Chapter 24: Preparations

Two days later, He Xingzhou’s plan was approved.

Lü Mei coordinated with him, saying, "The higher-ups have approved it. A research facility in the suburbs of the capital will be renovated for your use. I have a list here; you may select the researchers you need from it, and you will be provided with additional personnel to form your team."

"Regarding funding, in principle, the Xuanwu Project has no upper limit for funding any of its segments. However, this must be done in stages, and you will need to submit applications accordingly. The salaries and benefits of your research staff will be covered by the state, so you need not worry. If you successfully execute your plan, you may apply to the organization for further resources and funding."

"Thank you, Sister Lü!" He Xingzhou expressed his gratitude. Receiving such a significant allocation of funds and resources as a student was proof enough that his proposal was being taken seriously.

"I will prove myself!" He Xingzhou declared firmly.

After concluding his coordination with Lü Mei, he met with Yang Bai, a senior administrator from the Ministry of State Security.

Yang Bai’s appearance was unremarkable, the kind of person one would struggle to notice even with a careful look in a crowd, yet his eyes held a subtle air of shrewdness and wisdom.

Yang Bai said to He Xingzhou, "Comrade He Xingzhou, given that you have become a member of the Xuanwu Project and the head of the Whistleblower Research Institute, your security clearance has been adjusted to the highest level!"

"From today on, you will have your own dedicated vehicle, a full-time bodyguard, a full-time secretary, and housing arranged by the organization. Your files at the Security Bureau will be classified as top secret! We will provide you with a set of security equipment shortly; please use the communication devices we provide when handling classified information."

"We will not interfere with your personal life, and we ask that you do not violate the organization's regulations."

"I understand," He Xingzhou replied.

"Additionally, consider which members of your family require special attention. We will dispatch personnel to make arrangements and ensure their safety so that you have no worries."

He Xingzhou wrote down three names: his father, He Qihang; his mother, Jiang Manrong; and his younger sister, He Mengyao, who was seven years his junior. His grandparents had already passed away, leaving these three as his closest living relatives.

He Xingzhou was studying at a university in the capital alone, while his parents and sister lived in their hometown, an ordinary county seat.

"Very well, I have noted this," Yang Bai said. "We will relocate your parents and sister to a secure residence. Due to the sensitive nature of the mission, we will need to provide a cover story. You should tell them that you have developed a piece of technology and sold the patent to a state-owned enterprise, generating income."

"When the time comes, we will dispatch security officers disguised as employees of that state-owned enterprise to arrange their housing and other matters."

"Thank you for the organization's arrangements!" He Xingzhou thanked him.

"These measures are necessary for the sake of the Xuanwu Project," Yang Bai said. "Comrade He Xingzhou, the special mobile phone provided to you contains our contact information. If you have any questions, you may come directly to me. For urgent matters, you may also contact other Xuanwu executives."

"Let me introduce two more people to you," Yang Bai called out, "Ding Yue, Xu Zhilan, come in!"

Outside the door, the two knocked and entered.

He Xingzhou looked over to see both dressed in military uniforms, standing tall and proud with an extraordinary presence.

The man stood at least 1.85 meters tall, with a physique as sturdy as an ox and an inherently sharp, cold temperament.

The woman was about 1.7 meters tall, with straight legs, short hair, and wheat-colored skin. She wore no makeup, yet remained strikingly beautiful. In her uniform, she possessed an air that was truly heroic.

"Sir, Ding Yue reporting for duty!" the male soldier saluted.

"Sir, Xu Zhilan reporting for duty!" the female soldier saluted.

After they exchanged salutes, Yang Bai introduced them: "Both of them are elite members of the military, at the special forces level!"

"Ding Yue is proficient in combat, wrestling, firearms, and the operation of various transport vehicles, including aircraft and tanks. He is also an expert in reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance. From now on, he will be your driver and bodyguard, responsible for ensuring your safety!"

"Greetings, Comrade He Xingzhou! Ding Yue reporting!" Ding Yue saluted again. "I swear to protect your safety with my life!"

"Hello, I hope we have a pleasant cooperation," He Xingzhou said politely.

Yang Bai introduced the other. "Xu Zhilan is also a special forces soldier. She possesses excellent military training and is also proficient in clerical and logistics work. She will serve as your assistant; you may entrust her with any tasks you require."

"Greetings, Comrade He Xingzhou. I am Xu Zhilan. If you have any tasks, please feel free to assign them to me!"

As Xu Zhilan saluted, she looked at He Xingzhou with curiosity. The young man before her looked even younger than she was, yet he had become an executor of the Xuanwu Project, which filled her with wonder.

"Thank you!" He Xingzhou acknowledged them and began to collect his supplies.

The Security Bureau had prepared a full set of equipment for him, including bulletproof gear. The vehicle he would use was also a modified model, equipped with bulletproof and explosion-proof features.

This was sufficient proof that the higher-ups placed great importance on him as the whistleblower of the Zerg crisis.

Once these matters were settled, He Xingzhou began selecting the researchers he needed. He chose a group of high-level scientific talents according to his requirements.

Yang Bai said, "The renovation of the institute will take some time. If you have any other requirements, feel free to suggest them."

He Xingzhou replied, "First, ensure the biological experimentation area is renovated. Additionally, I need laboratories for energy and mechanical research. By the way, how is the power system of the institute planned?"

Yang Bai replied, "Naturally, it will be connected directly to the power grid!"

"That is not enough!" He Xingzhou, thinking of the energy required for his quantum light computer to unlock technologies, said, "I have another requirement: a power station must be built near the institute. Whether it is thermal, wind, or photovoltaic, the output must be high enough to support the needs of a large-scale factory. I need this for my experiments!"

"Understood!" Yang Bai noted his requirements.

He added, "Comrade He Xingzhou, since the institute's renovation will take time, you may visit other research institutes for your work in the meantime. Within the Xuanwu Project, your authority is second only to the Xuanwu executives. You are entitled to utilize the resources of any research institute in the country."

"That is excellent!" This would be a tremendous boost to the execution of He Xingzhou’s plan.

After Yang Bai finished his briefing, it was time for He Xingzhou’s arrangements.

"Mr. He, where shall we go now? Shall I take you to your residence to rest?" Ding Yue asked.

"No rush, let's head to the research institute first," He Xingzhou replied.

Soon, a black jeep pulled out of the garage.

It looked similar to the car He Xingzhou had seen at the State Security Bureau, but it did not display a "Special Access" plaque; instead, it bore a low-profile civilian license plate.