Chapter 878: The statements of the two guards and the brief subsequent meeting concluded. The sky outside the window was already beginning to lighten, and the rain had completely stopped.

As Lu Qingyang walked through the main gate, the muscles in his shoulders and back still ached slightly from the tension and the previous struggle.

Not far from the entrance, a car was parked, and Shen Mo was standing next to it.

She was wearing a light gray polyester jacket over a white hospital shirt collar, her hair was neatly pulled back, and her face showed worry and the weariness of not having slept all night.

She received the message from the school and then took leave from the duty room of the military hospital to come over.

Shen Mo quickly stepped forward, her gaze sweeping over him from head to toe. She confirmed that apart from his dirty and wet clothes and somewhat pale face, he had no obvious external injuries. Her anxiety eased slightly, but her brows remained furrowed.

How are you? Are you hurt?

"I'm fine, just a superficial injury, nothing serious. What brings you here?"

"I took leave." Shen Mo said succinctly, then grabbed his hand tightly. "What exactly happened? On the phone, you only said you were attacked at school and the police are involved... It scared me to death."

As a surgeon at a military hospital, Shen Mo had seen many wounded patients and emergencies, but the fear she felt when it happened to her closest friend was completely different.

Once in the car, Lu Qingyang briefly recounted the events of the night to Shen Mo, omitting the most thrilling details of the fight and the parts involving the core of the project.

"...That's roughly it. That guy was probably after my research, carrying a gun and a camera, trying to steal the data, or maybe he wanted to control me directly." Lu Qingyang tried to keep his tone calm.

"How could such a thing get into the school? And with a gun? That's too dangerous! You were lucky this time, you reacted quickly, what if..."

She didn't finish her sentence, a lingering fear gripping her.

"Luckily it was nighttime and the students weren't in class. I didn't expect them to be so bold as to sneak into the school and take action."

Lu Qingyang pondered for a moment and said, "What I fear most is not them coming at me, but you and the child. These people will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. If they think they can force me to comply by threatening you..."

Shen Mo couldn't help but worry. The couple exchanged glances and both saw the seriousness in each other's eyes.

"We need to think of a way. We need to strengthen security at home. Should we hire two reliable security guards?"

Lu Qingyang nodded: "I think so too. I won't worry about the money, safety comes first. I'll go back and inquire to see if there are any retired soldiers who are skilled enough to be willing..."

After returning home, Lu Qingyang received a call from Professor Qian offering his condolences.

"Qingyang, it's me, Professor Qian. I just received a call from above. I heard about what happened to you last night. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, teacher. I'm sorry to have troubled you."

Professor Qian's tone was somewhat agitated: "It's alright, it's simply outrageous. Qingyang, listen to me, the higher-ups are aware of the situation and are taking it very seriously. Regarding your safety and that of your family, the organization has already made arrangements."

Lu Qingyang's expression shifted: "What arrangements?"

“Someone will contact you and take charge of your family’s safety in the near future. They are all trustworthy comrades whose skills and backgrounds have been strictly vetted. They will take care of your daily life, including your loved ones, children, and elderly relatives. Security will also be increased at your school and workplace.”

Professor Qian's tone became more serious: "Qingyang, the importance of your research is beyond your previous imagination. Protecting yourself and your family is also protecting important national assets. During this period, please cooperate more and be more considerate. If you need anything, just tell me or the comrades who came with you."

"I understand, thank you for your concern, I will cooperate," Lu Qingyang replied in a deep voice.

After hanging up the phone, he walked back to Shen Mo's side and relayed Professor Qian's words.

After hearing this, Shen Mo breathed a sigh of relief. Having an organized arrangement was definitely much more reliable and safer than hiring bodyguards on their own.

A few days later, two unassuming young men appeared at the entrance of the alley where Lu Qingyang's house was located.

They claimed to be "comrades sent by higher authorities to assist with the safety work of the army," one named Gu Weimin and the other Li Xiangdong.

Gu Weimin was in his early thirties, not very tall, but with broad shoulders, and his movements carried a kind of agility that came from long-term rigorous training.

He had a square face, dark skin, and spoke very little.

Li Xiangdong looks a few years younger, is taller, has a more delicate face, and appears more lively, but his observation skills are equally sharp.

They showed Lu Qingyang and Shen Mo the relevant documents and letters of introduction, and the procedures were complete.

They deliberately didn't wear uniforms or carry conspicuous weapons so that it would be easier to protect them as a family.

“Starting today, the two of us will be responsible for the perimeter security of you and your home. We will not interfere with your daily life and research work. Our main task is to provide security and protection in the residential area and along your home’s daily activity routes. We will communicate with you regarding the specific arrangements as needed.”

Li Xiangdong added, “You can treat us like ordinary neighbors or colleagues. We stay in that empty little gatehouse at the entrance of the alley and take turns on duty. We will follow you and your family outside the house, keeping a certain distance. If you have any heavy work or need us to run errands, please feel free to ask.”

At first, this feeling of being protected made the family somewhat uncomfortable.

Little Fish was a little scared of the two unfamiliar uncles, while Little Stone opened his eyes wide with curiosity and asked Lu Qingyang, "Dad, why don't they have guns?"

Little Stone had seen a gun at his grandfather's house, but unfortunately, his grandfather wouldn't let him touch it.

Little Stone is at an age where he is full of curiosity about everything and has boundless energy, like a perpetual motion machine.

He was a head taller than other children his age, with long arms and legs. He could run like a gust of wind in the alley, and he was also good at climbing trees and roofs to steal bird nests. Even the physical education teacher said he was a promising talent.

He was particularly fascinated by "weapons." He could use a wooden stick as a sword and was incredibly accurate with a slingshot because he had seen real guns at his grandfather's house, which were locked in a cabinet and his grandfather strictly forbade him to touch them.

So when two uncles suddenly appeared in the yard, and Dad said they were there to protect the family, Little Stone's first reaction wasn't fear, but excitement.

Protection? That must be very powerful, like a scout in a movie?

He secretly observed for several days.

Uncle Gu doesn't smile much and stands like a pine tree; Uncle Li is more amiable, but his eyes always seem to be looking elsewhere.

They were dressed in ordinary clothes and weren't carrying any guns.

That evening before dinner, Lu Qingyang, unusually, returned home on time and washed his hands in the yard.

Little Stone sidled up to his father, tugged at his clothes, and looked up at him with his big, dark eyes full of seriousness and confusion: "Dad, Uncle Gu and Uncle Li... why don't they have guns?"