The Production Team was also live-streaming Cifera's operations at the technical console.
Viewers in the live stream could clearly sense the formidable power of Cifera's computer skills.
In short: Although I don't understand it, I'm completely awestruck!
[Cat God's self-introduction still holds weight—she truly is multi-talented!]
[Inspector Nie's earlier suspicion that she was a hacker seemed far-fetched to me. How could a young woman in her early twenties excel in two completely different fields? But now I'm speechless.]
[Haha, seeing the reactions of the other Pursuit Team members is hilarious! They really thought this super-genius was their teammate.]
[The Experts: Oh, she's a teammate? Carry on, then; Cat God: Sorry, I'm actually an undercover agent.]
[This is hilarious! I can't wait to see the Pursuit Team's reaction when they find out the truth!]
In the broadcast studio, Nie Junfeng exclaimed excitedly:
"Just as I predicted, Contestant Cifera is indeed a formidable hacker!"
Ever since recognizing Cifera's true capabilities, Nie Junfeng had undergone a complete turnaround, just as the netizens said. He'd gone from hating her to becoming a full-fledged fan, now praising her without any reservations.
How did the Pursuit Team react after discovering the truth?
I don't care anymore.
This is just a reality show, after all. So what if the Pursuit Team was tricked by Cifera? Unearthing such a prodigious talent is a boon for China!
What matters now is figuring out the right conditions to invite Cifera to join them after she's eliminated.
The earlier wager was just a joke, so I didn't think much of it. But now, a genuine super-genius has been publicly revealed on live stream.
I'm not foolish enough to believe I'm the only one interested in Cifera.
"Oh! Inspector Nie, could you explain to everyone just how remarkable Contestant Cifera's move was?" Host Qiu Qiu asked.
"Well... expertise lies in specialization. Everyone can see how exceptional Contestant Cifera's computer skills are from the Expert Team's reactions, especially Police Officer Nie Bing's. I wouldn't presume to show off my limited knowledge here."
As if! If I understood such advanced computer operations, my name wouldn't be Nie Junfeng—it would be Nie Cifera!
You people simply don't grasp the value of a cross-domain super-genius.
Although his daughter, Nie Bing, was talented in both criminal investigation and hacking, only her hacking skills could be considered truly top-tier.
Cifera's mastery of both trickery and hacking skills far surpassed that of Nie Bing; they simply weren't in the same league.
"Inspector Nie makes a valid point," Host Qiu Qiu interjected. "To reiterate, one of the primary objectives of our program is to identify and address vulnerabilities in the security management system through the contestants' simulated crimes.
"So, if Contestant Cifera were a genuine criminal who so effortlessly infiltrated the Police Force and obtained intelligence through successful disguise, doesn't this suggest a significant vulnerability within our security system?"
Hearing Qiu Qiu's pointed question, Nie Junfeng straightened up, his expression turning serious.
"This is an excellent question.
"As everyone just witnessed, if Contestant Cifera hadn't successfully stolen the expert invitation letter information through hacking, her verbal deception alone would never have succeeded.
"This underscores the critical importance of cybersecurity in modern society.
"The government takes this matter extremely seriously. Through collaborations with major private-sector cybersecurity firms, we train numerous outstanding cybersecurity experts annually. Police Officer Nie Bing is one such specialist."
"But we must acknowledge that, just as there's no wall completely impenetrable, there's no absolutely perfect network system in the world. Vulnerabilities will inevitably exist, and we can never completely eliminate them!
"Therefore, the key to cybersecurity isn't eradicating all vulnerabilities but building a dynamic, adaptive immune system—mirroring the wisdom of the human body's coexistence with viruses.
"Hackers are like viruses, but they can also be transformed into vaccines to defend against those viruses. We should be grateful that Contestant Cifera isn't a genuine criminal.
"Her hacking skills are the most valuable asset in China's cybersecurity domain!
"I've decided that, regardless of whether Contestant Cifera's plan ultimately succeeds, as long as she completes the show, I will personally represent the Police Force's Cybersecurity Division and invite her to join us. Any conditions she sets are negotiable, and we will offer the highest level of benefits within reason!"
Clearly, Nie Junfeng was sneaking in some personal business with that last line.
If the earlier bet was just a joke, this was now a formal, public recruitment of Cifera, and a clear message to others: The Police Force has already reserved her. If you know what's good for you, don't even try to compete.
"Wow, it seems our production team has unearthed a national treasure!"
"But I don't think Inspector Nie needs to worry too much. Contestant Cifera has stated that her goal in participating in the show is to win the global championship. Therefore, I believe she'll persevere and reach the podium!"
"Oh? Host, are you suggesting the Pursuit Team can't possibly eliminate Contestant Cifera?"
"At least, that's my personal opinion—yes!"
Hearing Host Qiu Qiu's resolute reply, Nie Junfeng burst into laughter:
"Hahaha~!
"Forgive my bluntness, Host, but you're greatly underestimating the Pursuit Team's investigative capabilities.
"Contestant Cifera's expert disguise won't hold up for long. Once the real experts return, she'll be exposed.
"Moreover, to win the global championship, she'll need to continuously steal to accumulate wealth points, inevitably leading to victims reporting her.
"Once reported, Contestant Cifera will face relentless pursuit from the Pursuit Team. At that point, what good will her trickery or hacking skills be?
"Every step leaves a trace. With today's advanced technology, no one who commits a crime can escape the law. Capture is merely a matter of time!"
"This is the most important truth the show wants to convey to all viewers!"
"Indeed, Inspector Nie's words are spot-on. Let's look forward to more exciting content from the show!"
Not wanting to dwell on the matter, Host Qiu Qiu swiftly ended the topic.
Although Nie Junfeng's reasoning was sound, she remained convinced that Cifera would deliver on her promise and win the championship.
On screen:
Just five minutes had passed, and Cifera had already completed the modification of the technical console's system.
"All done! It's much more comfortable to use now. Little Bingbing, want to give it a try?"
"C-can I really? Am I really allowed to?"
Gone was Nie Bing's usual icy demeanor. Her face flushed crimson, her eyes sparkled with uncontainable excitement.
The others stared in astonishment. Is this really the same "Ice Queen" we know?
Liu Shanhe could only explain awkwardly, "Uh, don't overthink it, everyone. This is just Little Bingbing's normal reaction when she encounters something she loves."
"You all understand, right? As tech enthusiasts, how could we not get excited when we discover a more advanced method? Ha ha!"
"Mm... that makes sense."
"Totally understandable!"
Just as Cifera was about to hand over her workstation to Nie Bing, the building's internal alarm suddenly blared.
This meant a contestant had been reported for theft!
Smack!
Nie Bing suddenly slammed her hand against the wall with shocking force.
"Damn it! Which clueless idiot is causing trouble at a time like this?! I'll kill you!!!"
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"Uh, this is normal for her. Imagine finding your favorite toy and being about to play with it, only to have someone interrupt you. You'd be pissed too, right?"
Liu Shanhe explained, watching the stunned expressions of the other five members, including Cifera. But his explanation sounded weak, even to his own ears.