I was a rookie reporter in the 00s

"These are transaction records involving accounts in multiple countries." A hint of excitement crossed his voice. "These data can prove the global activities of that criminal organization."

Li Wei flipped through the documents, his brow furrowed. "Here are some lists of people, including some government officials and business people."

Zhang Wanqing took a deep breath. She knew these findings would cause a huge stir. "We must make this information public."

The storm gradually subsided, and the sea returned to calm. The three stood on the deck, gazing at the island in the distance.

Waves gently caressed the beach, and sunlight filtered through a gap in the clouds, illuminating the faces of Zhang Wanqing, Fu Siyuan, and Li Wei. Standing on the island's shore, their gaze stretched across a dense jungle, a vast green maw waiting to devour any creature that dared approach. The island's tranquility contrasted sharply with the tension within them.

Zhang Wanqing took a deep breath of the salty, humid air. She could feel a hint of coolness in the sea breeze, a reminder of the storm. She turned to look at Fu Siyuan, who was wiping his laptop with a cloth, ensuring it was dry and protected from the saltwater. Li Wei was checking their equipment, making sure every tool was ready for use in a critical moment.

"We have to be careful," Zhang Wanqing whispered, her voice drowned out by the crash of the waves, audible only to her companions. "This island might be full of surveillance and traps."

Fu Siyuan nodded, a hint of unease in his eyes. "I've checked the computer. This criminal organization has a research facility here. They might be conducting some illegal experiments."

Li Wei tightened the strap of his backpack, his expression serious. "We can't let them continue. Whatever they're doing here must be exposed."

The three of them began to advance deeper into the jungle, taking each step cautiously. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The chirping of birds and the buzzing of insects echoed through the forest, but these natural sounds did not relax Zhang Wanqing; instead, they made her even more alert.

They walked along a hidden path, which was obviously opened by humans, but was already covered with weeds and vines, making it look desolate and mysterious. Zhang Wanqing walked in front, her eyes constantly scanning the surroundings, looking for possible clues and dangers.

Suddenly, she stopped and raised her hand to signal the others to stop. Not far ahead, she spotted some strange tracks. She crouched down and examined them carefully. They looked like the marks left by a heavy object being dragged, and they were quite fresh.

Fu Siyuan and Li Wei approached quickly, their eyes also focused on these traces. Li Wei touched the ground with his fingers and then smelled it. "There is blood here, and it's still fresh."

Zhang Wanqing's heartbeat quickened, knowing this meant they might be approaching a criminal organization's area of ​​activity. "We need to speed up, but we must also remain vigilant."

They continued along the trail, and soon a hidden building came into their sight. The building was surrounded by jungle and almost blended into the surrounding environment. If it weren't for these traces, they would have found it difficult to find it.

The building looked like an abandoned research institute, with boarded-up windows and rusty chains on the doors. But Zhang Wanqing noticed some details, such as hidden cameras and recently replaced door locks, that suggested it was still in use.

"We have to go in and take a look." Zhang Wanqing whispered, with a hint of determination in her voice.

Li Wei and Fu Siyuan nodded, knowing this might be their only chance to uncover the truth. Li Wei pulled some tools from his backpack and began carefully removing the chain from the door. His technique was deft, clearly a habit from his past police career.

The door slowly opened, and a musty smell filled the air. They entered the building, which was dim and silent. As their eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness, they discovered that the interior was filled with various scientific instruments and computer equipment. Some screens displayed complex data and graphs, while test tubes and containers contained unidentified liquids.

Zhang Wanqing walked over to a computer, quickly opened it, and began to examine the data inside. Fu Siyuan was examining other equipment, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "Some of these devices are new to me. They look very advanced."

Li Wei was examining some documents and records, his brow furrowed. "Here are some experimental records. The experiments they're conducting here involve artificial intelligence and biotechnology."

Suddenly, a slight sound of footsteps came from upstairs, and Zhang Wanqing immediately signaled the others to hide. They quickly found shelter, held their breath, and waited for the unknown visitor.

The footsteps were getting closer, and a figure in a white coat appeared at the stairs. He looked like a researcher here, holding a document in his hand, reading it intently.

Zhang Wanqing and her companion exchanged a glance, knowing this was their chance. They approached the man silently, then suddenly attacked and subdued him.

The man looked at them in horror, his eyes filled with fear. "Who...who are you?" His voice trembled.

"We're here to expose the truth here," Zhang Wanqing said coldly. "Tell us, what happened here?"

The man hesitated for a moment, then began to tell the secrets of this place. It turned out that this institute was a secret base of a criminal organization, where they conducted illegal artificial intelligence and biotechnology experiments, trying to create a device that could control human thoughts.

Zhang Wanqing and her companions listened, their hearts filled with anger. They knew that if this device fell into the wrong hands, the consequences would be disastrous.

"We must destroy this place." Li Wei's voice was firm.

Fu Siyuan nodded, his eyes gleaming with determination. "We can't let this technology be abused."

Zhang Wanqing took a deep breath. She knew it would be a tough battle. "Let's get started."

Li Wei's heart was filled with conflict. Before him stood a familiar face, a former colleague, now on the other side. The man's eyes were filled with surprise and fear, but even more so, confusion, as if asking: Why did it become like this?

They stood in the dim corridor of the research institute, surrounded by cold walls and dripping pipes. The air was filled with the smell of chemicals, making people feel nervous. Zhang Wanqing and Fu Siyuan stood warily on either side of Li Wei, their eyes shifting back and forth between Li Wei and the acquaintance, and the atmosphere was tense.

"Li Wei, do you know him?" Zhang Wanqing asked in a low voice, with a hint of doubt in her voice.

Li Wei nodded, his eyes becoming complicated. "He used to be my partner, and we solved many cases together."

The acquaintance, named Chen Hao, was being pinned against the wall by Fu Siyuan. His hands were handcuffed behind his back, and his face was pale. "Li Wei, are you really going to do this?" His voice trembled with a hint of pleading.