Li Wei's expression remained calm, without the slightest flicker.
He had known nothing good would come of Anthony seeking him out, and he had been right.
As mentioned before, Anthony had gone looking for someone to identify the contents of that black punched card as soon as he got out of the carriage. What he had not told Li Wei was that he had sought out no ordinary person, but Dr. Franco Tester-a renowned scholar with considerable achievements in the field of Difference Engines.
The doctor had been very interested in the black punched card Anthony brought him. He said he wanted to study it thoroughly and asked Anthony to return in two days.
Then, when Anthony returned to Dr. Tester's home two days later, he found the place in complete disarray.
"So you're saying the place already looked like this when you arrived?"
Li Wei pointed at the room before them. It was a complete mess, with signs of ransacking everywhere, as though a gang of thugs had paid it a visit.
"Yes. This young lady was the only one left."
Anthony pointed at the girl standing a short distance away, watching them warily. She looked about fourteen or fifteen, with blond hair and fairly ordinary clothes.
"And she is?"
"Dr. Tester's granddaughter. She was hiding in the fireplace when I found her."
"In other words, the attack happened recently?"
"That's right. This morning."
Anthony nodded, then turned to the girl.
"Miss Tester, this is Mr. Li Wei. I'm sure you've heard of him, the most famous detective in the entire Empire. He'll definitely be able to find Dr. Tester."
With half-lidded eyes, Li Wei looked at Anthony as though he were an idiot, but said nothing. Whatever else, this was a case, and Anthony was at least a