Chapter 243

May 1st, 9:00 AM

At nine o'clock in the morning, Amiya led her team here.

Rhodes Island is collaborating with Rhine Lab this time, and they will be exchanging medical personnel. She brought several intern Medical Operator, who will be assigned to different departments.

This collaboration was personally ordered by Kristen, which at least guarantees that they will be treated fairly.

The handover procedures between the two pharmaceutical companies were completed quickly. They soon signed a cooperation agreement and exchanged the necessary medical data.

Eve, wearing a monitoring ring, obediently stood with Hemo. She even waved and greeted Exusiai and the others happily upon their arrival.

As they were about to part, Director General Kristen appeared. Her attitude was extremely respectful, showing no sign of disrespect.

"Mister Zhongli, we don't know when we'll meet again. I've arranged a banquet for you at the largest hotel in Trimon. Would you do me the honor of having a farewell dinner with me?"

The Operator present were quite surprised to hear this.

Was Doctor Zhongli really that capable? She actually received a personal visit from the Director General Rhine Lab Sciences?

Shi Lei does things according to his own whims. Whether he eats it or not is irrelevant to him; he doesn't want to create unnecessary complications.

"Forget it, we can talk about it another time."

Ark Pictures

307 But, snow... 4K

Although Kristen was politely declined, she wasn't upset. She was already very grateful that 'God' had been so generous in answering her questions about the Starry Sky and the universe.

Perhaps because the two parties are not yet familiar enough, it is understandable that they would refuse simply because they are partners.

"Alright, then so be it. If Mister Zhongli comes to Trimon in the future, please let me know. That way, I can show him some hospitality."

To see such respect shown to a renowned Director General in the scientific community was astonishing to both Rhine Lab employees and Rhodes Island Operator.

This man is no ordinary person.

Eve looked around but couldn't spot anyone, so she whispered to the person next to her:

"Heme, where's Saria?"

Hemo looked around the scene and, not seeing Director Saria either, shook his head.

"I don't know, maybe he's at work."

"Hemo, but what if I want to see her?"

Saria is the Savior who pulled Ifrit from the ruins, and she holds a very high place in her heart.

"Well... let me ask around for you."

Hemo went to the back of the line, took out his phone, and called Saria. Saria had left her contact information when she visited the Structure Department, saying to contact her if needed.

"Hello?"

"Director Saria, I'm so sorry to interrupt your work. Ifrit is leaving this morning, and she wants to see you one last time before she goes."

There was a brief silence on the other end of the microphone.

"Hemo, I'm very sorry. Due to some special reasons, I resigned last night. In my current capacity, it's not appropriate for me to enter the Rhine Lab Park."

"Ah?"

Hemo was completely taken aback by this turn of events, finding Director Saria's resignation utterly unexpected. She would feel deeply saddened if her idol were to leave like this.

"Then, why don't you come to Rhodes Island? With you there, no one can hurt Ifrit."

Saria had originally planned to go to Penguin Logistics, became conflicted and undecided upon hearing this:

"Hemo, let me think about it some more. You're currently in the handover phase, right? How long will it take before you leave Trimon?"

"The handover is complete, and we should be leaving after noon. Do you need me to buy you some time?"

"No need, I'll get there as soon as possible. Tell Ifrit I won't abandon her."

When Saria said those words, she had already made her decision in her heart.

"Okay, I'll pass it on to her."

Ifrit was somewhat disappointed to learn that Saria couldn't come. But since she said she wouldn't give up on him, she must be trying to find a way to get to Rhodes Island.

After the handover was completed, Amiya and the others led their team away from the scene. Shi Lei got into Texas's car and sat in the passenger seat, pretending to doze off with his eyes closed.

He wasn't sleepy at all; he just didn't want to cultivate any relationships. Seeing him close his eyes, Kristen wisely refrained from disturbing him.

Croissant's pickup truck was loaded with Trimon amusement park merchandise in the back. Of the entire Special Operations Team, she had the best business acumen.

After leaving the amusement park yesterday, Croissant felt she hadn't bought enough, so she drove back. Once these souvenirs arrive in Lungmen after traveling thousands of kilometers, their prices will have multiplied several times over.

As the car moved forward, the scenery outside the window rushed past. Ifrit turned and knelt on the back seat, watching the Rhine Lab, which carried her memories, recede into the distance.

Fortunately, upon arriving at This Ship, she encountered Saria, who had driven there. Ignoring the stares of those around her, Ifrit excitedly rushed over and hugged her waist.

"Saria! You didn't lie to me, you really came! I was so scared, scared that you would leave me..."

Amiya looked puzzled when she saw the head of Rhine Lab's Defense Department there.

"La Signora. Saria, you don't seem to be on the list of personnel we exchanged with your company, do you?"

"I'm not here, but I resigned last night. You're the leader of Rhodes Island, right? Can I join Rhodes Island as a free agent?"

Amiya's pupils dilated slightly, feeling that happiness had come so suddenly. The fact that a powerful figure like the founder of Rhine Lab had joined Rhodes Island was something she had never even dared to dream of.

"No problem, of course!"

After receiving an affirmative answer, Saria took the initiative to walk towards the Special Operations Team and said to Shi Lei:

"Mister Zhongli, I'm so sorry. I've thought about it for a long time, but I still can't let go of Ifrit. I'm afraid we won't be able to work together in the future."

"It's alright, just follow your heart."

Shi Lei wasn't particularly interested in any of this; if Saria wanted to come, she could, and if she didn't, that was fine too. He made an excuse about staying up late the night before and went back to his room early to continue reading.

The return route is almost identical to the one taken on the way there. After leaving Columbia, head east from the border between Scherzag and Kazimierz. The route will pass through northern Sargon and southern Ursus, continuing until you reach Lungmen.

After a week, Rhodes Island left Columbia, having made some stops and starts along the way.

On May 7, the This Ship docked at a small village near the foot of the snow-capped mountains. As is customary, two medical teams, one escort team, and Special Operations Team were dispatched to the village to provide assistance to those infected.

Hemo and Joyce were among those participating in this rescue operation. Now part of Rhodes Island, they wanted to experience firsthand the daily work on the island.

Ifrit had never seen snow-capped mountains before and was filled with curiosity about the snowy scenery outside the ship, clamoring to go out and play.

Shi Lei figured the Special Operations Team would have nothing to do, so he agreed to her request. With him keeping an eye on her, he could ensure Ifrit's safety.

Saria, unaware of his strength, silently trailed behind the others, like a taciturn parent.

Seeing this, the outgoing Exusiai took the initiative to strike up a conversation. However, Saria's attitude was very polite, making her feel that the conversation was being forced and awkward.

Actually, Saria wasn't much older than them, less than ten years apart. Exusiai just felt that the two of them wouldn't spark any chemistry.

Miss Nian is also a woman of few words, yet there's no sense of distance between them. Although everyone often jokes around with her, they treat her as a true friend.

The Special Operations Team members knew the way well. After entering the village, they questioned the villagers standing outside their houses. If someone was hiding inside, it meant they didn't want to be seen, so they shouldn't be disturbed.

After walking around for half the time, I didn't need any help.

In these small villages far from Mobile Cities, material needs are minimal. Coupled with their remote location, they haven't been tempted by the Internet and the allure of the outside world.

I'm content as long as I have work to do every day, enough to eat, and some savings; I don't have many worldly desires.

Furthermore, they are somewhat wary of tourists from other places. They will only ask for help if it is something they cannot solve themselves.

After touring the village, Shi Lei and his group felt that only the dry well at the village entrance could be repaired. If it could still produce water, the villagers wouldn't have to travel further to fetch water.

The narrow well opening made it difficult for a normal person to descend. Judging from the moss on the well walls, it hadn't been abandoned for too long. Before Shi Lei could even make a move, Miss Nian volunteered:

"Let me do it."

During her three-month business trip, she basically did nothing. Now that her return date is fast approaching, Xi is eager to make a good impression in order to gain the favor of the Archon fragment.

Shi Lei didn't argue with her, and simply shrugged, indicating that she should do as she pleased.

Miss Nian used her hands as a brush and her fingers as ink. With a few simple strokes, two Ink Specter jumped into the well.

This was the first time Saria had ever seen such Originium Arts, and she couldn't help but show a surprised expression.

I never expected Rhodes Island to be so full of talented people; I've really come to the right place this time.

Shortly after, Miss Nian explained to Shi Lei based on the information that Ink Specter had gathered:

"There are signs of groundwater below, but the bottom of the well is covered with a very thick layer of ice. It is estimated that the villagers were unable to break through the ice and were forced to abandon the well."

Exusiai stood at the edge of the well, poked her head out, peered down for a moment, and then withdrew her head:

"There's no need to go down. We can just light a bomb from above and drop it down to break the ice, right?"

Lappland was speechless upon hearing this, and then continued:

"You think there's explosives everywhere? With their capabilities, the most they can do is boil water and pour it down."

"Boom!"

Suddenly, a strange loud noise was heard.

The crowd looked in the direction of the sound and saw the snow-capped mountains, covered in a pristine white expanse. Although they had heard something unusual, they didn't know why such a sound was coming from.

The villagers were very familiar with this strange noise, and they all came out of their houses to listen carefully. They judged the seriousness of the matter based on the volume.

"Boom!"

Shi Lei's eyesight is far beyond that of ordinary people; as long as there is nothing obstructing his view, he can see very far.

As far as the eye can see, there is only pure Shirayuki. Large chunks of snow cascade down like waterfalls with unstoppable force. The snow dust and mist stirred up by the snow fill the air, creating a spectacular sight from afar.

"Oh no, it's an avalanche. Croissant, go and call Amiya and the other squads to retreat back to the ship first."

Saria's eyes widened upon hearing this, but she saw nothing. Judging from the intensity of the noise, she determined that the source was at least one or two kilometers away.

Just then, the villagers erupted in chaos. Based on their ancestors' experience, they judged that a great calamity was about to befall them.

"Oh no! The Mountain God is angry!"

"Old woman, hurry and pack your things! The Mountain God is coming! The Mountain God is coming!"

Upon hearing this, Shi Lei looked into the distance again. But he only saw an avalanche, not the Mountain God. Perhaps the Mountain God was a superstitious term used by the local villagers to refer to avalanches.

Judging by the ferocity of the snow, it's estimated that the heavy snow will reach the village in a few minutes. The This Ship, which is anchored nearby, will likely be affected.

"Boom!"

The continuous strange noises drew Amiya and the others out to investigate. Hearing Croissant shout that there was an avalanche, they quickly packed their belongings and orderly evacuated the village.

Saria, holding Ifrit's hand, was about to return to their This Ship when they saw Shi Lei and his group heading towards the avalanche and deeper into the Snowfield.

This crazy act terrified her, and she immediately shouted:

"What are you trying to do? Are you out of your minds? An avalanche is coming! Hey, get out of here!"

Shi Lei heard this but did not respond. Leaving now would inevitably result in damage to the This Ship. Such a large avalanche could affect an area at least ten kilometers in radius.

Running away is impossible.

When the Messenger saw him going against the flow to meet him, they felt reassured and prepared to face the avalanche together.

After informing Amiya, Croissant actually ran back. The man hadn't left, which meant there was no danger. This was the sense of security that Shi Lei provided.

Facing the impact of an avalanche head-on is something most people may never experience in their entire lives; just thinking about it is thrilling.

Seeing Croissant chase after Zhongli, Saria couldn't understand what these people were thinking.

The force of a blizzard is no joke; it can engulf a person in an instant.

Even with Saria's Originium Arts honed to perfection, she still lacked the confidence to withstand a large avalanche. Not only her, but any normal person would be severely injured in the face of an avalanche; there would be no exceptions.

"Come back quickly! Don't go with them!"

Croissant turned around at the sound and saw that Saria and Ifrit were still there, so she called out to them:

"You all go first, La Signora. Saria. Our Special Operations Team will stay behind to Rearguard."

You call this "holding Rearguard"?