"Xiao Qin, your decision today is of great significance, and I am very grateful for your trust in the country."
Cheng Haitang looked at Qin Hao and expressed her gratitude in a solemn tone.
Then she turned to Zhou Wei and the two assistants, her expression serious: "From now on, everything concerning Comrade Qin Hao and what he has displayed will be classified as top-secret.
Zhou Wei, Xiao Li, Xiao Zhang, the three of you, including me, must sign a non-disclosure agreement.
Not a single word, not a single image that occurred here today, is allowed to be disclosed to the outside world, including your families. If there is any leak, it will be treated as treason, understand?"
"Understood!"
Zhou Wei and the other two responded in unison, their expressions solemn.
Of course, they understood the seriousness; they knew what kind of storm their witnessed events today would cause in the world if they were leaked.
"Oh, right! Also, the surveillance videos and equipment here must be physically destroyed to ensure nothing is left to chance!"
Cheng Haitang added, having thought of something else.
Immediately, she picked up her phone and dialed a number...
After the call connected, she did not directly explain the situation but said in a deep voice:
"Old Leader, this is Cheng Haitang from the Zhou City branch. A special incident has occurred here, and its importance relates to the future destiny of the country! I suggest immediately activating the special response plan."
There was a few seconds of silence on the other end.
It was clear that the term "special response plan" represented something extraordinary.
Soon, a powerful voice came from the phone.
"Haitang, do you know what activating the 'special plan' means? If the matter is not as important as you say, the consequences are not something you or I can bear!"
Cheng Haitang naturally knew what the special plan meant; it was a plan that could only be activated when the entire country's survival was at stake.
"Don't worry, Old Leader! I guarantee the truthfulness of this matter with my party loyalty and my life."
Cheng Haitang replied resolutely.
"Due to the special circumstances, for safety, specific details are not suitable for discussion over the phone.
I suggest that special personnel be dispatched as soon as possible to escort the target to the capital. This matter also requires the supreme leader to witness it."
"Good! Since you say so, then I believe you."
The voice on the other end was decisive, and then he instructed:
"Take the target and all informed personnel to the 'Canglong' Military Region in the western suburbs of Zhou City. I will immediately notify the military region to ensure absolute safety.
The personnel coming to meet you will arrive by noon today at the latest."
"Yes! Mission accomplished!" Cheng Haitang put down her phone and turned to look at Qin Hao, her eyes filled with anticipation.
Because from this moment on, Qin Hao's fate, and the "System" he possessed, would be closely intertwined with the fate of this country.
"Xiao Qin, you heard it just now, so I won't say much about the importance of the matter."
Cheng Haitang tried to make her tone sound a bit more relaxed,
"The headquarters leaders have approved, and we will depart immediately. We'll first take you to the Canglong Military Region, which is relatively safer. It might be a bit bumpy along the way, so please bear with it."
Qin Hao nodded, his heart a mix of emotions.
From the apprehension of duplicating gold in the rental house, to the joy of buying a villa, then the frustration of seeing the news, and finally the heroic spirit when he made up his mind,
Now, with everything settled, there was a sense of unreality.
He glanced at Cheng Haitang; the decisive energy Director Cheng displayed when she made the call just now was much more impactful than any movie character.
"Director Cheng, I... do I need to prepare anything?"
Qin Hao rubbed his nose. He was alone now; his only possessions were the newly bought villa and the "small change" in his card.
Cheng Haitang's lips twitched slightly. This kid, he was quite calm at a critical moment, but his question was a bit... naive.
She waved her hand,
"Why call me Director Cheng? Just call me Lao Cheng from now on. Also, you just need to come as you are; the country will arrange everything else. You are now our most important 'national treasure'."
This remark sparked jealousy in the three people nearby. The address "Lao Cheng" was only used by those who had a good relationship with the Director.
However, Qin Hao certainly had that qualification now.
Who told him he had a System?
"National treasure?" Qin Hao blinked. This title made him feel a bit lightheaded.
In the orphanage, he used to envy the pandas in the zoo that were carefully looked after. He never expected that one day he would also receive "national treasure" treatment.
As for calling her Lao Cheng, it was nothing more than an attempt to get closer; Qin Hao understood this and wouldn't mind.
Soon, the non-disclosure agreement was signed.
Cheng Haitang personally led Qin Hao, escorted by Zhou Wei, Xiao Li, and Xiao Wang, out of the National Security Branch.
Without sirens, without fanfare, an ordinary-looking black SUV silently drove out and merged into the traffic.
The atmosphere inside the car was a bit heavy. Qin Hao looked at the rapidly receding streetscape outside the window, his mind full of thoughts.
His life had completely changed from the moment he stepped out of the rental house and into the National Security Bureau.
He couldn't predict what the future would hold, but at least, he had contributed everything he could to this country.
"Director Cheng..."
Qin Hao suddenly spoke, "My System upgrade requires ten billion kilowatt-hours of electricity. Does the country have a way to handle this?"
He was still a bit worried that if the country invested a huge amount and the System didn't perform, he would become a historical sinner.
Cheng Haitang heard this, looked back at him, and a smile appeared on her face:
"Xiao Qin, you can rest assured! Ten billion kilowatt-hours of electricity is not a big deal for the current Yanhuang Country. Your energy needs will definitely be met."
After a pause, Cheng Haitang said with some anticipation:
"Actually, I'm more curious about what new functions your System will have after it upgrades?"
"I don't know either. The System didn't give any hints, so we'll find out then."
Qin Hao shook his head, replying helplessly.
"Alright then! It's too early to talk about that now."
Cheng Haitang stopped asking further.
The vehicle drove west, gradually leaving the bustling urban area. The surrounding buildings became fewer and fewer, replaced by rolling hills and dense forests.
Before long, barbed wire fences and "Military Restricted Area" warning signs began to appear on both sides of the road.
The SUV stopped in front of a heavily guarded gate. Several armed sentries came forward to check.
Cheng Haitang showed her ID and quietly spoke a few words with the sentinel in charge.
Soon, the heavy electric gate slowly opened, and the vehicle drove into a military area.
Through the car window, Qin Hao saw rows of neat barracks, a spacious training ground, and the faint outlines of armored vehicles in the distance.
The air itself seemed to be filled with the scent of iron and blood.
This was the "Canglong" Military Region in the western suburbs of Zhou City.
It was also one of Yanhuang Country's nine major military regions, with an estimated troop strength of over two hundred thousand soldiers.
Its military region commander was Liu Zhijun, holding the rank of General. This information was semi-public and could be found online.