"I'm sorry, but even if you agreed so readily, I'd still have to consider it carefully. After all, there are too many people in line," Shen Lang said with a smile upon hearing Yu Youwei's words.
"Alright, then this young lady will await Director Shen's careful consideration," Yu Youwei replied, her bright eyes smiling. "I hope you won't disappoint me."
"Alright, enough joking. Let's talk business," Shen Lang said, steering the conversation back on track. He spoke to Yu Youwei, "The urgent matter is the trouble at the Paradise Island laboratory. We must find out Mr. Zhao's identity as soon as possible and expose this mole to give an account to those above."
"This has to be done quickly. If we're slow, we'll be held accountable, so I hope everyone can work together." Shen Lang looked at the stack of case files piled in the office and said, "I haven't read the interrogation records of over a hundred people, so I'll go through these first. After you all return from your break, we'll dive into this matter. My plan is to unearth this person within a week."
"A week?" Yu Youwei's face was filled with shock. "Director Shen, isn't that too rushed?"
"No, this is already the longest time I can allow," Shen Lang stated. "If you weren't all mentally and physically exhausted, like arrows at the end of their flight, I would have had you unearth Mr. Zhao in three days." He smiled at Yu Youwei. "Weiwei, take the next two days to rest properly. We'll tackle this together after two days. Don't feel too much pressure. If the sky falls, this director will hold it up."
"Hehe, since Director Shen is so confident, what pressure do I have? You know us. If you say you can do it, then you definitely can," Yu Youwei said with a charming smile. "I was almost driven crazy by this matter, but seeing your confidence now gives me peace of mind." She sighed, "Before, when Sister Qinghan was here, we had a pillar of support. After her sudden departure, we lost our backbone. Although the work is harder, the results are far worse than before." She said regretfully, "If she hadn't left, and you had joined us, it would have been perfect."
Shen Lang smiled slightly at Yu Youwei's words but didn't reply. Instead, he waved her away.
After Yu Youwei left, Shen Lang began to review the case files. Over a hundred people, each with more than a hundred pages of interrogation material. For an ordinary person, reading through three would be overwhelming. But Shen Lang was no ordinary person. He was a rare genius, capable of reading ten lines at a glance and possessing photographic memory – skills he had since birth, as natural as breathing. He finished reviewing the materials of over a hundred people in an hour, having them memorized. Then, he began to search for loopholes and key clues within each person's file. After six hours, Shen Lang had indeed found several useful leads. As he prepared to find more, Song Shaodao walked into the office.
"Kid, you look excited. Have you found something useful?" Song Shaodao said with a hearty laugh, seeing the excited smile on Shen Lang's face.
"Yes, I've found something after sifting through the materials of over a hundred people," Shen Lang replied without any concealment.
"Haha, it seems I was right to entrust this matter to you. But why are you alone in the office? Where are the others?" Song Shaodao asked, looking around the office with surprise.
"I gave them two days off to go home," Shen Lang replied, looking at his uncle. "Don't worry, it won't delay the important work. I guarantee that within a week, not only will Mr. Zhao's identity be revealed, but he will also be brought before you."
"What can I not trust about you, my boy? Since you're confident, then make your own decisions. I only care about the final result," Song Shaodao sighed. "I originally thought you would find some leads within half a month, but I didn't expect you to be so confident. It seems I have to rely on my nephew in critical moments." He continued, "Shen Lang, I'm increasingly wanting to visit your master. Medicine, martial arts, investigation, playing the zither – there seems to be nothing you can't do. Who is your master?"
Hearing his uncle's words, Shen Lang scratched his head and said, "He's just an unconventional old Daoist priest. Rather than a master, he's more of a commoner, extremely common. Perhaps Uncle would be very disappointed if he met him."
"Great commonality leads to great artistry. It seems your master is a true master. After this matter is settled, I will visit him," Song Shaodao said with a meaningful smile. "Perhaps he also wishes to see me."
"Haha, is that so? Then your nephew can only wish Uncle doesn't get a closed door," Shen Lang said. He put down the case files in his hand and changed the subject, asking, "Uncle, how is Adolfo now?" Shen Lang knew his uncle's formidable style. Adolfo had appeared at the laboratory, and being a werewolf, he would surely have been brought back by his uncle. He imagined Adolfo wasn't having an easy time in Song Shaodao's custody.
"I suspected Adolfo had a connection to the laboratory, so I brought him back for an investigation. He's fine now. You can release him," Song Shaodao replied. "He's from the Black Sun family and possesses the bloodline of the Dark Elves, which is why he reached the Heavenly Realm in his thirties. He can be considered an outstanding figure among the younger generation, though still not as good as you."
Shen Lang nodded. "This time we discovered the Paradise Island laboratory, although it was by chance, Adolfo unintentionally helped push things along. Since there's no issue, he can be released."
"Alright, you can go," Song Shaodao said, waving his hand to signal Shen Lang to leave.
Twenty minutes later, Shen Lang arrived at the detention area and soon reached where Adolfo was being held.
"Brother, you're finally here! Do you know what kind of life I've had while I was imprisoned? It was hellish. You can prove my innocence, can't you? Hurry and have them release me!" Seeing Shen Lang, Adolfo shouted excitedly, as if seeing a lifeline.
"Brother?" Shen Lang frowned at Adolfo's words and turned to leave.
Seeing Shen Lang about to leave, Adolfo's face changed drastically. He quickly called out, "Big Brother, it was my mistake. I was too excited and forgot the proper address. Please save me quickly. I can't stand being here for another second. If you don't save me, I'll die."
Hearing Adolfo's words, Shen Lang turned back and smiled. "It's good to admit mistakes. There's still hope. But remember this from now on: distinguish between superiors and subordinates, and never break the rules, understand?"
Adolfo nodded like a chastened child, looking regretful. He repeatedly said, "Big Brother, I've learned my lesson. Please let me out now."