Zhang Cishu listened quietly, his fingers unconsciously stroking the edge of the stone table, his eyes calm and undisturbed.

After Xu Xinghe finished speaking, he slowly said, "Trust your intuition. If you feel something is wrong with this person, then there is definitely something wrong with her. What you should do now is to stay away from her completely, don't meet her alone, don't respond to any of her requests, and don't give her any opportunity. As for her identity and her purpose, you don't need to worry about those. That's the responsibility of the military and the General Staff, and someone will naturally investigate and find out the truth."

Upon hearing this, Xu Xinghe felt her worries dissipate almost entirely. She couldn't help but look up at him. "Cishu, you're really amazing. I've been struggling with many things for a long time, but your words have made everything clear to me. I was even thinking about whether I should secretly follow her or ask other people about her."

“Absolutely not.” Zhang Cishu stood up, his tone becoming more serious. “You are the most important person right now. The prescription you have concerns the safety of too many people, so your safety is more important than anything else. Before things become clear, do nothing. Don’t investigate proactively, and don’t reveal your suspicions. I will handle the rest for you.”

He glanced at the dark night and instructed, "I'm leaving now. Get some rest, lock the doors and windows, and don't open the door easily no matter who knocks."

After saying that, Zhang Cishu turned and left.

After leaving the courtyard, he did not go home, but went straight to Political Commissar Wang's office.

This matter is of great importance and must be reported immediately.

The office lights were still on.

Political Commissar Wang frowned and pondered as he looked at a stack of investigation reports.

Seeing Zhang Cishu come so late, he was a little surprised. "Cishu? It's so late, is there something urgent?"

“Political Commissar Wang, I request an immediate and comprehensive investigation into Director Li’s wife, Lin Hui.” Zhang Cishu got straight to the point. “If the military is short-handed, I can contact my grandfather immediately and have him send a group of reliable people to assist us.”

Political Commissar Wang was taken aback for a moment before remembering who Lin Hui was. "Lin Hui? You mean the family member who came with Director Li? I had someone secretly investigate her when she went to town to make purchases before, and there seemed to be no problem. Besides, she's a military dependent. Why are you suddenly investigating her?"

“She had an unusual obsession with Xu Xinghe’s ointment.” Zhang Cishu succinctly explained the core suspicion: “She deliberately caused injuries twice just to get the ointment, but after getting it, she did not use it on the wounds, and the whereabouts of the ointment are unknown.”

"Espionage activities are frequent these days, and the target is very likely the prescription in Xu Xinghe's hands. Lin Hui's behavior is too suspicious. To be on the safe side, we must thoroughly investigate her background, whereabouts, and all external contacts."

Political Commissar Wang knew Zhang Cishu's personality; he was always calm and reserved, and never spoke without reason or made a mountain out of a molehill.

Given the recent surge in espionage activities, Political Commissar Wang's expression instantly turned serious. "Alright, I'll send people to investigate immediately. There's no need to alarm your grandfather for now; the military has enough manpower to handle it."

He got up and walked to Zhang Cishu, solemnly instructing him, "After you go back, you must keep a close eye on Xu Xinghe. Do not let her leave the family compound for the time being, and do not let anyone contact her at will. You must ensure her safety."

"Understood." Zhang Cishu nodded in agreement, and without further ado, turned and quickly left.

Political Commissar Wang immediately summoned his most trusted confidant, "Take men and investigate Director Li's wife, Lin Hui, immediately. Her past background, recent whereabouts, everyone she has contacted, and all the details of her activities at the guesthouse. Don't miss a single detail. Report the investigation results to me immediately!"

After hanging up the phone, Political Commissar Wang walked to the window, his brows furrowed.

If Lin Hui really has a problem, was Director Li aware of it?

Could this uncover more hidden spies?

Could it be that... even the General Staff Headquarters isn't clean anymore?

On the other side, Zhang Cishu returned to the entrance of the courtyard and gently knocked on the door. "Xinghe, it's me."

Xu Xinghe quickly opened the door. "How did it go? I didn't see you go home. Did you go to see Political Commissar Wang?"

"Yes, Political Commissar Wang has already arranged for people." Zhang Cishu briefly explained the situation. "For the next period of time, you will stay in the courtyard and not leave the family compound. I will deliver your meals and necessary ingredients every day. If there is any situation, just call me anytime. I'm right next door."

Xu Xinghe nodded, finally feeling relieved.

She had considered contacting Political Commissar Wang, but since she was, after all, just a military dependent, it would be more effective for Zhang Cishu to say the words. "Okay, I understand, thank you."

For the next week, Xu Xinghe stayed obediently in the courtyard, either sitting in the house reading to consolidate her knowledge or tending to the medicinal herb field.

The precious medicinal herbs transplanted from the space have long been taken back by her. Now, the medicinal fields are planted with ordinary herbs, so even if someone were to spy on them, they wouldn't be able to see anything amiss.

Zhang Cishu would deliver fresh meals or ingredients to her every day on time, and occasionally give her a brief update on the investigation before saying nothing more.

Meanwhile, Lin Hui became increasingly anxious when she saw that Xu Xinghe hadn't shown up for several days, and she came to the courtyard several times in a row.

But every time she reached the entrance of Xu Xinghe's courtyard, she was stopped by Zhang Cishu, who was guarding the next door.

"Comrade Zhang, I need to speak with Xinghe. Is she home?" Lin Hui asked, trying to sound friendly, but her eyes kept glancing towards the yard.

“Comrade Xu is sick, and her condition is quite serious. It’s also contagious.” Zhang Cishu stood expressionlessly in the doorway, his tone indifferent. “The doctor advised that she must rest and not see any outsiders to avoid infecting others. Sister-in-law, you should go back first. I’ll have her contact you again when she’s better.”

Lin Hui's heart skipped a beat. Why did Xu Xinghe have to get sick now of all times?

We still need to avoid infectious diseases. Did she sense something?

But seeing Zhang Cishu's cold demeanor, she dared not force her way in, fearing it would arouse suspicion.

Left with no other choice, she could only force a smile. "That's really unfortunate. I'll come back in a few days. If Xinghe needs anything, please let me know."

"Yes, I will," Zhang Cishu replied perfunctorily.

Lin Hui left quickly, followed quietly by a soldier responsible for surveillance.

Back at the guesthouse, Lin Hui felt anxious and flustered.

Xu Xinghe was sick, so she could no longer ask for the ointment. As the date for the railway repair drew closer, news came again that the main medicinal ingredients of the ointment still could not be identified, and a prescription was still needed.

But Zhang Cishu kept a close watch on her, and she couldn't find any opportunity to get close to Xu Xinghe. She could only pace anxiously back and forth in the room, her unease growing stronger.

She clenched her fists and muttered to herself, "Nothing will happen..."