Chapter 43: The Unexpected Visitor
But problems emerged soon.
“This chemical equation isn’t right,” he muttered under his breath.
As dawn painted the sky with streaks of light, Xu Yun, scratching his head in confusion, struggled with the stubborn chemical formula. He tried several adjustments, but each attempt failed. Even skipping steps to proceed with the next part of the process proved fruitless.
“This chain reaction is inevitable, but it… it seems incorrect.”
His glasses fogged over as he pondered. The manuscript had proven accurate in earlier tests—like the successful crystallization experiment. However, this particular reaction refused to behave as expected in the laboratory setting. What was the issue?
Xu Yun considered two possibilities based on his extensive research experience: the chain reaction’s formula might be incomplete, perhaps missing some initial steps or specific conditions that Lin Xian hadn’t documented, or the equation itself could be incorrect, possibly misrecorded by Lin Xian.
“What should I do?” he pondered aloud.
He debated whether to solve the puzzle independently or to seek clarification from Lin Xian.Despite the all-nighter, fatigue hadn’t touched Xu Yun. He paced back and forth in the lab, deep in thought. Eventually, his concern for his daughter, teetering on the brink of respiratory failure, hastened his decision.
“I must get Lin Xian’s assistance.”
After a moment of contemplation and cleaning his glasses, Xu Yun resolved, “However, I need to keep this data under wraps. Regardless of his motives, Lin Xian meant well. I can’t let this drag him down.”
Unfortunately, Xu Yun didn’t have Lin Xian’s direct contact and barely remembered that he was employed at MX Company, under Zhao Ying Jun’s leadership.
“It seems I’ll need to visit MX Company to locate Lin Xian.”
Glancing at his phone, he noted the time—8:30 AM. He quickly donned his coat and drove towards the city.
An hour later, he arrived at the bustling reception of MX Company.
“Hello,” he greeted politely.
The receptionist noticed a middle-aged man, his glasses thick, approaching with a slight pant. “I need to see Lin Xian.”
“Do you have an appointment, sir?” the receptionist inquired with a courteous smile.
“Uh, no,” Xu Yun stammered. “Just tell him that—”
“Professor Xu Yun!” A surprised shout cut through the lobby. All eyes turned as Wang, the marketing manager of MX Company, exited the elevator, his expression one of shock.
Hurrying over, Manager Wang grasped Xu Yun’s hands with evident excitement. “Professor Xu Yun, what an honor! If we had known, we would’ve arranged a special welcome!”
“I’m not here for pleasantries,” Xu Yun replied, shaking off his hand with slight impatience.
“Understood, you wish to see our CEO, Zhao. Please, enjoy some refreshments in the VIP room while I notify her.”
Manager Wang, having met Xu Yun previously with Zhao Ying Jun, understood his importance. Xu Yun was a coveted contact for major cosmetic firms globally; even Zhao had considered it a lost cause to secure his collaboration recently. Yet, here he was, unexpectedly.
“We must ensure he’s well cared for.”
“Please, make yourself comfortable, Professor Xu. I’ll inform Zhao immediately.”
Xu Yun wanted to clarify his purpose but was swiftly escorted to the VIP room by the chattering Manager Wang.
Resigned, Xu Yun sat, his mind on finding Lin Xian for urgent discussions. Yet, without knowing Lin Xian’s exact location within the company, perhaps starting with Zhao Ying Jun might be more tactful.
Manager Wang, after ensuring Xu Yun’s comfort, hurriedly called Zhao Ying Jun.
“Ms. Zhao, please come to the lobby immediately! It’s urgent!”
“What’s the matter?” Zhao Ying Jun’s voice was steady.
“It’s Professor Xu Yun—he’s here, unexpectedly!”
On the 22nd floor, Zhao Ying Jun stood abruptly. “Are you certain?”
“Absolutely! Please hurry! This could be pivotal for our company!”
Minutes later, Zhao Ying Jun, flanked by three vice presidents, strode into the VIP room, her team tense with anticipation. Xu Yun represented a significant opportunity for their upcoming Rhine brand launch.
“Why has Professor Xu Yun come?” Zhao queried as she approached Manager Wang.
“No clue, Ms. Zhao. He just showed up without prior notice!”
Nodding, Zhao turned to her vice presidents. “Let’s not mention our intent to purchase the chemical compound authorization just yet. Let’s hear him out first.”
The vice presidents agreed, sensing the gravity of Xu Yun’s unexpected visit.
“Flexibility is key,” one whispered.
As Zhao Ying Jun entered the VIP room with a welcoming smile, Xu Yun rose to greet her. “Ms. Zhao, I apologize for my sudden appearance.”
“There’s no need, Professor Xu,” Zhao replied graciously. “How can we assist you today?”
“I urgently need to see Lin Xian. Could you direct me to him?”
Zhao was taken aback, not expecting Xu Yun’s urgent request to see Lin Xian, especially given his exhausted demeanor. Maintaining her composure, she reached for her phone.
“Of course, Professor. Please have some tea while I contact him.”
“No, please,” Xu Yun interjected earnestly, standing. “Take me to him directly. I need a private conversation.”
The vice presidents exchanged puzzled looks. What could be so urgent about meeting Lin Xian directly?