Chapter 398: He Really Has a Problem

Tang Qingwen wiped his face. “What can we do now? We’ll just honestly explain to their families.”

Jiang Hong glanced at the two of them. “Our people have found several large animal tracks nearby, so it’s clear that this area is not safe. Since you’ve noticed, there’s no need to hide. Stay with our people; it’ll be safer.”

Tang Qingwen and Wu Botong exchanged a glance. Both of them thought this was the best solution. Especially after seeing the pieces of their companion left behind, they were even more determined to stay with the soldiers for protection.

At this point, they realized only these soldiers could guarantee their safety.

So, when Jiang Hong led them to where the researchers were, the new additions to their team immediately attracted curious looks from everyone around.

“They are from the geology team. From now on, they’ll stay with us,” Jiang Hong explained to the group.

Shen Zhou stepped forward and warmly introduced himself, “Hello, welcome to join us. My name is Shen Zhou. If you need anything, feel free to come to me.”

“Hello, may we sit down for a moment?” Tang Qingwen looked visibly upset.

Shen Zhou quickly nodded, “Of course. You can sit here for now. Do you need something to eat? I’ll bring you some food!”

“Thank you, we’re not hungry right now,” Wu Botong responded.

Shen Zhou saw the sadness in their eyes and realized they were grieving, so he moved aside to give them some space.

As soon as he left, Tang Qingwen and Wu Botong couldn’t hold back their tears.

With two new people in the team, the researchers began to approach Jiang Hong, curious about what had happened.

Jiang Hong had originally intended not to share the details, but seeing everyone come to ask, he decided to explain.

“This is the situation: I believe we should stop this expedition. We’ll halt here and not proceed further. If we keep going, I can’t guarantee what might happen along the way,” he said, after much consideration.

“Comrade Jiang, are we really just turning back? We haven’t found the R-country people who went into the mountain yet,” a voice, full of emotion, suddenly spoke up.

Jiang Hong followed the voice and saw Ye Fan standing there, looking agitated. His deep eyes locked onto him for a long time.

Ye Fan grew flustered, avoiding eye contact for a moment, and awkwardly smiled. “Comrade Jiang, why are you looking at me like that? Is there something wrong with my face?”

Jiang Hong gave him a half-smile. “Comrade Ye seems especially eager for us to continue into the deep mountains, huh?”

Ye Fan’s smile froze, but he quickly recovered, his awkward grin returning. “Comrade Jiang, do you have some misunderstanding of me? I just think we haven’t finished our main task. If we leave now, wouldn’t it be like giving up halfway?”

Jiang Hong sneered inwardly. He was now sure that Ye Fan had something off about him. But what exactly he was up to, Jiang Hong hadn’t figured out yet.

“Comrade Ye doesn’t need to worry. Our people have already searched this area. There are no large footprints, only those of wild animals. Even if these people did enter the mountain, they would likely end up as prey for those animals. The body parts we found earlier are the best proof of that.”

Ye Fan’s expression darkened slightly as he glanced at Jiang Hong, biting his lip without saying another word.

“I think Comrade Jiang is right. The deep mountains are indeed dangerous. And along the way, everyone has found their research subjects. So this trip hasn’t been in vain. We don’t need to continue and risk our lives to those wild animals. That wouldn’t be worth it,” Wu Lai suddenly said loudly.

The researchers who had been hesitant now started discussing among themselves whether they should go down the mountain or not.

Nearby, Ye Fan overheard their conversation and looked anxious.

“Everyone, don’t you want to find the legendary Hundred Immortal Grass? It can cure diseases, beautify the skin, and even prolong life,” he whispered, sneaking up behind the group.

Upon hearing this, the researchers who had previously favored returning now quickly changed their minds. After all, who wouldn’t want something that could prolong life and improve their appearance?

Under the tree, Jiang Hong watched the group of researchers discussing, his face wearing a mocking expression.

“Dear, do you believe that while they’re discussing so heatedly, they’ll soon send someone over to tell me they want to stay and not go down the mountain?” he asked with a grin.

Li Yiyi glanced at a shadow lurking behind the group and sneered. “I believe you.”

“Dear, I’m now certain that Ye Fan has something wrong with him. I suspect that all this talk about the expedition is fake, and his letter to you had another purpose,” Jiang Hong lowered his voice and confided in her.

Li Yiyi raised an eyebrow upon hearing his suspicion. “Are you saying he deliberately lured me here?”

Jiang Hong glanced at the figure standing not far off, his gaze deep. “It’s possible. But I still haven’t figured out what he’s really after. I’ve already sent someone down the mountain to investigate his identity.”

Li Yiyi pursed her lips, a bit angry with herself. “I’m so angry with myself. I was deceived by him. I thought he was someone interested in traditional medicine. I never imagined he had other motives. I shouldn’t have let him join us on this trip.”

Now, it felt like she had a ticking time bomb next to her. The feeling was truly uncomfortable.

Seeing her pinching her palm with her nails, Jiang Hong felt a pang of sympathy. He gently pried her hand open. “Stop pinching yourself, your palm’s turning red. And don’t blame yourself. We didn’t expect this guy to be so deep in hiding, even fooling the people sent to investigate him.”

Li Yiyi took a deep breath and started reflecting on everything she had talked about with Ye Fan.