Leon Chen was still pondering the possibility of Grace Wang being Princess when a message came through from Princess. "Are you from China?"
"I believe I already admitted that," Leon replied, nearly certain that the person using the ID Princess was indeed Grace Wang. "Aren't we conversing in Chinese?"
After a moment's thought, Leon sent another message: "The challenge is over, I've met my idol, and it's time for me to go."
"Wait."
Here it comes!
"I want to ask you a few questions."
"Go ahead, but I can't disclose certain hacking techniques."
Princess wasted no time, getting straight to the point, aware that countless others were trying to break in. "Did you see anything while controlling the fifth-generation Turing computer?"
Leon smiled.
"Yes, I saw some technical data."
"In what areas?"
"Precision machine tool processing, engine manufacturing, and quite a bit on the F-22. I even posted about the F-22's weaknesses to debunk those who believe in its invincibility."
"Do you remember everything?"
"Yes, I have a photographic memory," Leon joked.
"In that case, on behalf of our country, I ask if you would be willing to offer this information to your homeland," Princess paused, then added, "Of course, the country won't treat you unfairly."
Leon had no problem with this, but agreeing too quickly might raise suspicions. He responded, "We've never met. How can I trust you?"
Princess's reply was both expected and surprising.
"I can give you a private phone number of someone from Zhongnanhai, or the number of the chief researcher at a confidential military base. But since you can't verify them, I suppose connecting you with the highest leader might convince you of my representation of national interests."
Could Grace Wang be a descendant of the nation's leaders? This was getting outrageous.
Leon was speechless.
"You trust me that much?"
"I trust your hacking skills!"
Leon thought about it. Connecting by phone was risky due to voice recognition and location tracking, but he was curious if Grace Wang was serious. So he boldly asked, "I have a daring request. If you can get the highest leader to go online within a few days, I'll believe you."
"Go online??"
"Yes, to a strong country forum. It wouldn't hurt for the central leadership to communicate with the netizens..."
"I'll have to seek permission..."
"I'll wait for your news. Meanwhile, I'll try to reconstruct the core manufacturing data I saw."
"Please refrain from posting anything online. This would alert the Americans. The central directive is: this incident should never have happened."
"Understood." Leon was well aware of the international uproar this would cause if the U.S. found out.
"But your high-profile challenge to XO has already caught global attention. As far as I know, the Americans have already taken action."
"This was the only way to speak with you." Princess replied helplessly. "We have a plan in place. In the end, we will announce the failure of the operation to capture XO. Please understand."
Though it seemed flawed, it was probably the best excuse.
Leon noted that Princess used the term "we," indicating she wasn't acting alone. There was a group behind her, likely the state.
It made sense; designing such formidable defensive terminals was impossible without substantial resources.
At that moment, data anomalies appeared, and a powerful attack began to infiltrate. Clearly, someone was close to breaking through the final firewall.
"Is someone about to break in? Could it be the real XO?" Leon asked tentatively.
Princess's response was firm.
"No, the attack data is from Europe, and more than one person is operating. At least four hackers, all very strong."
Impressive, Leon thought, thankful he had erased his tracks in advance, avoiding any backtracking.
"Yes, they've mobilized some resources. It seems we must end our conversation."
Her words gave Leon an idea. "I have a way to minimize American suspicions."
"What way?"
"Disable the last few firewalls and exit the server. Leave the rest to me."
"Okay." Knowing XO's extraordinary skills, Princess didn't hesitate. She left an email for future communication and erased all conversation traces.
"I hope to give you a satisfactory answer then."
"I also hope to contribute to our country. I've been displeased with Uncle Sam's wartime profiteering for a long time."
"Thank you. I hope for a strong homeland!"
Princess's words, whether sincere or diplomatic, were comforting to Leon. Who wouldn't want that?
Leon ordered, "From this second, everything will appear as announcements on the screens of those watching this battle. Confidential data released!"
Minutes later.
Four admin accounts were instantly created. As Leon expected, it was indeed the three kings and one queen of Europe!
Everyone watching this global showdown was stunned because the server terminal admin name was shockingly "XO!"
What's going on???
Wasn't this supposed to be a challenge from the Queen to XO?
"Three Kings and One Queen of Europe, I've been expecting you. It was quite an effort to get you all together," Leon sent a message, knowing its deeper meaning was for others, especially the Americans.
Hackers waiting to see the Queen's true face were dumbfounded.
"As expected of the legendary XO, you've already conquered the Queen."
"Sorry, there's no Queen here, only the Emperor. From start to finish, this was just a ploy to lure you in."
"What are you saying?"
"Victoria, I enjoyed our last chat... This challenge is just a warning: to show the extent of our strength! I dislike trouble, and I hope you do too!"
Ignoring Victoria's potential reaction, Leon ordered an immediate data wipe!
Seconds later, the program was completely erased, and everything returned to normal.
The webpage was thoroughly removed.
Everyone else was still puzzled: what was XO warning the European Three Kings and One Queen about?
"Victoria, what is XO talking about? What did you discuss with him?" Constantine was furious.
"He knows about our plan with the Americans!" Victoria replied.
"What are you talking about???"
"Damn it, stop thinking about paralyzing Red Country's network. We've lost. Tell the Americans the cooperation is off!" Victoria, clearly dejected, logged off without further explanation.
Leaving her companions staring blankly at the screen...
As Leon exited the small room, he could hear distant celebrations. The content was predictable—another victory for XO. However, the true story behind it was known to no one.
"Looks like I need to start reconstructing those memories," Leon scratched his head. The task ahead was daunting. But Leon didn't mind. Ever since learning some U.S. secrets, he felt it was a waste for such information to remain only with him.
Helping his country reclaim the thirty years of development lost during the war seemed like a worthy cause.