pdf-ebookys Chapter 354 This Stance
Chapter 354 This Stance
They had all experienced the strangeness of Forest Farm No. 17 before, and if it weren't for the thunderstorm, they would probably still be trapped inside.
“Director Zhao,” Li Xiangyang began cautiously, “the situation at Forest Farm No. 17 is very special. The magnetic interference there is very strong, and without thunderstorms, it’s difficult to get out safely. It’s almost October now, and thunderstorms are becoming increasingly rare. Going in at this time is too risky.”
Director Zhao pondered for a moment, seemingly weighing the pros and cons: "I know that. But the higher-ups have made up their minds to develop the resources there as soon as possible. Don't worry, it won't be just the two of you going in this time; an exploration team will accompany you. Moreover, to cope with possible difficulties, we will provide sufficient supplies and equipment."
Li Xiangyang glanced at Wang Ergou, noticing his apparent hesitation, and tentatively asked, "Director Zhao, could we wait until next spring? There will be more thunderstorms then, which would be much safer."
Director Zhao shook his head, his tone resolute: "This matter has been decided; it can't be delayed any longer. Don't worry, we've made thorough preparations. Besides, didn't you successfully get out once before? With that experience, this time should go even more smoothly."
Li Xiangyang understood that he couldn't refuse, so he nodded in agreement: "Alright, we accept the task. However, we need some time to prepare, and my wife is pregnant..."
Director Zhao waved his hand, interrupting him: "We've considered all of that. You have three days to prepare, and you'll depart in three days. As for your wife, don't worry, we'll take good care of her."
Li Xiangyang wanted to say something more, but seeing Director Zhao's resolute expression, he knew it would be useless to say anything more, so he could only nod silently.
"Alright, it's settled then." Director Zhao stood up, indicating the end of the conversation. "You can all go back and prepare. Meet here in three days."
After leaving the forestry bureau, Li Xiangyang and Wang Ergou remained silent, each pondering their own course of action.
"Xiangyang, this time it might be a bit troublesome," Wang Ergou said in a low voice, his brows furrowed.
Li Xiangyang nodded: "Yes, the No. 17 Forest Farm is a really strange place. If we really get in this time, and the weather doesn't cooperate, we might be stuck until next year."
Wang Ergou sighed: "What can we do? We can't just not go, can we?"
"That's for sure, so we definitely have to go. We need to act quickly. As long as we can reach the designated location by early October, the chances of thunderstorms are small, but not impossible..."
Hearing this, Wang Ergou's eyes lit up: "That's right! But if we delay until mid-October, we can only wait until next spring when there are more thunderstorms."
“Therefore, we need to prepare for both scenarios.” A determined glint flashed in Li Xiangyang’s eyes. “First, make ample preparations in advance to ensure a quick in-and-out journey; second, if we are indeed trapped, at least ensure that everyone has enough supplies to get through the winter.”
"Then let's hurry back and get ready."
……
It was already evening when we returned to Xiaoliang Village.
The autumn sun cast its last rays on the village houses, gilding them with a soft golden hue.
Pushing open the courtyard gate, Li Xiangyang saw Li Xiaoyun collecting clothes in the yard.
Hearing the sound, she turned around, and a smile immediately bloomed on her face.
"You're back! How was your first day at work?" Li Xiaoyun put down her work and walked quickly toward her husband.
Looking at his wife's bulging belly and expectant eyes, Li Xiangyang felt a pang of pity, but he still decided to tell the truth, though he downplayed the danger slightly.
"It's alright. The work is basically set: patrolling the mountains, hunting, and helping with some mountain matters," Li Xiangyang said, leading his wife into the house. "However, Director Zhao has given us a task: to guide the exploration team to Forest Farm No. 17 and assist them in prospecting for minerals."
Li Xiaoyun's expression changed: "Forest Farm No. 17? Is that the place where you almost got trapped last time?"
Li Xiangyang gently ruffled her hair, his tone relaxed: "Don't worry, this time is different. Last time we knew nothing and went on a whim. This time it's a planned and prepared operation, with a professional exploration team and sufficient supplies and equipment. We'll depart in three days and should be back soon."
Li Xiaoyun looked at her husband worriedly: "But...you said last time you came back that place was very dangerous, and even a compass wouldn't work. What if..."
“Xiaoyun,” Li Xiangyang interrupted her, his tone firm yet gentle, “this is my job. As a technician at the Forestry Bureau, it’s my responsibility. Besides, Er Gou and I are the only ones who know how to get out of there safely. If we weren’t leading the team, it might have been even more dangerous for others.”
Seeing his wife's still worried expression, Li Xiangyang continued to reassure her, "Don't worry, I'll be careful. Besides, I haven't even seen our child yet, how could anything happen to me?"
Li Xiaoyun forced a smile, but the worry in her eyes didn't lessen at all: "Then promise me you'll come back safely."
"I promise!" Li Xiangyang patted his chest and said confidently.
Over the next two days, Li Xiangyang was busy preparing equipment while taking good care of his wife.
He specifically asked his older sister to take good care of Li Xiaoyun, and he also went to town to buy some tonics for his wife.
Early on the third day, Li Xiangyang got up quietly, not wanting to wake his sleeping wife.
However, when he packed his bags and was about to leave, he found that Li Xiaoyun had already woken up and was sitting quietly by the bed watching him.
"I made you breakfast," Li Xiaoyun said softly, her eyes slightly red.
Touched, Li Xiangyang stepped forward and hugged his wife, saying, "Xiaoyun, don't worry, I'll be back soon."
Li Xiaoyun buried her head in her husband's arms, her voice choked with emotion: "I know... I just..."
"I understand." Li Xiangyang gently patted her back. "Don't worry, there's no danger at all."
After a quick breakfast, Li Xiangyang shouldered his bag, hugged his wife again at the door, and then resolutely turned and walked towards the village entrance.
Wang Ergou was already waiting there. Seeing Li Xiangyang, he waved and asked, "Everything ready?"
Li Xiangyang nodded: "Okay, let's go."
The two rode their bicycles towards the county town.
When they arrived at the forestry bureau, two Jiefang brand trucks were already parked in the yard, and more than a dozen people were busy loading various equipment and supplies.
"Good heavens, this looks like they're going to build a huge base in the wild!" Wang Ergou exclaimed in amazement as he looked at the piles of supplies.
Li Xiangyang scanned the area and found measuring instruments, tents, food, buckets, kerosene lamps, shovels, picks, and some simple mining equipment.