Closer to Revealing My True Self
Chapter 291 - 215 Casual Talk_1

Chapter 291: Chapter 215 Casual Talk_1

The deployment of the Special Task Unit underscored the importance the United Assurance Bureau placed on the incident.

If it were just a starfish outbreak, it wouldn’t be anything unusual, as these occurrences happened every few years.

The rise of the marine aquaculture industry was destined to change the coastal marine ecology; the ideal harmonious maritime ranch wasn’t something that could be quickly established. Investing in aquaculture carried risks, and even without pollution and disease, the uncertainties brought about by changes in weather and marine ecology could wipe out a year or even several years of a farmer’s hard work.

For instance, a starfish outbreak could result in losses of hundreds of millions as a matter of course.

This time, it was perhaps just a bit more severe, maybe even involving minor climate fluctuations.

In any case, it was still within the realm of expectation.

But the sudden emergence of the "isolation zone" was unexplainable.

The cause of its formation was unknown.

What would be the subsequent effects? Would it appear again?

More importantly, did it signify a deeper meaning?

For example, a kind of omen?

Could it pose a threat to human survival?

Experts feared the return of the period of climate anomalies; when it involved such matters, it was no small affair.

After understanding this logical chain, Feng Yi, "..."

He suspected whether the markers released last night exceeded the standards and if the situation in the sea was larger than expected?

Was it so impactful that it attracted the attention of the Special Task Unit?

Feng Yi anxiously tapped his forehead.

Impulsive, still too impulsive!

Not that he believed the United Assurance Bureau would trace it back to him, he just hadn’t anticipated causing such a significant commotion.

The helicopter circled above the dock for a while then landed at a nearby helipad.

By the time Feng Yi arrived, the Special Investigation Team had already made contact with the local team.

Among the special investigators that arrived, Feng Yi actually recognized one of them.

The one leading the group, in his forties or fifties, tall and thin—Captain Yuan then, now Team Leader Yuan.

The first time he met him was during the incident involving fishing at Yue Mountain and the capture of Qing, when he was called in for questioning.

Back then, Yuan was a captain; now he had become a team leader.

Of course, not all team leaders are equal. A regular task force compared to a Special Investigation Team is a different concept—the latter has a higher ranking and considerable power.

And the leader of the Special Task Unit is certainly a high-ranking official.

Feng Yi didn’t interact much with Old Yuan. Their limited exchanges were mostly online through chat software, mostly work-related. His understanding of Old Yuan mostly came from what the butler told him.

Team Leader Yuan was not the type to smile, but that didn’t mean he was expressionless; he wasn’t the kind to maintain a rigid face all day. He just came across as relatively serious, yet within that seriousness, there lacked no sense of etiquette in dealing with people, without making anyone feel offended. After all, it was just a conversation, not an interrogation of a criminal.

But trying to glean more from Team Leader Yuan’s expression was nearly impossible.

Of course, Feng Yi was different; he didn’t read expressions, but the genuine emotional cues emanating from within a person. Today, Old Yuan seemed to be in a not-so-good mood.

Team Leader Yuan took off his sunglasses after getting off the helicopter, but the sunlight was strong, squinting his eyes from the glare. The vision was hampered, so he put them on again.

The group headed towards the research vessel, which had yet to depart and seemed to be waiting for the Special Task Unit’s return.

As Team Leader Yuan updated himself on the latest developments, his face showed no sign of relaxation, becoming even more solemn.

The cause for the formation of the "isolation zone" at the seabed remained a mystery, but according to precise data trends, the "isolation zone" seemed to be weakening and might completely disappear after some time.

Therefore, they needed to hurry and collect samples and record data.

"Experts have made many speculations, providing analysis and evidence from their own areas of expertise and perspectives of thought," handed over a report from a member of the local team.

After reviewing the information, Team Leader Yuan didn’t express a preference for any of the speculations.

In the presence of such a high-ranking and authoritative figure from the United Assurance Bureau, everyone was a bit tense, with the younger assistants and students nearby even breathing more softly.

Feng Yi did not approach; he kept his distance.

Although he didn’t think his actions would be discovered, he also didn’t want to have too much contact with the people of the Special Task Unit. It felt strange, and he was somewhat worried, what if he accidentally gave himself away during a conversation?

The Special Task Unit was much more capable than the basic level investigators like Wei Hongxun.

Promotion within the United Assurance Bureau was entirely merit-based, and Old Yuan had solved significant smuggling and poaching cases in the past two years, earning merits that had led to his rapid promotion, proving his great ability.

Ah, the young man who had been humiliated by his grandmother had now become a high-ranking official.

Untouchable! Absolutely untouchable!!

What if Old Yuan, who had been slapped in the face, wanted to regain face through him? It’s better not to flit around in front of him then.

Thinking this, Feng Yi adjusted the sunglasses on his nose and turned to leave. He needed to summarize his mistakes, learn from the experience, and then keep away from the site of the incident.

Just as he took a step, he heard a call from behind:

"Feng Yi! Don’t hurry off, come, let’s have a word," said Team Leader Yuan, motioning him over.

Whoosh!

The local team and the Special Unit members from the United Assurance Bureau all turned to look at Feng Yi.

He didn’t care to interpret the rich emotions in those flickering gazes.

With a stiffened resolve, he turned back.

Feng Yi thought to himself: Are we that close?

Team Leader Yuan didn’t care what others thought and gestured with his hand indicating that he wanted to have a private chat with Feng Yi, signaling others not to follow.

"Let’s talk over there."

They walked to an open space on the waterfront.

The bustle of the dock faded, the breeze carried the moisture of the seawater, and also the warmth of the sunlight.

The atmosphere seemed pleasant...

What a load of crap!!!

Feng Yi’s vigilance had reached its peak.

He returned a polite smile, "Congratulations on your promotion, Team Leader Yuan."

Team Leader Yuan gave a slight nod, his expression somewhat formulaic, but when facing Feng Yi, the courtesy was tinged with a bit more gentleness.

Gentleness?

That term, applied to Team Leader Yuan, would hardly be believed by anyone at the United Assurance Bureau!

Although he didn’t sense any negative targeting emotion from Old Yuan, Feng Yi did not let down his guard.

Team Leader Yuan was known for being straightforward and not beating around the bush. "How do you view this incident?" he asked.

Feng Yi inquired, "You mean the starfish outbreak?"

Team Leader Yuan stated, "The sudden situation last night. You should be aware of it."

Feng Yi looked at the distant sea: "Hmm, I’ve heard about it, but I don’t know the specifics."

"Based on the information you understand and what you’ve heard, what do you think?"

"I only know how to catch snakes; I don’t understand the rest. I lack professional knowledge in this area."

"No problem, disregard professional knowledge. Just give me your own opinion, whatever it may be."

"..."

"What was the first thought that came to your mind when you heard about this incident? Do you think it’s related to abnormal weather conditions?"

"I don’t think so."

"Hmm, good." Team Leader Yuan’s tense mood relaxed somewhat.

Feng Yi: ???

Why do you look like you’re seriously taking this in?

It was like this with Little Qing the last time, and now again!

Old Yuan, where’s your commitment and perseverance in seeking the truth? Keep at it a bit longer!!!

You’ve risen to the top of the special task force, is it really okay to be this casual!?

Team Leader Yuan patted Feng Yi on the shoulder, "Alright, go do your own thing. Are you set to join the sea snake mission in a couple of days?"

Feng Yi decisively said, "I’m leaving Mo City today. Professor Ding and Professor Li said there’s nothing for me here and told me to head over there first."

Staying two more days was out of the question. Who knew if they would call me in for a talk.

Better to make a run for it!

Team Leader Yuan, busy with numerous tasks, didn’t say much more to Feng Yi and soon joined the others on the research boat, heading to the incident area.

His mood, compared to when he came, had lightened up a bit.

Team Leader Yuan often marveled that some people’s intuition was truly more sensitive and effective than top-of-the-line equipment and vast databases.

This talent was something he had experienced when he was young.

He always felt that there was something Feng Yi was still hiding. Nevertheless, it didn’t matter; getting the answer that "it’s not related to abnormal weather conditions" was already quite satisfying.

As long as it wasn’t the return of a catastrophic climate event.

Of course, he didn’t just blindly believe it. The investigation would continue; they couldn’t determine the nature of the event based on one person’s statement alone.

He simply hoped the final outcome of the investigation would match what Feng Yi had said.

That kid’s talent couldn’t be much worse than his grandmother’s, right?

The research boat sailed off into the distance.

Feng Yi stood on the shore, quite puzzled.

Old Yuan sought him out for a private talk just to ask these few questions? What was he after?

After pondering, Feng Yi suspected he was being used as a tool.

Forget it, it doesn’t matter what he’s after; he decided not to stay in Mo City any longer and prepared to contact Jia to leave town.

The scene where Feng Yi was called aside by Team Leader Yuan for a private talk was witnessed by many.

Someone came over to ask Feng Yi, "Do you know Team Leader Yuan?"

Feng Yi: "Not really acquainted."

The other person gave a look that said "I don’t believe you" as their expression and emotions fluctuated, apparently concocting some wild guesses.

Feng Yi then said, "An older family member knows him."

"Oh, I see."

Their face said "Oh that explains it," while inside they were thinking, "Holy ****!"

Team Leader Yuan’s attitude was more than mere acquaintance! The way he called for Feng Yi was almost like calling a nephew from an old friend’s family.

But who was this "older family member" Feng Yi mentioned? A person from the Feng Family in Yang City?

Ah, so curious!

Online—

Just now, many people at the dock saw the arriving helicopter, and the news spread instantly.

Photos taken from various angles combined with personal speculation were shared on social media and friends’ circles.

"Is there a major incident in Mo City? The special task force from the Joint Security Agency is rushing over."]

"I heard about it; something big must have happened in the sea!"]

"No wonder more and more experts have been going to Mo City lately, maybe the starfish outbreak is just an excuse, and the real purpose behind it is being hidden!"]

"Ah... just a few photos and the rumors are flying?"]

"I’m an aquaculturist from Mo City, news I got this morning said the starfish swarm has dispersed."]

"Nonsense, my classmate’s relative is collecting starfish there, and they said there were a lot of starfish today! No need to go far, just close to the shore, lift the net and there’s a ton! Here’s the proof [image][image][image]"]

The released pictures included chat screenshots and images of collecting starfish, which looked highly credible.

"What’s with the ’outbreak’ and ’retreat’? Who’s telling the truth?"]

The aquaculturist insisted the information received stated the starfish swarm had dispersed, coming from a reliable internal expert.

The starfish collector retorted, "That’s BS, the starfish are obviously still swarming," and angrily started a live stream to prove innocence.

The two sides argued vehemently.

The "quarantine zone" that acted like a barrier was not made public, and ordinary people would not expect any special circumstances to arise.

However, it didn’t take long for netizens’ attention to be partly diverted elsewhere.

A popular angler with a million followers posted a new update—

"Had plans to go fishing, got stopped halfway and told that fishing isn’t allowed for the next few days, but still got something out of it [image][image], the guy on the right, is that Brother Se?"

The two posted photos showed Feng Yi and Team Leader Yuan wearing sunglasses, standing side by side facing the sea; the other photo captured Team Leader Yuan with a subtle smile, clapping Feng Yi on the shoulder in the sunlight, looking quite harmonious.

"Yes! That’s him! I’m not mistaken!"]

"Didn’t catch any fish, but the photos are priceless! This trip wasn’t in vain!"]

"The guy on his left is from the Joint Security Agency! I just saw a photo shared by another big V, showing people from the special task force getting off the helicopter, and the guy leading is the one standing next to Feng Yi!"]

"They’re both wearing sunglasses, similar heights, similar postures, kind of resembles each other, I just want to know what’s their relationship? They look pretty close"]

"Think about how the Joint Security Agency personnel treat others, now look at this photo..."]

"That’s not just closeness, that’s clearly a father’s love!"]

"Seeing you guys talk about it, it does give off a fatherly and filial feel"]

"#AnotherWeirdThought#"]

As Feng Yi was packing to make a getaway, he took a moment to check his phone, only to discover he had gained a "father."

Feng Yi: ???