The real world.
Somewhere.
Following a staff member, Gao Jianhui arrived in a spacious room. The decor was somewhat plain, as if it had been hastily prepared. The only furnishings were a bookshelf, a coffee table, and two sofas.
A bespectacled young man was seated on one of the sofas. Upon seeing him, he immediately stood up and greeted him politely.
"Hello, Academician Gao! Please, have a seat."
Gao Jianhui did not stand on ceremony. He sat on the sofa opposite the young man and gave him a careful once-over. He did not recognize him, so they were probably not from the same system.
At around eight o'clock last night, he had received an invitation from a well-known domestic academic institution. Yet when he arrived at the destination early in the morning, instead of seeing directions for some academic lecture, he had been ushered into a private car.
"Through extensive investigation, we learned that you are an expert in fields related to rock mechanics and mining engineering. Please forgive us for presumptuously inviting you here—"
"What's so secretive about this? A private car, a confidentiality agreement..." Gao cut off the long-winded introduction with a light cough. "Just tell me what you want."
The man replied courteously.
"It is merely standard procedure. We hope you can understand."
"Can I smoke?"
"Of course. Please feel free."
Gao Jianhui pulled out a lighter and lit a cigarette. Staring at the laptop on the coffee table, he narrowed his eyes slightly.
Just as he was about to ask what it was for, the bespectacled young man stood, took hold of the mouse, opened the photos in a folder, and politely said,
"Please take a look at this."
"This is..."
Before the two words had even left his mouth, his brows furrowed slightly, and he