Chapter 108 Return to Chang'an

The joint operation between Songtaogou Base and Chang'an was like an elaborately woven net, which quickly closed in with the support of absolute power and precise intelligence.

In Songtaogou, using Feng Kun and Cui Ming as breakthrough points, the Security Department followed the clues and conducted an in-depth investigation.

Those "dormant" spies hiding in logistics, communications, or even ordinary positions, or those with weak wills who were coerced, had nowhere to hide in the face of sudden inspections.

Secret lists, hidden radio stations, and abnormal financial transactions were seized one after another.

The base carried out a silent but thorough purge, eradicating latent enemies in multiple departments and clearing the air.

At the same time, Chang'an's actions were even more powerful.

Based on the core intelligence provided by Shen Yuchuan and the clues fed back by Songtaogou, a specially formed special operations team headed straight for several spy strongholds disguised as forest protection stations and weather stations deep in the Qinling Mountains, code-named "Ninth Bureau".

The operation was quick and efficient. With an absolute superior force, these stubborn spies who had been entrenched for many years, stealing national defense secrets and sabotaging the construction of the Third Front were wiped out, and a large amount of intelligence and equipment was seized.

Chen Guodong, who was more hidden and cunning, finally came to the end of his road.

A secret investigation into him had already been launched, and when the chain of evidence was completely closed, the arrest was carried out as swiftly as wind.

Code books, hidden radio transmitters, records of overseas contacts, and a large number of internal documents he had stolen by taking advantage of his position were found in his office and home.

This hypocritical "hummingbird" who has been lurking in important positions for a long time has finally revealed his true colors.

When you pull out a radish, you bring out the mud. Chen Guodong's arrest has implicated a series of problems for his daughter Chen Manni.

The organization conducted a thorough investigation of her unit, and Chen Manni's crimes of relying on her father's power to bully colleagues, exclude dissidents, embezzle the unit's small treasury, and even secretly resell planned materials were exposed one by one.

Both father and daughter were thrown into prison, and what awaits them is severe punishment from the law.

Shen Lingning learned about this after Chen Manni was arrested and asked to see Shen Lingning. After being rejected by Shen Lingning, she said that if he did not come to see her, she would falsely accuse Shen Lingning of having overseas connections and being a spy sent by Taiwan.

She also said that only if Shen Lingning met her would she reveal other clues.

Under the persuasion of several leaders, Shen Lingning was forced to agree to meet Chen Manli.

The night before departure, while packing, Zhou Weiguo looked at Shen Lingning who was packing her luggage, thought for a moment and asked, "Do you want me to take you there?"

Shen Lingning put the box of black tea she brought for her godmother into the box and shook her head: "You have already taken all your vacation time. You can't always ask for leave. When the time comes, my cousin will pick me and Fubao up. It will be safe."

Zhou Weiguo squatted down and helped her put away the tea and tea seed soap she was going to bring.

Fubao came over with the rag doll that Auntie Sun had sewn for her: "Mom, would you like to take this doll away?"

Shen Lingning pinched her chubby little face: “No, there is a lot of luggage, come back and play.”

The next day, the military jeep came to pick up Shen Lingning and Fubao early in the morning. Zhou Weiguo put the box in the trunk, came over and kissed Fubao on the face, and told them to call him if they had any problems.

Only then did he reluctantly start the car and stood there watching it drive away.

When the train arrived at Chang'an, the exit was crowded with people. Shen Yuchuan and Zhao Xiangdong had been waiting for a long time.

As soon as they saw the delicate and exquisite Fubao, the two grown men immediately smiled and competed to hold him.

"Fubao, call me uncle!"

Shen Yuchuan took the lead and lifted his little niece high up.

Zhao Xiangdong was not to be outdone. He pulled out a small bag of preserved fruit from his pocket like a magic trick: "Fubao, look what delicious food Uncle Dongzi brought you?"

Fubao blinked his big black eyes, contrary to his usual liveliness and activity, and called out "Uncle" softly and obediently, leaning his little head on Shen Yuchuan's shoulder, looking shy.

Only Shen Lingning, who was right next to her, could hear the little head muttering in her heart: "Mom, is Bao good? The two uncles are like big dogs, fighting over a bone... Bao is that delicious bone!"

Shen Lingning couldn't help laughing and gently squeezed his daughter's hand.

The car drove into the familiar government compound.

The atmosphere this time is completely different from before.

As soon as I got off the bus, some sharp-eyed aunts and sisters-in-law surrounded me enthusiastically.

"Hey! Ling Ning is back! Fu Bao has grown taller again, so handsome!"

"Sister Lingning, you must have had a hard time on the journey. I made some mung bean soup at home. I'll bring you a bowl later!"

"Ning, why don't you stay a few more days this time?"

The warm greetings were mixed with more practical purposes.

A sister-in-law wearing a fashionable Dacron shirt squeezed to the front and lowered her voice: "Lingning, sister-in-law wants to ask you something... The Jingui soap from your factory is now impossible to find outside!

Look... could you give me a few bucks privately? The price is negotiable!"

As soon as the words fell, several people nearby immediately echoed: "Yes, yes, Ling Ning, please help!"

"My sister-in-law is getting married soon, and I want to use this as a 'qiaotou' in her dowry!"

Wang Xiulan had just come out to meet someone. Seeing this, she raised her brows and retorted in a loud voice: "Go away! What nonsense are you talking about! Is Ling Ning coming back to visit relatives or to work as a buyer for you?

That soap is the collective property of the factory. Can it be sold privately? If you want to buy it, go to the supply and marketing cooperative and queue up! Don't embarrass Ling Ning here!"

Everyone was embarrassed by the rebuke, but the eagerness in their eyes did not fade.

This shows how popular Jingui soap is.

The Mid-Autumn Festival reunion dinner was warm and lively.

Godmother Wang Xiulan looked at Shen Lingning, who was becoming more calm and capable, with her eyes full of satisfaction.

Godfather Zhao Jianguo didn't talk much, but he occasionally asked about the situation of the tea mountain and the soap factory, and listened very carefully.

Fubao's childish words and phrases also made people laugh from time to time, and the atmosphere was so good.

The next morning, Shen Yuchuan drove to pick up Shen Lingning.

Unexpectedly, as soon as he left the corridor, he was surrounded by several aunties again, and this time the target was Shen Yuchuan.

"Ning? Is this your cousin? Do you have a girlfriend? Auntie can introduce you to a girl. She's a regular worker at the textile factory and she's very pretty!"

"My niece teaches in an elementary school. She's well-educated and has a nice personality. Would you like to meet her?"

"Ah, Lingning, your Shen family is truly blessed with outstanding people and talented people. Your son is so handsome, and your daughter is so capable..."

Shen Yuchuan was so embarrassed that he blushed and couldn't cope with it.

Shen Lingning looked at his cousin's embarrassed look and chuckled.

Those who once had complaints about the Shen family because of their background and Wang Xiulan's status now put on smiling faces and tried their best to promote their relatives.

Nothing is more fickle than this.

But no one expected that she had other missions besides meeting Chen Manli this time.