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墨書 Inktalez
Happy Holidays!
From the moment I got up this morning, I haven't had a moment's rest. Of course, it was mainly my mind that couldn't relax; I suspect my recent mental fatigue is due to overthinking.
After hanging up the phone, the tension in my nerves finally eased. At least I managed to get through to Cao Mingzhe without any issues. With the support of this fortune god, I wouldn't have to worry about money for now.
I had no appetite for food, so I just took a sip of water and went back to sleep.
Before I knew it, the day of the shop opening arrived. I looked at the couplet that Huang Hai had hung up and felt uneasy. To avoid any misunderstandings, I stuck a piece of red paper underneath it with a line written on it: "A Masterpiece by Huang the Shopkeeper."
In truth, this gesture was somewhat unnecessary; Huang Hai showed off his couplet to everyone he met, dragging many people to take photos in front of it. I doubt anyone would want those pictures; he was just reveling in his own pride.
There were too many people, and soon the alley was completely blocked, creating an exceptionally chaotic scene that made Community Aunt come over to ask me who was getting married.
Seeing this, I realized that if things continued like this, traffic police would soon arrive to manage the crowd. I quickly called over some acquaintances from the Antique Circle and urged them to head to the hotel.
As I had previously stated to Huang Hai, there was no talking and no lingering. After having a drink with some familiar faces, I excused myself early and went up to the fifteenth floor where Cao Mingzhe and his Task Force were stationed, just to meet with some members of the scientific team.
In fact, this was my only way to avoid facing Cao Mingzhe directly. He was still in the lobby drinking and laughing with other Task Force members; I just greeted him briefly before heading up to the fifteenth floor.
Not all members of the Scientist Team had arrived yet, and since I wasn't familiar with most of the Task Force personnel—especially Ouyang Jian who was hosting this gathering—there wasn't much interaction. Ouyang Jian hadn't specifically invited them or even arranged seating for them. So those newcomers from the Scientist Team were all on the fifteenth floor.
It seemed that the Scientist Group was prepared for my visit; apparently, Cao Mingzhe had briefed them in advance.
"Zhang, please take a seat." Four individuals wearing thick glasses gestured for me to sit in a leather-backed chair, while they arranged themselves in a row across from me. A long table separated us.
This was not how I had imagined our meeting would unfold. I had expected a casual and friendly exchange, but the atmosphere felt more like an interrogation or an interview.
"Let me introduce myself first." The youngest of the bespectacled men leaned slightly forward. However, this youngest individual was still older than me, likely in his late forties or early fifties, even older than Cao Mingzhe.
"These three," he said, casually gesturing toward the other three seated beside him, "along with their scientific Expedition Team, represent the highest standards in Materials Science and Physics in our country. My surname is Chen.
I am the leader of this scientific Expedition Team and also the secretary of this Task Force. This conversation is a formal discussion on behalf of the organization. It is also an opportunity for the organization to formally accept you and evaluate you, so I hope you can cherish it."
Having left JD and the national Archaeology Department, I was no longer accustomed to such discussions. I understood that these talks often indicated one of two extreme outcomes: either a lack of trust from leadership, suggesting demotion, or the prospect of being valued and promoted—a sign of rising success.
However, after these past few years of enjoying my freedom, I had grown fond of this unrestrained state. The thought of returning to a constrained and oppressive work environment was something I felt I could no longer accept. Therefore, upon hearing Secretary Chen's words, my initial reaction was one of resistance and amusement.
"Mr. Chen." Unlike his informal address of 'Zhang,' which created a sense of closeness and familiarity, I deliberately chose a seemingly polite title that kept him at arm's length. "Thank you for your attention to me; it is an honor to work with you all. Director Cao sent me to meet with you. His implication is that you have information to provide me, correct?"
My words elicited visible displeasure from the individuals across from me; their gazes turned sharp and disdainful. Only Secretary Chen's momentary frown quickly transformed back into a professionally serious smile.
"Director Cao." Yes, I was just about to discuss this topic with you." Secretary Chen exchanged quick glances with the other three people before turning to me.
"Director Cao is the military's designated person and serves as the leader of this scientific expedition. However, he does not meet the Academy's requirements. We acknowledge his experience; he has been underground in Lop Nur. But his qualifications are limited to that, and his understanding of Physics and Materials Science is too lacking. As the leader of the Scientific Expedition Team, he cannot gain the Academy's approval."
At this point, my expression changed. I immediately realized the complexity of this Expedition Team. Not only was the personnel composition intricate, but the entire Expedition Team was not led by a single party. It appeared that at least two factions were involved—the military and the Academy—engaged in a subtle struggle for leadership over this Expedition Team.
"In fact, during your last entry into Lop Nur underground, you had a deeper involvement and should have more say in this matter, right?" Secretary Chen noticed my change in expression but chose to ignore it, perhaps thinking I was intrigued.
"The military even sent a so-called liaison, that Director Liu, who clearly belongs to the public security system. To bolster the military's power and status, they forcibly reinstated his military rank, which is obviously a violation of regulations!"
At this point, Secretary Chen raised his voice.
"However, I can share some information with you. The Academy and the military have an agreement that if all four of us believe that Cao Mingzhe's decisions contradict the purpose of scientific exploration, we have the right to revoke his leadership. At that time, leadership will be collectively assumed by us four. We invited you here today to seek your opinion and ask you to join our collective leadership. The final authority will be exercised by the five of us.
You need not worry about legality. We know your standing in the eyes of the military; we've reviewed that part of the materials. You know which document I'm referring to—the one where you shot Zhao Squad Leader. We've also investigated some involved parties, and from both logical and legal perspectives, you did nothing wrong. We have restored your identity within the JD Archaeology Department through the Academy.
Currently, from any angle you look at it, you should stand with us. We hope you will make the right choice; we await your response."
I looked at Secretary Chen with an incredulous gaze. I truly could not understand what they were fighting for.
From the information he revealed in his words, it was clear that he had reviewed my file, both the public and confidential parts. He should have felt a sense of fear regarding our last trip to Lop Nur, rather than a strong interest.
Part of my file had already been marked as a case record on the military's blacklist. When they reviewed my file and the data from our last trip to Lop Nur, they must have seen those alarming records of deaths and disappearances, along with the testimonies from the few of us who survived.
Unless—
Yes, there was only one possibility that could drive them to scramble for this leadership position.
(To Be Continued...)
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