Lang Jin frowned instinctively. He had the feeling Tang Li's words carried a deeper meaning.
Tang Li gave him no time to dwell on it. "Oh, and that Madam Shan Chuan. The information you gave me wasn't very detailed. Add some specifics as soon as you can. Don't leave out the other senior members with titles, either."
"Ah, of course." Lang Jin agreed at once. Then he realized this was a good opportunity and hurried to add, "Director Tang, about those inmates you mentioned yesterday..."
Tang Li smiled again. "You remembered? Do you have anyone ready? If so, all the better."
"There are a few inmates at Meng Yang Prison who came from the Virtue Association. They're willing to take part in experiments in exchange for reduced sentences. But the paperwork will take time. I'm afraid we can't get them transferred today."
"No rush." Tang Li waved a hand. "It's better for everyone if the proper procedures are followed."
Lang Jin regretted how smoothly he had worked in that declaration of his stance. It lacked force. But he could not think of a better pretext just then, so he said no more and took his leave.
Before he went, Lang Jin glanced at the translucent Virtual Work Area before Tang Li. The number displayed in the background had changed again. It now read 35.9.
It had risen since the last two times he had seen it.
Lang Jin took another look without thinking. Tang Li noticed. "Was there something else?"
"Uh..." Lang Jin took another step back, using it to gather his courage. With the determination of someone about to smash through a barrier, he put on a rather stiff smile and asked, "Director Tang, the number on your screen keeps changing. What does it mean?"
"Oh, that. It's the