"But I really didn't expect that Miss Lin, who claims to be an art student, is actually an expert in weaponry!"
The man who had appeared at the banquet hall that time reappeared before Lin Yan.
Unlike his previous curiosity and indifference, this time his gaze towards her held more attention and a sense of determination.
"With such great talent, Miss Lin, why haven't you considered contributing to our Party and nation?"
"And who might you be?" Lin Yan became wary, seemingly understanding which faction the person before her belonged to.
She hadn't expected him to have set his sights on her so early, nor that he would come to find her alone. Was it overconfidence, not taking the guards around her seriously at all? Or did he have a contingency plan?
Lin Yan dared not let her guard down. Although he had the protection of Mr. Du's influence in Shanghai, she did not want to directly confront the government yet.
After all, there were too many people she cared about here, and they had too many capable individuals. Even if she could escape, what about her loved ones?
"I am Ding Zeqi, the station chief of our Party's intelligence station in Shanghai."
His gaze towards Lin Yan was filled with interest. He had never met a woman like her; she was unlike anyone he had encountered before.
He even had female colleagues and subordinates, but none were like her.
He didn't mind revealing his identity, as he assumed she wouldn't have the opportunity to tell anyone else about it.
"Then, Mr. Ding, what is your business with me?" Lin Yan knew that the day would likely not end peacefully upon hearing his introduction.
Intelligence officers wouldn't casually reveal their identities. So, was he here to take her away?
"Miss Lin is smart enough to know why I'm here, so there's no need for futile resistance." He appeared confident of success.
"Mr. Ding should know who I am currently working for. I doubt you can take me away!" Lin Yan took a step back.
"Miss Lin seems to place too much trust in that Mr. Du. His group is nothing but a rabble; I don't have them in my sights."
He didn't want to resort to force, as Miss Lin was a talent, a talent the entire Hua Nation desperately lacked. Therefore, no faction would dare offend her.
He was no exception. Miss Lin was too important. If he offended her and she said something to Director Bureau or the others, his contributions might be nullified.
"Then where does Mr. Ding intend to take me?"
"To where Miss Lin belongs. Don't worry, with your abilities, you will certainly receive the best treatment."
"May I go and inform my father?"
"Miss Lin, rest assured, we will inform your esteemed father. Time is of the essence, please come with us now." Ding Zeqi gestured to the side, and a rickshaw puller emerged from behind him.
The rickshaw stopped in front of Lin Yan, and after parking it steadily, the puller invited Lin Yan to board.
Lin Yan did not refuse and boarded the rickshaw directly. She knew she couldn't refuse and could only try to find a way to send a message to her father.
Since her involvement in establishing the military factory for Mr. Du had been discovered by the other side, it meant that Mr. Du's side was not as secure as she had thought.
After all, her information was known only to Mr. Du's confidantes.
Therefore, she had to inform her father quickly and urge him to evacuate Shanghai. With him around, she wouldn't be able to do many things. Although she was confident she could escape, her father would certainly not know.
Now, the task was to figure out how to notify her father.
"Thank you for your cooperation, Miss Lin!" Ding Zeqi was pleased with Lin Yan's sensible compliance.
Uncle Qian, seeing Lin Yan board a strange rickshaw, quickly alighted to come over.
But as soon as he got out, he was subdued. A hard, cold cylindrical object was pressed against his back.
These people had guns! Uncle Qian was shocked and, at the same time, more worried about Lin Yan's safety.
"Miss!" Uncle Qian called out anxiously, disregarding the person behind him.
"Mr. Ding, Uncle Qian is just my driver. You won't do anything to him, will you?" Lin Yan looked at Ding Zeqi.
"Miss Lin, rest assured, we will not lay a hand on anyone around you. We will release this driver once you leave with us."
Ding Zeqi spoke politely but did not allow Lin Yan to approach Uncle Qian.
"Then, Mr. Ding, could you allow Uncle Qian to deliver a letter to my father? I'm afraid he'll worry about my safety."
Lin Yan looked at Ding Zeqi, hoping he would agree.
"Once Miss Lin arrives at our location, we will allow you to communicate with your esteemed father." Ding Zeqi only wanted to take Lin Yan back. Once she was on their territory, everything else would be out of his jurisdiction.
Since Lin Yan's intelligence had reached headquarters, he had been given an order: bring Lin Yan back at all costs.
This was why he was so eager to find Lin Yan and take her away immediately. Moreover, they had managed to approach Lin Yan this time by luring away Mr. Du's men.
If they failed to bring Lin Yan back this time, they might not even be able to get close to her again.
There was no time to delay. Mr. Du's men might soon discover something was amiss and rush over, so he had to take Lin Yan away immediately.
He signaled the rickshaw puller and raised the canopy.
"It's getting late, Miss Lin, we should go." As soon as Ding Zeqi finished speaking, the puller stood up and pulled Lin Yan away.
Though the rickshaw puller had left, Ding Zeqi remained. After the rickshaw was out of sight, he gestured to the men around him.
Then, the person behind Uncle Qian knocked him unconscious and placed him back in the car he had driven. Afterward, the group vanished from the front of the factory.
Lin Yan was taken by the rickshaw through several alleyways, indicating the puller's intimate knowledge of Shanghai's terrain, especially these narrow lanes.
Emerging from the alley, Lin Yan saw the car waiting, with the familiar Ding Zeqi inside.
Ding Zeqi alighted and opened the car door for Lin Yan.
"Miss Lin, please!"
"Thank you, Mr. Ding!" Lin Yan made no further unnecessary movements and got into the car.
"I hope to communicate with my father as soon as possible. Also, I request that you pack my luggage and send it over.
Although I know you will prepare everything for me, I am accustomed to using my own things. Especially skincare products and clothing. I can go with you, but my living conditions must be guaranteed."
Once Lin Yan was in the car, she directly negotiated terms with Ding Zeqi.
"I will compile a list for you. Please send someone to my home then and have my nanny help me pack these items and send them over."