"If you have any insightful opinions, please feel free to speak them," Leader B retorted to Leader A.
After a moment's thought, Leader A said, "We can selectively disclose some information."
"This publicly disclosed information is emphasized as 'scientific investigation,' guiding public opinion to provide a scientific explanation for paranormal phenomena. Authoritative media outlets emphasize 'rational analysis,' attributing paranormal events to 'unknown scientific phenomena' and avoiding direct acknowledgment of supernatural forces."
"At the same time, we will strengthen internet control to prevent the spread of rumors and require internet platforms to delete certain content."
Leader B nodded, indicating that he understood. The implication was that they should first acknowledge the existence of supernatural phenomena, and then use science to explain them. Although the government completely misunderstood what these supernatural, Supernatural, and Fierce Ghost phenomena—things that defy common sense—were, they could fabricate stories and attribute everything to science, making it easier for the public to accept.
Leader A's proposal was unanimously approved by everyone present.
After discussion, a final solution was agreed upon:
First, an investigation team was quickly established, and a high-profile statement was made that the matter would be dealt with seriously in an attempt to appease public sentiment.
Then, under the pretext of "scientific investigation," they explained each of the supernatural phenomena one by one;
The incident was ultimately placed in "sealed files" for internal study only, while the public was told it had been "properly resolved."
"We'll select the information that can be made public tonight, and release it through official media," said Leader A.
The secretary quickly took notes, the sound of her keyboard clicking like raindrops.
Leader A: "Release the preliminary investigation results within a week; have the Research Department put together a plausible theory."
The Research Department leader who was named opened his mouth, but ultimately nodded helplessly. It was truly ironic that researchers had to fabricate data.
Leader A: "We will release the 'final conclusions' within a month, explaining everything scientifically and classifying the incident as 'resolved.' All original materials will be transferred to the Ministry of State Security's Top Secret Archives Department. That should be sufficient."
While everyone was chattering away, Cheng Linzhou only stared at his reflection on the smooth tabletop.
"Network control is being carried out simultaneously," Leader A continued, "We're coordinating with all major platforms to limit traffic to anything mentioning 'supernatural,' and we're focusing on monitoring those... what were they called again?"
"The Supernatural blogger," reminded Boss C.
"Yes, we should focus on monitoring these people. If necessary, we can invite them 'for tea'," Leader A said casually, subtly revealing a shrewd and confident air.
In the past, Cheng Linzhou would have immediately flattered him, saying, "The leader is wise."
But he has no such intention now.
As the meeting came to an end, everyone filed out, with Cheng Linzhou leading the way.
In fact, the public opinion handling plan proposed by Leader A at the meeting was feasible.
But there's one prerequisite—
Similar large-scale supernatural disasters must not be allowed to happen again.
One outbreak can be covered up with science as an excuse, but a series of outbreaks cannot be explained.
Cheng Linzhou glanced back at the tightly closed conference room door and suddenly wondered what use those elaborate political tricks would be when Supernatural disasters struck again.
Back in his office, Cheng Linzhou closed his eyes, cleared his mind, and let time pass.
The original Supernatural Investigation Bureau has been completely destroyed; now the Investigation Bureau is just using a temporary office space.
After a long while, Cheng Linzhou slowly opened his eyes, picked up a pen and a report from his desk.
The pen tip hovered above the report, and ink dripped onto the "casualty statistics" column, spreading into a black stain.
The numbers were precise: the Supernatural Investigation Bureau originally had XXXX members, with 2 survivors. His pen lingered on that "2" for so long that the paper was punctured.
"Director Cheng, your hot tea is ready." The newly transferred assistant knocked and entered.
Cheng Linzhou suddenly looked up, and his assistant was so startled by the bloodshot eyes that he took a half step back.
He took the teacup, but his hand was trembling slightly—one of the aftereffects of those terrifying events.
Cheng Linzhou forced a standard professional smile and announced, "Notify all departments that there will be a meeting this afternoon; the new consultant will be taking office today."
The assistant nodded and left, gently closing the door behind him.
Cheng Linzhou immediately took out a medicine bottle from the drawer, poured out two white pills and swallowed them dry. The doctor said they were for treating PTSD.
The red light on the office security camera was flashing, Cheng Linzhou knew that his superiors were observing him and assessing whether he was still suitable to serve as the director of the Investigation Bureau. After all, his mental state was visibly poor.
Cheng Linzhou turned on his computer and pulled up the new consultant's information. The screen showed a young man with a cold face. His profile was very simple: Wen Jingyan, male, 32 years old, unemployed, with no special social background.
"Heh." Cheng Linzhou chuckled softly, but he didn't know what he was laughing at.
The Investigation Bureau once checked Wen Jingyan's file. In that file, Wen Jingyan's personality underwent a dramatic change during his university years, as if he had become a completely different person.
However, he has always kept a low profile and is an ordinary person, so even if someone notices his changes, no one will bother to investigate further.
Now, Wen Jingyan has transformed into an unsung hero who saved Jing City, and has even been hired as a senior advisor by the Investigation Bureau.
There were some lingering issues with his past, but at this time, no one would bother to dig up his old stories.
At 3 p. m., the conference room of the Supernatural Investigation Bureau was already full of people.
It's said to be "full," but in reality, there are only about twenty people. After the Investigation Bureau was rebuilt, it simply couldn't recruit enough staff. This department is far too dangerous; who would want to work for an organization that was just ravaged by a supernatural event?
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is Mr. Wen Jingyan, our new special advisor," Cheng Linzhou introduced, his voice surprisingly calm. "Mr. Wen has unique insights into Supernatural events and will assist us in establishing a new response system."
Wen Jingyan up and nodded slightly. He was wearing a well-fitting black executive jacket, as if he had bought it specifically for this occasion.
Meanwhile, everyone else present also noticed that the bureau chief had just referred to it as a "Supernatural event" rather than a "supernatural event."
The difference is significant; it's unlikely to be a slip of the tongue.
Apart from Director Cheng Linzhou and Feng Qian, who had frequent contact with Wen Jingyan, the others in the conference room were still unaware of the true nature of supernatural events in this world.
"First, let me clarify something," Wen Jingyan said, his voice unusually deep. "What you call 'supernatural phenomena' are actually Supernatural events, caused by Fierce Ghosts..."
"Fierce Ghosts have no consciousness, no emotions; they are merely the embodiment of a certain 'rule.' Like program code, once the trigger condition is met, the killing command will be executed."
He gave another popular science presentation, this time in greater detail, with many examples and even using his own abilities to demonstrate.
He told us everything about the Supernatural, Fierce Ghosts, Ghost Tamers, and gold, but he concealed one thing—how to prolong the life of Ghost Tamer.
Controlling multiple Fierce Ghost, balancing the different Supernatural within one's body, driving Fierce Ghost to their deaths, or even becoming an alien vengeful Fierce Ghost with human consciousness... these are all paths of advancement within the extraordinary system of Ghost Tamers.
But Wen Jingyan didn't mention it at all.
This was requested by the mastermind behind it all, Hu.
Essentially, it's a random experiment: without guidance, can humanity forge a completely new branch on the path of Ghost Tamers?
As Wen Jingyan deeper into the science of the Supernatural, everyone in the conference room grew increasingly terrified. The existence of Fierce Ghosts... was truly despairing.
The meeting lasted for more than two hours. Wen Jingyan directly used Supernatural events that occurred in Jing City as case studies for analysis, and his analysis of each Supernatural event was very accurate.
He even mentioned the ghost that caused the spatial distortion in Cheng Linzhou's house.
He spoke as if he had witnessed the entire event firsthand, and his account was remarkably eloquent.
Cheng Linzhou suddenly felt dizzy and his whole body was trembling; he was somewhat stressed.
"Director Cheng? Are you alright?" Wen Jingyan's voice pulled him back to reality.
Cheng Linzhou then realized that everyone was looking at him, and that his hands were gripping the edge of the table tightly, his knuckles white.
"Sorry, please continue." He released his grip, managing to compose himself and avoid losing his composure in public.
After the meeting, Cheng Linzhou took Wen Jingyan to his office.
The bright sunshine outside the window contrasted sharply with the somber atmosphere inside.
"Your knowledge of the Supernatural is very... professional." Cheng Linzhou carefully chose his words. "Too professional. Did you figure all this out yourself? Or...?"
Wen Jingyan in the eye and smiled, "Of course, it wasn't something I figured out on my own, but rather knowledge passed down from previous Ghost Tamer predecessors."
Cheng Linzhou's breath hitched. "You're quite frank."
He forced himself to remain calm, his mind racing with a flurry of thoughts, and asked softly, "The national government knows nothing about Fierce Ghosts, so why hasn't this knowledge been passed down?"
Wen Jingyan replied with a smile, "Some very bad things happened in the past, and the relevant information was deliberately blocked. You probably don't want to know."
Cheng Linzhou immediately stopped asking; he would never pry into things he shouldn't know.
"What specific requirements do you have regarding your job compensation?" he asked, changing the subject.
"I need a private office, top-level database access, and..." Wen Jingyan hesitated, "If possible, I'd like the Investigation Bureau to help me collect Supernatural Items."
Cheng Linzhou nodded in agreement. A Ghost Tamer who might be a "possessed soul" would join the Investigation Bureau. In this battle between humans and Fierce Ghosts, the Investigation Bureau needed every possible weapon, even if the weapon itself was dangerous. Therefore, no matter how outrageous Wen Jingyan's request was, he would agree to it.
The Supernatural Investigation Bureau gradually resumed operations. With the help of consultant Wen Jingyan, who provided various information about the Fierce Ghost, the Investigation Bureau took numerous corresponding measures.
First, the Investigation Bureau classified Fierce Ghost into simple categories, from the lowest, D-class, to the highest S-class.
Then the Investigation Bureau worked overtime to rush out gold to make containers to imprison the Fierce Ghosts. Gold was added to the walls of the Investigation Bureau's Headquarters building, and even a pure gold safe house was built.
When the state apparatus is operating at full capacity, everything is highly efficient.
After a period of time...
The seventh basement level of the Supernatural Investigation Bureau.
Cheng Linzhou placed his palm on the biometric device, and three hydraulic doors opened in sequence, revealing a corridor inside that glowed with a dark yellow light—the walls, floor, and ceiling were all made of pure gold.
"The cost exceeded my expectations," Cheng Linzhou said to Wen Jingyan behind him, "It can withstand any attack from Fierce Ghosts."
Wen Jingyan's fingertips lightly traced the wall, leaving only shallow scratches; the Supernatural power could not penetrate them at all.
Cheng Linzhou pretended not to see Wen Jingyan's actions and continued walking forward.
At the end of the corridor was a row of containment chambers also made of gold, each equipped with instruments sufficient to monitor nuclear explosion experiments. Through the observation window of the first chamber, one could see a rusty suona (a traditional Chinese wind instrument) inside, secured by gold wire.
"The Ghost Suona, number C-003." Cheng Linzhou flipped through the data on his tablet. "Feng Qian captured it in Chaoyin District a few days ago. It caused 17 deaths. It would play funeral music randomly, and those who heard it would weep until they died. Now, the transmission of the funeral music has been blocked by gold."
"Interesting." Wen Jingyan smiled. "Are you using scientific methods to study Supernatural phenomena?"
"Science is our most reliable weapon." Cheng Linzhou pulled up another document. "Based on the information you provided, we've compiled a classification system for Fierce Ghosts, from D-class to S-class, but there's only one S-class case so far..."
"Bai Jingjing's black mist." Wen Jingyan, his eyes fixed on the large red door at the end of the corridor. "What's locked up there?"
Cheng Linzhou hesitated for a moment, then entered a six-digit password. The red door slowly opened, revealing a spherical space the size of a basketball court. Dozens of thin golden chains extended from all directions to the center, binding a Rubik's Cube that was constantly changing and twisting.
"So this is what it is." Wen Jingyan immediately lost interest.
"The Space Chaos Cube, number A-001." Cheng Linzhou's voice trembled involuntarily. "The space around this cube becomes chaotic and inverted, forming a maze-like area. Once someone enters, it's very difficult to get out. That's why the Investigation Bureau specially built such a large containment chamber for it."
This Rubik's Cube was taken into Cheng Linzhou's home, where his wife and daughter died as a result, and were even transformed into Ghost Slaves.
He both hated and feared this thing, but overall he was more afraid of it.
Wen Jingyan's lips curled into a smile, "Such a large containment chamber, yet it only contains a Rubik's Cube; it's a bit of a waste."
Cheng Linzhou frowned. "What do you mean?"
Wen Jingyan said, "When encountering Fierce Ghost that is difficult to contain, you can try using this Rubik's Cube to trap Fierce Ghost. If a person can't escape the chaotic space around the Rubik's Cube, the ghost probably can't escape either."
Cheng Linzhou suddenly realized. "That's a good idea, but unfortunately the Rubik's Cube is uncontrollable. If we use it to imprison Fierce Ghost, we're afraid that once they're inside, we won't be able to get them out. We'll lose control over these Fierce Ghost. Unless absolutely necessary, I don't recommend using this method."
Wen Jingyan: "Just prevent the Fierce Ghosts from continuing to harm society, what's the point of having control?"
Cheng Linzhou thought for a moment and didn't hide anything, "The Investigation Bureau is conducting experiments on artificial Ghost Tamer. To us, every Fierce Ghost has precious value."