Kiem's Unsolved Mysteries

THE WORLD'S GREATEST RESEARCH HAS BEEN MADE

Kiem's face drained of color. The implications were impossible to ignore. This had to be connected – to Adler's frantic arrival, his cryptic words, and the ransacked lab. But how? Who would announce such a momentous discovery on a flimsy roadside flier? Gripping the flier in a white-knuckled fist, Kiem quickened his pace towards his office. The mystery deepened, and the urgency to unravel it intensified. He needed answers, and he needed them fast.

Kiem pocketed the flier, his mind racing. The message was clear - someone was broadcasting the news about the research, and that someone might be behind the break-in at the lab. The watermark on the flier provided a crucial lead: the printer.

Kiem hurried towards his office building, the flier clutched tightly in his hand. Every step felt urgent, fueled by a need to get back to his computer and research the printing company. Once there, he wasted no time booting up his system and using the watermark details to track down the company's address.

The address on the flier led them to an older part of town, lined with buildings that spoke of a bygone era. Kiem parked his car and approached the printer's office with a mix of apprehension and determination. Perhaps the company could shed light on who had ordered the fliers or even offer security camera footage from the time of printing.

Kiem's stomach clenched. The office boy's refusal was a setback, but not a dead end. Kiem took a deep breath, trying to project calmness despite the churning worry in his gut. A forceful approach wouldn't work here.

"I understand this might seem unusual," Kiem began, his voice measured, "but this information is very important. The message on this flier" - Kiem held up the flier - "might be connected to a crime. Someone may be in danger." He softened his gaze slightly. "If you could tell me who ordered these fliers, it would be a huge help. I would be very grateful."

A flicker of relief washed over Kiem. The office boy's hesitation wasn't a complete dismissal. "Thank you," Kiem said sincerely. "I appreciate you understanding the urgency."

The office boy nodded and disappeared through a doorway marked "Manager's Office." Kiem took a moment to compose themself, smoothing out his clothes and straightening the flier in his hand. Every minute felt like an eternity, the silence punctuated only by the rhythmic ticking of a wall clock.

Finally, the door creaked open and the office boy emerged, followed by a woman with a sharp gaze and a no-nonsense air. This must be the manager, Kiem thought, mentally bracing themself.

The manager's firm but apologetic reply hit Kiem like a punch to the gut. "I understand your concern," she said, her voice clipped but professional. "However, revealing customer information is a serious breach of confidentiality. It could put not only my business but also the customer at risk of legal repercussions."

Disappointment gnawed at Kiem. This was another dead end. Yet, he couldn't give up. "Is there anything else you can tell me?" Kiem pressed, his voice laced with desperation. "Perhaps a description of the person who ordered the fliers, anything at all?"

The manager studied don't Kiem for a moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she sighed. "Look," she said, leaning in slightly, "the person who ordered these fliers paid in cash and used a fake name. There's not much I can do about that. But" - she paused, a flicker of something akin to sympathy crossing her eyes - "these fliers are more than a little unusual. He exactly screams 'legitimate business announcement.'"

A spark of hope within Kiem. "So, what does that mean?"

The manager shrugged. "It means it could be a prank, some kind of elaborate joke. Or," she said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "it could be something more. But without more information, it's impossible to say for sure."

Kiem thanked the manager for her time, a sliver of hope clinging to his chest. The manager's words offered a new perspective. Maybe the flier wasn't a public announcement, but a targeted message. If he could figure out who the intended recipient was, it might lead them closer to the truth. With a renewed sense of purpose, Kiem stepped back out into the bustling city street, the flier clutched tightly in his hand. The mystery remained, but now, Kiem had a new direction to explore.