"Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will win every battle." This was how Ming Junwei described the scam plan.
However, Song Yao and Luci did not share this sentiment. The two girls exchanged glances, each reflecting the thought: "We can guard against outsiders, but it's hard to prevent betrayal from within."
Luo Yu initially wanted to remain neutral, but upon seeing Liu Yan's awkward expression, he couldn't help but chime in, "A black cat or a white cat, as long as it catches mice, it's a good cat."
"Alright, alright, let's move on," Liu Yan said with a frown, eager to divert the group's attention from their bickering. "Wu Wentao has already taken the bait; we need to prepare."
After a few jokes, they got down to business. They divided into teams to control the remaining train cars. Chu Guangxu and Old Tian were tied up and tossed into the driver's compartment while the others dispersed to hide. Would the person with the gun worry that Us might leak information and decide to eliminate them instead?
"No," Dr. Zhong suddenly spoke up, sitting upright.
Seeing everyone's gaze turn toward him, he hesitated for a moment before continuing, "From what you've all said, it seems you understand a lot. I want to ask you one question."
"Go ahead."
"If we have a method for producing the virus vaccine, would you choose to cooperate with us?" Dr. Zhong's words were shocking, instantly sucking the air out of the compartment.
"Go on," Ming Junwei and the others remained relatively calm, gesturing for him to continue.
Dr. Zhong swallowed hard and slowly said, "As you've mentioned, there are misunderstandings between Us; there's no need for such drastic measures. I don't know what you mean by RCA, but the task assigned to me by the conductor has always been to produce the virus vaccine. I believe Us can sit down and discuss this matter."
Song Yao bit her lip thoughtfully before breaking the silence with a question: "Are you saying you've made some progress in your research?"
"Yes," Dr. Zhong almost gritted his teeth as he spoke the word. He understood what this information meant and realized the consequences of sharing it. However, the current situation did not allow for further concealment. If both sides clashed, regardless of who won, it would significantly hinder the research.
"Evidence," Song Yao, the one among them most knowledgeable about virus research, said calmly. "Show us the evidence."
"Not right now," Dr. Zhong quickly became sharp-witted. "I am willing to share the information, but I can't guarantee that you will do the same. What if I bring the evidence and you kill me?" Seeing the uncertain expressions on everyone's faces, he hurriedly added, "I'll present it when the train conductor returns and everyone is present. If I lie, you can deal with me as you wish. Besides, the conductor doesn't know about this yet. I believe once you see it, no one will have any thoughts of fighting."
As soon as he finished speaking, a graduate student waiting in the cabin rushed out, looking anxious. "They've arrived."
Ming Junwei and Song Yao whispered to each other, and everyone dispersed to take their positions. The matter of the Vaccine and Antibody had been heard many times before, yet no expert from either organization could provide a clear answer. However, an unknown Male Doctor confidently claimed to have found an Antibody. Although everyone found it hard to believe, they couldn't completely ignore it either. Since negotiations were to take place, they would discuss it then.
A few minutes later, a group of figures appeared in the waiting hall. Liu Yan handed a pair of binoculars to Ming Junwei and said, "They're here; Brother Jiu and Old Lin are with them."
Indeed, the two culprits were sandwiched between armed thugs but appeared unharmed. Song Jiu's expression was indifferent while Old Lin's eyes darted nervously, and Wu Wentao's face showed fluctuating emotions.
Wu Wentao's group stopped at the broken wall while the thugs remained vigilant. Wu Wentao took a couple of steps forward, furrowing his brow as he stared at the shadowy figures behind the carriage glass. Ming Junwei had his back to the glass, playing with a short dagger while exchanging glances with Song Yao across from him. He had wanted to change into a suit but remembered that man always dressed this way; however, time constraints made that impossible.
Despite this, Wu Wentao felt utterly distressed. He couldn't fathom how his whereabouts had been exposed or why Kenny would come looking for him after three years. Was that girl named Yuan An connected to Kenny? Were those two captured boys also part of Kenny's plan? As Wu Wentao pondered these thoughts, his respect for his former superior gradually overshadowed his rationality. He had reason to believe that what was said over the radio was true; after all, who else would recognize him besides former colleagues?
"You all wait here," Wu Wentao finally sighed after much contemplation. Running for three years had led him nowhere; he resigned himself to fate.
A few old subordinates hesitated but did not speak up to stop him. With OSS present, it was more appropriate for them to stand aside like obedient little fish.
Liu Yan estimated that the timing was right and adjusted his clothing before stepping out of the carriage with a Rifle held high and chest out, performing a standard RCA salute towards Wu Wentao from a distance without a hint of expression on his face.
Song Jiu and Old Lin exchanged glances, both puzzled by the situation.
Wu Wentao stood frozen for a moment, his eyes filled with surprise, while the few Foreigners behind him wore expressions of shock.
"Liu Yan?" Wu Wentao furrowed his brow and asked tentatively.
Liu Yan nodded, a cold smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Captain, it's good to see you."
Wu Wentao opened his mouth, a myriad of questions swirling in his mind, but he sighed instead and stepped into the carriage.
The door slammed shut behind him, causing the Field Duty personnel outside to momentarily stir before settling back into silence, waiting for the final judgment. Song Jiu and Old Lin were left unattended, standing awkwardly in place, unsure whether to leave or stay.
"What’s going on?" Lin Daozhang whispered.
"I'm not sure," Song Jiu replied, equally bewildered. He muttered, "Looks like they're putting on a show this time; we just need to watch."
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