Lin Yan had not intended to go to Nanjing initially, but as the historical date grew closer, she felt she had to do something, to see if she could alter history.
If the army's weapons were stronger, would that horrific massacre have been avoided?
Although she knew the chances of changing history were slim, for an individual's power was too insignificant against its tide, she had to try, however small her contribution.
One person's strength was feeble, but should one cease to act simply because their strength was feeble?
Lin Yan felt she should do something, so she quietly followed these people to their destination.
Upon meeting the government rulers, Lin Yan received a warm welcome from everyone. Regardless of their faction, they were all very polite and hospitable to her.
All her requests were met with their best efforts, and she enjoyed the finest treatment.
Lin Yan quickly settled into work. The work environment here was better than in Shanghai, where she had essentially been fighting alone.
Here, however, there were more experts in the field.
Aside from drawing weapon schematics and some formulas, she didn't have to do anything else. She also helped improve some equipment, increasing the efficiency of the machinery.
The purpose of improving the equipment was to convince them of her capabilities. Lin Yan still wanted to accomplish practical tasks. While the government was incredibly corrupt, they were the main force resisting the invaders.
They were all compatriots of Hua Guo, and she didn't wish for them to be harmed on the battlefield. Therefore, she would do her best to reduce any potential harm.
Lin Yan's demonstrated abilities drew attention from all sides. Although her intelligence report had initially garnered significant attention,
many remained skeptical without witnessing her capabilities firsthand. After all, she was a woman barely twenty years old.
How strong could she possibly be? They trusted their own experts, who had been working in this field for many years.
Lin Yan's performance exceeded their expectations, leading to a significant increase in her security clearance.
Lin Yan's security became the department's top priority, but her freedom was completely restricted. She could enjoy the best of everything, except freedom.
However, Lin Yan paid no mind to this, fully immersing herself in her research. If these weapons were not intended to be turned against their own countrymen, she would have been willing to offer even more technology to arm the army.
While Lin Yan was confined in the research institute, hidden from daylight, Ye Xiu Yuan sought out the Lin mansion for the first time.
Upon arriving at the Lin mansion, Ye Xiu Yuan announced his name. The Lin mansion was currently empty.
Mr. Lin had gone to work, and Lin Tong and his wife had been sent on a business trip to an undisclosed location.
Consequently, Ye Xiu Yuan only met Zhang Ma, Lin Yan's wet nurse. Zhang Ma was now essentially the housekeeper of the Lin mansion, as the former housekeeper had been dispatched by Mr. Lin to assist Lin Tong and his wife on their trip.
"Hello, I am a subordinate of Mr. Lin. I haven't seen her for a while and wanted to inquire about her situation."
"Miss is not at home. She has gone out of town." Zhang Ma would not reveal her young lady's whereabouts to outsiders. Moreover, she had never seen this gentleman who had come calling, so she could not verify his claim of being the young lady's subordinate.
"But the experiment has preliminary results. Mr. Lin has been very concerned about this matter, so it's unusual for her to leave without a word. Did Mr. Lin say when she would return?" Ye Xiu Yuan asked anxiously.
Only then did Zhang Ma realize Ye Xiu Yuan was from the laboratory. She didn't know which one, but it was likely her young lady wouldn't be able to manage it anymore, regardless.
"Sir, are you the current head of that laboratory?" Zhang Ma inquired.
"My name is Ye Xiu Yuan. You can call me Xiu Yuan. Yes, I am currently the head of the laboratory. Mr. Lin was very busy and entrusted this laboratory to me."
"Miss is likely not returning for a long time. So, Mr. Ye, please take good care of the laboratory. If you need anything, you can contact us, and our master will provide you with ample support."
"May I know when Mr. Lin will return?"
"No one knows for sure. Miss is also in a difficult situation. Since Miss entrusted the laboratory to Mr. Ye, she must have trusted you. Therefore, please continue to be in charge, Mr. Ye." Zhang Ma readily agreed to let Ye Xiu Yuan continue his responsibilities.
She had been observing Mr. Lin's recent actions, and as the housekeeper of the Lin mansion, many matters passed through her hands, giving her a clearer understanding of Mr. Lin's plans.
Miss's assets needed to be dealt with quickly, and Young Master Tong and his wife had already left. All that remained were the master and them. Once they left, Miss would have no further worries.
"Has Mr. Lin encountered any trouble?" Ye Xiu Yuan felt a sharp pang in his heart but was too anxious to pay it any mind.
"Mr. Ye, it's best not to ask. Miss trusts you, so just manage the laboratory well."
After Ye Xiu Yuan left the Lin mansion, his steps were heavy. He didn't understand why Lin Yan had left so abruptly, without even a word of explanation.
He couldn't fathom what Zhang Ma meant by "in a difficult situation" and "best not to ask"!
Before, when he discussed problems and academic matters with Lin Yan, he had always believed he was merely admiring her erudition.
But now, learning that Lin Yan might not return, the sadness, reluctance, and heartache made him realize that his admiration for Lin Yan had, unconsciously, transformed.
He seemed to have fallen in love with that learned, confident, and radiant Mr. Lin. After all, who could resist Mr. Lin's charm?
Anyone who spent time with her and got to know her would be captivated by her charisma and fall at her feet.
It was just that he had discovered it too late. If he had realized sooner that his desire to see her stemmed not from a thirst for knowledge but simply from a longing to see her, he wouldn't have waited until her departure to acknowledge his feelings.
But now she had left Shanghai, her whereabouts unknown, and even her family didn't know where she had gone. Where could he go to express his feelings?
He began to recall his conversation with Zhang Ma, trying to decipher what had happened to Lin Yan. However, the more he thought, the more he felt that Lin Yan hadn't left willingly.
Someone had taken her, and it must have been in great haste, so much so that Lin Yan had no opportunity to give any instructions.
But her family must know who took her. However, the power that took Lin Yan must have been formidable, so strong that they couldn't resist, and had to let Lin Yan leave with them obediently.
So, where was she taken? And where could he find her?