It was a little past six in the evening.

Zhao Yunhu and Shao Jianfeng went out to buy some food.

After filling their stomachs, Lin Yi assigned new tasks.

Sui Qiang and Yu Siying were grouped to investigate the research institute’s power system.

Xiao Bing and Zhang Chaoyue were grouped to investigate the research institute’s water supply.

The remaining people continued to keep watch in the car.

"Lin Bro, something does seem off."

Luo Qi said:

"The lights in the research institute are all out, but at this time, there are still people coming and going. Maybe as you said, there’s really a basement here."

"The probability of a basement existing is quite high."

Lin Yi said while looking at his phone:

"On the surface, they definitely wouldn’t dare to do anything too outrageous, but it’s not certain in the basement."

"Lin Bro, you seem so calm, it feels like you’re not taking this mission seriously at all."

Luo Qi said:

"If we gathered our people and launched a surprise attack, getting the materials inside wouldn’t be a problem."

"That’s true, but it depends on whether the stuff inside is worth us doing that."

After pausing, Lin Yi continued:

"Firstly, you need to understand, killing Mammon’s people, destroying their lab, and seizing their materials—these three things are not on the same level."

"For Mammon, the materials are their core secrets, like their reverse scale. If we do this on a large scale, it will definitely provoke their retaliation."

"Furthermore, our Central Guards Brigade has its own bases and intelligence stations worldwide. Do you think Mammon wouldn’t know about these things?"

"Once they take crazy retaliatory actions, it’s our colleagues who will suffer."

After listening to Lin Yi’s explanation,

the few people understood his concerns.

"But they blatantly stole our E-class serum in Jing City, and merely destroying their lab without any materials in hand feels like a loss."

"Think carefully about how to regain our pride without seizing the lab materials."

The three racked their brains, contemplating deeply.

"The experimenters!" Shao Jianfeng said.

"Smart."

Lin Yi put down his phone and said:

"After the fire breaks out, the experimenters will definitely escape first. Some might even carry important materials out. If we catch these people, our gain is no less than seizing the lab materials."

"This is a great idea, minimizing violent conflict. But we don’t have enough people; it’s tough to handle these things."

"I’ve messaged Boss Liu. He’s sending over people from three groups. Once they arrive, we can act."

"Damn it, they’ve been arrogant for too long; we can finally strike back this time."

"Boss, something seems off. Look at that person, isn’t it Hops!"

Zhao Yunhu’s words instantly revitalized Lin Yi.

Quickly moving to the window, he saw a black sedan parked in the courtyard.

Lin Yi didn’t even need a binocular to see the person getting out of the car.

It was indeed Hops, whom they had encountered at the Mayan Ruins.

"Boss, I think we need to change our target. Catching Hops could help us uncover the origin of that watch."

"You all get out of the car and get another one to keep an eye here. I’m going to drive this car to follow him."

Shao Jianfeng’s eyes darted around and subtly nudged Luo Qi.

The latter reacted immediately.

"Lin Bro, let me stay with you. Two people together can look out for each other."

"No need to follow me; I’m not going to risk everything."

Luo Qi pursed his lips.

His little trick was seen through.

"Lin Bro, don’t act recklessly. Be prudent."

"Relax, I have responsibilities above and below; I won’t risk my life."

"Okay."

After discussing the follow-up actions, the three opened the car door and left.

Lin Yi made a simple disguise for himself, preparing to head to the driver’s seat.

Ready to follow at any time.

At this moment, the car door was opened.

Lin Yi’s heart raced, thinking he had been discovered.

Outside appeared a person wearing a black jacket, with slightly messy hair.

A cigarette dangling from his mouth, unkempt.

Seeing the person standing outside, Lin Yi was stunned.

It was none other than Song Jinmin.

"Huh? Why are you here?"

"Been following you guys all along."

Song Jinmin got into the car on his own and closed the door.

"Following us all along?"

Lin Yi looked at Song Jinmin, "You’ve been in the Middle East and then came with me?"

"Not we, just me. Your mom doesn’t know about this."

"Endured this long before revealing yourself, did something happen?"

"Not really," Song Jinmin said:

"Just wanted to tell you, investigating up to this point is enough, don’t go any further."

Lin Yi squinted his eyes, scrutinizing Song Jinmin.

"Is that your idea or my dad’s?"

"His."

"What are you all trying to hide? It’s already come to this, do you think we can stop investigating?"

Lin Yi looked at Song Jinmin, "Don’t forget, we are the Central Guards Brigade." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Don’t get so worked up, have a cigarette."

Song Jinmin handed Lin Yi a cigarette, not giving him a chance to refuse, directly placing it in his mouth.

With a lighter, Song Jinmin lit it for Lin Yi.

"I know you’re doing this for the Central Guards Brigade and understand your feelings, but precisely for the Central Guards Brigade, this matter is best left as it is."

Lin Yi took a drag of the cigarette, calming down significantly.

"So this matter involves the old man."

"I don’t know much, and I can’t tell you anything. Asking me is useless."

Song Jinmin said:

"If you still want to pursue it, destroy their lab, but leave that Hops alone."

Hearing these words, Lin Yi understood everything.

From beginning to end, Song Jinmin had been watching him.

The reason he revealed himself now.

Was because he had encountered Hops.

The research institute line can be handled, but not Hops.

Because he knew, with his own abilities, he could capture Hops.

The reason for doing this wasn’t because of this person,

but because of that watch!

Thus, the origin of this watch is even more mysterious.

Initially, Lin Yi thought Lu Chunxiao had perished in a mission involving Mammon.

They happened to acquire this watch.

Now upon seeing this, perhaps that wasn’t the case.

There might be deeper reasons involved.

And this reason must relate to the old man.

Otherwise, his father wouldn’t meddle in such matters.

"No way, it’s come to this; I need to investigate further."

"As expected, your dad knows you well; he guessed you would do this."

"And then, what else did he say?"

"If you don’t listen, he told me to send your Central Guards Brigade back home."

"Damn it!"