Chapter 500: These Are the True Nameless Heroes

He had wanted to ask this question for a long time, but never found the chance to bring it up.

There was another reason: he feared Li Mingzhao might misunderstand.

After all, Ying Xuelian had taken a knife for him; inquiring about her outcome could easily be misinterpreted.

But if he didn't ask now, he'd never get another chance.

If there was any possibility, he hoped Ying Xuelian would get a favorable outcome.

"We haven't finished investigating her case yet."

Li Mingzhao replied evasively:

"Some things can only be settled after they've become established facts."

That's no different from saying nothing… Yu Dazhang felt he was being misled.

It's just like investigating a case—no one can jump to conclusions before the investigation ends.

But he was asking about Ying Xuelian as a person, not the final outcome of the case.

"The mission was completed successfully—what's left to investigate about her?"

Since he'd already asked, Yu Dazhang naturally pressed further:

"Besides, before she helped you, you must've negotiated terms—surely you don't plan to renege after she's done her part."

This was the detective's professional habit: suspicion.

Without this habit of suspicion, Yu Dazhang could never have cracked so many major cases.

In his view, the more evasive Li Mingzhao was, the more likely there was something wrong with how Ying Xuelian was being handled.

"You're clearly a sharp guy, yet sometimes you're incredibly stupid."

Li Mingzhao glanced at him, tone tinged with mockery:

"Do you know what crime Ying Xuelian is accused of?"

That was a question asked knowingly… Yu Dazhang didn't even think, answering directly:

"Espionage."

The main job of the State Security Bureau was catching spies, so such a question required no thought.

"Correct—but not precise."

Li Mingzhao corrected him with a serious expression:

"Her current status is suspected of leaking state secrets."

"However, according to her own confession, she never disclosed any core secrets to anyone—not even the education foundation."

This slightly eased Yu Dazhang's mind, but Li Mingzhao's tone remained Heavy, solemn:

"So far, the only crime she has admitted to is revealing the identity of Researcher Zhang."

Finally, he emphasized:

"So we must thoroughly investigate this matter. You know—when state secrets are involved, the implications are vast, and we cannot afford the slightest negligence."

By the end, Yu Dazhang finally understood.

It was just like investigating a case.

You can't rely solely on the suspect's word—you need solid evidence.

Ying Xuelian's final outcome depends on whether she leaked the core secrets of the research project.

Researcher Zhang's death was indeed connected to her—now it depends on how State Security ultimately classifies the matter.

If Ying Xuelian truly never leaked any state secrets, State Security might entirely blame Researcher Zhang's death on those agents.

Otherwise, Ying Xuelian will face severe punishment.

Any act threatening national security is unforgivable in State Security's eyes.

When they arrived, the plane was already waiting on the runway.

This place was called an airport, but it had nothing but a bare runway, no control tower, and barely any ground support equipment.

Before boarding, Li Mingzhao said apologetically:

"This mission is classified, so we can't recommend you for commendation. I hope you understand."

Neither the 53rd Institute nor the opposing top agents could be disclosed to the public, so this mission became one of the secrets.

"Don't you know me yet?"

Yu Dazhang replied with a smile:

"I never care about credit for my work—besides, what I wanted, you've already given me."

He glanced at the cardboard box in his arms, his smile growing brighter.

At the same time, he gained a new understanding of these people in State Security.

These are the true nameless heroes.