The Enigmatic Case of Peng Jiamu: A Scientist's Disappearance
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Chapter 1: The Disappearance of Peng Jiamu
In the 1980s, China was captivated by a perplexing news story: the vanishing of scientist Peng Jiamu. The unusual circumstances surrounding his disappearance sparked widespread speculation, with some theorizing that he had been abducted by foreign agents. Others suggested that he might have time-traveled using the Double Fish Jade Pendant or even encountered extraterrestrial beings. Despite the Chinese government organizing four rescue missions to locate him, his fate remains a mystery.
Chapter 1.1: The Expedition Begins
During his third expedition in the Lop Nur region, Peng Jiamu was driven by a deep commitment to his scientific work. He epitomized the traditional scientist, dedicated to the service of his country and its people. Although the mission began without incident, Peng was not content with the lack of significant discoveries. He yearned to venture deeper into the southeast of Lop Nur.
Peng Jiamu believed that uncovering vital mineral resources in Lop Nur could greatly enhance China’s industrial progress. However, his team expressed concerns about the risks involved in further exploration after their arduous journey. They felt unprepared to safely navigate the treacherous landscape.
Despite their reservations, Peng Jiamu was determined to seize the opportunity. The team ultimately agreed to continue, establishing a rule that if they consumed half of their water or fuel before reaching the halfway point, they would turn back.
The expedition faced significant challenges. They relied on primitive conditions, with water stored in rusting iron barrels, which contaminated their supply. Their navigation technology was outdated, forcing them to manually locate wells marked on their maps.
As their contaminated water dwindled, the team failed to locate any valuable mineral deposits or viable water sources. Although they had agreed to return at this stage, Peng Jiamu pushed on in search of water. Yet, disappointment followed as the landscape offered no relief. A hydrologist on the team concluded that the soil contained only saline-alkali water, rendering it undrinkable.
With insufficient resources for a safe return, they attempted to call for assistance from their base. Tragically, it was during this distress call that Peng Jiamu mysteriously vanished, leaving behind a note: "I’m going east to find a well."
Chapter 1.2: The Search Efforts
Upon discovering his absence, the team immediately launched a search but found no trace. The following day, a helicopter joined the search operations. Despite spotting animals on the ground, they could not locate Peng Jiamu.
China initiated four additional search missions, committed to uncovering his fate. Despite scouring the area and finding remains of small creatures, there was no sign of Peng.
Chapter 2: Theories Surrounding His Disappearance
Various theories have emerged regarding Peng Jiamu’s fate. Some speculate that he traveled through time with the Double Fish Jade Pendant. However, this theory is flawed since the pendant was excavated after his disappearance.
Another suggestion is that he defected or was kidnapped by foreign powers. However, this notion also lacks credibility, as Lop Nur is remote, and surviving alone without food or water would have been impossible. Furthermore, any foreign agents would have faced significant challenges in executing such an operation unnoticed.
Though Peng Jiamu's remains have never been found, many scientists theorize that he likely perished under the harsh conditions of Lop Nur. The area is known for its Yardang landforms, and it is plausible that he was buried under falling rocks while seeking shelter from a sandstorm, complicating rescue efforts.
