Eight Million for a Scrap Battery

And Hanhai’s fragment lost every anomaly half an hour ago—exactly as you predicted.” Lin poured her bottled water. “You want the truth?” “Yes.” “Sign an employment contract first.” “Salary?” “Twenty thousand a month before tax.” “Gu offered three million a year.” “He offered hush money. I’m offering admission to the future.” Su stared, then laughed and signed beneath *Chief Engineer*. “Fine. But if you blow me into the sky, I’m writing the accident report as a ghost.” Near midnight, they returned to the *White Heron*. Lin did not reveal Lan-Zero yet; he let Su inspect the crude battery apparatus. Every answer generated three more questions. At midnight, the third module icon illuminated. Lan-Zero’s voice carried unprecedented urgency.