Chapter 72: Chen Zhao’s Request

Shen He squeezed through the gap and called out to the little girl, “Officer Rabbit, what are you muttering about?” Wu Xiaoxiao shot him a glare, then went to assist the people behind.

It seemed that, due to the lack of signal inside the cave, as soon as they exited, messages started arriving. Ding-dong! “Your account 9641 received a deposit of 5,500,000 Daxia coins on July 21st. Available balance: 3,239,542.75 coins.” “Note: Police department task reward disbursed.”

Shen He glanced at the message and clicked his tongue. The process was remarkably swift—over half a million sent in such a short time. Special cases truly get special treatment.

He looked back at Chen Zhao and his companions, who were laboriously dragging out the bag containing the monkey’s corpse. Chen Zhao wiped sweat from his brow and said, “I expect the forest park will remain sealed for a few more days. If the stone milk proves valuable, it might be closed even longer.”

After all, a murder had occurred here, and it was tied to the government’s undisclosed mutated beast incident, now complicated by the discovery of stone milk. A brief closure would last three to five days; a lengthy one could stretch for months.

Shen He frowned upon hearing this. He wondered how many treasure chests were hidden in the forest park; if it truly got sealed, it would be troublesome.

He asked Chen Zhao, “Captain Chen, may I wander around the park?”

Chen Zhao was momentarily taken aback. “Wander around? There doesn’t seem to be anything left here.” Suddenly, he gave Shen He a meaningful look, then checked the time. “At most, I’ll wait for you until five o’clock. You must be out before five, or I’ll have trouble explaining.”

Shen He grinned, “Don’t worry, Captain Chen. I’ll just take a look around. Two hours is plenty.”

Chen Zhao nodded and led the team out.

Once everyone had left, Shen He used ten points to activate his guidance skill, and soon, the regional map revealed sparkling dots indicating treasure chests.

So, there really are treasure chests in this forest park! This must be the third one found here. He had noticed Chen Zhao’s expression earlier, clearly misunderstanding something, but it didn’t matter. As long as his goal was achieved.

Over the next two hours, Shen He found several more treasure chests in the park. By today’s count, he had opened fourteen in total.

Aside from various items, the most common contents were small creatures that granted one free attribute point. It sounded modest, but they added up quickly. Thanks to the chests, all his attributes had surpassed fifteen points, bringing him a step closer to completing his main quest.

At 4:49 p.m., Shen He began searching for the fifteenth chest. This time, the target was outside the forest park, indicating he had cleared all the chests within. A fortunate outcome.

He headed out and exited the park gate before five o’clock. Outside, Chen Zhao was waiting beside his car. Seeing Shen He emerge, he laughed, “Finally willing to come out?”

He glanced around, noting Shen He carried nothing but his alloy longsword, which puzzled him. He had expected Shen He would try to smuggle something out, or at least try his luck inside. Why had he brought nothing out?

Shen He said, “Why are you looking at me like that? Do you think I’m the type to hide things?”

If not for the cameras and Chen Zhao’s presence, he would have stored even the alloy sword in his ring.

Chen Zhao eyed him and nodded, “You absolutely are.”

Shen He pouted, opened the car door, and asked, “Are you waiting here just for me? Is it business, or are you just worried?”

Chen Zhao walked around to the passenger seat and replied, “Of course it’s business. Drive, let’s find a barbecue spot and have a drink.”

Shen He glanced at him but said nothing, starting the car and heading toward downtown. He had originally planned to search for the fifteenth chest, but seeing Chen Zhao’s demeanor, it was clear he wanted to discuss something, so tonight’s plan was postponed.

On the way, Shen He asked, “What’s so important you have to bring it up over drinks?”

Chen Zhao smiled, “It’s good news, but dangerous too. Without a few drinks, I wouldn’t know how to make my pitch.”

Shen He immediately understood. It must be something they couldn’t handle, likely causing heavy losses.

But for him, such danger offered a shortcut. The more mutated beasts he hunted, the faster he could reach the second tier—and earn money as well, so why not?

Shen He drove to his favorite spot, ordered some barbecue and a dozen beers, then led Chen Zhao to a secluded corner inside.

Soon, fresh skewers were brought to the table. Each opened a cold beer, clinked bottles, and drank deeply before starting in on the food.

By the time they reached their third beer, Shen He set the bottle on the table and said, “That’s enough. They say alcohol emboldens the timid. You’ve had three bottles now. If you have something to say, spit it out, don’t waste time.”

Chen Zhao burped, looked around, then spoke quietly, “Recently, something extraordinary was discovered somewhere in Henan Province. The authorities deployed a military garrison, declaring it a forbidden zone. News is spreading online—have you seen it?”

Shen He thought for a moment. He’d been busy lately and hadn’t checked the news. He shook his head.

Chen Zhao said, “It’s normal you haven’t heard. The government has been blocking information to prevent panic.”

Shen He narrowed his eyes, “Another mutated beast?”

Chen Zhao shook his head. “Sort of. Because of one—or possibly more—mutated beasts, nearly a hundred kilometers have been sealed off, turning it into a military zone. Something happened there, blocking all signals. Even satellites struggle to observe it. I heard the authorities sent an expedition team inside, but none have returned. Now, they’re recruiting strong individuals from across the province for rescue and exploration.”

“Since they don’t want outsiders involved, they’re only choosing those with experience killing mutated beasts from within the province. In Xiangxiang City, you’re the only one with such experience.”

“It’s dangerous, so it’s understandable if you refuse. After all, who would willingly face such unknown peril—”

Before Chen Zhao could finish, Shen He’s eyes lit up. “I’m willing!”

His voice was so enthusiastic that a few other diners overheard and glanced over. When they saw it was just two men, their expressions turned peculiarly amused.