With nothing on her mind, An Moxue slept soundly at home all night, feeling relaxed and carefree. When she woke up early the next morning, she was full of energy even before practicing her martial arts.

After her morning exercise, she didn't make breakfast. She just grabbed a bite at a breakfast stall at the alley entrance and then went to the post office to make a phone call.

She hung up the phone and took a car to the research institute.

Deng Guanghui had already informed the gatekeeper, and as soon as An Moxue arrived, he was notified, and he sent his secretary to greet her.

As soon as he entered Deng Guanghui's office, he said, "Mo Xue, thank you for making this trip."

An Moxue smiled and waved her hand, saying, "It's nothing, just my duty."

Deng Guanghui told his secretary to pour her a glass of water. After the secretary left, he said, "You can rest at home for a few days and then we can talk about cooperation again."

An Moxue smiled and replied, "Uncle Deng, you know me, it's hard for me to have a moment to myself. Besides, I'm afraid that something else might happen and I won't have time to talk to you in detail, which would delay things. Let's take advantage of the time we have now and discuss it quickly so we can get started."

Deng Guanghui thought about it and realized she seemed even busier than him, so he smiled and said, "I've already discussed the cooperation you mentioned in a meeting when I got back. The other leaders at the institute all think it's feasible. Recently, they've also come up with some research projects and categorized them. You can take a look at these projects. If you think they're feasible, we can discuss cooperation further." As he spoke, he took a folder from his drawer and handed it to An Moxue.

An Moxue took it and said, "To transform research results into means of production and put them on the market, we must conduct research and feasibility analysis reports. We must consider their usability and applicability in production and daily life. I'll take a look first. If I think it's feasible, I'll find someone to do an evaluation, and then we can discuss the details. Is that alright with you?"

“Okay.” Hearing her say that, Deng Guanghui knew that she was serious about this matter and that it wasn’t just talk; there were specific details involved, which reassured him even more.

Seeing the girl intently flipping through the documents, he knew she wasn't just going through the motions. But after looking at the documents for so long without saying a word, he became uncertain again. Some of the research involved couldn't be done just like that; it required advanced equipment and skilled personnel.

Just as his mind was racing, An Moxue looked up, put down the documents in her hand, looked at Deng Guanghui, and said, "Uncle Deng, there are a few projects on this that I think are okay. We can continue the cooperation. I'll gather the manpower when I get back, and then we can discuss the details when my manpower arrives."

Deng Guanghui was overjoyed inside, but kept a serious expression on his face and said, "Okay, if you think it's feasible, let's cooperate. Technology is the primary productive force, and serving life and production is a great idea. I wonder when we can expect to hear back?"

An Moxue thought for a moment and said, "I'll start preparing when I get back, and I'll contact you as soon as I have any news."

"Okay, I'll wait for your good news."

An Moxue stood up and said with a smile, "Don't worry, we will definitely earn research funding for you in the future, so that our institute can research whatever it wants without having to worry about money."

Deng Guanghui laughed heartily and said, "If that were really possible, it would be wonderful! I would laugh myself awake in my sleep."

An Moxue said confidently, "Yes."

An Moxue knew that Deng Guanghui's time was precious, so after the two finished discussing business, she left the research institute.

After leaving the research institute, she went to the post office to make a phone call.

When Zhuang Zhou received An Moxue's call, he was so excited that he was almost incoherent.

"Ms. An, you finally called me. Have you finished your work?"

An Moxue could hear the obvious relief in her tone and teased, "What's wrong? Has our CEO Zhuang encountered some trouble? Has things not gone smoothly since you came back?"

Zhuang Zhou vehemently denied it on the other end of the phone: "No, no, everything is going smoothly at work. It's just that, as you know, back then..." Zhuang Zhou paused, then continued, "I'm still afraid of running into some people who will expose my past and cause you trouble."

An Moxue interrupted her, comforting her, "Zhuang Zhou, don't worry. So many years have passed. Even if some of those people could have met you back then, how could they be sure you're the same person? Besides, you've changed so much; people who know might even think you're dead! What do you think? And what did you do wrong back then? Just show the same spirit I had when I met you at the border, and everything will be fine. And even if you do meet me, you still have me, don't you? What are you afraid of?"

Hearing An Moxue's words, Zhuang Zhou felt much relieved and breathed a sigh of relief. He said, "I don't know what's wrong with me. When I wasn't back, I was looking forward to coming back, but after I came back, I was anxious. I guess I still haven't completely gotten over the shadow in my heart!"

“That’s understandable. When I have time, I’ll take you back to your hometown and the place where it happened. Maybe when we get there, you won’t even need to do anything; you’ll be able to let go of the fear on your own. You used to be weak and helpless, but you’re not like that now. You have the ability to fight back and protect yourself, so what do you have to be afraid of?” An Moxue’s voice was clear and pleasant on the other end of the phone, which moved Zhuang Zhou deeply. She knew how busy An Moxue was, yet she still took the time to be with her. What did she do to deserve this?

She was determined to overcome this obstacle so that Miss An wouldn't have to worry about her affairs.

"Miss An, hearing your voice makes me feel much more at ease. There's no need to go back to the old place; let's just let things take their course!"

After listening to Zhuang Zhou's words, which had calmed him down considerably, An Moxue said, "Okay, but if you need anything, just let me know."

Zhuang Zhou asked, "Miss An, have you just returned? What instructions do you have?"

An Moxue said, "How's the manpower I asked you to contact for dispatch? Has the company been registered? Also, how's your work in Shanghai? What's the progress?"

When business was mentioned, Zhuang Zhou's earlier anxiety subsided, and he said, "The company has been successfully registered in Hong Kong Island as you requested. Mr. Boris has also gathered the talent you requested and is currently processing visas. He will be here soon, no later than ten days. Also, I have made most of the arrangements in Shanghai. The government here has provided us with a lot of help, and I plan to go to the North next."

An Moxue asked, "Are you contacting them?"

Zhuang Zhou said, "I've already contacted Mr. Ma Guoqiang, whom you mentioned. He's waiting for me to come over."

"Okay, remember my principle: we must take the initiative. If we can't handle it, contact me. I'll be in Kyoto until winter break."

"yes."

After hanging up the phone, An Moxue felt that this mission was still worthwhile; she had now secured a connection with the Kyoto Research Institute.