"Miss, what do you think about the things you saw within the Security Bureau?" Director Fang’s tone changed from friendly to serious, and his usually gentle eyes became sharp as he examined the quiet Shangguan You, waiting for her response.
Shangguan You was stunned for a moment. I didn’t expect the Director to be so straightforward. How did someone like that get this position?
Actually, Shangguan You didn’t realize that officials at the Director’s level indeed often say what they want directly. However, sometimes their speech could be as enigmatic as riddles.
But this time, facing a young woman like Shangguan You, who naturally wouldn’t understand the intricacies of officialdom, and with the matter at hand growing more serious—even causing subtle changes in Beijing—Director Fang had no choice but to summon her.
Shangguan You glanced at Luo Xiao, seemingly unsure. Should I speak or not?
"You," Luo Xiao began, giving Shangguan You a nod, "this matter has become quite serious. Tell Director Fang what you truly think; there’s no need to hide anything." He assured her that she could speak candidly.
Shangguan You’s heart skipped a beat. Could something else have happened overnight to trigger this bigwig’s sense of crisis, something even Grandfather and the others are unaware of? It seems the situation is getting more severe.
"Grandpa Director, that’s just my speculation; I don’t know if it’s right or wrong," Shangguan You said tentatively. She was aware that she wasn’t facing her doting grandfather, but a national helmsman. She had to be cautious to avoid bringing trouble upon the Shangguan Family, which would be a thankless endeavor.
"Speak your mind. Whether it’s right or wrong, just say it. Express your true thoughts and viewpoints; we will only take it as a reference," the Director nodded, signaling Shangguan You to share her opinions, his tone softening slightly from its earlier sharpness.
"Grandpa Director, Grandpa Luo, I think that all that’s happening now is just the beginning, and it’s only a probe from the other party," Shangguan You said lightly, her words met by a grave silence.
Luo Xiao widened his eyes, watching Shangguan You incredulously. The situation was already serious, yet she dared to say it was just the beginning. If this is only the start, what will follow? Luo Xiao hardly dared to think further; such a thing would be a major crisis for anyone.
Director Fang’s face remained expressionless, his fingers lightly tapping the desktop without making a sound. But Shangguan You knew her words had shaken him. For such a statement to come from a seventeen-year-old girl was indeed astonishing.
After a long pause, Director Fang spoke again, "Why do you think this is just the beginning, and not the end?"
"Grandpa Director, these are just failed attempts. After failures, there are bound to be successes. When the successful ones are unleashed, the chaos won’t be limited to just one place."
"Girl, be clear with your words," Luo Xiao spoke gravely. What Shangguan You said wasn’t something they hadn’t considered, but everything has two sides: good and bad.
From their lofty positions, they often tended to focus on the positive outcomes. Now that Shangguan You had brought this up, Luo Xiao couldn’t help but pay serious attention to it.
Director Fang said nothing, waiting for Shangguan You’s answer.
"Actually, this is just my guess. I’ve heard that in many places, people don’t dare to wander at night for fear of bloodshed incidents, and that it’s even more chaotic abroad than domestically. So, this is just a bold speculation of mine," Shangguan You said lightly, watching Director Fang closely. Director Fang is close to the Ye Family—I wonder what his relationship with them is?
"Bloodshed incidents?" Director Fang mulled over these words, his expression reflective.
"Yes. The self-harm scene I witnessed at the Security Department—isn’t that a bloodshed incident? It’s quite similar to what happens on the streets. They all have a penchant for blood, for self-harm." Shangguan You spoke casually, yet she was linking the two issues. Then she fell silent, allowing the two elderly men before her to slowly make the connections themselves.
Her purpose in coming was merely to give a reminder. Whether they could weather the coming storm was up to them. Besides, there were things she wasn’t certain about herself, so she wouldn’t say more.
"Girl," Director Fang interjected, "are you implying that this isn’t just happening in Beijing, but that other places are experiencing similar things? And that large-scale bloodshed incidents might still occur?"
"Heh, I have a friend from B City. He says B City is very quiet during the day, but at night, everyone stays indoors with their doors bolted tight, afraid to go out. Even so, a faint scent of blood lingers in the air. They even worry their security doors aren’t strong enough to prevent break-ins," Shangguan You said jokingly, yet her words were thought-provoking.
"Though Beijing seems tranquil, its people come from all corners of the country. Who knows when such events might occur here too? Even my maternal grandfather won’t allow me out at night. I haven’t been to the night market in so long," Shangguan You said with a hint of regret. Actually, I’m quite curious to witness a truly bloody scene. Last night was just child’s play; the real spectacle hasn’t even begun.
"Is that so? Girl, how about tonight I, Grandpa Fang, accompany you to enjoy the night scenery of Beijing? It’s been a while since I’ve had such leisure time, and it will give me a chance to investigate these bloodshed incidents you mentioned," Director Fang laughed heartily, though his brows furrowed even more deeply.
"That wouldn’t be proper, would it? Grandpa Director, you’re such a busy man. Do you truly have time to accompany me to the night market? It would be terrible if anything were to happen," Shangguan You said, feigning surprise. Of course, I know he wants to investigate personally. He wants to see for himself if Beijing’s security is really as chaotic as I suggested.
"No matter how busy, there’s always time for rest, isn’t there? This is my time off, and visiting the night market isn’t a bad idea. Secretary Bai, make the preparations," Director Fang declared decisively, instructing the secretary at the door.