Xia Chujian was now completely on Lù Shǔ's side and even deeply regretted revealing information about Lù Shǔ to Zong Ruoning.
She had already made up her mind to brush it off.
Pointing deep into the forest, Xia Chujian said, "Go! Hurry! Hide there, at least until all us aliens have left!"
The Lù Shǔ seemed to understand her gesture.
The Lù Shǔ that had carried her here earlier let out several calls, their voices melodious and pleasant, like a bright, cheerful song.
Xia Chujian listened, entranced.
Then the Lù Shǔ raced in the direction Xia Chujian had pointed, as if riding clouds and mist.
Only then did Xia Chujian leave with peace of mind.
As she walked back, she sent a message to her Expedition Team.
Xia Chujian: There aren't any Rare Plants here. Let's change locations.
Just then, Zong Ruoning sent her a message as well.
Zong Ruoning: Chujian, did you really discover Lù Shǔ?! I just looked it up. They're incredibly, incredibly rare animals, supposedly not native to the Beichen Galaxy! Even in other star systems, they went extinct in ancient times! Zong Ruoning: If what you found really is Lù Shǔ, don't hesitate. Bring them back immediately. I'll be responsible for transporting them back to the Beichen Galaxy, and it won't count toward the school assignment.
Xia Chujian pursed her lips and replied to Zong Ruoning.
Xia Chujian: Teacher Zong, sorry, I lost them. They ran too fast. The moment I got within one li of them, they vanished without a trace.
Zong Ruoning: ...Mm, it's fine. These are animals that went extinct in other star systems during ancient times. If they can survive here, their ability to protect themselves must be first-rate. It's normal that you couldn't catch up.
Zong Ruoning: But how did you