180: 180. Unbelievable

Meanwhile, in a secret office location of the National Security in Xia Nation, a meeting was underway.

There were only a few people in the conference room, but they were the members responsible for this operation.

Chen Feng sat upright at the long conference table, reporting to the elder at the head of the table.

The elder, with graying temples and eyes as sharp as an eagle's, was one of the high-ranking and powerful officials of the National Security, respectfully referred to internally as "Elder Wei."

Chen Feng provided a detailed account of the entire process of monitoring the Eagle Nation academic exchange delegation, identifying, and ultimately assisting in the capture of the two spies, Mike and Julie.

His language was concise and his logic clear. He objectively presented their abnormal behaviors, such as Julie's attempted suicide by jumping from a building, Mike's temporary mental breakdown, and their eventual voluntary call to the police for arrest from the rooftop, along with partial interrogation transcripts.

The repeatedly mentioned terms like "ghost wall," "blood shadow," and "Weird smile" stood out as particularly jarring.

Everyone in the conference room discussed in hushed tones, finding it hard to believe.

"Based on on-site investigation and technical analysis, we have ruled out the possibility of conventional methods such as chemical hallucinogens, or sonic or infrasonic attacks. No suspicious hallucinogenic substances were found among the items they carried," Chen Feng concluded, his brow slightly furrowed. "Their testimonies are highly consistent, rich in detail, and do not seem to be fabricated on the spot, but their content... is truly contrary to common sense."

Elder Wei listened quietly, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the smooth tabletop, producing a rhythmic "thump, thump."

A rare trace of confusion and solemnity also appeared in his eyes.

"Talk of ghosts and spirits is nonsense."

Elder Wei spoke slowly, his voice deep and powerful: "I never believe in these supernatural things. Our world is a material world, and behind every phenomenon, there must be its logic and reason."

These words were met with approval from everyone present.

Elder Wei paused, then changed the subject: "But this incident is indeed strange. Two seasoned intelligence officers, rigorously trained and with excellent psychological fortitude, almost simultaneously experienced similar symptoms of mental breakdown, and both pointed to hallucinations that cannot be explained by existing scientific knowledge... Behind this, there must be something crucial that we have not yet grasped."

He raised his eyes, looking at Chen Feng with a piercing gaze: "Your judgment is not wrong; this matter will never be a simple accident or coincidence. Either the opponent has mastered an extremely advanced psychological or mental influence technology that we completely do not understand; or... there is a third-party force involved, targeting these two with a method we cannot comprehend."

Chen Feng's heart tightened; regardless of the possibility, it meant that the complexity and danger of the situation far exceeded expectations.

"Yes, Elder Wei. I will continue to follow up on subsequent interrogations and expand the scope of the investigation to try and uncover the truth behind this." After reporting, Chen Feng returned to his chair.

Elder Wei looked at a staff member on the other side responsible for background investigations. The person immediately understood, clicked on the computer screen, and a PPT appeared on the projector: "Investigation and Evaluation Report on 'Tingfeng Energy' and its Background."

"According to the intelligence we have gathered and the reverse analysis of some of Qin Tian's team's publicly available patents and papers, the solid-state battery technology mastered by Tingfeng Energy is not a simple improvement, but a truly disruptive breakthrough."

"Its core indicators such as energy density, safety, and cycle life far exceed current international top levels by at least one generation. This technology not only concerns a trillion-dollar civilian market but also holds inestimable strategic value for national security, energy strategy, military equipment endurance, and other fields."

"It can be said to be a veritable national treasure."

Elder Wei nodded calmly: "Therefore, the higher-ups have already clearly instructed that for local enterprises that master such critical technology, we must give the highest level of attention and, while ensuring safety and control, seek deep cooperation to incorporate them into the national new energy strategic system."

"So, has the background of this suddenly emerging 'Tingfeng Energy' and its backing 'Tingfeng Capital' been thoroughly investigated? Who is the real helmsman?"

The person swallowed, saying with some disbelief: "Elder Wei, regarding the actual controller of Tingfeng Capital and Tingfeng Energy, our investigation... the results are somewhat unexpected. It's a university student."

A slightly youthful ID photo appeared on the projector, causing a stir in the entire room.

Especially Chen Feng, who was stunned on the spot. As an elite of the National Security, he possessed a special photographic memory and immediately recalled that this person had appeared at the banquet.

"I've seen him. He occasionally appears among student volunteers, looking like an ordinary student," Chen Feng gasped, somewhat suspecting that his colleague might have made a mistake.

He recalled the composed student who helped at the banquet, and also remembered seeing his figure in the crowd downstairs on the night Julie jumped from the building.

"No mistake, it's him."

The PPT listed Lu Feng's basic information: a freshman at Jiangcheng University, native of... ordinary parental background... However, after the seemingly ordinary personal information, several eye-catching related records followed:

Multiple non-public contacts with Yu Tianxiong, CEO of Tingfeng Capital.

Close relationship with Qin Tian, Chief Scientist of Tingfeng Energy.

Owned several large capital flows with clear but substantial sources.

Recently frequently appeared at Tingfeng Energy laboratories and related event venues.

The conclusion section of the data was marked with a small line in red: Highly suspected of being the actual controller of Tingfeng Capital and Tingfeng Energy series companies.

"This is the result of our cross-verification through multiple channels. Although it's incredible, all signs point to him."

Chen Feng suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with incredulous shock.

That seemingly ordinary, even overly young student, was actually the behind-the-scenes boss of Tingfeng Capital, which had recently stirred up undercurrents in the new energy sector, even prompting the Eagle Nation intelligence agency to send spies?!

"This... how is this possible?"

Chen Feng felt his perception being challenged. How could a university student control such a vast amount of capital and cutting-edge technology projects?

Everyone present now had a solemn expression, finding it unbelievable.

Elder Wei did not immediately express his opinion but turned to the last page of the file, which contained the core conclusions given by the analysis and evaluation team.

"Firm patriotic stance, superb business acumen, excellent strategic vision, controllable and trustworthy. Recommended as a key cooperation target."

A glint flashed in Elder Wei's deep eyes. He closed the file, pondered for a moment, and said:

"Interesting... very interesting. A young man, holding technology and capital capable of changing the landscape, yet able to hide so deeply that it took us some effort to uncover him. This temperament and ability are themselves extraordinary."

"Since the evaluation is fine, let's stamp it. Submit the report. The higher-ups want to establish contact with Lu Feng, conveying the nation's goodwill and willingness to cooperate. Tell them to be sincere in their attitude, flexible in their methods, and to fully respect his personal wishes and the enterprise's development principles."

"Our goal is win-win cooperation, to firmly root this technology, which benefits both the nation and the people, in our land, and to unleash its maximum strategic value!"

"Yes!" everyone in the conference room responded in unison.

They knew that the significance of this task was far greater than apprehending a few spies.

It concerned the nation's future discourse power in the energy sector, and even more far-reaching strategic deployments.