Chapter 39
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The next morning, after breakfast, I changed into a more casual business outfit, wore flats, and put a recording device in my bag before leaving the hotel.
Evan only discovered my absence when he was leaving for the conference.“Where is she?”
“Oh, she went to the factory. She found some discrepancies in the data and wanted to check it out,” Zach explained, worried it was a misunderstanding.
“She didn’t just ditch work, did she?” Evan suspected, remembering the incident from last night when he’d pulled her
- up.
“No, no, she really went to the factory. It’s not a huge deal, but it’s not insignificant either. I wanted to tell you, but your schedule was so packed, so she said she’d go first.”
Evan nodded, asking no further questions.
I took a taxi to the factory. Upon arriving on the island, after identifying myself, the factory manager, Derek, along with administrative and accounting staff, came out to greet me.
After some pleasantries, Derek took me on a tour. I asked about production issues, taking occasional photos, claiming they were for Evan.
After the tour, I said I wanted to eat in the cafeteria, joining the employees in the lunch line, specifically sitting with three female workers. I started with lighthearted conversation, waiting for them to relax before asking about the time clock. They explained the clock was at the entrance of the workshop, with no cameras.
“I heard it’s haunted here,” I whispered.
“Where did you hear that?” a worker asked, surprised.
“From the general manager back at the office. Two people clock in every day, but they’re never actually seen.”
The three women’s expressions froze. After a moment, an older worker hesitantly mentioned two names:“Are you talking about Fan Mingli and Lin Wenqin?”
My eyes lit up.“That’s right, so you know.”
They explained they were long–term employees, the two were newcomers, and everyone was busy, so no one paid much attention, until they realized nobody actually knew these two women.
My recorder was running, capturing their names. Derek and the others were watching closely.
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, slamming it shut and locking it….
