Before Deanna could ask, her master's serious voice came through the phone again.
"This information, only you and Lionel should see it. Do not let a third person view it. Once you crack the code, choose someone you trust to develop the special medicine. Remember, even the people I recommended may not be loyal. You must use your own judgment."
"I understand. Is it safe where you are?"
Hearing her master's cautious tone, Deanna knew the information was significant and felt worried for him.
Her master laughed, "Don't worry, I'm quite cunning."
From his words, Deanna understood that her master did not want to discuss his situation further.
Unable to do anything, she changed the subject and asked about the questions she had accumulated from her readings.
They talked for nearly an hour before hanging up.
After putting down the phone, Deanna's expression grew serious.
Lance noticed the change in her demeanor and asked with concern, "What's wrong? Why do you look so serious?"
"I feel that my master is in a difficult situation, but he doesn't want me to know."
Deanna shared her thoughts.
She then looked at Lance for help, "I'm worried about my master. Can you secretly protect him for me?"
To her, Lance had always been a strong presence, capable of handling anything.
Faced with Deanna's plea, Lance naturally did not refuse.
"Do you know where your master is? I'll arrange for someone to go there later."
"Uh, I only know he's in Abla. He didn't tell me the exact location."
Deanna spoke with a hint of apology.
Seeing this, Lance understood her thoughts and chuckled, "It's okay if you don't know. I'll have someone investigate."
"Thank you for your help."
Deanna looked at him gratefully.
Lance, seeing her smile, remembered something else.
If Deanna's master was in trouble, as his only disciple and someone managing a research institute, Deanna would likely face those troubles eventually.
With this in mind, Lance decided to bring Shannon and her sister's protection back into the open.
"Deanna, I need to discuss something with you."
"What is it?"
Deanna asked instinctively.
Lance explained, "You mentioned that your master might be in trouble. If he can't resolve it, as his only disciple, those troubles will find you sooner or later. For your safety and my peace of mind, I want to place Shannon and her sister back by your side to protect you openly and secretly."
Hearing this, Deanna knew Lance wanted to protect her.
Remembering her master's serious tone on the phone, she did not refuse.
After all, she didn't want anything to happen to herself and make everyone worry.
After resting for a day, early the next morning, Deanna arrived at the research institute with Shannon under Lance's escort.
Inside, she told Shannon, "I usually stay in the lab. If you're bored in the office, you can go to the second-floor lounge. There's a gym and a home theater."
"I understand. Missus, please focus on your work and don't worry about me."
Shannon replied respectfully.
Deanna nodded and then took her to the office.
Soon after, Brent came over to report on what had happened at the institute while Deanna was away.
Fortunately, there were no major issues. After listening, Deanna smiled lightly, "In the future, there's no need to report such minor matters to me."
"As you wish, Miss."
Brent bowed slightly.
Shannon watched from the side, a glint of something in her eyes quickly fading away.
Deanna didn't notice and waved Brent off.
Soon, only she and Shannon were left in the office.
She picked up the desk phone and called Lionel over.
Not long after, Lionel walked in.
Seeing Deanna's cautious demeanor, he frowned slightly and asked, "Did something happen?"
"Not exactly. Yesterday I contacted my master and reported our situation here. He gave me some information."
Deanna said as she took out a printed document from her handbag and placed it on the table. She continued, "According to my master, if we crack the code in this document, we'll get information about the special medicine."
Lionel looked surprised and then extremely excited.
"Are you serious? Is it really information about the special medicine?"
He looked at Deanna with shining eyes.
Deanna's expression was serious as she replied, "That's what my master said. It should be true."