Master of Deception System-Chapter 42: Racing Against Time

When Kang Shuwei heard Gu Hanxue mention that there had been a new teacher entering the school recently, an inexplicable sense of unease crept into his heart.

However, he, like Dong Yang had suggested, was initially reluctant to believe that Li Xuan could actually impersonate a teacher.

One of his analyses of Li Xuan included the point of "having a certain level of acting ability."

But acting ability was ultimately just acting; it was a disguise in demeanor and speech.

To truly play another role in real life required a substantial foundation of knowledge!

Especially a role like a university professor, which demanded an immensely strong reservoir of knowledge, making it an exceedingly challenging feat!

Or rather, an impossibility!

Yet, when he showed the photo to Gu Hanxue and heard him palely affirm with a "yes"...

Kang Shuwei felt his heart tremble!

"He really disguised himself as a teacher!?"

Kang Shuwei clenched his teeth. After a few seconds of tense silence that enveloped the entire president's office, he spoke again, breaking the stillness.

"Which field is he in?"

In fact, Gu Hanxue was deeply impressed with Professor Lin Yi's demeanor, which exuded a sense of ease and confidence with every gesture. Even as the university president, he couldn't help but feel a bit admiring after their one meeting twenty days prior.

So, even though they had only met once, he still remembered what Professor Lin Yi had said when he walked into his office twenty days ago. novelbuddy.cσ๓

Now facing Kang Shuwei's question, he immediately answered, "He's in charge of aerospace propulsion courses for multiple classes..."

As he thought of this, Gu Hanxue's expression grew more grim.

He added, "Today, two teams of students from the aerospace propulsion program are going to Yanjing for a competition..."

"I remember, they're leaving for the airport at ten."

Hearing Gu Hanxue's addition, Kang Shuwei's expression changed again.

Immediately, a thought formed in his mind.

"This so-called competition must be fake!"

"Li Xuan intends to use this identity to escape from the airport!"

But just as he was thinking this, the sound of high heels clicking and clacking echoed from the hallway.

Zhang Qian, the administrative staff, appeared at the entrance of the president's office.

Her forehead was covered in beads of sweat, her cheeks flushed, and she panted as she said, "President Gu, I... I've arrived."

"You called me over in such a hurry, is..."

It was at this moment that she noticed the room was already filled with people.

When Gu Hanxue initially messaged her to come over, it was to organize the search efforts.

But now...

Gu Hanxue spoke helplessly, "Zhang Qian, you've been handling all matters related to Professor Lin since he joined, right?"

"Right, tell everyone about the fluid mechanics competition."

Kang Shuwei glanced at the time.

9:20.

Before Zhang Qian could start talking, Kang Shuwei raised his arm, signaling her to pause.

In these short minutes, Kang Shuwei's mind had received an overwhelming amount of information. He needed a moment to sort through it.

"First, from September 1st to September 20th, Li Xuan posed as a university lecturer."

"Second, the competition in Yanjing. The authenticity of this competition is questionable. Is Li Xuan planning to escape from the airport?"

"What's the likelihood of him escaping from the airport?"

"No... the airport requires facial recognition; Li Xuan couldn't possibly infiltrate the airport's identity database."

"Not from the airport!"

Suddenly, a thought struck him. He quickly looked up at Zhang Qian, who was still catching her breath.

"Where has Li Xuan been staying during this period?"

"Does he have any distinctive habits?"

"Do you know if he has any unique plans?"

Zhang Qian's expression froze.

"Li Xuan? Are you referring to Professor Lin? He... goes by Li Xuan?"

Kang Shuwei clenched his teeth. Time was of the essence now; he needed to swiftly gather all the clues related to Li Xuan!

His voice unconsciously raised, "There's no time to explain so much! Answer my questions!"

"Where has Li Xuan been staying during this time!? What's the story with that competition? What time do the buses to the airport depart?"

The sudden aggression emanating from Kang Shuwei made Zhang Qian shiver.

Nevertheless, she continued, "Professor Lin has been staying in the faculty dormitories. Because... he came from outside with a doctoral degree, we arranged a single room for him."

"As for the competition... it's held every two years, and our school has participated in the last three editions."

"The buses to the airport assemble at 9:30 and depart at 10:00, led by Professor Lin."

Kang Shuwei's mind immediately raised a question, "It's not fake?"

However, he didn't waste any time and immediately turned to Ye Gaoyi, saying, "Ye, search Li Xuan's room!"

"Don't overlook any traces!"

"Miss Zhang, take him with you and move quickly!"

Zhang Qian nodded bewilderedly.

She led Ye Gaoyi out of the office to find someone.

Meanwhile, Kang Shuwei turned to Tao Xiaoyi, the retired soldier and champion in free combat.

"Xiaoyi, head to the buses! We saw them at the entrance. If you see Li Xuan, arrest him immediately!"

Without a word, Tao Xiaoyi nodded and left.

Kang Shuwei took out his phone and dialed the director's number for the Luanxi Sub-Bureau.

"This is Kang Shuwei."

"Director Sun, change the search direction!"

"Guard all possible exits closely and wait for organization-assigned students to conduct inspections!"

"Confirm the facial features of everyone. Detain anyone with any facial characteristics resembling that of the suspect's photo!"

"The culprit's identity might be a student, a teacher, a sanitation worker, or even someone who infiltrated our ranks!"

"Don't miss any trace!"

The time was now 9:25.

...

Liu Niyun and her classmate, who were heading to the competition together, were speeding toward the school gate. They were in a hurry; they couldn't find one of the school's six electric scooters today no matter how long they waited.

She noticed that something inexplicable seemed to be happening at the school, with many middle-aged people moving around...

But at that moment, she saw Professor Lin Yi walking in the opposite direction.

"Professor Lin?"

Liu Niyun greeted him, "Aren't you going to the assembly?"

Professor Lin Yi was just like the Professor Lin they knew, still approachable, and he had a gentle smile on his face.

Lin Yi nodded and said, "I was actually at the assembly point already... only to realize I left something back in the apartment."

"It takes about twenty minutes round-trip from here to the apartment..."

"Also, why are there no electric scooters today?"

"I won't make it in time for the 10 o'clock departure."

"Liu, remember to tell the driver that we'll meet at the airport. I'll call a taxi to catch up."

Hearing this, Liu Niyun nodded. They were already in a rush, so she didn't say much and bid farewell, "See you at the airport."

"Goodbye."

Li Xuan passed them, heading in the direction of the faculty dormitories.

...

9:25.

At this moment, Ye Gaoyi was also on his way to the dormitory.

He was practically jogging.

He was acutely aware of the time's urgency.

The earlier he could find clues related to Li Xuan, the more he could pressure Li Xuan, forcing him to change his plan, forcing him to reveal himself!