The next morning.
Xu Yan was heading upstairs to her office when she happened to run into Zhen Anguo, who was going the same way.
"Director Zhen." Xu Yan smiled and deliberately slowed her pace, keeping herself just slightly behind him. "Do you find the house acceptable? I had people prepare everything that needed preparing. If anything is missing, I'll have someone bring it over. The Branch Bureau Family Compound is just a bit old. Back when Director Yan was in office, he submitted several written reports to the higher-ups, but none were approved. They only repainted the hallways a few times."
Zhen Anguo smiled. "Thank you for the trouble, Director Xu. The house is very nice—far better than where I used to live."
Xu Yan still kept half a step behind him. "As long as you're satisfied."
Zhen Anguo noticed the detail, and his heart stirred slightly.
When they reached Xu Yan's floor, she did not turn toward her own office. "Director Zhen, I just remembered something."
Zhen Anguo looked at her. "...Shall we discuss it in my office?"
"Sure."
Normally, before a leader arrived, secretary Yan Lei should have cleaned the leader's office. But Yan Lei was not truly a secretary, and out of respect for procedure, Zhen Anguo had not given him the office key. Besides, in a highly confidential department like National Security, such matters required even greater caution. So for the past two days, Yan Lei had merely waited respectfully outside the office. Only after the leader unlocked the door would he enter to wipe the desks and sweep the floor. Today was naturally different. Seeing that Xu Yan had come as well, Yan Lei greeted her and returned to the General Affairs Department, knowing the leaders had something to discuss.
As soon as they