In the underground conference room of the National Security Headquarters, the atmosphere was so tense it felt like one could squeeze water from it. Around the long rectangular table sat top experts from various fields, flipping through documents, each face reflecting seriousness and urgency. The air seemed heavy, as if even breathing required effort.
Fang Zhiguo stood at one end of the table, scanning everyone present. He said in a deep voice: "Ladies and gentlemen, the situation is urgent. Let me first introduce—" He pointed to me. "Guo Xiudao, a live experimental subject targeted by a spy organization." Then he pointed to Er-Ge. "Liu Yu…" He paused, unsure how to introduce him, then continued: "The current situation is detailed in the materials you have. Let me cut to the chase: Professor Zhao Kangcheng, you are the expert here. What is the probability of Kawashima Yuko successfully becoming pregnant?"
Sitting to the left of the table was a middle-aged man with gold-rimmed glasses, China's top medical expert, Professor Zhao Kangcheng. He pushed his glasses up, speaking calmly but with unquestionable authority, clearing his throat:
"Given the current circumstances, Kawashima Yuko had intimate contact with our colleague under the influence of the so-called 'Forgetful Water.' The likelihood of pregnancy is extremely high. With today's medical technology, ensuring a successful conception is not difficult. Of course," he added with a slight, untimely smile, "unless… there's something unusual about this individual's body, in which case it could fail. Otherwise, the pregnancy is practically guaranteed."
A small ripple of laughter went through the otherwise tense room, slightly easing the pressure.
I felt my face flush, embarrassed beyond words. Er-Ge, meanwhile, chuckled quietly, teasing: "Bro, didn't expect you'd get caught up in something like this." I shot him a glare to shut him up.
Next to Professor Zhao was a young virologist, Dr. Zhang. He took over the discussion, speaking with grave seriousness:
"Based on current intelligence, the EASV virus being developed by the Kawashima group is highly targeted, with devastating effects on the East Asian immune system. If we cannot develop a targeted vaccine in time, the consequences could be catastrophic." He turned to me, eyes firm. "We need your blood sample to begin vaccine research immediately. Your genetic mutation is key to combating this virus."
I nodded, feeling anxious yet understanding that this was the only way.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the table, Qin Xiao was rapidly typing at his keyboard, complex code and data streams flashing across his screen. Without looking up, he said:
"We've located the IP address of the Kawashima lab in Japan. Despite multiple layers of disguise, we've found a breakthrough. A trojan program is being implanted for real-time monitoring of their communications and data transfers."
Fang Zhiguo nodded approvingly. "Well done, Qin Xiao. We must track every move they make—no room for error."
In the corner of the room sat a venerable Taoist priest, his white hair and beard framing a deeply mysterious gaze. He had remained silent since entering, only occasionally scanning me with eyes that seemed to see through everything.
Feeling a bit uneasy, I whispered to Fang Zhiguo: "Who is he…?"
Fang Zhiguo smiled faintly. "This is Taoist Zhang, a special consultant from Bureau 749. He has exceptional expertise in metaphysics and Feng Shui, especially when dealing with unconventional threats. His insights can provide unexpected assistance."
I nodded, though puzzled. "Bureau 749? In a high-tech espionage case, how can a Taoist help?"
Then Taoist Zhang spoke, his voice low and strong: "Young friend, your fate is rather unusual."
I was taken aback. "Taoist, what do you mean by that?"
He stroked his beard and said slowly: "Your life chart bears the sign of 'Lonely Star of Calamity,' indicating a life of solitude. However, within your chart is a 'Purple Star' that protects you, meaning you are destined for great tribulations, but also destined to receive help from noble allies."
I was utterly confused, thinking, What does any of this mean?
Taoist Zhang seemed to notice my confusion and smiled slightly. "Simply put, your current tribulation, though dangerous, is not without solution. As long as you stay true to yourself and do not lose your way, you will survive and turn misfortune into safety."
Though I was skeptical of metaphysics, his words offered some comfort. Perhaps even in such a seemingly unsolvable situation, there could be a miracle.
Fang Zhiguo concluded the meeting: "Time is critical. The Kawashima group's plan, if successful, would have dire consequences. We must give it our all to stop them."
After the meeting, I was immediately drawn for 400cc of blood, leaving my legs weak. Er-Ge and I were then taken to a temporary rest room, awaiting further instructions.
He leaned back on the sofa and sighed: "Bro, we're really in deep this time."
I forced a wry smile. "Who would've thought a regular programmer like me would get involved in international espionage?"
He patted my shoulder. "Don't worry. We're in this together. Whatever the Kawashima group throws at us, we'll handle it."
Looking at him, I felt a surge of warmth. Though we often teased each other, in moments like this, I knew I could rely on him.
Then Taoist Zhang approached. Er-Ge and I immediately stood.
"Young friends," he said, "I didn't want to elaborate in the meeting, but now we can speak more freely."
We exchanged glances, unsure what he was planning.
Taoist Zhang walked slowly, hands behind his back. "Do you know the principles of Yin and Yang? Everything in the world arises from the balance of Yin and Yang, much like binary in your computers. Zeroes and ones can generate infinite data, constructing entire digital worlds. This is analogous to how Yin and Yang generate all things."
I scratched my head. "Taoist, how does this relate to our current situation?"
He smiled enigmatically. After a moment, he explained: "This spy organization acts recklessly, disrupting the balance of Yin and Yang. A lone Yin or Yang cannot sustain itself. The virus they created seeks to disrupt the body's natural harmony—it's defiance of the natural order. But you, young friend, with your unique fate, are the variable capable of countering this imbalance."
Er-Ge nodded, half-understanding. "So, what should we do?"
Taoist Zhang's gaze drifted into the distance. "Follow nature, use your own righteous energy to resist the toxic force. And trust in science." With that, he drifted away, leaving Er-Ge and me staring after him, still puzzled, but with a glimmer of hope.