Chapter Three: The Bureau of Unusual Affairs
The entire duty room was deathly silent.
Even though all present were seasoned academicians with vast experience, at this moment, after each had carefully examined the lithography machine’s manufacturing manual, every single one of them sat with mouths agape, utterly speechless.
They looked at one another, wide-eyed, each able to discern the shock mirrored on the others’ faces.
Seeing the silence persist, Zhao Zizhen tapped the table and took the initiative to ask, “Gentlemen, can we be certain?”
In truth, their expressions already confirmed that the mysterious manufacturing manual sent by the unknown source was authentic.
However, Zhao needed a clear, unanimous answer from these academicians before he could report it.
The matter was too grave for him to bear alone.
The academicians exchanged glances again, then an elder among them, representing the group, spoke:
“Old Zhao, report it.”
Though they were nearly certain it was indeed the lithography machine’s manufacturing manual, as academicians, they were always meticulous.
Even though the manual seemed flawless, they could not claim absolute certainty until verified through testing.
Hearing this, Zhao Zizhen drew a deep breath:
“If everyone agrees, then from this moment forward, no one in the institute, including all of you here, is permitted to leave until this manual’s accuracy is confirmed beyond doubt!”
“Agreed!”
The academicians nodded in unison.
“Then I shall escalate the alert from Level Three to National Security. No matter who it is, all used items must be collected and destroyed. Moreover, all phones, computers, or any devices capable of external communication will be temporarily banned. Not a single word about this manual is to be leaked!”
Zhao Zizhen declared solemnly.
No one voiced opposition.
This was the most advanced lithography machine manufacturing manual known so far; such precautions were entirely warranted.
Even though these were highly respected senior academicians, at this moment, everyone willingly complied, handing over their phones.
Soon after, an elder academician was the first to react, almost frenziedly pushing aside Wang Guang, the one guarding the computer, and taking over the entire machine. Fixating on the manual, he began to reason and calculate.
“Old Yuan, you’re really sly!”
The others quickly caught on, teasing him as they joined the scramble for the computer.
Zhao Zizhen paid them no mind.
These old fellows knew their limits.
The computer held the only copy of the lithography machine manufacturing manual. Even if they fought until bleeding, they would never allow a scratch upon it.
He swiftly reported the situation.
Wang Guang appeared uneasy nearby.
Zhao caught a glimpse of Wang’s subtle movements from the corner of his eye and frowned:
“Are you hiding something from me?”
As Wang’s mentor, Zhao knew him too well; such furtive actions clearly meant something was amiss.
Wang hesitated, then mustered courage to say, “Sorry, teacher. When I first got the call, I didn’t take it seriously and posted on the forum that someone was sending us the lithography machine’s manufacturing manual…”
“Hm?”
Zhao’s expression suddenly darkened. He stared at Wang with a piercing gaze and demanded, “You didn’t actually post the manual on the forum, did you?”
Wang was startled, quickly denying, “No, no, that manual came after I closed the forum. I contacted you immediately after seeing it. I didn’t dare post it there!”
“Phew… good, good. Those guys would have just thought it was a joke.”
Zhao exhaled deeply, then sternly warned, “Remember, from now on, no more forum visits, no contacting anyone else!”
Wang nodded vigorously like a little chick pecking grain.
...
Elsewhere.
Upon receiving Zhao’s report, the Bureau of Anomaly Management was immediately alerted.
The Bureau of Anomaly Management, directly connected to the Cabinet, was the highest and most secretive special department in Shangxia.
Only in the most extraordinary cases would this department be roused.
Yet at this moment, the usually quiet meeting hall of the bureau was brightly lit.
Ye Guhong, the bureau’s chief, stared at the portion of the lithography machine manual handed to him, unable to calm himself.
His hands clenched tightly together.
A mysterious phone call, a cryptic email—such an incredible item had come into their possession!
He could not recall the last time he felt such a spine-tingling shock.
Though it was past midnight and he was well over fifty, he felt no fatigue; instead, his spirits soared.
If Shangxia could possess its own cutting-edge lithography machine, no longer choked by the Western powers, the nation’s scientific research capabilities could leap forward in just a few years.
His body trembled slightly with excitement.
Soon, he turned to the other bureau heads, equally exhilarated.
Clearing his throat, Ye Guhong said, “Everyone, we’ve just confirmed that the number which called the Great Science Institute dialed the imperial capital’s emergency center half an hour ago. Here is the call recording.”
He played it.
Immediately, they heard Lin Yang on the phone asking whether bringing the lithography machine manual from Windmill Country back home was illegal, causing everyone to widen their eyes in astonishment.
“This manual… was it stolen?”
Everyone was dumbfounded!
Even with their status and experience, this revelation stunned them.
Those present had seen the world’s great affairs; they knew what it meant to have stolen such a lithography machine manufacturing manual from Windmill Country!
It was hair-raising!
If such a thing could be obtained, what was there in this world that this young fellow couldn’t get?
“What do you all think?”
Ye Guhong steadied himself and knocked on the table to ask.
At this moment, these usually composed veterans, weathered by countless storms, all sat wide-eyed with mouths agape as if they could swallow eggs.
Only after Ye’s question did they come to their senses.
One head spoke up:
“Old Ye, if this young fellow really stole it, then trouble is surely on the horizon!”
Having the lithography machine manual was undoubtedly good.
But its origin...
Was unbelievable and somewhat embarrassing to admit.
Another leader added, “Old Ye, whatever means this young man used to obtain it, it proves he is a patriot with sincere devotion—capable and bold. No matter what, we must protect him, at least ensure he returns safely to the homeland!”
“Yes, absolutely mustn’t let such a promising youth perish abroad!”
Others nodded in agreement.