As others were surprised, the face of Major General Song, which was initially fine, gradually turned worse.

Bai Quan tapped the table, drawing everyone’s attention to him completely: "I think you all know what happened a couple of days ago."

"Before resolving this leak, I won’t agree to conduct any validations, including validation of Chen Ming’s research data and whether Chen Ming has the capability to control the colony."

Major General Song also lightly tapped the table, drawing everyone’s eyes to him as he said: "These are two separate issues."

Bai Quan’s face immediately darkened as he said: "Separate issues? I don’t think so."

"As far as I know, only Chen Ming and I are aware of our action trajectory, but your situation—the number of people who know about this matter—is clear to you. Which side leaked the information? You should have an idea."

"Previously, who loosened the control over Zuo Jing and allowed them to infiltrate companies with which we have partnerships? You should know."

"So, relaxing control over Zuo Jing initially, then revealing positions to Zuo Jing, always targeting Chen Ming—are these separate issues?"

"I have reason to suspect that when we reach the colony, similar situations will occur."

"By then, it might become the ’three separate issues’ you mentioned."

Major General Song clearly wanted to speak, but Bai Quan wasn’t accommodating and interrupted, "The inspection department is already involved, and the matter will soon be resolved."

"Anyway, we brought the research findings with us when we left. There’s no equipment here and no new content will be added, so what’s a day or two?"

"I hope, when the results come out in a couple of days, I still get to see you."

The disposable cup in Major General Song’s hand slightly deformed.

He realized that Bai Quan was prepared for the situation to develop in this direction from the start, so saying more to Bai Quan was useless.

He slightly tilted his head to look at Chen Ming, but Chen Ming appeared to be leaning back on his chair, allowing Bai Quan to handle everything.

There seemed to be nothing to discuss with Chen Ming either.

The two seemed to have coordinated in advance.

Major General Song simply said, "Alright, let’s leave it at that. Farewell."

With that, he got up and led the others to leave the meeting room.

But just as he left his seat and turned around, someone suddenly pushed open the meeting room door and walked in.

He was someone Chen Ming had met before—the researcher working in psychic abilities that Lou Wei had recruited for a previous simulation.

His gaze first fell on Chen Ming in the meeting room, then looked at the others.

Seeing the tense atmosphere in the room, and Major General Song ready to leave, he asked, "Am I coming at a bad time?"

Major General Song was respectful enough to the incoming psychic researcher, not leaving directly.

Instead, he managed his expression and greeted him, then asked, "Researcher He Gu, what brings you here? Isn’t it busy back at headquarters?"

He Gu nodded to him, saying, "Occasionally on a business trip."

"Are you not planning to continue your discussion? You just seem to have been here a short while."

Major General Song glanced back at Bai Quan, then said, "Bai Quan is not planning to continue testing because of the events of the past few days, and since our opinions don’t align, we can only wait for an investigation from above before we proceed with this matter again."

"Oh."

He Gu seemed to understand and said, "I’ve heard about this recently. I respect both sides’ thoughts, but personally, I wouldn’t have the patience to discuss other matters when someone is causing trouble. Feel free to continue."

He Gu’s words were evidently slanted towards Chen Ming, causing Major General Song’s expression to cool once more, as he led the others out of the meeting room.

After the others left, He Gu continued to look at Chen Ming.

As he observed Chen Ming, Chen Ming was also observing him.

The uncertainty he had when in simulation wasn’t visible now. Today, even though Chen Ming hadn’t verified his spiritual ability, He Gu seemed to genuinely believe Chen Ming possessed such ability.

Whatever changed his view, Chen Ming believed it was likely due to the footage released a couple of days ago.

After making eye contact briefly, He Gu suddenly asked Chen Ming: "Mr. Chen Ming, would you have time for a chat?"

"Chat about what?"

"Regarding your spiritual energy."

Chen Ming considered it, but couldn’t figure out what He Gu really wanted, so he declined: "No, I prefer exploring spiritual energy on my own."

"That’s a pity."

He Gu didn’t insist but said: "Well, when you conduct the colony capability tests, let me know. I’d really like to see it firsthand."

"No problem."

Bai Quan answered for Chen Ming before he had a chance to speak, and Chen Ming accepted Bai Quan’s response.

Seeing this, He Gu nodded and turned to leave the meeting room.

The meeting room was empty, but Chen Ming, Bai Quan, and Bai Quan’s secretary naturally didn’t stay longer.

After leaving the meeting room, they headed towards the Stardust level.

On the way, Bai Quan explained to Chen Ming why he agreed to He Gu’s request: "He Gu is a veteran psychic in our Fourteenth Legion’s Spiritual Ability Research Institute."

"He’s a pretty good person; at least whenever I need to contact them, it’s always him that’s the liaison and he’s easy to talk to. There’s no harm in interacting with him."

"Besides, I suspect he was possibly planning to invite you to the Spiritual Ability Research Institute."

"But it mainly depends on you; follow the Association’s rules accordingly."

Chen Ming asked: "I’ve heard about the Spiritual Ability Research Institute several times but what’s its specific purpose?"