Chapter 100 - 99 The Secret of the Research Lab (Part 3)

Words : 1076 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

Chapter 100: Chapter 99 The Secret of the Research Lab (Part 3) Several minutes later, inside Qin Lan’s office. "Mr. Ling, there are a total of forty-eight members in the research lab, consisting of thirteen researchers, twenty-five security personnel, and the remaining ten people including myself are administrative staff responsible for everyone’s daily needs." "How many people among them are aware of the exoskeleton armor?" "Only the researchers and I know about it." As she finished speaking, Qin Lan looked puzzled at Ling Chen, "Mr. Ling, why do you ask this?" "Miss Qin, the chairman might not have informed you yet, but the research on the exoskeleton armor has been leaked to outsiders." "That’s impossible!" Qin Lan’s first reaction was disbelief, her tone firm as she said, "The confidentiality work in the lab is very stringent, it’s impossible for there to be a leak. Chairman, I..." Nanrong Wanqing raised her hand to stop her mid-sentence, "Ling Chen is right, it indeed happened—someone already knows about the existence of the exoskeleton armor. Just a few days ago, someone even tried to force out the location of our lab; fortunately, Ling Chen was present and prevented that person from succeeding. Our visit this time is also to get to the bottom of this issue." "Miss Qin, how do these researchers usually contact the outside world?" Ling Chen asked. "During work, they are not allowed to carry mobile phones. If they need to contact their families, they do so through the security room; they have no opportunity to contact outsiders. Moreover, the thirteen researchers are responsible for different projects and work separately. We strictly forbid them from discussing their work with each other, which prevents anyone from knowing all the manufacturing processes and technologies. Even though the exoskeleton armor is manufactured by them, if these thirteen individuals are separated, none of them could produce it on their own. In this research lab, only I am privy to the complete manufacturing process." Ling Chen nodded, finding the method not uncommon as many labs use this approach to safeguard their research. "Miss Qin, do they really stay here all 365 days a year?" "No, they each have four days off per month, with the thirteen individuals rotating, except for holidays all other times are spent in the underground lab." "Doesn’t anyone protest against this restriction on freedom?" Nanrong Wanqing said indifferently, "If you were offered an annual salary of ten million, would you accept these restrictions?" "An annual salary of ten million?" Ling Chen muttered to himself. Truly generous of the Nanrong Family. With such a salary offer, the non-profit lab’s expenses would amount to at least three hundred million a year, a figure perhaps only the Hongyu Group could afford to burn through. "Given that only fourteen people, excluding Miss Qin, know about the exoskeleton armor, it’s very likely that the leak originated from one of the researchers." Qin Lan frowned slightly, "I don’t understand why they would do this; the chairman provides a generous compensation package, and leaking information would be akin to ruining their own future." "Maybe someone else offered a higher price. In any case, nothing is absolute in this world. Miss Qin, please prepare a list for me; I want the detailed information of the researchers. Also, keep an eye out during this period to see who seems the most suspicious." "Okay, if it really is one of them leaking information, I will cooperate with your investigation." After organizing the list and other materials, Ling Chen and Nanrong Wanqing left the lab and drove towards the headquarters of Hongyu Group. On the way back, Ling Chen glanced at Nanrong Wanqing’s legs and couldn’t help but ask, "Chairman, can’t current medical technology heal your legs?" Nanrong Wanqing, looking out the car window at the rapidly receding trees, her hands gently caressing her numb legs, a hint of bitterness flickered in her beautiful eyes. "If there were such a technology, why would I bother researching that thing?" "There are so many capable doctors in the world, someone among them might be able to treat your legs, like..." "Who are you suggesting? Zhu Xiaozhu? You don’t need to speak for her in front of me. I know her medical skills are very good, but I won’t seek her help." "Why?" Ling Chen was genuinely puzzled. When he last mentioned Nanrong Wanqing in front of Zhu Xiaozhu, her expression was also somewhat peculiar. Could it be that these two women had some past conflict? "No reason, I just don’t want to mention her anymore," Nanrong Wanqing said, sounding somewhat cold. Ling Chen shook his head helplessly. These two women were like two beautiful flowers each flourishing in their place, widely renowned yet blooming in different seasons, never interacting with each other. Since Nanrong Wanqing didn’t want to discuss it further, he didn’t press her. Next time he saw Zhu Xiaozhu, perhaps he’d ask her. "Chairman, what are your thoughts concerning the exoskeleton armor?" "What do you mean?" "Such a device is like a timed bomb in your hands, constantly posing a danger. My advice is to dispose of it. The more people know, the greater the risk to you." Nanrong Wanqing pondered for a moment before speaking, "Are you suggesting I turn it over to the state?" "Not quite turn it over, but rather, collaborate. The military has many defense contractors, all strategic partners, and you could also move in that direction. This way, not only can you ensure your safety, but it could also bring substantial profits to the company." "I never considered using it for military purposes, nor do I want it to become a weapon of murder. Given its significance, you should foresee the enormous changes it could bring to the world once it is released; I don’t want to be the spark that transforms the global military landscape." "Everything has two sides; you can’t just see the bad; you must also recognize the good. Think about how many people there are in the world who have experienced what you have; if they had this, they could live like normal people." Nanrong Wanqing massaged her temples, a trace of fatigue evident in her eyes. "Let me think about it further." Returning to the company, Ling Chen escorted Nanrong Wanqing back to her office and then, carrying the information gathered from Qin Lan, he prepared to leave. Stopping at the door, he suddenly turned back to ask, "Chairma

Chapter 100 - 99 The Secret of the Research Lab (Part 3)

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