Chapter 22: Cycling Out, School Inquiry

The shop owner chuckled as he wiped his hands on his apron, but Shi Yi stopped him immediately.

“Boss, what is this Panlong Mountain you mentioned?” she asked cautiously. They had come to this part of Nan City where ethnic minorities resided, and unfamiliar customs could easily lead to misunderstandings.

Upon hearing her question, the owner hurried to explain. “Oh, Panlong Mountain is our sacred mountain. Legend says there’s a mountain spirit who blesses our city with fair weather and bountiful harvests every year! But it’s just a legend. The mountain really is full of vitality—after every rain, countless mushrooms sprout up. Folks here love going up to pick them.”

“But ever since we got a new mayor, he ordered Panlong Mountain sealed off! Said it belongs to the public, and we’re not allowed to go up and pick anything. Can you believe it? We’ve lived here for generations—Panlong Mountain has always belonged to us. Now it’s property of the state?!”

“I tell you, that mayor is just greedy for the mountain’s resources. That’s why he won’t let us up there!” He spat angrily on the floor.

Zhou blushed deeply, clearly embarrassed. “Boss… it’s fine, you go back to your work.”

Once the owner retreated to the kitchen, Zhou grabbed a napkin and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, offering a sheepish smile to the group.

“...Actually, it’s not like he said. The mayor has been dedicated to the city’s development since he arrived. Panlong Mountain really is dangerous—the cliffs are steep, and every year someone falls. It’s for everyone’s safety, not what he implied.”

Shi Yi ladled herself some chicken soup, sipped it, and her eyes widened in surprise. “This is amazing—so fresh!”

The soup had the purity of the mushrooms, the richness of chicken, and was garnished with cordyceps flowers. It was extraordinarily delicious.

Mi Chen, who had been complaining for three days about not being able to eat, hurriedly scooped a bowl as well. After drinking, her eyes grew round with delight. She glanced at the small bowl of rice on the table, frowned, then stood and headed for the kitchen.

“Boss, give me ten pounds of rice!”

The owner was startled, repeatedly asking if she could really eat that much. After receiving confirmation, he made a call, summoning his friends in the restaurant business. Eight pounds of rice were delivered from outside.

Under the stunned gazes of everyone in the restaurant, Mi Chen devoured all ten pounds of rice as if no one were watching.

Wiping her mouth, she declared, “All right, I’m done. Let’s head to the crime scene now.”

Gu Hansheng and the others were used to such spectacles by now, but Zhou kept wiping his sweat, jaw nearly dropping in shock.

After paying, Zhou’s contact was already waiting at the door, bringing them their new means of transport.

The group stood outside the restaurant, staring at five bicycles in confusion.

“Uncle Zhou, is this the transportation you found for us?”

Zhou coughed awkwardly and glanced at his companion—a young man, who sheepishly whispered in Zhou’s ear, “This is the best we can offer in our small city. The van from the livestock farm still reeks, even after washing. We can’t let our guests ride in such a vehicle.”

Zhou coughed again. “Thanks for your trouble, you can go now.”

With permission, the young man dashed away as if liberated. Zhou’s face burned with embarrassment; never had he felt so humiliated.

But there was nothing for it—the city was truly impoverished. The mayor spent every penny on municipal improvements, leaving other aspects undeveloped.

Gu Hansheng and the others looked at the bicycles and breathed a sigh of relief. It was better than suffering through the stench of chicken manure in the van.

However, there were only five bikes and six people.

Shi Yi spoke up timidly, “Um… I don’t know how to ride.”

That settled it—Shi Yi would have to ride on someone’s back seat.

“Captain, you carry Shi Yi,” Mi Chen suggested, then promptly mounted the vintage bicycle.

The others found their own bikes, and Shi Yi looked at Gu Hansheng, blinking.

Gu Hansheng sighed. “Get on. I must owe you from a past life—driving you to work in the capital, now carrying you on a bike for a mission.”

Despite his complaints, he pulled Shi Yi onto the bike and rode off.

Fortunately, the city wasn’t large. The ride from the restaurant to First High School took only twenty minutes.

Arriving at the school, they saw a large cordon set up at the entrance. Groups of people gathered, pointing and murmuring.

“Did you hear? First High School gave the students a sudden holiday, told them to go home and stay inside. Something must’ve happened, right?”

“Aunt Tian, don’t you know? Three girls disappeared from the school. The police are here—it’s said to be human traffickers!”

“Human traffickers?! Damn, I’d better go home and warn my daughter not to go out!”

“Don’t worry, I heard they only target high schoolers. Your daughter’s still in elementary school, she shouldn’t be at risk.”

“What kind of logic is that? Traffickers pick their victims by age?”

“Who knows? Anyway, the police have surrounded the school—students and teachers all have to be questioned…”

Shi Yi followed Zhou, vaulting over the cordon.

“Who are you? This is a crime scene—you can’t enter at will!”

A policeman in bomb disposal gear approached them sternly, hand outstretched.

Zhou quickly produced his credentials. “Officer, I’m the mayor’s secretary. These are experts from the capital, here to help solve the case. Here are our papers.”

He handed his documents to the policeman, who examined them and relaxed slightly.

“Understood, you may go in.”

Shi Yi surveyed the surroundings. First High School was in a remote area, surrounded by wilderness. There were only a few small shops, presumably surviving thanks to the school’s business.

Just outside the school’s gate stood a mountain. If someone with ill intent wanted to do something, it would be all too easy—the location was uniquely suited.

Inside, the school was modest and a bit rundown. Only a single classroom building and a tiny playground, all visible at a glance.

“Please, go ahead.”