Officially signed the agreement
"Don't mess around." Lin Ze warned, "If this is really a confidential project, it will be no joke if you get caught. Your family won't be able to protect you."
"I didn't say to force our way in." Chen Yu smiled slyly, "The suburbs are so big, why don't you let us go?"
Zhu Qing also became interested: "Yes, if we are discovered, we can just say we went the same way and they won't have any evidence. Besides, we will follow from a distance and won't be discovered."
Lin Ze hesitated for a moment, but ultimately didn't completely refuse: "Let's find out the situation first. In short, this woman is not simple."
The next morning, the sun was shining brightly.
Zhong Ling was tending to a few plants that had just been transplanted from the space in the yard when her encrypted phone rang again. It was still Qiao Jianmin.
"Ms. Zhong, good morning," Qiao Jianmin's businesslike voice echoed. "Regarding the cooperation agreement we previously agreed upon, the relevant departments have already drafted it, and all the terms have been clarified strictly in accordance with your previous request. Would it be convenient for you to come over and sign it today?"
"Where?" Zhong Ling put down the small kettle in her hand.
"I'll have Xiao Zhao pick you up. He'll tell you the exact location. Don't worry, the entire process will be absolutely safe and confidential."
"Okay." Zhong Ling responded and hung up the phone.
Signing an agreement is just a formality. Clarifying the rights and obligations of both parties can avoid unnecessary trouble in the future.
About half an hour later, Xiao Zhao stopped at the gate of the yard on time. He had changed into an ordinary car.
Zhong Ling changed into simple casual clothes, locked the gate, and sat in the back seat.
The car drove out of the compound and did not go towards the city center. Instead, it made many turns and entered a special passage.
There were several checkpoints along the way, and the inspection was extremely strict. Finally, the car drove into the internal parking lot of an underground building.
Xiao Zhao respectfully opened the car door for Zhong Ling: "Miss Zhong, please follow me."
Zhong Ling followed Xiao Zhao through several heavy metal doors and came to a simply decorated meeting room.
Several people were already sitting at one side of the long conference table, headed by none other than Qiao Jianmin. Beside him were several other men in formal attire with serious expressions. They were in charge of legal and security affairs.
What surprised Zhong Ling a little was that the old man was also present, and standing next to him was Zhou Zhenguo, whom she had met during the last negotiation.
Seeing Zhong Ling come in, Qiao Jianmin immediately stood up to greet her: "Ms. Zhong, you are here, please take a seat."
The old man also nodded slightly.
Zhong Ling sat down opposite Qiao Jianmin and glanced at the several documents already placed on the table.
"Ms. Zhong, this is a formal cooperation agreement based on the conditions you proposed last time." Qiao Jianmin pushed the document in front of Zhong Ling, "You can review the terms carefully.
In particular, the independence of your personal life and research, the full right to use and manage the incubation base, the price mechanism for purchasing results, and your right to terminate the cooperation and leave freely at any time are all clearly written in.
Zhong Ling picked up the agreement and quickly read through it.
The terms of the agreement were clear and rigorous. Just as Qiao Jianmin had said, the four core conditions she proposed—absolute privacy and security of the independent courtyard, complete control of the cultivation base, the purchase price of the results (based on 200 yuan per kilogram, which would only increase and not decrease, and included an advance payment), and most importantly, the right to terminate the cooperation at any time and leave freely—were all clearly listed in black and white.
After confirming everything was correct, Zhong Ling picked up the pen and signed her name at the end of the agreement. The whole process was quick and smooth, without the slightest hesitation.
Qiao Jianmin and everyone present breathed a sigh of relief, their faces revealing expressions of relief. A hint of satisfaction also flashed in the old man's eyes.
"Ms. Zhong, it's a pleasure to work with you." Qiao Jianmin extended his hand.
Zhong Ling shook his hand lightly and said, "I hope that our subsequent cooperation will be as simple and direct as this agreement."
"Of course, of course." Qiao Jianmin promised repeatedly.
The old man spoke at this time, his voice calm and powerful: "Comrade Zhong Ling, the country thanks you for your trust and support. Your research results are of great significance.
We promise that as long as it is within the framework of the agreement, the country will provide you with all necessary conveniences and the highest level of security."
Zhong Ling nodded noncommittally. To her, these promises were merely accessories; what truly mattered to her was absolute freedom.
After signing the agreement, Zhong Ling didn't stay for long. With Qiao Jianmin and the others watching, she returned the same way and was driven back to her residence by Xiao Zhao.
A few days after Zhong Ling signed the agreement and returned to the compound, except for going to the base every day, she spent most of her time staying in her own yard or entering the space to practice. She had long been accustomed to the vague and inquiring gazes in the compound and ignored them.
That evening, Vice Minister Chen had just returned home after a day's work. Before he had time to change his coat, he was blocked by his son Chen Yu in the living room.
"Dad, Dad!" Chen Yu came up excitedly, his eyes sparkling. "I heard there's a new person in our compound? She goes to the suburbs every day. Who is she? Is there some secret project going on in the suburbs?"
Deputy Minister Chen frowned slightly, took off his coat and handed it to the attendant next to him, his tone somewhat authoritative: "Little kid, don't ask about these nonsense all day long. Don't ask questions that you shouldn't ask."
"Oh, Dad, just tell me!" Chen Yu insisted, following behind his father. "A lot of people in the hospital saw it. What a grand ceremony! A Red Flag car to pick her up, and Director Qiao and the others were there personally... What exactly does she do?"
Vice Minister Chen sat down on the sofa, picked up the tea served by the waiter, and glanced at his son: "Your curiosity is misplaced. This is a key national project, involving highly confidential information. You are not allowed to pry into it."
"Key project?" Chen Yu's eyes widened exaggeratedly, and then he leaned closer with a playful smile, "Dad, just tell us a little bit! We guys are so curious! How about... can you take us to visit her house someday?"
"Nonsense!" Deputy Minister Chen's face darkened. He put down his teacup and said in a stern tone, "Visit? What are you thinking? I'm telling you, don't mess with her.
She is a nationally protected person. Not only you, but even I wouldn't do this without a legitimate reason! You and your friends, don't even think about it! "
"Is this true?" Chen Yu was startled by his father's seriousness, but then he felt it was incredible. He said with a bit of dissatisfaction, "Dad, are you exaggerating too much? She's just a woman. Is it that serious? Besides, we are just curious and we won't cause any trouble..."
"Shut up!" Deputy Minister Chen interrupted him, his tone firm. "This matter ends here! Don't mention it again, and don't talk about it outside. Do you understand? If you dare to cause any trouble for me, I'll show you how I'll deal with you!"
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