Chapter 245
He only needs to feel comfortable and have a sense of accomplishment; he doesn't need sincere thanks from others.
The villagers here are already poor, and once they know the truth, they will most likely offer what they consider to be their best. Shi Lei doesn't lack these things and doesn't want to keep making excuses. So he explained the situation to his colleagues, cutting off any potential future offers in advance.
"Haha, you're in charge."
This Ship, deck.
Upon hearing of the avalanche, Amiya immediately led her team back. It wasn't until a headcount was taken that they discovered the entire Special Operations Team hadn't returned.
This put her in a great hurry, and she wanted to send people to search. But in the face of an avalanche, every person who went would die.
Saria and Ifrit were the last to board the ship, bringing news about the Special Operations Team:
"Zhongli went in the direction of the avalanche and there was no way to stop her. I called them several times, but they wouldn't listen at all. They even told the two of us to come back first and said they Rearguard."
To Rearguard?
Ace and Scout exchanged a glance, both seeing the complex emotions in each other's eyes.
This is an avalanche! How can this be used to Rearguard?
309 Texas, you're so cruel! 3K
The Rhodes Island Operator stood on the deck, hesitating whether to go down and find the Special Operations Team.
The main difference is that searching now versus searching after the avalanche has ended presents two completely different levels of difficulty.
If an avalanche comes soon after, going down there would be practically suicide. Human strength is so insignificant in the face of nature.
Seeing everyone's hesitant expressions, Mudrock, who had been assigned by Shi Lei to protect Amiya, was somewhat unhappy.
Her master could have walked but didn't; he must have gone to stop the avalanche. He wasn't afraid to sacrifice himself, but these people were so afraid of dying, which made her very unhappy.
It's boring, really boring.
Mudrock used to be a minor leader in a mercenary group in Kazdel. He was so desperate that he couldn't stay there any longer, so he joined the Rhodes Island with the mercenaries he trusted.
After meeting Shi Lei, she and the Sarkaz mercenaries were reborn. They lived a peaceful and tranquil life that they never dared to dream of before.
From a normal perspective, the Rhodes Island operator's concerns are understandable. However, Mudrock considers Shi Lei her faith, her only one. From her personal standpoint, she would feel that hesitation is tantamount to betrayal.
Of course, Mudrock wouldn't criticize these people. Because saying anything more would be pointless.
Holding the Rock Hammer her master had made, she took two steps forward and said somewhat resentfully:
"If you're unwilling to go, I will."
Having said that, Mudrock left the deck and headed down the stairs to the ground.
She hadn't gone far when she suddenly felt a surge of energy fill her body and mind. She immediately realized Shi Lei was back, and with a smile on her face, she quickly walked down the stairs.
Just as Mudrock had predicted, the six members of the Special Operations Team returned unharmed.
She rushed forward excitedly, wanting to hug him. But then she remembered that many people were watching from the deck, so she suppressed her joy and stared at Shi Lei, asking:
"My lord, are you alright?"
Shi Lei looked up at the sound and saw Mudrock's concerned gaze. He reached out and stroked her white hair as if she were a child, grinning as he said:
"Don't worry, what could possibly happen to me? Look, we're back safe and sound."
She enjoyed her master's caresses, her smile widening as she continued to ask:
"What about avalanches?"
Seeing that there were no Rhodes Island operator around, and knowing that Mudrock could keep quiet, Shi Lei didn't hide anything. This was to avoid any information asymmetry and unnecessary misunderstandings.
"I stopped the avalanche, but don't go around telling everyone. Only a few of us know about it right now, no one else knows."
Mudrock nodded heavily; she wouldn't tell those guys on Rhodes Island.
But now, Mudrock had something else he wanted to know even more, and asked with his big red eyes:
"My lord, you entrusted me with the protection of Amiya in Trimon, but she has already left Columbia. How long will it take for me to protect her before I can return?"
Mudrock enjoys the energetic state it experiences when it's within a certain range of its owner. Sometimes, even when they don't see each other, it feels like the owner is right beside it.
Shi Lei felt quite helpless about assigning her as his bodyguard. Mainly because, currently, only she could handle the job independently without his help.
Colleagues like Texas, Exusiai, and Croissant are practically worn out by the Jade Shield. They won't take on bodyguard jobs unless I'm around.
Miss Nian doesn't work for Penguin Logistics, and she's the younger sister whom I take care of. Asking for help with something like this is really a bit unreasonable.
After considering all options, only Mudrock can perform bodyguard duties without relying on the Jade Shield. There are currently no suitable replacements, so we'll have to make do for now.
"Mudrock, there are still more than twenty days left. Just bear with it a little longer. The Special Operations Team also has a mission to carry out, otherwise I would have gone in your place."
"It's alright, sir. I know your difficulties; I was just asking, nothing more."
Mudrock still remembered the wish her master had promised her. However, she hadn't yet decided what kind of wish to make.
"Da da da".
The two stopped talking as soon as they heard the Rhodes Island Operator coming down the stairs to the ground. They'd already said what needed to be said; there was no need to say it in front of outsiders.
"Mister Zhongli, thank you for your hard work. I haven't heard any more noises. Is it because the avalanche has stopped?"
"That's right."
Shi Lei looked at Amiya and responded politely:
"The avalanche stopped before it reached the village entrance. As for the villagers, they can go back now."
Amiya used Walkie-Talkie to notify the other Operator to bring the villagers to flat ground.
At first, they didn't believe it and stood on high ground, observing with some skepticism. After waiting a long time and hearing nothing unusual, they finally felt completely relieved.
"Thank goodness, the Mountain God has calmed down."
"Old man, see? It works. I often burn incense at the Mountain God, and you always say I'm wasting money."
Shi Lei respected the villagers' beliefs and made no attempt to expose them. He led the members of the Special Operations Team up the stairs to the deck of the This Ship.
Amiya observed from a distance and indeed found no signs of an avalanche. She dispatched a Reconnaissance Squad to check the situation first. Once it was confirmed that there was no danger, further rescue work would proceed.
According to the established route, Rhodes Island will depart from Trimon on May 1st and return to Lungmen around May 22nd or 23rd, which is plenty of time.
They can check if any villagers' houses have collapsed and help with repairs. After all, they don't know when they'll be back after this trip. They need to resolve all the local problems before leaving by ship.
After Shi Lei climbed onto the deck, he walked towards the interior of the ship, intending to go back to his room to find a book to read.
The people behind him all had smiles on their faces.
Texas couldn't hide the sly smile beneath her cold expression because she had just held hands with Shi Lei.
Xi was genuinely happy because she felt that she had at least made some contribution and hadn't been completely unsuccessful.
Mudrock kept thinking about what wish to make, his face showing a secret delight at having thought of something.
Exusiai, Croissant, and Lappland are still recovering from the adrenaline surge caused by the recent avalanche.
The smiles of these people were interpreted in a different way by some Rhodes Island operator.
After Shi Lei and his group entered the ship, ACE frowned and said in a low voice:
"Look how happy they are, did they really stop the avalanche?"
"I don't know, but I think there's a slight possibility. It's just that this is a bit too exaggerated."
"Could it be that the avalanche burned out naturally, which is why they weren't affected?"
Socut looked at him strangely and asked a question:
Do you believe it?
ACE pondered for a moment, then shook his head. Given the enormous roar at the time, the momentum shouldn't have been so weak.
"To be honest, I don't believe it either. Preventing an avalanche sounds too far-fetched. But Mister Zhongli and his team always manage to accomplish the impossible. I look forward to our next collaboration, but I don't know if there will be another opportunity like this in the future."
Shi Lei returned to his room and picked out a geography magazine from his luggage to relax.
As for what the villagers said later about the Mountain God or the miraculous appearance of the spirit, it had nothing to do with him.
Rhodes Island stayed there an extra day, not setting off again until the following morning. They then continued east along the border, passing through Yarbing a few days later.
Because of the conflict that occurred here last time, which resulted in the deaths of many Ursus regulars, our This Ship didn't dare to get too close when it passed by; it just glanced at the ship from a distance and then sailed away.
There are many different opinions about that meteorite on the internet.
Rhodes Island doesn't know what's going on either, but it will keep a close eye on things through its own intelligence channels.
The This Ship revisited several small villages along the way, receiving high praise from the infected residents. Finally, at approximately 4:00 PM on May 31st, it arrived at the Lungmen docking area.
According to the signed contract, the agreement between Penguin Logistics and Rhodes Island ended at 6:00 PM.
Amiya didn't deliberately time things out; she just let the Special Operations Team move some things so they could leave early. They were busy until about five o'clock, so they could leave an hour early.
During this time, Nian, who had been staying in the forging workshop, finally showed up. She looked apologetic and asked Shi Lei to take care of her good-for-nothing sister.
She said she was busy for months at a time and had no time to take care of Xi. She would provide a sum of money as care and living expenses for Xi.
After spending this time together, Xi has gained everyone's approval. Although she is a bit quiet and socially awkward, her personal abilities are impeccable.
Texas was secretly frustrated, feeling that Shi Lei always brought a woman home every time he went out. What would happen if Warehouse No. 3 became full?
Ugh, I'm so tired.
When Eve learned that Shi Lei and the others were leaving, she came to see them off. She was very reluctant to part with them, but all good things must come to an end, and there would eventually be a day of separation.
Shi Lei has removed a large amount of Originium from Eve's body, which will help stabilize her condition in the long term.
All I need to do now is rest and recuperate on Rhodes Island; I shouldn't have another relapse.
With Hemo and Saria taking care of her, Ifrit will surely grow up healthy and happy.
Croissant was eager to get home and drove off. She took advantage of the business trip to buy a large quantity of merchandise from Trimon Amusement Park. Moreover, since she traveled entirely on Rhodes Island's This Ship, the transportation costs were practically zero.
This way, when negotiating with customers, you can factor in the cost of long-distance transportation. By reasonably raising your bottom price, you can obtain Doli.
This is the plan of the business prodigy.
When Lappland saw Croissant was about to leave, she didn't get into her car, but instead stood aside and pretended to be oblivious.
Texas didn't pay much attention at first, only noticing the problem when she was about to leave. Her car had two seats in the front and three squeezed into the back, a maximum of five people. But with six people present, there wasn't enough room.
"Lappland, what are you doing getting on the bus? It's been months already, you should be going back to Syracuse!"
"Hey, given our past relationship, it shouldn't be a problem for me to stay at your place for a few days, right?"
Texas family: Exusiai, FrostNova, and Surtr. With Yui moving in soon, that will make six people, so no more can be added.
"Just staying here? You clearly want to live in my house long-term! I'll count to three and you'd better get out of the car now, or I'll force you to take action."
Upon hearing this, Lappland showed a wronged expression:
"Texas, you're so cruel."
310 Stop clamping! Stop clamping! 3K
"Texas, you're so cruel."
When she wasn't acting crazy, Lappland still had the air of a wealthy heiress. She blinked somewhat affectedly, feigning an innocent and aggrieved expression:
"We used to be inseparable comrades-in-arms, but now we're newcomers..."
Before Lappland could finish speaking, Texas interrupted her with a dark expression. If Shi Lei hadn't been there, she would have wanted to teach her a lesson.
"Didn't we agree that you would only come to Lungmen for a visit during the Spring Festival each year? Tomorrow is June 1st, you clearly want to stay permanently, don't you?"
After speaking, Texas gave Shi Lei a sharp look, signaling him to at least say something in his defense.
Shi Lei was inexplicably brought up, and thinking that what he was doing was indeed against the signed contract, he chimed in:
"I also remember that the contract stipulated that you could come to Lungmen during the Chinese New Year. Now that the New Year is long over, you should go back to Syracuse according to the contract."
Lappland sighed. She joined Penguin Logistics because of Shi Lei. Who would stay and guard that logistics branch in Syracuse all the time?