"CIA! Guo An..."

Qi Yun once again felt the immense power of this department, capable of grasping even such top-secret information.

Wendong got up from the chair, sat on the sofa next to Qi Yun, and said with a serious expression, "This time, the commotion caused by Salaman is significant. It has thoroughly enraged certain people, and the situation is developing towards an uncontrollable direction. Conflict is inevitable."

"There are some things that we can't conveniently express an opinion on, let alone directly participate in, so we hope you can convey the content of this document to him on a personal basis, as a form of reciprocation for his rescue of our personnel this time."

Qi Yun nodded and put away the document: "Okay, I understand, I'll take care of this shortly."

"Hmm." Wendong didn't give more instructions and seemed to trust Qi Yun to handle things well.

"Also, stay put in the country for a while; you might undergo a formal review soon. Don't overthink it, it's just a routine procedure before appointment."

Qi Yun felt a stir in his heart, is it finally here...

Ever since the transfer to Skyline Headquarters, he had anticipated this.

There are precedents for transferring from a state-owned enterprise to an administrative position, but it's uncertain what role they'll ultimately arrange for him.

If he's unsatisfied by then, can he refuse?

While these thoughts lingered in his mind, there was a knock on the door outside; the housekeeper came to call Wendong for dinner.

Wendong stood up, patted Qi Yun's shoulder, and politely asked, "Have you eaten yet?"

"No, I just came over from L Province, I could stay and eat a bit." Qi Yun replied with a sincere smile, without any reservations.

Wendong was momentarily stunned, as if to say, did I invite you?

Then he chuckled, "Alright then, let's eat together, just a simple meal, don't mind it."

The dishes were indeed simple, two meat, two vegetables, and a soup. They didn't discuss work over the meal, and after eating, Qi Yun excused himself and left.

In the car, he immediately called Salaman, hinting at the news about the list.

Salaman, being sharp, instantly guessed the source of the list, though he didn't mention it, only expressing gratitude to Qi Yun.

"How should I hand it over to you?" Qi Yun frowned and asked.

The situation in Oil Country was sensitive now, and he wasn't sure if sending it directly over the internet would be intercepted.

Salaman offered a solution: "Please have someone bring the document to the embassy; people there have secure channels to deliver it to me."

"Alright, I'll take it over myself now."

"Thank you so much, Qi, you will be a lifelong friend of mine, Salaman!"

Qi Yun scratched his ear; the tone sounded sincere, but who knows how much of it is true.

...

Two hours later, the car arrived at the family quarters of the National Cultural Heritage Administration.

The security here was relatively relaxed, allowing the car to go directly under Xiao Hanguang's building.

Since he was in Beijing, Qi Yun took the chance to visit his important contact, hoping to ask for a favor.

As he entered, Qi Yun placed the gift he bought on the roadside, glanced around, as it was his first time visiting the home.

A three-bedroom apartment, the décor was nothing graceful or stylish, just ordinary.

"Is it just you at home?"

"Yes." Xiao Hanguang gestured to the sofa without explaining further, "What are you here for in the middle of the night?"

"It's been a while since I've received guidance from the leader, so I came specially to visit you." Qi Yun grinned, taking a bottle of mineral water from the coffee table and unscrewing it.

Xiao Hanguang glanced at him, his tone teasing, "Cut it out, kid, I can tell what you want as soon as you raise your butt, just spill it! Speak up and head out, don't disturb my rest!"

Qi Yun didn't mind, still smiling, "Has Xiao Han reported that matter to you?"

Xiao Hanguang nodded, "Yes, he told me, I've already arranged for local cultural bureau personnel to go to the site, there should be news tomorrow."

Saying this, he raised an eyebrow, "What's the hurry? The item hasn't been retrieved yet, and you're rushing over to claim credit?"

"Leader, how could you say that, am I that kind of person..." Qi Yun feigns grievance, then explains the purpose of his visit, "Actually, there's another matter to report, concerning the ancient cypress..."

A few minutes later, after listening to Qi Yun's account, Xiao Hanguang showed a thoughtful expression.

"Can you be sure he's telling the truth?"

Qi Yun nodded, "I feel it's highly likely."

"What are your intentions?"

"I want to take Yao Yuzhong into the mountains for a look, but I'm uncertain about his physical condition, so I'd like you to help me find two experts who understand geomancy."

"You plan to go in yourself?" Xiao Hanguang looked at him in surprise, his tone serious, "That's a real primeval forest; no one knows what the situation is. Don't mess around, kid."

"The thrill-seeking youth shouldn't play like this."

Qi Yun also put away his smile, speaking earnestly, "Leader, I am aware of the dangers of the ancient cypress, but... I have reasons I must go, reasons I cannot disclose at the moment."

"Rest assured, I will make full preparations before setting out..."

"Another reason?" Xiao Hanguang rolled his eyes, interrupting, "Why do these words sound so familiar?"

Qi Yun awkwardly scratched his nose, some things were hard to express.

It wasn't about distrusting Xiao Hanguang, but he didn't know how to explain...

He couldn't very well say that he knew the ancient cypress contained a Can Cong eyeball, it sounded like pure fantasy...

After a long silence, Xiao Hanguang saw Qi Yun's determined stance and eventually sighed, "Fine, kid, do what you will. One day, once you lose your life, you might settle down."

"I can find people for you, but the rest is up to you."

"Thank you, Leader!" Qi Yun grinned widely.

...

The next day, at L Province First Prison.

"Yao Yuzhong!"

"Present!"

"Come with me!"

Yao Yuzhong followed the prison guard to Warden Wang's office, where two unfamiliar people were waiting.

Warden Wang placed a document into a file cabinet, then nodded at Yao Yuzhong, "Go with them immediately."

"Remember, cooperate fully, no tricks."

Yao Yuzhong paused, a flicker of surprise in his murky eyes as he examined the two burly strangers, instantly guessing at something.

"Let's go." One of them took him by the arm and led him outside.

Warden Wang followed them out, though the escort wasn't meant for him.

Outside the prison, an unmarked car was waiting. Yao Yuzhong was pushed into the backseat, the door closed with a "bang," and it drove directly towards the airport.

A few hours later, in a hotel in Beijing, Yao Yuzhong met the familiar young man.

"How does it feel to regain your freedom?" Qi Yun sat on the sofa, smiling lightly as he asked.

Yao Yuzhong stood there dumbfounded, his heart already a stormy sea.

He had been sentenced to death in the first trial, commuted to life in the second; such a serious offense, yet this young man managed to get him out of the high walls in just one day.

He knew it was temporary, but it was still enough to shock him profoundly.

Even with Guo An's small booklet, it wasn't possible to reach this step, was it?

Qi Yun signaled to the man, "Unlock his cuffs."

The latter took out a key from his pocket and, with a click, unlocked Yao Yuzhong's handcuffs.

"Come, sit down and let's talk."

Qi Yun gestured for Yao Yuzhong to sit down and came straight to the point, "You should be able to guess the reason I brought you out, right?"

Yao Yuzhong nodded, speaking briefly, "I understand."

"Good, then."

"Cooperate well, once it's done, saying I'll release you is an exaggeration, but ensuring you have a better time inside is no problem." 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Qi Yun painted a rosy picture, then picked up a list from the table and handed it over, "I've had someone gather the equipment. We're leaving tomorrow; see if there's anything else needed on this list."