Chapter 1908: Film Studio

Chapter 1908: Chapter 1908: Film Studio

Ye Shikai was somewhat anxious. This actress named Yueling—he hadn’t seen her, but he was certain that she had some connection to the HST project. That photograph looked like paparazzi had candidly snapped pictures of a star, but it actually captured the mastermind behind the control of the Mothman. No wonder Tianjing was desperate to get that photo, even sacrificing his life for it. To be honest, his death was not just a blow to the National Security Bureau but also to Ye Shikai personally. Perhaps, as Chen Yuxin had mentioned, he might become the next Tianjing.

Ye Shikai wasn’t someone who feared threats. Before, when he was alone without family, he never hesitated to act; he’d charge ahead with a group of people, fight when he said fight, and each time it was a tough battle, a life-or-death struggle...

But now, he no longer had the capital to behave recklessly like that. His actions had to have a conservative baseline; he couldn’t afford to engage in life-risking matters anymore.

"Just from the photo, we can infer Yueling’s connection to the HST project, but we can’t easily draw conclusions. She might not necessarily be the mastermind we’re looking for; she might just be a subordinate." Jing Xie voiced her thoughts, aligning with logic. A true mastermind would stay behind the scenes, living a life of discretion, not choosing to be a star, parading about; aren’t they afraid of being detected as unusual?

"Furthermore, there’s this unidentified man beside Yueling—who is he? Haven’t you investigated him yet?" Ye Shikai asked.

"Although the focal point of the photograph isn’t on that man, the shot is clear enough. But it’s strange—we conducted facial recognition comparisons in the bureau’s database and couldn’t find a match." Jing Xie sighed, "We need to continue the investigation."

"It’s possible he’s not even from Huaxia. After all, you can’t be certain just based on appearance, or maybe he used some method making it impossible for you to identify his identity."

"In conclusion, we must investigate personally."

"Okay."

Yanjing Airport.

"Is everyone ready for this operation? There are certain risks," Ye Shikai reminded, not wishing anyone present to end up like Tianjing, dying in the line of duty. Although spontaneous, preparations must be thorough.

"Don’t worry, Director Jin has already approved. The bureau has dispatched thirty members to gather at the airport immediately, and colleagues from the National Security Bureau branch in Jiangnan City are assisting as well. Before we depart, Director Jin has notified the colleagues in Jiangnan to closely monitor the manor’s activities, especially concerning Yueling, ensuring nothing happens to her."

"That’s good," Ye Shikai nodded. If Yueling was indeed connected to the HST project, heading to Jiangnan might turn into another fierce battle. He should call for some ’backup,’ so he instructed all Hidden Guards to mobilize and accompany him to Jiangnan.

..................

Jiangnan City.

Ye Shikai remembered Chen Yuxin’s great-grandfather Chen Yaogzu was said to meditate deep within the mountains of Jiangnan. He was quite an expert in cultivation, bluntly put, like a ’old demon.’ It wasn’t often Ye got to visit Jiangnan. If things went smoothly, perhaps he could have a chat with him.

Everyone arrived at the manor, initially a suburban area, now developed into a series of villas where many wealthy individuals reside. Some of the villas were used for long-term rentals for filming, becoming a small film set. To prevent disturbances, the residential area and the film set are separated. The National Security Bureau contingent, numbering thirty to forty people, if they directly enter, would inevitably be noticed. Furthermore, sporting uniforms, they could easily draw ’fire’; hence, they planned to go in plain clothes and disguise. Since it was a film set, there were bound to be many extras. Some bureau members disguised themselves as extras, blending in, amidst the many comers and goers unnoticed.

"This place is quite big." Shen Wu murmured, "I heard quite a few films are shot here."

"Indeed, there’s mountain, there’s water, it’s rather pleasant."

"Okay, stop chatting—we’re not here to shoot a film, nor are we here for tourism—we’re here for investigation, stay focused." Jing Xie reminded.

"Wait, I have a question." Phoenix suddenly said, "Although Yueling has only recently become popular, she’s currently a hot star, quite a big name. We’re just extras now; how can we possibly meet her?"

"That’s true. If we approached her as National Security Bureau members, we’d certainly meet her, but it would reveal our identities. What do we do then?" Shen Wu asked.

"Don’t worry, I have a way." Ye Shikai gestured but kept it secret, not revealing it.

"Let’s first meet the colleagues from the Jiangnan branch."

"Okay."

..................

"Director Jin has already spoken to us. Rest assured, we’ll fully cooperate." The Jiangnan branch director was a middle-aged woman named Bai Ni, long responsible for the National Security Bureau’s work in Jiangnan City. Apparently, she’s also Director Jin’s friend; they came to Jiangnan to investigate, requiring her cooperation.

"This actress named Yueling is quite famous. She held a concert in our city that sold out immediately after ticket sales started. Now filming a movie here, plus, look, there are quite a few fans gathered outside." Bai Ni opened the curtain; at the film set entrance, a swarm of fans was gathered.

"No idea who leaked the news about her filming here—the fans and media all showed up." Bai Ni said indifferently.

"No worries, with so many fans around, it gives us another choice for disguises." Jing Xie was actually pleased—originally worried about alerting the target; now, by pretending to be fans, they could blend into the crowd. Just then, Ye Shikai walked in.

"This must be Mr. Ye, I’ve heard a lot about you." Bai Ni stood, proactively extending her hand, seemed quite warm towards Ye Shikai.

"Director Bai, I’ve heard so much about you."

"Alright, now that we’re all here, time is tight, let’s discuss quickly."

"We plan to disguise ourselves as fans to blend in. What do you think, Mr. Ye?" Jing Xie asked.

"You all go ahead and blend in as fans. I’m going in directly." Ye Shikai adjusted his collar; only then did the group notice he had already changed into a refined suit, wore an expensive watch, and even altered his hairstyle.