OBS Chapter 311 I won't beat around the bush with you anymore
Chapter 311 I won't beat around the bush with you anymore
Carrying a full load of prey, Li Xiangyang and his group returned to Xiaoliang Village. Night had fallen, and the sunset painted the sky a deep red.
"A good day," Captain Yang said with a smile, walking beside Li Xiangyang. "Hunting with you guys has really improved my skills."
Li Xiangyang smiled slightly: "Let's learn from each other."
After walking for most of the day along the mountain path, everyone was quite tired. By the time they returned to the village, it was already dark.
"Wow, that's a rare find! What kind of car is that, Xiangyang?"
As soon as he arrived at the village committee entrance, Wang Ergou's eyes were involuntarily drawn to several black cars.
Li Xiangyang squinted and carefully examined the car, recognizing it as a Shanghai-brand sedan.
Currently, Shanghai-brand sedans are the only standard official vehicles in China, and are also the main vehicle used by government agencies, enterprises, and institutions for receiving foreign guests.
"Good heavens, a Shanghai-brand sedan! Judging by this, a big leader has arrived," Li Xiangyang exclaimed in surprise.
Hearing their conversation, everyone else looked at the car with curiosity.
Just as everyone was wondering what was going on, the village children saw them returning from afar and ran over like a gust of wind: "Captain Li! Captain Li! A high-ranking official is here to see you!"
"Looking for me?" Li Xiangyang paused for a moment, then took a few steps forward to stop the child. "What high-ranking official?"
"A high-ranking official from the Forestry Bureau!" the child exclaimed excitedly. "The adults said it's the bureau chief! He's in several cars with a lot of people, and he's at the village committee office right now!"
Upon hearing this, Li Xiangyang frowned.
The director of the forestry bureau is looking for me?
What could an ordinary farmer like myself possibly have to do with the Forestry Bureau?
The only connection they had was knowing Zhou Yongnian, but after Captain Zhou was promoted to the Forestry Bureau, the two only contacted each other occasionally.
“Let’s go take a look,” Li Xiangyang said to Wang Ergou, then turned to Captain Yang, “Captain Yang, why don’t you two go and rest first, I’ll go see what’s going on.”
Captain Yang waved his hand, saying, "I also want to meet some high-ranking officials from the Forestry Bureau. Let's go together."
The group arrived at the village committee entrance, where the old Party Secretary was standing and looking around. Seeing Li Xiangyang return, he quickly greeted him: "Xiangyang, Ergou, you're finally back! Director Zhao from the Forestry Bureau has been waiting for ages."
Upon hearing this, Li Xiangyang was taken aback, then suddenly realized.
Not only did they specifically name him, but they also sought out Wang Ergou, so it must be related to Zhou Yongnian: "Director Zhao? Was he brought by Captain Zhou, Zhou Yongnian?"
The old Party Secretary nodded: "That's him. Looks like it's something important. They're waiting inside. You two should go quickly."
Upon hearing this, the two quickly dusted themselves off and went inside together.
The room was brightly lit, and several people in uniforms sat around a table with serious expressions.
Upon seeing the two enter, a middle-aged man in his fifties with a dignified appearance stood up.
"Comrade Li Xiangyang, Comrade Wang Ergou, I've heard so much about you!"
This man was dressed in a crisp uniform and had a composed expression; he was clearly a seasoned official.
"Hello, Director Zhao."
Without needing an introduction, the two knew that this was Director Zhao, and immediately greeted him respectfully.
Director Zhao nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on Li Xiangyang for a few seconds before he spoke, "Comrade Li, I heard from Old Zhou that your hunting skills are top-notch, that you can roam the mountains like they're nothing, is that true?"
Li Xiangyang modestly shook his head: "Not at all, I've just been living in the mountains for a long time, so I'm more familiar with the area than most people."
The atmosphere inside the room was slightly heavy, and Li Xiangyang felt a little uncomfortable. He looked at Zhou Yongnian and found that the other man's eyes were shifty, as if he had something he couldn't say.
"Uncle Zhou, what exactly is it that requires Director Zhao to make this trip in person?" Li Xiangyang couldn't help but ask.
Zhou Yongnian and Director Zhao exchanged a glance, and Director Zhao nodded, signaling Zhou Yongnian to explain the situation.
Zhou Yongnian cleared his throat, a hint of guilt on his face: "Xiangyang, it's like this, near Forest Farm No. 16, they've recently been exploring for a new Forest Farm No. 17. You know, there's not much to explore in this area; determining the cubic meters is about enough. A week ago, we sent an exploration team into the mountains, and they were supposed to return that day, but we haven't heard anything. This morning, someone finally came down from the mountains, but..."
He paused, his expression turning grave: "But only two people came back alive, and..."
"And what happened?" Li Xiangyang pressed.
"And they've gone mad," Director Zhao continued, his voice low and serious. "Two of them are delirious, constantly shouting that there are ghosts in the mountains, that something is chasing them. The other seven are all missing."
The room was completely silent; even breathing could be heard clearly.
Li Xiangyang frowned: "You want us to..."
"Yes, I hope you can investigate the situation," Director Zhao said bluntly. "Find out exactly what happened, and if possible, find those missing comrades."
Zhou Yongnian then interjected, "Xiangyang, I know this request is sudden, but you are the person I know who is most familiar with that mountainous area. If you don't go, I'm afraid..."
"Wait a minute," Wang Ergou suddenly spoke up, "Uncle Zhou, given our relationship, normally my brother and I would just go. But right now, Xiangyang's wife is pregnant, and you want him to go at this time..."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Yongnian's face showed surprise and apology: "What? This... I really didn't know. I wish I hadn't come."
Li Xiangyang remained silent, lost in thought.
On the one hand, the seven missing lives are of great importance; on the other hand, there is indeed a pregnant wife at home who needs care.
Director Zhao seemed to sense Li Xiangyang's hesitation and said in a deep voice, "Comrade Li, I understand your difficulties. If you can help with this, our forestry department will not treat you unfairly."
“If…” Director Zhao paused, his tone becoming exceptionally solemn, “I mean, if something unexpected happens. I guarantee that you will be posthumously recognized as martyrs, and your families will be properly resettled, including urban residency, employment, and housing.”
These words gave Li Xiangyang a jolt.
In this day and age, he knew all too well what such a promise meant.
Li Xiangyang pondered for a moment, then looked up at Director Zhao: "Director Zhao, I need to know more. What exactly did those two people who came back say?"
Director Zhao shook his head: "They just kept repeating things like 'there are ghosts in the mountains' and 'they're chasing us,' but they couldn't provide any more specific information."
“Time is of the essence,” Zhou Yongnian added. “If you’re willing to go, it would be best to depart first thing tomorrow morning. We will provide all the necessary equipment and support.”
Li Xiangyang fell into deep thought.
This was a difficult decision, or rather, there was no other choice at all.
"I need to discuss this with my wife," Li Xiangyang finally said.
Director Zhao nodded: "Understood. We'll stay here tonight and wait for your reply tomorrow morning."
After leaving the village committee, Li Xiangyang and Wang Ergou walked side by side on their way home, the night breeze caressing their faces.
"Are you really planning to go?" Wang Ergou asked.
Li Xiangyang sighed, "I haven't decided yet. I need to discuss it with Xiaoyun first."
After walking for a while, Li Xiangyang stopped, turned to Wang Ergou, and his tone became serious: "Ergou, we've been through thick and thin together, so I won't beat around the bush with you."