第116章 "Deception Exposed"

**Chapter 116: The Silent Shakedown**

The engineer's eyes darted around the dimly lit room, his mind racing with the implications of 程星's words. He had always prided himself on being a master of deception, able to weave a web of lies and half-truths that could fool even the most discerning of eyes. But 程星 had seen through him, had called him out on his duplicity.

The engineer's thoughts were a jumble of emotions, his heart pounding in his chest like a drum. He felt like he was drowning in a sea of his own deceit, unable to find a lifeline to cling to.

"程星," he called out, his voice shaking slightly. "We need to talk."

程星 appeared in the doorway, his eyes cold and unyielding. "What is it, engineer?" he asked, his voice dripping with disdain.

"I...I don't know what you're talking about," the engineer stammered, trying to regain some semblance of composure.

程星 raised an eyebrow. "Don't play dumb, engineer. We both know what's going on. You've been hiding something from me, and I aim to find out what it is."

The engineer swallowed hard, his mouth dry. He knew he couldn't keep up the charade any longer. "Okay, okay," he said, throwing up his hands in defeat. "I'll tell you. But you have to promise me one thing: you have to promise me you'll listen."

程星's expression didn't change, but the engineer could sense a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes. "I'll listen," he said, his voice neutral.

The engineer took a deep breath and began to speak, his words tumbling out in a rush. "I've been working on a project, a project that could change the course of human history. And I need your help to make it happen."

PROGRAMMING ALERT

程星's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with the implications. "What kind of project?" he asked, his voice low and even.

The engineer hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But something about 程星's expression, something about the cold calculation in his eyes, made him realize that he had no choice. He had to trust him, had to rely on him to help him achieve his goal.

"It's a plan to contact the Trisolarians," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've been working on a communication device, a device that could allow us to reach out to them, to warn them of the dangers that lurk in the universe."

程星's expression didn't change, but the engineer could sense a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "Why would you want to do that?" he asked, his voice neutral.

The engineer hesitated, unsure of how to articulate his motivations. But something about 程星's eyes, something about the way he seemed to be studying him, made him realize that he had to be honest. He had to be truthful if he wanted to gain his trust.

"Because," he said, his voice low and serious, "I believe that the Trisolarians are the key to humanity's survival. They're the only beings in the universe who can help us uncover the truth about the cosmos, who can help us avoid the dangers that lurk in the shadows."

程星's eyes never left the engineer's face, his expression unreadable. But the engineer could sense a glimmer of interest in his eyes, a glimmer of curiosity that hinted at a deeper understanding.

And then, just as the engineer was about to continue, 程星's face seemed to freeze, his eyes locked on something behind the engineer. The engineer turned, his heart racing, and saw a figure standing in the shadows, watching them.

"Who is that?" the engineer asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

程星's expression didn't change, but his eyes seemed to flash with a warning. "Just someone who's interested in our little conversation," he said, his voice low and even.

The engineer's heart was racing, his mind reeling with the implications. Who was this person, and what did they want? And why did 程星 seem to be hiding something?

The engineer's eyes locked on 程星's, his thoughts racing with uncertainty. But one thing was certain: his world was about to be turned upside down, and he had no idea what lay ahead.