Arknights, but the sickly pretty girl starts

The first person they would attack would definitely be the Ecology Department who had come into contact with the Blacklight Virus.

During the investigation, the Tin Man discovered an interesting piece of information. Among the researchers newly recruited by the Department of Ecology, there was one who had a close relationship with the researcher who died in the suspected Blacklight Virus leak accident.

Diana Mercer.

Her sister had died in a serious biohazard accident several years prior, which the Melander Foundation had determined was related to the Blacklight virus. Furthermore, Muirseth had recently come into contact with Diana Mercer, even exhuming her sister's ashes. These circumstances couldn't be coincidental, so the Melander Foundation immediately zeroed in on Miss Diana Mercer as a possible link.

The Tin Man immediately shared the information with Parvis. As a partner, Parvis responded quickly. In fact, he also retrieved the experimental records of the Ecology Department. The information from the Melander Foundation actually supplemented her ideas.

So, without further ado, Diana was soon blocked in the corridor.

Looking at the old director, she subconsciously became alert. After joining the Ecology Department, Muirseth's attitude changed drastically. Although he did not kick her out of Rhine Life, he made it clear that he was unwilling to continue helping her, so she was indeed a little embarrassed in the Ecology Department now.

However, Director Muirseth was not bad to her and was quite concerned about her. In addition, she was still worried about her sister, so she still stayed in Rhine Life, like a ghost running around aimlessly.

"Hello, Miss Diana, my name is Arentz Parvis. I'm the director of the Structural Department." Parvis politely extended his hand, as if wanting to shake hands. This friendly gesture made Diana more alert, but as a researcher, she could not resist the director, so she could only extend her hand, and the two shook hands, but Parvis already knew that the other party was guilty.

As an old scientist, he still has this kind of vision. When he blocked the other person's way, the other person's first reaction was to turn around and leave. If he hadn't called out to her, she would have already escaped.

It is impossible for ordinary researchers to do such a thing after seeing the director. If the other party is so afraid of the director, he must have some shameful secret.

Combined with the previous intelligence, Parvis could even be sure that the other party came to Rhine Life just to investigate the things about her sister, so it would be very easy to make the other party trust her.

"Miss Diana, I wonder if you know anything about an experimental accident a few years ago—" Parvis began. "In that accident, your sister, Alex Mercer, died. I'm sorry, and I don't mean to hurt you, but this accident, even now, is controversial within Rhine Life."

"...What do you mean?" Diana perked up at the mention of her sister. "What do you mean there's even some controversy within Rhine Life? Those are real lives!"

"Sacrifices are inevitable in scientific experiments—" Parvis shook his head, "But this experiment is very strange, so strange that it makes me feel puzzled."

"Strange?" Diana gritted her teeth. "Since the experiment itself is problematic, shouldn't Rhine Lifeforms conduct a thorough investigation? Why is it only now..."

"Are you aware of the recent changes at Rhine Life—" Parvis's eyes flashed, realizing he'd fallen for his own logic, and he emphasized, "The new general agent is establishing a scientific ethics supervision department to oversee the ethical conduct of experiments. Under these circumstances, they're naturally investigating and reviewing previous experimental records. However, during our investigation, we discovered suspicious records regarding this accident."

After telling Noah the reason for reopening the investigation, Parvis's half-truths and half-sincerities were even more persuasive. Diana, familiar with the internal dynamics of Rhine Life, nodded, understanding the reason for the discussion. In truth, she had been waiting for Muirseth to reopen the investigation.

If the investigation was not reopened before because the chief commander was supporting the initiator of this experiment, then since even the chief commander has been replaced, the investigation should be able to continue, right?

But Director Muirseth still refused her... To be honest, Diana almost wanted to give up.

But before she gave up, Parvez found her.

"So you're saying that Rhine Life is reinvestigating this accident?" Diana couldn't hide her excitement. "How? Where should we start? How can I help?"

"Don't rush. I know you have strong feelings for your sister, but now is not the time." Parvis smiled. The other party had taken the bait, and it was clear that he knew quite a bit about the matter. As the director, Parvis actually knew more about the experiment than Muirses did. He even knew who was leading it. The other party was no longer a member of Rhine Life on the surface.

—Lorcan Williams.

According to records, this was his last time participating in Rhine Life's experiments. The Rocken water tank incident had supposedly sent him to prison for reflection, but Rhine Life secretly bailed him out and appointed him as the leader of several secret experiments.

So after the water tank incident, Locke Williams has actually been hiding inside Rhine Life.

Even Parvis expressed his genuine disgust for this man, not because of his disregard for human life, but because of the crudeness and unreasonableness of his experiments. Even Parvis, who also despised morality, did not think that this man should stay in Rhine Life.

Although the Locke water tank experiment brought Rhine Life a lot of valuable experimental data, for Parvis, people like Locke Williams were not worth too much attention.

There is a difference between a madman and a scientist who is willing to go beyond the line.

When Parvis told Diana about the person leading the experiment and what he had done, her expression went from disbelief to anger. She loudly demanded, "Why! Why would RhineLife allow a criminal to lead the experiment?"

"He's a criminal, but he's also an outstanding scientist—" Parvis said this against his will with a disdainful smile. "At the time, Rhine Life didn't think this level of guilt could outweigh his abilities."

"..." Diana felt as if the string of her sanity had broken. She had originally thought that the worst that could happen to her sister was that she died from an experimental accident. But now, Parvis told her that this experiment itself was conducted by a murderer, a scientist who had crossed the bottom line!

Then his sister...didn't she also become his victim?

How could she accept it!

In an instant, her only remaining good impression of Rhine's life disappeared.

However, if she wants to continue the investigation, she must have at least one director to help her. Since Director Muirses is unwilling to continue helping, then... her only choice is Director Parvis.

"...Director Parvis, can I trust you to help me get justice?" Diana raised her head and looked at the seemingly kind director in front of her and asked.

"Don't worry, Miss Diana. I came to you just to investigate this matter." Parvis smiled. "Although the Ecology Department may disappoint you, are you interested in transferring to the Structural Department? I don't have any graduate students to supervise right now, and I think you'd be a good fit."

"...You? How could it be possible that you, as the director, don't have any disciples?"

"Of course I once had an outstanding disciple, but unfortunately, she eventually chose to leave the Structural Engineering Department." Parvis shook his head. "But she will be back soon, and she will be the director of the Ethics Supervision Department. From now on, she will be on equal footing with me."

Diana didn't say anything. She didn't believe the old man in front of her so easily, but now it seems... if she wants to continue the investigation... she can only choose to act together with the director of the structural department.

She took a deep breath and said in her heart.

"Sister...I will find the truth."

Chapter 35: Traces

"Diana transferred to the Structural Department? Why?" As the head of the Ecology Department, Muirseth was of course the first to learn the news. However, Diana was an ordinary researcher, and her transfer did not actually require the director's consent. After all, most ordinary staff members of Rhine Life could go to other departments for development at any time as long as they had the consent of other directors. It was not that the director's power was insufficient, but that it was too high. Ordinary researchers would not even need the director to take a second look.

By the time Muirseth discovered this, the transfer process had already been completed, and Diana was now a member of the Structural Department.

As the person who brought Diana into Rhine Life, this situation was obviously beyond her expectations. What she was more curious about was why Parvis wanted to snatch her clerk, so she called Parvis, and soon, the other party's old voice reached her ears.

"Hello, rare guest. What's the matter with you suddenly looking for me?" Of course, he was pretending to be confused, but out of respect, Muirses was still a little polite.

"Actually, I just found out that one of my clerks transferred to another department for some reason, so I came to ask about the situation. Is it because I'm not doing a good job here—" Normally, a clerk would transfer to another department, but this was Diana Mercer. Her relationship with Alex Mercer was so special that Muirses was worried that Diana would be taken advantage of. If it was just an ordinary transfer, it would be fine, but if Parvis had other ideas...

Then I have to get Diana back myself——

Before she stood up, she subconsciously glanced at the terminal, wondering whether she should talk to Noah first. However, considering that Noah was also busy and didn't even have time to sleep, she shook her head and decided to solve the problem herself.

She was the one who brought Diana into Rhine's life, so naturally she had to take responsibility.

It was only after she slammed the table and stood up that she remembered that she was attending a meeting. Her sudden action immediately attracted everyone's attention.

"... Director... Is there something wrong with what I said?" The ecology researcher, sweating profusely, stared at his own PPT. Could it be that he'd secretly provided some false data and been caught? That couldn't be possible. He'd verified the data himself, and it all matched in theory.

"...Ah...ha." Muirseth awkwardly withdrew his hand from the table and, after a moment's thought, spoke up. "I think this paper needs some revisions. Yes, the data... the data needs to be more rigorous. I can't sign a communication at this level!"

After she finished speaking, she sighed exaggeratedly, "I'm also very busy. If it's just a paper of this level, don't say you're my student. You pose no threat to me in the academic world, but you can ruin my reputation in the education world. Understand?"

"Yes!" The young researcher, who had just pulled an all-nighter to finish her paper, tearfully accepted the criticism. After all, some of the data was indeed flawed, borrowed from others, so it was understandable that it was discovered. He had been extremely careful, but he hadn't expected the director to see through it. This truly was the strength of the Rhine Life director.

——Huh, I wasn’t listening at all just now, luckily I just got through it... Oh, it’s all Xiaoya’s fault. She organized a defense meeting, saying that it would increase everyone’s research initiative.

But I rarely publish papers myself, and I have to revise papers for those little idiots in my department. It's really hard for me. And my research results just got destroyed...

But it's not just me. Now I have to hold a defense seminar every month. There's nothing I can do about it.

Alas, Xiaoya is not only a workaholic, but also a workaholic who likes to bring others to work overtime. Her previously lazy life has suddenly become so busy, although she doesn't really dislike this kind of busyness.

It would be better to say that Rhine Life is more vibrant now. In the past, everyone in the department followed the director, but now the director is no longer the only leader. Everyone can set up their own laboratory according to their own concepts and ideas. Noah is never stingy when it comes to spending money. She will give teams, instruments, laboratories, and borrowing qualifications to people with ideas. She is a businessman, but she respects science more than Christen.

After the meeting, Muirseth immediately walked quickly towards Diana's dormitory and bumped into Diana who was about to leave with a bunch of experimental equipment. Looking at the experimental records and equipment in her arms, Muirseth opened his mouth and wanted to say something, but Diana took two steps back, her eyes full of vigilance.

"Diana?" Muirseth asked in confusion, "Why did you change departments?"

She decided to ask the question clearly first. Diana came to Rhine Life for her sister, and now there is a high probability that she left her department because of her sister.

But why structural science?

This is what she wanted to know. She had no intention of restricting Diana. She even gave Diana the standard treatment of a closed disciple. It can be said that as long as she did not continue to pursue things about her sister, Muirseth would really treat her as his closed disciple. Even when she was not the director of the Ecology Department, she would give this position to Diana.

This is not only because of her guilt, but also because Diana herself is an excellent research talent.

Within two weeks of joining Rhine Life Sciences, she published two top-tier journal articles. While still in school, she was a highly anticipated rising star in scientific research. Diana is an exceptional individual in every sense of the word.

In fact, even if Muirseth had not taken the initiative to write a letter of recommendation, she could have entered Rhine Life through campus recruitment.

"...Director Parvis said he could give me better resources." Diana was lying, and it was an obvious lie. No matter from which perspective, the resources Muirses gave her were already exceptional, and it was impossible for Parvis to give her better resources.

"...Tell me the truth. What did Parvis tell you?" Muirseth stepped forward, pressing Diana's shoulder. "I know you must be resentful, blaming me for not continuing the investigation. But when you reach my level, I'll tell you everything—we can't change these things. Your sister is dead. I swear... she's truly no longer in this world."

Muirseth told Diana the news of her sister's death very sincerely, or rather she had already told her before - after examining Alex's remains and comparing their bones, her conclusion was already obvious.

Her sister is dead—

"You're lying—" But how could Diana possibly accept such a thing? It was Muirseth who had given her hope, only to find her in despair. "You clearly said... my sister is still alive! My sister must still be alive somewhere here! You're just trying to stop me from seeing her, from causing trouble for Rhine Life! The current governor is your friend, so you don't want such a huge scandal to happen to Rhine Life during her tenure, that's all!"

Diana's voice was filled with pain and distrust.

Indeed, everything he did not only almost killed himself, but also rekindled the hope of the girl in front of him, but behind this hope was only despair.

Everything I say now, even if it is the truth, the other party will definitely not believe it... unless... unless...

Muirseth raised his head and said with guilt. "Then I'll take you to see her? Meet... the Alex I've met before."

"……what?"

"I don't know if my application will be approved... but as long as I promise not to let you contact the other party, maybe..." Muirseth believed that only by letting the other party see the truth could she truly give up.

Diana was indeed innocent. She should have had a bright future when she entered Rhine Life, but because of her own doubts, she fell into such a sad situation.

There is only one way to win her back...

When she went to look at Alex.

"But before that, I must warn you. You can only look, not talk to her, and you can't reveal that you are Diana. It won't benefit either you or her." Muirseth looked seriously into Diana's eyes. "Your sister is truly dead. That wasn't your sister, but something that looked like your sister. Her existence is top secret to Rhine Life, but... I will help you apply for a visit."

Muirseth felt that this was the last resort and the best way for him to make it up to Diana.

Since she wants to see her sister, then I will let her see her... As long as Alex doesn't realize this, it will not affect Alex's spirit.

"Believe me, Diana, I will give you an explanation." Muirseth stood up. "Until then, stay here and wait for me to come back."

She wanted to ask Noya for a visit. Now the only one who could grant her permission was Noya. She was the acting director and the director of the Special Containment Procedures Department. As long as she agreed, Diana could see Alex. She knew that such a request would only make Noya's situation difficult, but she had no other choice.

Because of his own mistakes, Diana is suffering today. In order to regain her trust and prevent her from being exploited, letting the two of them meet is the best solution.

"...The plan went smoothly, Director Parvis." After seeing Muirseth leave, Diana finally put down her equipment, pressed the button next to her ear, and reported. "I... can finally see my sister."

"Okay, I understand." Parvis nodded. The question now is whether the Miss Director will agree to Muirseth's application.

Noah Kyrielight is excellent, very excellent, and a smart person.

But no matter how outstanding a person is, he will always have weaknesses.

Her weakness is that she is too sentimental. If someone around her asks her for something, it is almost impossible for her to refuse.

Therefore, if one really wanted to come into contact with the carrier of the Blacklight virus, that is, Alex... it would only be possible through Muirseth. The Tin Man sat on the sofa, looking at Parvis sitting next to the instrument, a circle of smoke rising from his pipe, forming a question mark.

"Having a little girl lie—that's not a good plan."

"But it's precisely because this girl means so much to Muirses that she's able to touch our kind elves and pave the way for us—" Parvis waved his hand. "Kindness is a good quality, a beautiful human quality, but it's also easy to exploit. Whether it's our elves or the new governor, kindness and affection are their weaknesses. We just need to exploit them."

"As an agent of the Melander Foundation, I think you did the right thing. But as a person—I don't like this behavior." The Tin Man sighed, as if feeling sorry. "You know, we have no intention of becoming enemies with Noah Kyrielight."

"She'll be fine. Our new commander-in-chief has done nothing wrong—" Parvis shook his head. "It's just that we want to change the world through the Blacklight virus she hid."

There seemed to be some kind of fire burning under Parvez's old face.

"Next, I need to give our lovely Bait Miss some [self-protection tools]."

-

When the Meiland Foundation infiltrated Rhine Life, not everyone was unaware. The first person to notice something was amiss was Ms. Yara from the Human Resources Department. As the director of HR, she was surprised to see a sudden increase in applications to join Rhine Life. Initially, she assumed it was because the new general manager's speech was so inspiring, it had attracted many enthusiastic young people.

But after careful consideration, she found some people were a little strange——

It's not that there's something wrong with the resume, but that it's too perfect. Among the resumes for applying to join Rhine Life, some can almost be called "model essays." They are the type that Yara would have accepted blindly under normal circumstances.

Not only are the academic qualifications, essays, but even the letters of recommendation are very complete, some of which are even written personally by the presidents of the Columbia University Association.

This face...is not small at all.

If it was just one or two, it would be fine, but recently there have been more than a dozen resumes, which is something you only see once in ten years.

There must be something wrong when things are abnormal. If even one's own investigative ability can't find out what's wrong, then this group of fresh blood that wants to join Rhine Life may be mostly [poisonous blood].

Alas, the new governor is good in every way except that he is too high-profile.

Because it is estimated that there are many people who are interested in the new commander-in-chief because of his actions, it is normal for these people to want to insert spies into Rhine Life.

And there is no reason for her former employer, the Melander Foundation, not to get involved.

After sorting out the logic, Yara, a former agent, called Noah.

——General, I want to discuss something with you.

Chapter 36: Desire

"—I see. I understand."

Yara's announcement didn't surprise Noah. It would have been strange if no one had brought anyone in. After her high-profile announcement of her entry into aerospace, the number of people interested in Rhine Life would only increase. However, not long after she hung up the phone, Muirseth arrived at her office.