The mood outside the campus was electric. Hundreds of students came from all corners of the nation to participate in the Olympiads. Their friends and family came with them to cheer them on.
Once every two years, the prestigious Qinghe Research Institute opened it's gates to allow mere students a glimpse into a truly elite academic world.
It conducted the exams every alternate year to identify the top talents across the nation.The Math Olympiad was conducted in the morning. The Science Olympiad took place in the evening.
The exams were intentionally separated - so that any student who wanted to try both would have the chance to do so. Only a handful of students gave both exams, though. Most preferred to focus on only one, study well for it and give it their best shot.
Because the exam skipped a year, the competition was fierce. There were students in Junior High School, Senior High School, and sometimes even first year university.
Winning the Olympiad meant they could pick ANY Research Institute or College they wanted. Or, they could secure funding for their research. Beyond that, it meant winning glory for themselves and their school.
There was one more advantage not a lot of students knew about. On the day of the Olympiad, they could also visit a research lab or a professor in Qinghe Institute and understand more about what they were working on.
This exchange was meant to inspire the young minds of the nation, and allow the professors to scout for rare talent.
Today, the students had a bigger opportunity. THE top researcher in the physics community, the legendary Mo Jiali herself was on campus.
Her work in particle instability modeling and high-energy field calibration directly contributed to the nation now competing with many foreign countries in nuclear physics.
The country valued her contributions so much they awarded her a Tier - 1 National Resource - and guarded her securely. No one knew what she looked like, or how old she was, or even where she did her research.
Today, rumor had it that Mo Jiali was looking for an assistant in her exclusive research field and was scouting the Olympiads. The great Major Huo Yichen himself was responsible for her security.
"What a load of nonsense." Chi Yang murmured, unconvinced. "Our Major is so accomplished and excellent. Isn't it an insult to give him such a task" he complained.
"Hush. Don't talk nonsense. All tasks are equal" reprimanded Cai Jun. As members of Huo Yichen's team right from the start, they had accompanied him on multiple dangerous missions. It could be said that even in the early days, this kind of easy level mission was not something they did.
But Cai Jun understood the true principle of serving - a Military order was like a mountain. You executed it with dedication and sincerity. He truly felt Chi Yang's comments were excessive.
Huo Yichen stared at the monitors in the control room. If he heard his subordinates' conversation, he did not remark on it. His eyes keenly watched for any anomalies, and disturbances.
They had already secured the perimeter. No unauthorised entries or exits. Only students with the admission pass to the Olympiads would be allowed entry.
It wasn't the actual exam times that Huo Yichen focussed on. Things would be very orderly then. Moments that needed extra vigilance were the evenings, once the exam was finished and the invigilators exchanged papers.
And, because he knew the students could visit research labs and talk to the professors there was a reasonable threat to security then as well.
But Huo Yichen was not worried. All they had was vague intel that there was a threat to Researcher Mo Jiali. Not much else was known. In Huo Yichen's opinion it wasn't serious - and since he was on the job he was confident he had things under control.
The Leaders of the institute were severely opposed to it. "The youth are the heart of our nation. We want to inspire and encourage them" Director Xi said seriously. "But at what cost? If something goes wrong, these children would be severely scarred."
"And, if we cave to such threats, what message does that send to them?" Huo Yichen countered. "We want them to believe in the might of our nation and be brave" he had insisted.
"We could atleast have Mo Jiali not attend" insisted Director Xi. "Old Fu, you say. Won't that reduce the risks - and the examination can still continue?"
President Fu considered this question. He had been with Qinghe Research Institute for his entire career. He had dedicated his life to research and his one true legacy was this Institute.
He wanted to do what was best - for the country, and for the students. "Does Researcher Mo's presence put the students at risk?" he asked straightforwardly.
Huo Yichen mentally sighed. He didn't understand what the problem was. The intel was really vague. Usually, they would ignore such threats. It was only because President Fu was a friend of his grandfather, The Great Commander General, Huo Yichen had to step in.
Just treat it as a favor. You will be doing better missions soon, and maybe catch up with that Aegis!
Everyone knew about the Legendary Aegis. Towards him Huo Yichen felt a mix of grudging admiration and jealousy. Aegis' missions were extremely hard and his skill was evident. But He wanted to be the top operative everyone spoke about. He, Huo Yichen should be winning all the glory and rising up the ranks.
Just get through this mission he ordered himself. He paused a second to control his emotions and replied "Apart from my team no one even knows what Senior Mo looks like. Given the amount of security we have on campus, I assure you we can handle this".
If he said yes to that question, won't that be admitting he's incapable?! The old black and white picture of Senior Mo showed a man in his 50s. Once their team tracks him down and keeps him secure, there would be absolutely nothing to worry about.
President Fu gave Huo Yichen an odd look. "Senior" Mo Jiali?! Before he could comment, Director Xi cut in.
"Nonsense! I think you are being too casual about this". How many people hadn't Director Xi seen - this kid was simply being arrogant and dismissive.
"If the military thinks this is not a big deal, we can have others step in" agreed President Fu calmly, focussing on the present. Old Huo, you've really let me down this time!
"Seniors are being too serious. Researcher Mo's identity is confidential and they will be in disguise the whole time. This will limit the danger, yes?" asked Huo Chen. "And, I assure you I treat this matter with utmost importance".
Huo Yichen visibly gritted his teeth and pulled his mind back to the present. It hadn't been easy winning their approval. The sooner he got this over with, the better.
Now he carefully watched the feeds, his eyes scanning the crowds of waiting students and parents at the gate.
His eyes caught sight of a girl and stayed with her for a moment too long. Even via the grainy security camera feed, this girl looked extraordinary.
Slender legs, extremely fair skin, beautiful almond shaped eyes and a very thin waist. Huo Yichen stared. He had top beauties in the capital throwing themselves at him. And even he hadn't seen anyone so beautiful.
She waited calmly by the gates, and seemed to be alone. She didn't seem to have the excitement or the nervousness of the other children either.
Huo Yichen frowned. Her composure is extraordinary. Is she really a normal student? Making a mental note to watch her further, Huo Yichen started barking orders to his team.
"Team Wolf stand-by. Gates open in 2 minutes. Stay low. Stay vigilant. Do not give away your positions."
Just one day. You can do this, he cheered himself. Just one day - and he can get back to real work.