Eunuch, do you really know these martial arts?

Jiang Nian sat in a specially made wheelchair, his back straight. Although his face was still pale, his eyes were as sharp as ever, fixed on every parameter change on the screen.

His fingertips tapped unconsciously on the armrests of his wheelchair.

"Ghost One has reached the designated depth of 7,500 meters. Passive sonar scanning has been activated. The ambient background noise level is seven. No abnormal response has been triggered."

The sonar analyst calmly reported.

"The harmonic simulator runs stably, and the signal characteristics match the sample with a degree of over 92%."

The voice of Engineer Zhou, the technical lead, came through the communicator, tinged with tension.

Bai Yongxu stood in front of the main control panel, his hands braced on the edge of the control panel, his knuckles turning slightly white from the force.

General Zhao paced back and forth behind him, his heavy military boots thumping rhythmically on the floor.

"Let them come a little closer,"

Jiang Nian suddenly spoke, his voice not loud, but clearly reaching everyone's ears, "Walk along the shadows of the cliffs at the edge of the trench, using the natural terrain to avoid active detection."

The operator immediately carried out the instructions.

A few minutes later, valid data and high-definition images were transmitted back.

The image is somewhat blurry due to the high pressure and impurities in the deep sea, but it is still possible to discern a large, clearly man-made circular structure at the bottom of the massive seabed cliff.

It has a diameter of over thirty meters, a smooth surface, and its material is unknown.

"Suspected entrance detected!"

The image analyst's voice was tinged with suppressed excitement: "The structure is not natural; there are regular interlocking marks on the edges!"

A low gasp was heard in the command center.

"Can you zoom in? Let's see if there are any defensive structures around?"

General Zhao stopped and asked anxiously.

The image has been magnified.

On the relatively flat seabed around the entrance, a hemispherical structure blends into the seabed color and several straight grooves are faintly visible.

"It's an automated defensive turret and rail system,"

Jiang Nian recognized it at a glance: "Judging from the layout, it covers all the main approach paths. If we try to force our way through, we'll be torn apart instantly by crossfire."

“A large pipe structure, suspected to be a cooling or sewage outlet, was discovered about 300 meters above the cliff side. It is about five meters in diameter and there are signs of continuous fluid discharge.”

Another potential channel!

"The composition of the discharged fluid?" Bai Yongxu immediately pressed for an answer.

"Preliminary analysis shows that it is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus compounds and trace amounts of organic matter, and the temperature is about four degrees Celsius higher than the ambient water temperature, which is consistent with the emission characteristics of a large life support system."

The clues are becoming clearer.

The outline of Guixu is gradually emerging from the darkness of the deep sea.

However, just as Ghost 3 was trying to get closer to the sewage pipe opening for a more detailed scan, something unexpected happened!

"Warning! Ghost III has detected a high-intensity focused sonar scan! Origin unknown! Not belonging to any known country or organization!"

An operator's urgent voice came through the communication channel.

Almost simultaneously, the green dot representing Ghost 3 on the main screen began to flash wildly, and the transmitted image shook violently, filled with static!
"We've been spotted! Immediately turn number three around and evacuate!" Bai Yongxu ordered sternly.

"Steering system malfunction! Out of control!"

"Signal lost! Ghost 3 has lost contact!"

The command center was deathly silent.

In just a few seconds, a deep-sea reconnaissance vehicle representing the highest level of technology in China disappeared silently.

"What the hell..."

General Zhao muttered to himself, his face grim.

"It is some kind of active defense system that we do not know."

Jiang Nian stared at the black screen, his eyes icy. "Their control over that sea area is stronger than we imagined."

The initial close-range reconnaissance confirmed the entrance and some defensive facilities, but it also came at a cost.

This also revealed the fact that our side already possessed the precise coordinates.

"Immediately analyze all the last data transmitted back by Ghost 3 before it lost contact, especially the characteristics of that blue light!"

Bai Yongxu suppressed the shock in his heart and quickly regained his composure. "All other reconnaissance units have withdrawn and entered a state of silence. The other side must already be on alert."

The atmosphere at the base remained somber for the next few days.

Analysis of the final data from Ghost 3 is progressing slowly, as the principle behind that ghostly blue force field is beyond the comprehension of current technology.

The defenses of Guixu make it impossible to find a way to attack.

Jiang Nian's health improved at an astonishing rate thanks to meticulous treatment and her own powerful recovery ability.

The penetrating wound on his back had scabbed over, and his calf muscles were healing well. Although his internal strength had recovered to less than 50%, he could no longer move around much.

He spends most of his time in the base's rehabilitation center undergoing intensive recovery training, occasionally accessing and analyzing reports via encrypted lines.

That afternoon, he had just finished a set of weighted squats, and his workout clothes were soaked with sweat.

My personal cell phone, which was lying to the side, suddenly vibrated.

This is a private number that very few people know.

He picked up his phone and paused slightly when he saw the name flashing on the screen.

It was his agent in the entertainment industry, Wu Ming.

As soon as he pressed the answer button, Wu Ming's familiar yet somewhat urgent voice came through: "My dear Advisor Jiang! You finally answered the phone! If I hadn't been able to reach you, I was going to call the police!"

Jiang Nian walked to a bench in the rest area, sat down, picked up a towel to wipe his sweat, and said in a flat tone, "What's the matter? I've been busy lately."

"I know you're busy, a very busy person!"

Wu Ming's tone was ingratiating, "But this is an opportunity we absolutely cannot miss! It's a fantastic opportunity!"

"Speak," Jiang Nian said succinctly.

"It's Director Zhang Yi! Zhang Yi! He came to me personally, going through layers of connections to get in touch with me, saying there's a script for him, and the male lead has to be you!"

Wu Ming's voice rose with excitement, "It's a modern medical drama, tentatively titled 'Lifeline,' and the investment is this much!"

He quoted an astronomical figure.

Jiang Nian raised an eyebrow slightly.

Zhang Yi is a top-tier television director in China, known for his high-quality productions and for launching the careers of countless actors.

It is indeed rare for him to personally call out names.

"Why me?" Jiang Nian asked.

Although he had a brilliant track record with "iPartment," he hadn't appeared on screen for a long time, and his main role had shifted behind the scenes. "Director Zhang said he'd seen all your work, including those early bit parts."

Wu Ming explained, "Director Zhang felt that, in the entire industry, only you could bring this character to life."

Jiang Nian did not respond immediately.

In the past, such top-tier resources and roles would undoubtedly have been a huge temptation for him.

Seeing that he didn't speak, Wu Ming quickly added, "The salary is absolutely top-notch, and the shooting schedule can be completely coordinated with your time! Director Zhang said that as long as you agree, everything is negotiable! The crew is almost ready, just waiting for your approval!"

"Send me the script to take a look."

"No problem! I'll send it to your encrypted email right away!" Wu Ming was overjoyed. "Brother Jiang, believe me, this is absolutely a fantastic opportunity for you to return to your peak, or even go further! Think it over and get back to me as soon as possible!"

After hanging up the phone, Jiang Nian stared at his phone screen, lost in thought.

Director Zhang Yi's reputation and professional competence are beyond doubt, and medical dramas have always been a genre that easily produces high-quality works.

This top-tier invitation came at this particular time.

He returned to his temporary residence at the base and received the first five episodes of the script "Lifeline" and character biographies sent by Wu Ming.

I spent two hours reading it carefully.

The script is indeed very well written, with a tight plot, meticulous professional details, and a profound portrayal of the medical system and human nature.

The male protagonist, Lu Chenxi, is indeed a complex and charming character.

Despite his exceptional skills, he was left with psychological trauma due to a medical accident. He appears cold on the outside but is passionate on the inside, navigating the complexities of hospital politics, patients' life and death, and his own redemption.

From a purely professional perspective, this is an impeccable project.

He hesitated for a moment, then dialed Bai Yongxu's encrypted line.

"Old Bai, help me investigate someone, Director Zhang Yi, and the background of the investors for his new drama 'Lifeline,' which he's currently preparing. The more detailed the better."

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone before Bai Yongxu's voice came through: "What happened?"

“A director invited me to participate in a great project, but the timing of the offer is a bit tricky,” Jiang Nian said without hiding anything.

"Understood. I'll have the intelligence department verify it. Be careful, the organization is omnipresent, and their methods are endless."

"I know."

A few hours later, Bai Yongxu called back.

"It has been investigated. Director Zhang Yi has a clean background, an excellent reputation after decades in the industry, and no connection with any foreign forces or unknown organizations has been found."

"The main investors in 'Lifeline' are Universe Films and several well-known domestic funds. The source of funds is clear, and no problems have been found so far. On the surface, this is a normal top-tier commercial project."

Bai Yongxu paused, then added, "However, the entertainment industry is a murky place, very complex. Even if the investors have clean backgrounds, the possibility of being taken advantage of cannot be completely ruled out. You need to make your own judgment."

"Ah."

Jiang Nian responded. Bai Yongxu's investigation results reassured him somewhat, but the lingering doubt in his heart was not completely eliminated.

"How is your recovery going?" Bai Yongxu changed the subject.

"Almost there, you can resume your normal activities. Your internal energy has recovered to about 50%."

“Very good. We need more time and intelligence regarding the next steps for Guixu. You can't stay at the base forever. Perhaps participating in some public events to divert attention would be a good option.”

Bai Yongxu said meaningfully, "Sometimes, the most dangerous place may be the safest place. Moreover, by being in the open, you might be able to lure the snake out of its hole."

Jiang Nian understood what Bai Yongxu meant.

Instead of waiting passively, it's better to proactively place yourself in potential risks and see if you can draw out potential enemies.

"let me consider it."

After hanging up the phone, Jiang Nian opened the script for "Lifeline" again.

He picked up his phone and dialed Wu Ming's number.

"I've read the script."

"How about it, Brother Jiang!" Wu Ming's voice was full of anticipation.

"The project is good, and the role is challenging."

Jiang Nian said calmly, "I can take it."

"That's fantastic!!" Wu Ming almost jumped up on the other end of the phone. "I'll notify Director Zhang right away! He'll be ecstatic! I'll arrange the signing and follow-up matters immediately!"

“There’s a condition,” Jiang Nian interrupted his excitement, “During filming, I need to bring two people to the set to be responsible for my safety and well-being. All expenses will be deducted from my salary.”

"No problem! Absolutely no problem!" Wu Ming readily agreed. "Don't even mention two, I can bring a whole team! Director Zhang definitely won't object! For a big star like you, having a personal assistant and bodyguards is perfectly normal!"

"Okay, you follow up on the specifics. Let me know if there are any progresses."

Putting down his phone, Jiang Nian walked to the window and looked at the sunset.

From the turbulent depths of the sea to the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry, the scene shift is so dramatic it feels like stepping into another world.

But he knew that the dangerous undercurrents had never subsided.

Whether it's the desolate ruins beneath the deep sea or the bustling world of fame and fortune under the neon lights, deadly dangers may lurk beneath the surface.

A few days later, thanks to Wu Ming's efficient management, all the contract details were finalized.

The news that Jiang Nian will play the male lead in the highly anticipated drama "Lifeline" has begun to circulate in small circles within the industry, causing quite a stir.

The signing ceremony was held in the banquet hall of a top-tier hotel. Jiang Nian arrived on time, accompanied by Wu Ming and two special agents arranged by the base and disguised as assistants and bodyguards.

Many media reporters who had gotten wind of the situation were already waiting at the scene, and their flashbulbs were going off everywhere.

"Mr. Jiang Nian, it's been many years since you last acted in a TV series, and it's directed by Zhang Yi. What are your thoughts on that?"

"Teacher Jiang Nian, there are rumors that you are unwell and have been resting recently. Is this true?"

What are your expectations for the TV series "Lifeline"?

The reporters bombarded him with questions.

Jiang Nian wore a well-tailored dark gray suit, his posture was upright, and although his face was slightly paler than at his peak, his aura was still calm and powerful.

He nodded slightly to the camera, his tone composed:
“It’s an honor to work with director Zhang Yi. Lifeline is a very good story, and Lu Chenxi is a very challenging role. I will do my best to play it well. As for my health,” he paused, revealing a faint, just-right smile.

"I was just a little tired recently and needed to rest, but I'm fine now. Thank you for your concern."

His answer was watertight, affirming the project while casually explaining his own situation.

Escorted by hotel staff, they quickly entered the banquet hall.

The hall was decorated in an elegant and grand manner, and Director Zhang Yi, along with the producer, screenwriter, and other key members of the creative team, were already waiting there.

Zhang Yi was about fifty years old, his hair was neatly combed, and his eyes were sharp and full of wisdom.

Upon seeing Jiang Nian, he immediately greeted him warmly and grasped his hand firmly.
"Jiang Nian! We've been waiting for you!" His hand was warm and strong, and his tone was sincere. "After watching your performance, I knew that the role of Lu Chenxi was perfect for you!"

"Director Zhang, you flatter me. It's an honor to be a part of your project," Jiang Nian said humbly as he exchanged pleasantries with Zhang Yi.

Both parties took their seats, and the signing process proceeded smoothly. Exchanging contracts, signing, and taking photos—everything went according to plan. (End of Chapter)