for a while, his gaze impolite. After a moment, he opened a drawer in his desk and pulled out a black, flat, elongated object.
"Is this yours?" An Jie asked.
"Yes, Minister," Jiang Hong recognized the object as the metal ruler he had shown to Cao Bin and Si Gui at the beginning of the school term. Cao Bin had decided to send it to the Committee for appraisal, and somehow, it had ended up with An Jie.
