Chapter 26: Probing

Dao Ya was quite quiet at home. At the very least, when she woke up early in the morning and tidied herself up, she looked as fresh and pure as a lotus rising from clear water. That was exactly how she appeared at this moment.

Dao Yan, however, had not slept well at all. Sitting at the dining table, she still had dark circles under her eyes, and her gaze carried a hint of resentment.

This scene left Dao Ya full of questions. What had gotten into her sister today? She had actually woken up fifteen minutes later than her, something that had never happened before.

They finished breakfast quickly. Aunt Liu placed a packed breakfast on the table, her smile benevolent and her tone gentle as she asked, "Miss, sir, this is the breakfast prepared for the master. Who shall take it over?"

In the past, Zhao Xuan would not have thought twice about it. But now that he knew Aunt Liu’s true identity, her behavior forced him to be suspicious. Bringing the breakfast was likely a test. Whether Dao Yan took it or Zhao Xuan took it, Aunt Liu would achieve her goal. Because of the breakfast, once Ding Moqun returned, Aunt Liu could find a chance to ask a question and find out whether the breakfast was cold when he ate it. If it was cold, it would prove that either Zhao Xuan or Dao Yan had arrived late.

The journey from Apartment 27 to No. 76 was not long. What would arriving late imply? Aunt Liu did not need to know, but the seed of suspicion would be planted directly. Once such incidents happened a few more times, well, either Dao Yan or Zhao Xuan would end up just like that breakfast—stone cold.

So, without waiting for Dao Yan to speak, Zhao Xuan looked up and said to her in a calm tone, "Let's go to work together today."

Aunt Liu smiled and stepped aside upon hearing this. Dao Yan, however, frowned and looked at Zhao Xuan with cold eyes. "It’s already so late after you drop Xiao Ya off at school. I’m not like you; I have a lot of work to do and cannot afford any delays. You go take Xiao Ya to school; I don't need you to drop me off."

Dao Ya blinked, watching Zhao Xuan, who was actually taking the initiative to talk to her sister. *(Wow, it’s rare for brother-in-law to offer to take sister to work. As a mature and steady college student, how could I, Dao Ya, possibly be a third wheel!)*

Hearing this inner voice, Zhao Xuan wanted to compliment Dao Ya: Well done!

"Sister, I’m old enough now; I don't need you two to drop me off. Besides, brother-in-law has started working now, so I shouldn't delay him." Dao Ya turned to the housekeeper. "Aunt Liu, please send someone to take me later."

Aunt Liu’s eyes brightened as she quickly agreed. "Of course, Miss, I’ll go arrange it right away."

Watching Aunt Liu scurry toward the door, afraid that Dao Yan might change her mind, it was clear she genuinely wanted Zhao Xuan and Dao Yan to have some private time together.

It must be said that Aunt Liu was incredibly deceptive at this moment, so much so that even an excellent agent like Dao Yan had not noticed anything unusual about her. As for whether Ding Moqun knew, Zhao Xuan wasn't sure. Regardless, they were all in the same boat; even if he did know, he would likely pretend he didn't.

Dao Yan was truly speechless and helpless regarding Zhao Xuan, who was shamelessly insisting on taking her. Especially when they reached the courtyard after breakfast and saw the car for Dao Ya already pulling away, Dao Yan’s face turned dark—the car that had been taken was hers! Aunt Liu stood to the side, looking up at the sky, feigning ignorance.

After Zhao Xuan walked out with the breakfast and saw this scene, he turned his head and gave Aunt Liu a meaningful glance. *This ace spy, well played!* No wonder she had been able to lurk for so long; this level of manipulation was beyond the reach of an ordinary person.

With only one car left, Dao Yan had no choice but to leave with Zhao Xuan.

On the main road of Jessfield Road, in the passenger seat of the black Buick, Dao Yan remained calm on the surface, but inside, she was incredibly anxious as the gates of No. 76 drew nearer. If she couldn't get information about "Canary" out as soon as possible, Canary would be doomed.

But ever since last night, Zhao Xuan had been acting strangely, keeping his eyes on her constantly. At this moment, Dao Yan was worried about Canary while wondering if Zhao Xuan’s abnormal behavior was directed by Ding Moqun. If that were the case, she was in serious trouble.

Ding Moqun, who had rested in his office for the night, splashed some water on his face in the office washroom, put on his glasses, and returned to his desk. Soon after, Chen Jun from the Telecommunications Division knocked and entered. After reading the telegram Chen Jun delivered, Ding Moqun sneered repeatedly.

The piece that "Pangolin" had planted in the Military Statistics Bureau's telecommunications office had been dealt with. Ding Moqun had anticipated this; after all, he had played the Chongqing side for a fool once again. As long as Boss Dai wasn't an idiot, he would surely figure out that there was a problem within his own ranks. But Ding Moqun hadn't expected the response from Chongqing to be so swift.

When things happen against the norm, there is only one explanation: someone on this side had tipped them off. To be able to contact Chongqing under yesterday's circumstances—Ding Moqun rubbed his brow. He had underestimated the mole lurking at No. 76. "Pentas" and "Young Tiger"—under yesterday's conditions, how exactly did those two manage to contact Chongqing?

It wasn't until Ding Moqun reviewed his strategy and actions from yesterday that he arrived at a conclusion he found hard to accept: the reason Pangolin’s piece was exposed so quickly was simply that the people at the Military Statistics headquarters were too clever. This was the most likely possibility, as Ding Moqun couldn't explain the situation through any other theory.

*(Zhao Xuan: Unless you know I can eavesdrop on your inner thoughts, you’ll never figure it out even if you rack your brains!)*

Knock, knock, knock!

"Come in."

Ding Moqun rubbed his brow and looked toward the door. Seeing Dao Yan enter with breakfast, he revealed an amiable smile. "Little Dao."

"Uncle, I brought you breakfast."

"You girl, you really know how to care for your uncle. Good, I’ll eat it right now. By the way, Little Dao, since you’re here, go and help me call Sun Ping'an and Ma Shangcheng over. We have an important mission today."

Watching Ding Moqun open the food container and eat, Dao Yan was slightly stunned. "Uncle, are you really not taking Zhao Xuan?"

After taking a sip of chicken soup, a flash of sharpness crossed Ding Moqun’s eyes. He looked up at Dao Yan and smiled. "Unless you told A-Xuan about what we discussed yesterday, he wouldn't want to get involved himself, so why make things difficult for him? After all, A-Xuan wasn't wrong; he hasn't been on the job long enough. Sometimes, knowing how to avoid suspicion is a form of wisdom."

Dao Yan shook her head quickly, looking at Ding Moqun with annoyance. "Uncle~ How could I possibly tell him the content of the meeting!"

Ding Moqun laughed heartily. "I know, I know. Alright, go and call them over. Once we handle the Canary matter, we can all rest easy."

Dao Yan smiled gracefully and turned to leave the office. But once she was outside, the smile on her face vanished instantly. Ding Moqun’s words just now had terrified her. Was that his way of testing her?

Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, Dao Yan walked quickly toward the floor where the Action Division and Intelligence Division were located. Soon, Dao Yan, Sun Ping'an, and Ma Shangcheng returned.