One Hundred and Twenty-one: The Swallow

Crossing Over: The Tide-Turner

“I never discussed patent licensing fees with the people at the space agency. Instead, I signed a sales agreement with them for the high-conversion solar cells. I’m planning to establish a solar-cell factory dedicated to producing this type of cell and supplying it to the space agency. I’m not only planning to supply solar cells to NASA; I also intend to provide them to the space agencies of various European countries.” Mary explained her plans.

“Even so, sales of solar cells for that purpose won’t be very large. They’ll consume a considerable amount of our resources, and it seems the returns may not justify the investment.” As Wei Hua spoke, he drew Mary into his arms. The two of them had been apart for some time. Mary slipped her hand beneath Wei Hua’s shirt and began caressing his powerful, explosively muscular body, while his hands began exploring hers. Her face had already flushed crimson as she stroked him and continued:

“That doesn’t matter. I believe solar power will become the primary source of energy in future society, and the market prospects will be enormous. If we begin preparing now, we’ll be able to seize most of the market in the future. I also plan to develop the solar cells further and expand their applications so they won’t remain limited to the aerospace industry.”

“All right. Handle it as you see fit. Solar energy still has far too narrow a range of applications. We can guide and develop the market. I think the mainland Chinese market alone could offer enormous potential for solar power at this time. Of course, our current costs are still too high for the mainland, and people may find them difficult to bear. We’ll have to put some effort into controlling expenses. That way, your solar-cell factory will have plenty of room to grow.”

After saying this, Wei Hua carried Mary back to their bedroom. For the next two days, Wei Hua, Kathleen, and Mary remained in the bedroom they shared, and both women were thoroughly satisfied.

On the third day, Wei Hua brought Ruan Wenyong, Ding Peng, and the others, along with the meteorite iron, to the Changbai Technology Laboratory in Silicon Valley. The person in charge of the laboratory, Bank Fries, led a team to escort them into the heavily guarded facility.

“Bank, where is the girl being held? Take me to see her. Also arrange for someone to show the others to a place where they can rest,” Wei Hua ordered.

Bank Fries had Ding Peng, Ruan Wenyong, and the others taken away to rest, then led Wei Hua to a warehouse in the laboratory where experimental equipment was stored. After opening the door, Bank brought him inside. There was a small room within the warehouse, and the girl who had stolen the data was being held there.

The door had been reinforced and modified, with a small window through which the room could be observed from outside. The girl sat in a corner, and her condition appeared fairly good.

“She’s highly skilled,” Bank said. “The laboratory’s security personnel believe she must have received professional training. That’s why I suggested to Miss Mary that we handle this matter privately. I’m worried she may belong to some secret organization.”

“You handled it well. Our laboratory is a private establishment, after all, and we shouldn’t offend such secret organizations lightly. You should know that most of them are cold-blooded killers who wouldn’t blink before taking a life. If we can avoid provoking them, we should. Open the door. I’ll go in and speak with her. You don’t need to come inside. I want to talk to her alone.”

“Boss, she’s very capable. I’m afraid she might pose a threat to you. Wouldn’t it be better to take two men in with you?”

“No need. Your boss is quite capable himself, and I doubt she can threaten me. Don’t worry. I would never treat my own life as a joke. Go.”

Seeing that Wei Hua was determined, Bank Fries opened the small room and then went outside the warehouse. The warehouse was sealed, and the only way in or out was through the main door, so Bank waited just outside it.

Wei Hua entered the room. The girl looked up at him.

She was strikingly beautiful, with long golden hair, large deep-blue eyes, an oval face, long eyelashes, and rather thin lips. Wei Hua sat down in a chair before her and asked:

“What’s your name? Why did you steal the laboratory’s data? Who are you working for?”

The girl glanced at Wei Hua before answering, “My name is Britney Hilton. I stole the laboratory’s data for money. I work for myself.”

“Where did you learn your fighting skills? Don’t tell me you learned them at a judo club. I’ve heard you aren’t American, but were recruited by the laboratory from Europe. Is that right?”

“That’s right. I’m not American. I’m Swiss. So what? You’re detaining me illegally. You’re violating my personal rights, and I can sue you.”

“I don’t have time for idle chatter. I’m very busy, and I have many matters waiting for me. Look into my eyes. You’re exhausted now and need a proper rest. What you need now is sleep. Sleep.”

Before coming to the laboratory, Wei Hua had already concluded that the girl was certainly an agent of some faction. He therefore had no intention of turning her over to the American authorities. As for how he would deal with her, he would decide only after uncovering her true identity.

At Wei Hua’s words, the girl looked into his eyes. His immense mental power took effect, and he unleashed an improved version of the Soul-Seizing Technique.

The girl’s identity was revealed in no time. Wei Hua’s judgment had been correct: she was a Swallow.

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