CHAPTER 7 The Hidden Facility (Part 3)
Xia remained seated as Professor Franklin studied the documents on his desk. The office was silent except for the faint hum of computers outside the glass walls. Scientists hurried past, each carrying files or tablets, while others spoke in hushed voices about experiments Xia could barely comprehend.
She looked around the room. Framed certificates and awards covered one wall, while another displayed photographs of Franklin standing alongside renowned scientists, government officials, and world leaders.
There was something oddly familiar about the old man,she frowned, trying to remember where she had seen him before.
Just as Franklin was about to continue speaking, Xia suddenly leaned forward.
"Professor... have we met before?" She said
The old man looked up from the file and smiled."I don't believe so." He replied
Xia narrowed her eyes.
"No... I've definitely seen your face somewhere."
Franklin chuckled softly.
"Have you?"
She stared at him for another few seconds before her eyes suddenly widened in discovery.
"Oh my gosh!" She said in shock
She shot up from her chair in excitement.
"You're Professor Franklin Stern!"
The old man laughed warmly.
"So you're a fan."
"The Franklin Stern?"
"The founder and CEO of Stern Genetics?"
"The same professor who wrote Modern Principles of Human Genetics?" Xia asked in amusement
Franklin nodded with quiet pride.
"The very same."
Xia couldn't believe it.
That textbook had been one of the reasons she fell in love with biology during high school. She had admired the brilliant scientist whose discoveries had revolutionized genetic medicine around the world,never in her wildest dreams had she imagined she would meet him in person.
"I... I used your textbook all through my final year in high school," she said excitedly.
"It explained genetics better than any other book.You even signed the introduction with the words, 'Science exists to improve humanity.' I still remember reading that , Xia said pacing around the office in excitement
Franklin smiled.
"I'm honored my work inspired you."
His smile, however, quickly faded.
The warmth in the room disappeared almost instantly.
He folded his hands together and looked directly into Xia's eyes.
"Now, Miss Zhao... let's discuss why you're really here."His serious tone caused Xia to sit up straight."This facility is conducting research of the highest level." The professor continued "Everything you have seen today..."
He gestured toward the laboratory outside.
"...is classified,if any information regarding this project leaves these walls, countless years of research could be destroyed."
His expression became even colder.
"And depending on what is leaked...,,.people could die."
Xia felt a chill run down her spine.This was no ordinary warning, professor Franklin wasn't trying to scare her,he was stating a fact.
"I understand, Professor." She replied
"No."
Franklin shook his head.
"I don't believe you do."
He opened a drawer and removed a thick document,he placed it on the desk before her.
"This is a confidentiality agreement.Everything concerning this facility, its employees, its research, and its clients is protected.You are forbidden from discussing it with family,friends or anyone outside this organization,If you agree to work here, your silence is expected for the duration of your employment."
Xia looked down at the document.
There were far more pages than she expected.
Each contained strict legal conditions.
Some of the clauses were so complicated she had to read them twice.
Still...she thought about her father lying unconscious in the hospital,The mounting medical bills,The shrinking balance in her bank account.
She slowly picked up the pen.
"I'm sorry, Baba... but this is my only chance."
Without another word, she signed her name.
Franklin took the document, carefully examined the signature, and nodded in satisfaction.
"Excellent."
He stood from his chair.
"You've made a decision that may very well change your life."
Xia forced a nervous smile.
"I certainly hope so."
Franklin walked toward the office door before stopping.
"Oh, one more thing."
He turned back to face her.
"As promised, your payment will be processed before you begin working."
Relief immediately washed over Xia's face.
"Thank you, Professor.I really appreciate it."
He nodded.
"One of our senior scientists will be here shortly to complete the remaining procedures."
He paused.
"...your work officially begins."
Xia tilted her head.
"When?"
Franklin's lips curved into a faint, unreadable smile.
"Tonight."
Before Xia could ask another question, he opened the office door and walked out, disappearing into the bustling laboratory.
The door clicked shut behind him , muffling the noise of the laboratory.
Xia remained seated, staring at it in silence.
"Tonight...?"
She whispered the word to herself.
"What kind of job starts in the middle of the night?"
Outside the office, scientists hurried through the corridors with increasing urgency. Alarm lights briefly flickered above a distant hallway before returning to normal.
Xia couldn't explain why, but a strange feeling settled over her.
It felt as though she had just stepped across a line from which there was no turning back.