Once the plan was finalized, the fastest way to take her away was by sea. Coincidentally, the US fleet would be passing by Japan soon, and they could return with them. It was unlikely they would openly provoke the US, and once she was taken to Japan, the technology would naturally become theirs.
Ji Xingmi understood most of it. Her emotional outburst was due to a separate matter she hadn't figured out how to discuss with Elder Hua. Elder Hua was also startled by the news and immediately summoned Spider to investigate the leak. After pacing his study for a few minutes, Elder Hua led Ji Xingmi away.
Elder Mao was enjoying a leisurely day, brewing tea with a Zisha teapot made by Ji Xingmi. Seeing them approach, he had intended to show it off to Elder Hua. However, Elder Hua's grim expression told him something was amiss. After instructing Chen Cang to clear the room, he asked for an explanation.
Elder Hua recounted Ji Xingmi's account, and Elder Mao was equally angered by the leak.
Elder Mao quickly made a decision: "Then Xing'er will not attend the banquet in a few days! Since they have this plan, we shouldn't take any risks. We'll arrange for someone else to go in her stead and capture everyone involved. We must prevent this information from leaking further!"
"Um, Grandpa Mao, Grandpa Hua, I still want to go! I have a very bold plan!" Ji Xingmi said, raising her hand like a schoolchild.
Before she could elaborate, Elder Hua immediately objected, "Absolutely not! I disagree."
Elder Mao also disagreed, "I disagree too! It's too dangerous! You cannot take such risks."
"Grandpa Hua, Grandpa Mao, why don't you listen to my plan first? I can guarantee my own safety! Besides, even if you disagree, I will still find an opportunity to do this!" Ji Xingmi's tone was resolute. The two elders, seeing her determination, were at a loss for words. They exchanged glances, a mixture of worry and helplessness reflected in their eyes.
"Then tell us first, what is your reason for doing this? We'll decide after that!"
Hearing Elder Mao's softened tone, Ji Xingmi felt there was still hope. She said, "Ask them to leave first. I can only tell you two about this matter!" Ji Xingmi glanced at the others in the room. Gu Jingyi made a move as if to speak but then merely looked at Ji Xingmi before walking out. Seeing that the two senior leaders had nodded, Chen Cang and Secretary Sun also left, with Chen Cang closing the study door behind them.
That noon, the three emerged from the study, and no one knew what had been discussed within. From that day on, Elder Mao and Elder Hua unsealed a portion of Ji Xingmi's files, clearly preparing for a future plan.
Elder Mao also made a sudden encrypted call to Elder Ji, who was in the northwest. They spoke for nearly three hours. After the call, there were significant movements in the northwest, but the reason and purpose of this project remained unknown.
After leaving Elder Mao's study that day, Ji Xingmi went to her pharmacy and began preparing medicines day and night. Gu Jingyi witnessed everything. He considered talking to her about it but ultimately decided against it. Elder Hua also spoke with him about the matter, revealing Ji Xingmi's subsequent plans. Gu Jingyi was quite astonished after hearing the entire scheme.
Finally, Ji Xingmi emerged from the pharmacy and returned to her room to tidy up. Mushroom had already retrieved the clothes they had made earlier. Ji Xingmi tried them on and found the tailor's craftsmanship to be excellent; they looked very good on her.
Spider had also procured a radio transmitter from the army and was tinkering with it in the yard. Ji Xingmi watched with curiosity, following him. Spider explained its operation, and Ji Xingmi even tried it herself. Seeing that she had mastered it, Spider took the device into the study and placed it in a corner.
In the evening, Gu Jingyi took Ji Xingmi out for a walk along a less-trafficked path. After walking a distance, Gu Jingyi finally asked, "You'll be going away for a while soon, won't you?"
Ji Xingmi turned to look at him and asked, "Why do you say that? I don't have anything to do recently." Gu Jingyi also looked at her, sighed when she said this, and didn't pursue the topic further. If she didn't want to talk about it, then so be it. Gu Jingyi led her forward for some time and only turned back as it grew dark.
After Ji Xingmi returned to her room, Gu Jingyi went to the study to attend to his work. Ji Xingmi did not rest upon returning to her room. She had thought of something that day and decided to search for information in her space. However, the information she had regarding this matter was limited, so she recorded all the information she had gathered. She planned to have Elder Hua give this information to Lou Qiming, who she believed would be interested upon receiving it. Unfortunately, she couldn't help much with this matter; it would depend on his own capabilities.