Chapter 2364 - 2267: Jianghu Loyalty
Chapter 2364: Chapter 2267: Jianghu Loyalty
Becoming an assistant in Zhou Shitao’s studio is not an easy task. As far as Huo Sining knows, the current assistants in her master’s studio are all graduates from Shuimu University and Yan Garden. Even to be an assistant, they were selected after multiple layers of screenings, making it impossible for an ordinary person to enter.
Of course, Zhou Shitao does this understandably, according to Huo Sining.
If the kanyu information recorded in the Feng Shui Map presented by Oil Rat is proven true, it would be a great reassurance to the archaeological world. With such a significant contribution, it is no surprise that Zhou Shitao is willing to make an exception for him.
Moreover, Zhou Shitao is someone who values talent. Despite Oil Rat’s past mistakes, he indeed possesses some abilities, especially his expertise in creating burrow holes, which is among the best in the country. If his skills can be applied to official archaeological excavation work, they could undoubtedly play a significant role.
Therefore, Zhou Shitao did not hesitate to offer an olive branch to Oil Rat.
Having a stable job and not needing to be on the run anymore, Oil Rat was certainly more than willing. Over the years, he had been half-dead from the attempts to evade the police, and he was tired of living like that. He just hoped to settle down without any further demands.
If it weren’t for the lack of money and the fear of an unsecured future, he wouldn’t have taken the risk to break into the Luofu Mountain Ancient Tomb to steal the Medicine King Cauldron.
"Alright, Mr. Zhou, with your reassurance, I, Oil Rat, am relieved. Your great kindness, I, Oil Rat, will remember in my heart. From now on, no matter what you ask of me, I, Oil Rat, will comply without a word. I’ll be at your service as a beast of burden!"
Oil Rat, of course, wasn’t a fool. After confirming that Zhou Shitao wasn’t joking with him, he almost instantly nodded in agreement, afraid that Zhou Shitao might change his mind.
His words were filled with a strong sense of loyalty. Zhou Shitao waved his hand and smiled, "My work here is very straightforward. I mostly allocate tasks as the higher authorities arrange them. It’s not as exaggerated as being a beast of burden. We are all working for the country, and you just need to obey the orders. With your skills, you’ll definitely find a place to showcase them."
Hearing this, Oil Rat smiled, as if aware that he’s not good at speaking, so he simply kept quiet to avoid being obnoxious. However, it was evident to everyone that compared to when the two detectives dragged him out of prison, looking defeated and lifeless, now Oil Rat’s face was flushed and his eyes were shining with enthusiasm, displaying an entirely contrasting state.
It’s only natural. Who wouldn’t feel like they’re on a roller coaster, having dramatic highs and lows, when they suddenly discover they’re getting released right before being jailed?
A few professors were interested in the Feng Shui Secret Manual in Oil Rat’s possession, eager for him to take it out immediately. However, everyone knew that such an important item wasn’t likely to be with Oil Rat since he was brought out from prison. Even if he carried it with him before, after a visit to the police station, it was unlikely he’d have it now.
The first thing upon entering the detention center is a body search, where personal items are confiscated for public custody. Currently, Oil Rat had nothing on him except his clothes; he couldn’t even produce a sheet of paper, let alone the manual.
Moreover, the professors knew how to weigh priorities. Compared to the Feng Shui Secret Manual, the matter concerning the Luofu Mountain Ancient Tomb was more pressing. Since the tomb has already been opened with a thieves’ tunnel, whether the items inside remain intact and whether others have intruded in, are urgent issues that need addressing.
Under such circumstances, any delay could result in unpredictable damage. The Luofu Mountain Ancient Tomb cannot wait, but the Cao Gong Tomb, Emperor Qin’s Mausoleum, and Xia Imperial Mausoleum have been unresolved for years, so delaying another few months isn’t a big deal.
The bullet train sped towards Guang Province. Upon arrival in Huicheng, staff from the Cultural Relics Bureau were already waiting as they got off the train.
The group then boarded the special vehicle from the Cultural Relics Bureau. Even though it was already over 8 PM, none of the professors, including Zhou Shitao, wanted to rest at a hotel. They wanted to go directly to Luofu Mountain.
The professors had already had dinner on the train. Although the food’s taste was poor, these professors had endured all kinds of tough environments at archaeological bases, so eating on the train wasn’t a big deal. Despite how unpalatable it was, each finished their portion, showing that they were ready to stay up overnight at Luofu Mountain and hadn’t planned on resting at all.
The Luofu Mountain Scenic Area usually closes to tourists at 6 PM. However, thanks to the Cultural Relics Bureau’s arrangements with the scenic area due to their connection with Zhou Shitao and the professors, several staff members were waiting at the entrance when Huo Sining and the group arrived around 9 PM.
As soon as Huo Sining and the others got out of the car, a roughly fifty-year-old man approached them, quickly extending his hand to shake Zhou Shitao’s hand, saying very respectfully:
"Hello Mr. Zhou, I’m Tian Jifu, the director of the Luofu Mountain Park. If you or the professors need any assistance, just let me know, and I’ll do my utmost to accommodate you."
Evidently, Director Tian had been briefed by the Cultural Relics Bureau on what’s happening and understood his role, so he spoke directly without any bureaucratic pretense.
Zhou Shitao liked people who get straight to the point and didn’t care for twisting words with underlings, so he found Director Tian’s straightforwardness quite agreeable. Smiling, he waved his hand and said:
"You don’t need to be nervous. This came up suddenly, and I realize our intrusion may seem impolite, but this matter can’t be left unresolved. As the park director, you naturally understand its importance, so I won’t engage in long-winded speeches."
"We professors will go up first to assess the situation. If everything is fine, the less fuss, the better. But if circumstances are unfavorable, according to protocol, management of the park will require your attention. When the time comes, there’ll likely be a lockdown; the park can’t remain open. With a mix of tourists, no one can guarantee what might happen, so we must close the museum gates, and it may be for an extended period."
Tian Jifu nodded and replied, "Yes, I understand the matter well. From my side, there will certainly be no issues, so you can rest assured."