Lunch

Seven days later, the Site-14 infiltration came to an end. The Site-14 containment area was severely damaged, and most of the anomalous subjects had run away. It took them three full days to re-contain all the anomalies. Among them, the most difficult one to re-contain was SCP-106 (The Old Man), and the Foundation had to use three D-Class personnel as bait to trick him into the containment room again.

After the Foundation's investigation, the incident was caused by a special researcher pointed by the O5 Council who accidentally leaked the information regarding SCP-2950 to Dr. Li Chengming while he was drunk, and Dr. Li passed the information to the Chaos Insurgency.

A month before the attack, the enemy bribed an IT Technician within Site-14 to give them all of the defense mechanisms information within Site-14. After being interrogated, the IT Technician hanged himself in his cell the next day. As for Li Chengming, he was transported to the SCP Foundation headquarters for further investigation.

In total, 133 staff members were killed due to the Site-14 Infiltration. This included 120 security personnel, 5 researchers, 3 MTF members, 4 D-Class personnel, and 1 cleaning staff member. A simple funeral service was held for them at Site-14 under the guidance of Deputy Site Director Xingwen Huang.

As staff representatives, Special Advisor Jue Zhang and Senior Researcher Yang Xue delivered eulogies to express their condolences. After the funeral, Jue Zhang and Yang Xue met with Site Director Yang Wenbai at the back of the cemetery.

The old man was dressed in black, white hair, and his eyes no longer showed the brightness within him.

"Uncle--" Yang Xue called out, a little worried about his health.

"I'm fine." Yang Wenbai took Yang Xue's hand, patted it gently, and nodded to Zhang Jue behind him.

Seeing Yang Wenbai's vicissitudes. Zhang Jue showed his compassion and sighed: "Site Director Wenbai. I know it's hard for you to take it in, but things have already happened. There's nothing to blame yourself about. Just let it go. It's not too late. Face the reality, and I believe you know better than me."

Zhang Jue wanted to persuade Site Director Wenbai to regain his spirit, but unexpectedly Yang shook her head.

"I'm old, and I'm no longer be able to do many things. So, it's time to put the nail in the coffin in the hands of young people like you. I have told the headquarters that I resigned from the Site Director position, and Deputy Site Director Huang will take over the position. In about two days, the news will be announced throughout the site, and you guys should be prepared with full dedication."

Yang Xue gasped as she was surprised by the news, while Zhang Jue sighed.

Both of them understand that this was a desperate move. Site-14 had a serious incident weeks ago, and someone must be responsible for it. Naturally, Site Director Yang Wenbai was the one who had to hold the burden of responsibility for such a thing to happen.

Yang Wenbai was known for his rigorous and cautious work practice within Site-14. Since the disappearance of Yang Xue's father, Yang Wensong, he has served as Site-14 Site Director for more than ten years. It all went smooth, and nothing controversial happened until the infiltration incident occurred.

"Zhang Jue, just a moment, please?" The old man said, "You've helped me a lot this time and stopped the infiltration within an acceptable result. I wanted to thank you personally." Zhang Jue pulled up the corners, and he smiled helplessly.

"Now, as for the most troubling thing for me. My niece here, even though she was strong enough to be independent and take care of herself easily. After I quit the Foundation, I wanted to ask if it's convenient for you to take care of her." Said Site Director Wenbai, handing Yang Xue's hand into his hand, with the meaning of entrusting her to him.

Yang Xue's face reddened to her ears, and she pulled her hand back, "Who needs his help."

"Don't worry, Site Director Wenbai." Zhang Jue patted his chest, "I will take care of her like my own niece."

-----

The Site-14 Infiltration Incident had left a lot of suspicion among the staff. According to the preliminary findings, the IT Technician's authority was not high; It was not known where he obtained the whole document about Site-14's Defense Mechanism.

It was unknown how the intruder "Mr. Samuel" had entered Site-14, and it was still a mystery how he would leave Site-14 after completing his goal of obtaining SCP-2950. Most importantly, it was also unknown whether the current situation of the SCP Foundation had been known by the Chaos Insurgency.

There was also the mysterious figure called "Nobody" which only added more problems for the Foundation.

In response to the above remaining problems, the SCP Foundation's headquarters sent a special investigation team to review all employees within Site-14. Especially, the researchers who were close to Dr. Li were being interrogated.

Despite the lack of evidence, the Foundation may not impose any heavy punishment. But it was clear to everyone that their security level would be reduced to the lowest, and they would never have access to Foundation's classified document again.

There was even a researcher who was directly executed with amnestic sedation (memory-altering drug) and released back into society. In a way, this might be a good thing. In the future, he will live the life of an ordinary person and no longer have to worry about dangerous anomalies every morning as soon as he wakes up and thinks about a containment breach that would happen.

Because of the situation, a standard work schedule for Site-14 couldn't be carried out, and most of them were only given a single holiday except for some essential departments.

Zhang Jue and Yang Xue were no exception. But at this time, of course, they did not have the desire to take a day off and relax. It was only a matter of time before Site Director Wenbai left Site-14, and Yang Xue spent the last two days helping him move some of his household goods back to the neighborhood they were in.

Yang Wenbai served as a Site Director for more than ten years. Had no children and most of the time lived in the site's staff dormitory. Yang Xue and Zhang Jue cleaned his house and purchased some more household items.

The SCP Foundation was not financially well enough to stay out of the suspicion from various countries, and the treatment given to its employees was not high. Yang Wenbai had worked at the Foundation for most of his life, and all his savings was barely enough to buy a two-bedroom apartment with less than 100 square feet.

Zhang Jue remembered that when he joined the Foundation, Site Director Wenbai had said that he would give himself an allowance from his salary, he couldn't help but shake his head and laugh bitterly. He can't be serious about it.

Yang Xue's house is in the same neighborhood as Yang Wenbai's, which was her father's inheritance before he disappeared. Yang Xue and Yang Wenbai are workaholics, and it was rare for them to return to their homes.

But in the end, she was just a lonely girl. The home supplies are complete. The two worked all morning, 'till noon. They stay at Yang Xue's house and plan to cook something.

"What do you want to eat?"

"What can you make?"

"Err..."

"Dr. Yang, don't tell me you can't cook. Then why did you buy so many pots and pans?"

"Because father said...well... usually at the Foundation, there is a canteen, so there's no time for..."

"I understand, I understand. What do you have in your fridge? Let me see."

"You can cook?"

"Didn't I tell you that I'm an all-rounder?"

"..."

Half an hour later, Yang Xue held a tomato and egg noodles in her hand. She took a bite, and her eyes glowed slightly. She never knew that an ordinary bowl of noodles could be so delicious.

"How about it? delicious right?" Zhang Jue said smugly.

Yang Xue gave a light hum and ignored him. She had already figured out Zhang Jue's arrogant attitude. The best way to deal with it was to ignore it. Despite you closed your mouth and didn't say anything. He always had a way to make you feel speechless and then brag about it to everyone.

Zhang Jue laughed and began his consume his bowl of noodles. The two of them finished their noodles. Yang Xue took a phone call to send out some paperwork, while Zhang Jue put on his apron and washed the dishes.

A knock can be heard at the door. Zhang Jue rubbed the water on his apron and went to answer the door. A svelte man with gold-rimmed glasses stood outside the door, holding a large bouquet of roses.

The original smiling face retracted the moment he saw Zhang Jue. He stared at him and frowned, "Who are you?"

Zhang Jue was just about to speak. Yang Xue's voice came from inside the house.

"Just put the bowl in the sink. I'll wash it later. I'll be busy for a while in the afternoon, and we'll go back together in the evening." Hearing these words, the glasses man's frown deepened.

Zhang Jue showed his hands and said, "If I say that I came here just to grab a quick meal, would you believe me?"