Song Shutian had learned about the secretary's situation. His experience was probably not much different from Zhao Anbang's. Otherwise, why would he have arranged for the two of them to work together?

However, this made Song Shutian even more confused about the situation.

"Are you implying that the Party Secretary is an enemy agent?"

Zhao Anbang shook his head. "I didn't say that, because I don't know either. If I knew, I would have taken action long ago. Why would I wait for them to make a move?"

Don't tell me you're confused, because I don't understand why I said that either; there's a reason for it.

Something happened. My deputy and the secretary were both cleared of suspicion because they were not present. Moreover, my deputy has now taken over my previous work.

So here's the question: if I'm in trouble, who benefits directly? That person is the one who did the dirty work, and it's obviously the deputy.

But nobody's a fool. Doing so would be too obvious; the enemy couldn't possibly be unaware of it, unless they had a backup plan and weren't afraid of this person being exposed. Using this person as a scapegoat would make the person sent later even more desirable to them.

Song Shutian asked uncertainly, "What if the enemy is exploiting this kind of thinking of yours?"

Zhao Anbang shook his head. "This is too childish. Even if this deputy takes my position, do you think your side will let the other side succeed so easily?"

Besides, the other party's vacation was approved by the Party Secretary, and the Party Secretary was attending a meeting at that time, which was quite a coincidence and made people think a lot.

Besides, I heard that meeting wasn't that important, that it required his personal attendance.

It's not that I'm overthinking it, but I've been pondering this matter endlessly these past few days. My personal concerns are minor, but the implications are far greater. If enemy agents have indeed infiltrated, what secrets will we have left?"

Song Shutian asked suspiciously, "Uncle Zhao, so you keep suspecting there's someone pulling the strings behind this, right? But I'm a little confused—"

Zhao Anbang snorted, "You brat, how did you become a section chief? After all this talk, why don't you understand?"

"I have no evidence, so I need you to investigate. If I were free now, would I need you to investigate me?"

Jiang Qiao heard this sentence when she came in.

"What's wrong, Brother Song? Did you make Uncle angry?"

Song Shutian shrugged. "He suspects everyone. I can't possibly investigate everyone, can I?"

Jiang Qiao smiled, then walked over and sat down next to Zhao Anbang. "Uncle, I've taken everything out. You're really daring, aren't you afraid someone will find out?"

Zhao Anbang proudly stuck out his neck and said, "If you've found it, then it means my hiding place is secure."

Song Shutian became even more curious. "Jiang Qiao, where exactly did you find it?"

“In the bird's nest in the big tree outside my uncle's yard.”

Song Shutian turned to Zhao Anbang and said, "You're really something, old man. You dare to hide things in that place. Aren't you afraid that some kid will climb the tree and find them?"

I even doubted whether the bird would be happy if you took over its nest. But thankfully, the things are still there.

Zhao Anbang snorted, "Don't underestimate me. Don't let my age fool you. Climbing a tree is no problem for me. Back in the day, I was one of the best tree climbers in the village. It's just that not many people know that now. But as long as it works, that's fine."

Song Shutian sighed, "Jiang Qiao, listen to this. Your Uncle Zhao has this suspicion and that suspicion, but he can't find a single accurate suspect. You should analyze it and give your opinion."

After listening to Zhao Anbang's explanation, Jiang Qiao's face immediately darkened.

"The investigation team members also had problems, and someone above you was also tampering with things. You also feel that the leaders around you are unreliable, right?"

Zhao Anbang glanced at Song Shutian and said, "Look, even Jiang Qiao understood it, why are you still confused?"

I'm telling you, you're responsible for investigating the rest. I can't get involved. If I show up, things will get complicated for Xiao Song."

Jiang Qiao didn't know the details of the situation. "What's so difficult about this? You can just come out and take over the work. You're the most suitable person to be in charge here."

Zhao Anbang shook his head and explained the situation to Jiang Qiao.

Jiang Qiao glanced at Song Shutian. "You agree with his idea too?"

Song Shutian gave a wry smile. "What can we do? To outsiders, at least we're acting fairly."

Jiang Qiao curled her lip and said, "Bullshit, why do you care about outsiders? Since the item has been found, it means Uncle Zhao is fine."

He's fine now, so what's the point of keeping him locked up? Besides, he's been here for so long, he knows more about things than we do, and he carries more weight with him.

Putting everything else aside, the fact that the old man is standing here means that those people are blind, which makes it easier for us to carry out our plans.

Furthermore, I think we should make the discovery of the data public. After all, the experiments need to continue, and we can't stop our research because of a few small fry. Wouldn't that be playing right into the enemy's hands?

Song Shutian gave a wry smile and looked at Zhao Anbang. "Uncle Zhao, listen to this. This is Jiang Qiao. She doesn't care about other people's opinions. Shouldn't we also not worry about so much?"

Zhao Anbang sighed and said, "The girl lives a pure life, unlike us. We think too much and end up trapping ourselves."

I understand. You can announce it later. I'm fine, I'll take charge of the work.

"Girl, there's another issue here, which is the need for the work group's cooperation. Don't be fooled by Xiao Song's high rank; even a local official has more power than a distant one. Before I'm reinstated, we'll likely need your help a lot during this process."

Jiang Qiao smiled and said, "I'm used to being a pioneer. I was prepared for this before I came here. Don't worry, I'm just like that Feng Lan. I'll cry, make a scene, and threaten suicide. I can make a big fuss. Just wait and see."

Song Shutian grabbed Jiang Qiao, who was getting up to leave, and asked, "Where are you going?"

Jiang Qiao blinked, looking completely innocent. "I have to go and reason with them. This person has been beaten up like this. Shouldn't the comrades in this working group take responsibility?"

This person was clearly under their supervision, so how did he end up in Feng Lan's hands?

This is unacceptable; it's a serious dereliction of duty. Since your family isn't here, I, your half-niece, will have to take your place. Is that alright?

Zhao Anbang couldn't help but laugh. "Oh, my niece, what a nice title! From now on, you're my niece. I, Zhao Anbang, am so lucky to have a niece like you!"

This statement is true. Given his current situation, even if his family is worried, they wouldn't dare to openly challenge him like this, or go out and settle scores with him in such a protective manner.

Jiang Qiao nodded very seriously, "Uncle Zhao, you won't lose out at all if I become your niece."