62: Chapter 62 A Frenzied Counterattack! Li Hongyuan Makes a Desperate Gamble, Mu Li's Team Is Ready for Battle (3)

"Engineer Mu, there's an emergency." Zhang Hongyuan suddenly approached Mu Li and whispered in a solemn tone, a hint of wariness in his eyes as he handed over an encrypted phone. "According to news just received from our inside source planted in Hongyuan Group, Li Hongyuan has contacted an overseas mercenary team. They are the internationally notorious 'Black Crow' mercenaries—ruthless, well-equipped, and known for participating in numerous transnational sabotage operations with no moral bottom line. The source revealed that Li Hongyuan paid them double to arrive in Ji Province within three days and carry out devastating destruction on the project's core equipment. Additionally, the source found that Li Hongyuan has already arranged for people to investigate your family's information, including your parents' address and daily travel patterns. He likely intends to use your family to threaten you into handing over the core technology."

Mu Li's expression shifted instantly. The aura around him became cold and sharp, and a chilling glint flashed in his eyes like millennial ice. An uncontrollable rage surged in his heart—Li Hongyuan was actually despicable enough to use his family as bargaining chips; this was a line he would never tolerate being crossed. His fingertips clenched tightly, knuckles turning white as the veins on the back of his hands bulged. His palms broke out in a cold sweat as the images of his parents flashed through his mind. The two elders were elderly and simple-hearted, having lived a peaceful life in their hometown, but now they were being dragged into this conflict because of him, facing unknown dangers. Anxiety and worry surged like a tide, nearly drowning him.

However, he quickly forced himself to calm down, taking a deep breath as his chest rose and fell, struggling to settle his emotions. He knew that the more critical the moment, the more he couldn't lose his composure. He was the backbone of the team and the core of the project; if he fell, the entire team would be leaderless, and the project would fall into a desperate situation. He had to maintain his focus to both protect the project and his family, never allowing Li Hongyuan's plot to succeed. Reason quickly overrode emotion, and the fire in his eyes faded, replaced by sharpness and determination. He began to rapidly calculate a counter-strategy, his brain working like a high-speed processor, sorting through every detail to ensure no oversights.

"Immediately strengthen the protection for my family. Increase the security force and send four of the most elite personnel to my hometown to provide 24-hour close protection on a two-shift rotation. No mistakes are allowed," Mu Li said in a deep voice, his tone carrying an unquestionable firmness. "Have the security personnel familiarize themselves with the environment around the hometown in advance, screen for potential risk points, and formulate emergency plans. If there is any abnormality, activate the contingency plan immediately and contact the local police station for assistance. Also, have the Huaguo Public Security General Administration speed up their investigation. Retrieve border crossing records, flight information, and highway surveillance to closely monitor the movements of the 'Black Crow' mercenaries. We must pinpoint their location and action plans before they reach the project site and prepare in advance. Notify the Garrison Force that tomorrow's joint exercise will focus on simulating a mercenary armed attack scenario so everyone can familiarize themselves with the response procedures."

"Understood!" Zhang Hongyuan nodded immediately and began issuing commands over his walkie-talkie in a crisp, urgent tone. "I've already arranged for four elite security personnel—all veteran special forces. They are carrying full protective gear and communication equipment, driving to your hometown now. They're expected to arrive in three hours. The Huaguo Public Security General Administration has also received the news and is fully retrieving relevant data, working with border control, customs, and airports for a comprehensive screening. Once there's any sign of the 'Black Crow' mercenaries, they'll notify us immediately. I'll also communicate with the Garrison Force to adjust tomorrow's exercise focus." Mu Li nodded slightly, his gaze returning to the core equipment in the machine room. His fingertips brushed over the cold chassis again, channeling his concern for his family into meticulous inspection.

Mu Li nodded slowly, his heart settling slightly as the arrangements for his family's safety were made, but his nerves remained taut—the threat of the "Black Crow" mercenaries was imminent, and every second mattered. He took a deep breath to suppress his anxiety, his gaze regaining its steadiness. He turned to continue inspecting the protection details in the core machine room, his fingertips brushing the cold equipment casings as he checked parameters and confirmed operational statuses, refusing to overlook any hidden danger. In his heart, this project was not just his life's work but the hope for the nation's energy transition. He could not let this hope be destroyed by Li Hongyuan's madness, nor could he let his family fall into danger because of him. Amidst this focus, the daytime clamor gradually settled, and twilight quietly washed over the steel structures of the project site, adding a brief touch of softness to the tense preparations.

The setting sun hung low in the western sky, pouring a sky full of rosy clouds downward. The gentle afterglow spilled over the forest of steel structures at the project site, plating the cold, hard machinery with a warm golden edge. Sharp angles were softened, and long shadows intertwined into staggered silhouettes on the ground. Inside the core machine room, the low hum of machinery remained constant and rhythmic. The air was filled with a faint scent of metal and engine oil, and cool air flowed slowly from the vents, brushing against Mu Li's slightly furrowed brow. He was half-squatting by the core equipment, a portable detector gripped tightly in his hand. His fingertips pressed steadily on the equipment interface as he focused on the jumping values on the screen, verifying parameters synchronized with the central control system one by one—he wouldn't let even a minor fluctuation pass. Since deploying the protection plan this morning, he had been moving through various key areas, barely having time for a sip of water. His nerves were stretched thin like a bowstring due to the dual concerns of the mercenaries and his family's safety. Only by confirming the stable operation of every piece of equipment could he feel a bit more at ease. Just then, the phone in his pocket suddenly rang. The familiar ringtone pierced through the mechanical hum, breaking the silence of the machine room. Mu Li paused, slowly straightening up to rub his aching lower back. He pulled the phone from his work clothes pocket. When he saw the word "Mother" on the screen, the tension in his brow dissipated significantly, and the sharpness in his eyes was replaced by tenderness. He walked quickly to a quiet corner of the machine room, away from the running equipment and patrolling staff, and gently pressed the answer button. His voice softened unconsciously, sounding deeper than usual: "Mom."

From the other end of the line came his mother's gentle and familiar voice, carrying a concern that crossed the distance. Her speech was slow and soft, like a sun-drenched quilt in winter, wrapping his heart in warmth. "Xiao Li, don't worry. Four young security men arrived at the house. They are very professional, wearing neat uniforms and having good manners. They guard the door day and night, even rotating shifts for meals. We are very safe." His mother paused, her tone gaining a hint of gratification. "Your father couldn't stay idle and took the initiative to chat with them. He knows they are all former soldiers—skilled and attentive. They've even carefully inspected the surrounding environment. We two old folks feel very at ease." At this point, her tone grew heavier, unable to hide a faint worry. "You must take care of your own safety out there. Don't just think about work. Eat when you should, rest when you should, and don't ruin your health. Mom knows you're doing big things, and we won't hold you back, but you have to take care of yourself. Everything is fine at home; don't worry about us." There was no hint of complaint in her voice, only pure concern—the kind of selfless tolerance and support that only a mother could give.

Hearing his mother's gentle voice, Mu Li's fingers tightened unconsciously around the phone. His palm felt the cool touch of the device, but a hot current surged in his heart, spreading through his limbs. The fatigue of recent days, the taut nerves, and the anxiety of dealing with the crisis seemed to be mostly smoothed away by this warmth. His eyes uncontrollably grew hot, a stinging sensation spreading from the corners. He instinctively turned to look out the window. The sun was slowly sinking below the horizon, and the sunset glow dyed half the sky red. For a moment, he thought of the old locust tree in the yard of his hometown; every evening, his mother would stand under that tree, waiting for him and his father to come home for dinner. His mother's understanding and support were like a glimmer of light in the dark, becoming his most solid backing at this moment. Guilt and determination intertwined in his heart, growing more intense. He felt guilty that his work had forced his elderly parents into this undeserved calamity, breaking the peace they had enjoyed for decades. He was even more guilty that he was away all year round, making it a luxury to even stay by their side to fulfill his filial duties, leaving them to worry in their hometown. But this guilt quickly transformed into a stronger resolve—he had to protect this project and completely clear the threat brought by Li Hongyuan. This was not just for the responsibility on his shoulders and the nation's hope, but also to allow his parents to return to a stable life, not letting down their trust and tolerance. Mu Li took a deep breath, suppressing the emotions churning in his heart. His voice remained soft but gained an unquestionable certainty as he spoke into the phone: "Mom, I understand. You two must also stay safe. Try not to go out; even if it's just to buy groceries nearby, wait for the security personnel to go with you. If there's any sign of trouble, call me immediately or contact the security personnel around you directly—they are all capable of emergency response. Everything is arranged on my end. The protection in the core area is in place layer by layer, and we have the assistance of the Garrison Force and the Public Security General Administration. The protective measures are very strict. Don't worry, I will definitely take care of myself. Once things settle down here, I'll come home to see you."

After hanging up, Mu Li stood in place, watching the sun slowly sink below the horizon. The afterglow stretched his shadow long and quietly hid the softness in his eyes. He raised a hand to lightly wipe the corner of his eye, burying his concern and guilt for his family deep in his heart. His gaze instantly regained its sharp determination—his mother's concern was his armor, making him more aware of the meaning of this struggle. He had to shoulder the responsibility of guarding the project and ensure the safety of his loved ones. Mu Li took a deep breath and turned to walk quickly out of the machine room. His aura immediately switched back to combat mode. Every step was steady and powerful as he hurried toward the Main Control Room, not slowing his pace for even a moment of brief warmth.

Just as he entered the Main Control Room, Zhou Yaqi, the head of R&D, hurried toward him with a data report. Her tone was urgent yet steady, perfectly matching the tense rhythm of the preparations. "Engineer Mu, the system is running normally. The protective barriers in all areas are activated, and no signs of abnormal attacks have been found. All parameters are stable within the safety range. Additionally, news just came from the university's cybersecurity lab. By monitoring suspicious overseas communication channels, they captured signals suspected to be from the 'Black Crow' mercenary team. The other party is using military-grade encryption with extremely high stealth. The lab technicians worked overtime to crack part of the content."

Zhou Yaqi handed the report to Mu Li, pointing to the key data. "From the cracked content, the 'Black Crow' team has already set out, heading to Ji Province in two groups. One group entered by land through a border port, and the other arrived at a neighboring city via an international flight before transferring to a car. We preliminarily judge that they might arrive in Ji Province within two days. Their specific location is still being tracked. All relevant data has been handed over to the Huaguo Public Security General Administration, and they are doing their best to track them."

"Very good." Mu Li took the report and quickly scanned the data, his eyes sharp and his tone serious. "Notify everyone to stay at 120% alertness and enter the highest state of readiness. Closely monitor all abnormal situations. Li Hongyuan's counterattack could happen at any time. The 'Black Crow' mercenary team is well-equipped and ruthless; we must be fully prepared and cannot afford the slightest negligence. Manager Zhang, immediately coordinate with the Garrison Force. Tomorrow's joint exercise will add an armed attack simulation, focusing on core area defense, personnel evacuation, and firepower coordination. Let everyone familiarize themselves with the response process to be fully prepared."

"Understood! I'll communicate with the Garrison Force right away!" Zhang Hongyuan immediately pulled out his walkie-talkie and began deploying relevant matters. His tone was efficient and firm, with no fear in his eyes—only the determination to be prepared and meet the challenge. The R&D personnel in the Main Control Room immediately increased the frequency of data monitoring, their fingers tapping rapidly on keyboards as parameters on the screens refreshed at double speed. Upon receiving instructions, the patrol teams immediately increased the frequency of patrols in the core area. The personnel guarding the perimeter of the protective net were also on full alert. The readiness level of the entire project site was maxed out again, and the tension in the air was almost palpable.

Night fell again, and a pitch-black curtain shrouded the entire project site, yet the lights throughout the area remained as bright as day, illuminating every corner. Searchlights swept back and forth across the night sky, their powerful beams piercing the darkness to light up the surrounding fields and woods like vigilant eyes, monitoring for any abnormal movement. Security personnel, equipped with night vision gear and riot weapons, patrolled various areas with steady paces, their eyes alertly observing their surroundings without a hint of slack. Every step was firm and steady, their figures weaving through the lights to form a solid line of defense. In the Main Control Room, R&D personnel focused intently on the operational data on their screens, their fingers tapping the keyboards from time to time as they monitored system security. Their gazes were focused and determined; even if they were exhausted, they would not relax. Zhang Hongyuan sat before the communication equipment, maintaining real-time contact with the Huaguo Public Security General Administration and the Garrison Force. Every message was quickly recorded and timely transmitted to ensure information flowed without obstruction, ready to respond to any emergency.

Mu Li stood by the window of the Main Control Room, looking out at the pitch-black night sky, his figure as upright as a pine tree. The night wind blew through the window with a slight chill, ruffling his hair but unable to disperse the determination in his heart. He knew the threat of the "Black Crow" mercenaries was close at hand, and Li Hongyuan's frantic counterattack could erupt at any moment. This contest concerned the survival of the project and the safety of those around him; there was no room for error. But seeing his team performing their duties and standing ready, and feeling the confidence from the linkage with the Garrison Force and the Public Security General Administration, his certainty grew stronger. Even if there were storms and desperate crises, he would lead the team to build an indestructible line of defense, using professionalism and courage to combat all madness, never letting Li Hongyuan's conspiracy succeed.

He looked into the distance, a firm light flickering in his eyes—a light of adherence to belief, of taking on responsibility, and of the determination to win. No matter what extreme means Li Hongyuan used, no matter how great the crisis, he would lead the team to meet the challenge. With firm belief and tight protection, he would safeguard this nuclear fusion power station project that carried the nation's energy hopes, protect the people around him, and completely thwart Li Hongyuan's frantic plot. The night was deep, preparations were in full swing, and the air was thick with tension. A thrilling life-and-death struggle was already on the brink, ready to be triggered at any moment.