Su Xiaotian had no doubt that the robbers had other accomplices.
If her exposure due to the photos might lead to unnecessary trouble, Su Xiaotian decided to finish her breakfast quickly and return to a safe place.
Su Xiaotian thought about it, and then she did it.
Ten minutes later, she was back in her room.
Su Xiaotian looked at the schedule for the day.
Her schedule was quite full today. In the morning, she needed to meet with local trade officials along with Minister Duan and others.
This was a formal meeting, and security should be comprehensive. In such a setting, her safety would be guaranteed.
The afternoon’s itinerary was a visit, also an internal activity with no risks.
There would be a banquet in the evening with a small number of attendees, and it should also be safe.
Su Xiaotian carefully reviewed the schedule for the next few days.
The truly unsafe period would be after the exhibition began.
This expo would start on the third day and last for three days.
Many people would attend such an event, from all walks of life.
If the robbers had accomplices, she had no doubt they would make their move during this time.
She would have to be extremely careful then. It would be best to disguise herself over the next two days, so as not to be recognized as the Oriental woman who apprehended the robber in the mall.
Su Xiaotian pondered the possibility of transforming herself into a relatively unfamiliar person through makeup.
She felt the possibility was quite high. While her facial features might not change significantly, makeup could greatly alter a person's aura.
That day, for convenience, she had worn very casual sportswear and tied her hair into a simple bun.
Su Xiaotian immediately decided to transform her entire appearance into that of a standard, professional, powerful woman.
After putting on her skirt suit, Su Xiaotian casually blow-dried her hair into large waves and then secured it with a hairpin.
She also made minor adjustments to her facial features.
Looking at her somewhat unfamiliar reflection in the mirror, Su Xiaotian felt much more at ease.
This should be enough. Abroad, many people couldn't easily distinguish between Chinese faces. With a change in aura, she would likely not be recognized, right?
The police in Country L knew about the incident, but they should have their professional ethics and wouldn't leak her information, would they?
Meanwhile, Minister Duan and Wei Junwu had no idea that Su Xiaotian might be facing new troubles.
They were currently preoccupied with the exhibition that was to begin the day after tomorrow.
According to the organizers' requirements, each participating delegation had to showcase three types of fabrics at this exhibition.
Furthermore, during the three days of the exhibition, these three fabrics had to be made into three different styles of clothing.
China had also made arrangements and preparations accordingly.
They had specifically selected three suitable fabrics domestically for the exhibition. To prevent information leaks, only Wei Junwu was fully aware of this matter.
Just now, they learned that two other neighboring country delegations had prepared the same fabrics and clothing styles as them.
Even that would be acceptable, but what was more troublesome was that the appearances of these two delegations were scheduled before theirs.
People tend to form initial impressions.
If the other party appeared first, the Chinese delegation would be at a disadvantage.
When the delegates from these two countries proudly announced this news this morning, the two leading officials immediately became anxious.
Then, without even eating properly, they returned to their rooms to brainstorm solutions.
"Minister Duan, this problem is very difficult to solve. We are in a tough spot this time!" Wei Junwu looked troubled.
"Although we don't know why our fabrics and clothing styles were leaked, now that they have been, if we proceed as originally planned, we will be at a significant disadvantage, and it might even affect China's reputation."
Minister Duan had not expected to encounter such a thorny issue while leading the delegation abroad.
He would not believe this was a coincidence. Judging by the other party's demeanor, it was definitely not a coincidence.
The other party must have planned this in advance, perhaps even bribing staff back in China.
This meant that the formulas for the fabrics they brought might have already been leaked.
And these people had spent a great deal of money with the sole purpose of undermining China.
China was a major textile power, and to suppress China's textile industry at this international event would be a significant blow to China.
"Minister Duan, I believe the clothing styles and fabrics were leaked back in China," Wei Junwu said with a frown.
This was not him shirking responsibility, but rather his genuine belief.
He had kept possession of all three fabrics and was certain they had never left his sight, so no one else could have seen them.
Even if they had seen them, it would not have been enough time for the other party to prepare the same fabrics.
Now, for the other party to directly claim to have the same fabrics could only mean they had obtained the fabric formulas long ago, or had purchased the fabrics directly.
Coupled with the issue of clothing styles, he couldn't believe it wasn't a premeditated act.
"That's likely the case. But it's too late to discuss that now. The biggest problem is how we are going to handle this exhibition," Minister Duan said, anxiously running a hand through his hair.
He was already somewhat bald, with sparse hair on top, and this gesture made one worry that his bald spots would only increase.
"All the major factories have brought their own fabrics to exhibit. We can only search for fabrics that meet the competition criteria."
Although Wei Junwu said this, he knew that even the fabrics brought by the factories could not compare to the newly developed silk.
The two of them wanted to continue their research, but by then, time was running short, and they needed to depart for the venue.
A total of six people were going to the venue, traveling in two cars.
Su Xiaotian happened to be in the same car as Wei Junwu and Minister Duan.
On the way, Su Xiaotian had something on her mind and didn't say much.
The other two were even more preoccupied and unwilling to speak a word.
They subconsciously glanced at Su Xiaotian, feeling that something about the young girl had changed, but they couldn't quite pinpoint what was different.
Su Xiaotian subtly observed the two, noticing their unusual mood.
Su Xiaotian assumed that these two were upset because of her situation.
The usually fearless young girl behaved uncharacteristically meekly, like a quail, not daring to say a word.
She didn't want to displease these two important figures and have them lecture her again.
However, the two did not remain silent for long, nor did they say anything else to Su Xiaotian.
They had more important matters to resolve.
Fortunately, the driver was one of their own, and Su Xiaotian was a comrade they could trust.
Finally, the two began to discuss solutions.
Su Xiaotian was quite surprised when she heard them discussing the fabric issue.
She knew that the delegation had a mission this time, and it was said that they had several precious fabrics intended for use at this exhibition.
However, why were the two leaders now discussing which fabrics to use for the competition?
Su Xiaotian did not rashly ask for details but patiently listened to their conversation.