Chapter 253: The Historical Criminal

This novel is translated and hosted only on BcaTranslation

President Gao stood up with a welcoming smile and began preparing a pot of tea. He was eager to hear what Lin Xian had to say.

“Go ahead, Lin Xian. Feel free to speak!” he encouraged, his tone warm and inviting. To him, friendship was about mutual assistance, and he was more than willing to help Lin Xian.

Lin Xian cleared his throat, straightening his posture: “It’s like this, President Gao. I heard that our Science Academy currently has access to the Guizhou Sky Eye Observatory—the one that houses the world’s largest radio telescope, is that right?”

President Gao nodded affirmatively. “Yes, we do. The request was put forward by the Astronomy Research Institute, and I was the one who approved it.”

Lin Xian leaned forward, his expression earnest. “To be honest, President Gao, I want to borrow the Guizhou Sky Eye for a few months. My lab is working on a project that requires it. However, as you know, such a national facility isn’t usually accessible to ordinary labs. I’m hoping you might help us gain access.”

President Gao responded with an easy smile, “Oh, so that’s what this is about.” He explained, “A while back, the director of the Astronomy Research Institute initially applied to use it for a year, but they finished their observations ahead of schedule. We were debating whether to return the telescope to local authorities for tourism purposes or check if other research institutes might need it. Since you’ve brought it up, we can delay returning it. The national lease is still valid for another six months, so lending it to you for a few months won’t be an issue. I’ll take care of the necessary paperwork.”

“However, while we understand the real motive, we must still adhere to official procedures. Once the director of the Astronomy Research Institute returns, I’ll set up a meeting. Since your lab is affiliated with Donghai University, we can establish a collaborative project. This will officially authorize your lab to use the Guizhou Sky Eye.”

Lin Xian nodded his appreciation. “Thank you, President Gao.”

“There’s no need for thanks; it’s really no trouble at all,” President Gao reassured him as he stood and extended his hand for a shake. “This small favor is nothing compared to your contributions to the country. I hope you achieve great success in your astronomical endeavors!”

After they shared a cup of hot tea and pleasant conversation, Lin Xian and President Gao exchanged contact details. They left the lab together, making their way towards Chu Shan He’s office while chatting and laughing, both clearly satisfied with their discussion. President Gao was already dreaming of the potential breakthroughs in cold fusion technology, whereas Lin Xian was focused on how to capture time-space particles to further Liu Feng’s research on Universal Constants. Their collaboration was proving to be fruitful.

Outside the office, Chu Shan He was waiting, pacing back and forth with impatience. When he saw them approaching, laughing and talking like old friends, he was taken aback.

What was going on?

Noticing Chu Shan He’s puzzled expression, President Gao approached him with a reassuring smile. “Shan He, Lin Xian is a promising young man. He has some ideas, though not many. I gave him some guidance in the lab, and he quickly realized his mistakes and decided to abandon this particular research project.”

A gun was pressed against the back of his head. “Hands up!”

Knowing when to yield, Lin Xian slowly raised his hands, taking in the details of the futuristic cityscape around him. It was more advanced than anything he had seen in Rhine Sky City, with space elevators stretching up to the clouds, floating islands in the sky, and unknown structures orbiting in space. Had humanity finally entered the space age?

A captain stepped forward into the circle of soldiers, also fully armed, and unfurled a glowing paper in front of Lin Xian’s eyes.

“Lin Xian! You are under arrest for crimes against humanity, endangering Earth, and disrupting the timeline!”

“What?” Lin Xian was bewildered by these bizarre accusations.

This novel is translated and hosted only on BcaTranslation

Suddenly, electric currents buzzed against his neck. A soldier behind him had used a stun gun on him. His vision blurred, and he stumbled forward, losing consciousness.

Darkness enveloped him. When Lin Xian opened his eyes again, he found himself unable to see anything. His neck felt stiff; he realized he was handcuffed to a chair with a light-blocking hood over his head. This was how they treated criminals. But what crime had he committed? He had only just arrived in this future world.

Then he heard it—a dry, pleased laugh echoing from in front of him. The sound grew closer, and soon an old man was right in front of him. He reached out and pulled the hood off Lin Xian’s head.

Blinding light flooded the room, making it hard for Lin Xian to keep his eyes open. Squinting, he tried to make out the figure of the old man standing before him. He was thin, with white hair and eyes that gleamed with excitement as he stared intently at Lin Xian.

“No...”

The old man’s cracked lips formed a smile, and he said eerily, “I see you.”

This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation