Chapter 39:
The next morning, after breakfast, I dressed casually in a business outfit, opted for flats, and slipped a recording device into my bag before leaving the hotel.
Evan didn’t notice my absence until he was about to leave for the conference. “Where is she?” he asked.
“Oh, she went to the factory. She noticed some discrepancies in the data and wanted to check it out,” Zach explained, trying to avoid any misunderstandings.
“She didn’t just skip work, did she?” Evan asked, remembering the incident from last night when he had yanked me up.
“No, no, she really went to the factory. It’s not a huge deal, but it’s not insignificant either. She said she’d go first since your schedule was packed,” Zach clarified.
Evan nodded and asked no further questions.
I took a taxi to the factory, and upon my arrival, after identifying myself, the factory manager Derek and other staff members greeted me. After pleasantries, Derek led me on a tour, and I asked about production issues while taking some photos for Evan.
At lunch, I joined three female workers in the cafeteria, starting lighthearted conversations until they relaxed. I asked about the time clock, and they explained it was at the entrance of the workshop with no cameras.
“I heard this place is haunted,” I whispered.
“Where did you hear that?” one of the workers asked, surprised.
“From the general manager. Apparently, two people clock in every day but are never seen.”
Their expressions froze, and after a pause, one woman hesitantly mentioned the names: “Are you talking about Fan Mingli and Lin Wenqin?”
My eyes lit up. “Yes, that’s right. So, you know them.”
They explained they were long-term employees and that the two newcomers had never really been known. Everyone was too busy to ask questions until they realized no one actually knew them.
I made sure my recorder was running, capturing the names.
In the afternoon, I called the workshop supervisor, HR, accounting, and Derek together. “I want to meet Fan Mingli and Lin Wenqin.”
Silence fell. The workshop supervisor walked to the door, locking it behind him…
