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Translator's Note: I'm starting to like Zhao Hao a bit because he's a warm person, and Shen Lingxue is just so mean.
Ed Note: I will also be mean if I have to babysit three grown men.
Shen Lingxue nodded. "Pleased to meet everyone. Allow me to introduce our crew. They are Fang Xiu, Zhao Hao, and Liu Shuai from the TV station. Chief Wang, I assume you're already aware of why we're here, am I right?"
Chief Wang grinned as he nodded. "Absolutely, I'm well aware. The city aims to boost tourism, and you've come to film the natural beauty of Blackwater to help market it. This is a positive turn for our community. We're delighted to host you all for the coming days. Sorry if we've brought you any inconvenience."
"This is our job, so it's no inconvenience. We'd appreciate your full support, Chief."
"Absolutely, without a doubt. However, since it's already evening, let's schedule the filming for tomorrow. We don't have any hotels, so you'll be guests in my home. I can't guarantee it will suit your city tastes."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, they followed Chief Wang to his residence.
In comparison to the brick-and-tile dwellings of the other locals, Chief Wang's home was noticeably cozier. Comprising several one-story buildings, it had the feel of a modest courtyard house.
"Guifang, our visitors from the city have arrived. Get some food ready, quickly."
Upon hearing Chief Wang's call, a robust middle-aged woman emerged from the house.
She appeared slightly bewildered by the sudden influx of city guests and seemed uncertain about what to do with her hands.
"This is my daughter-in-law, Wang Guifang. My son is working in the city, so it's just us three living here. Make yourselves comfortable. Guifang, go slaughter a chicken and stir-fry some mushrooms and wild vegetables for our guests."
Wang Guifang swiftly exited, seemingly eager to evade the awkwardness and get started on dinner.
Zhao Hao immediately spoke up, "Chief Wang, there's really no need to go to such lengths. We had some food in the car earlier, so we're not hungry."
Shen Lingxue added, "Exactly, Chief Wang. We'll pass on dinner. We've been on the road all day and we're pretty worn out. We'd like to get some rest soon."
"Oh, understood. My apologies for the misunderstanding. Guifang, hold off on the meal preparation. Boil some hot water instead. Fugui, guide Miss Shen and her crew to their sleeping quarters."
"Sure thing, Grandpa."
After some organized scurrying, Fang Xiu and the others settled into spaces within Chief Wang's residence.
Given the spacious nature of the home and only three inhabitants, there was ample room for everyone to have their own private area.
Later that evening, when Chief Wang and his household returned to their rooms for the night, Fang Xiu and the team convened in one of the rooms.
"Has anyone noticed anything out of the ordinary?" Shen Lingxue asked.
Liu Shuai shook his head; nothing unusual had stood out to him.
Zhao Hao, on the other hand, said, "Back when I was working in the city, I thought I had it rough. But comparing my situation with that of Chief Wang, my difficulties now appear insignificant."
"The Wangs aren't exactly rich, but they were willing to cook chicken for us," Liu Shuai suddenly pointed out. "That's the real reason you said we ate in the car earlier—you didn't want to put them out financially."
Zhao Hao nodded in agreement, "Once we're done with our assignment, I'm thinking of making a donation to Blackwater."
With her arms crossed, Shen Lingxue said evenly, "You're not doing well yourself and struggle with the unpredictable nature of Spiritual Energy, yet you can't stand to see others go through tough times?"
Zhao Hao appeared slightly self-conscious but countered, "You also opposed eating the chicken, didn't you?"
"My objection was based on caution—we're on a mission and unaware of the Specter's location. It's more prudent not to accept food from strangers. Besides, while chicken may be a precious commodity to them, they have other assets," Sheng Lingxue said.
Then, "This is Blackwater, a secluded mountain village rich in natural resources. They've even built a brand name around their wild mountain chickens, selling them in urban markets for several times the price of ordinary chickens."
This made Zhao Hao feel even more uncomfortable, akin to a poor person contemplating donating to the rich.
"So, those high-priced Blackwater wild mountain chickens in the supermarkets are from this very village?" Liu Shuai asked, astonished.
Shen Lingxue nodded, making Zhao Hao feel even more embarrassed.
"If nobody has discovered anything suspicious, let's get some sleep. Tomorrow, we head to Blackwater River. According to the information, it's the most likely location related to the Specter. Also, since you three are newcomers, it's best to sleep in the same room and take turns keeping watch. Remember, when it comes to dealing with Specter events, the absence of abnormalities is the biggest anomaly," Shen Lingxue cautioned.
Zhao Hao asked Shen Lingxue, "What about you? Aren't you going to stay in the same room with us?"
She scoffed dismissively, "After someone becomes a psychic, their personality can be influenced by Specter powers, often intensifying negative emotional traits. Given the specific type of power you’ve awakened, it’s obvious how you’ve been affected."
Zhao Hao hurriedly retorted, "What are you implying? I didn't suggest that we all sleep together for any reason other than safety, given the Specter situation in Blackwater."
"Do you actually believe yourself?" Shen Lingxue responded, her tone dripping with skepticism. Without another word, she turned and left.
Usually, when on a mission involving Specter incidents, Shen Lingxue would never choose to be alone in a room. In fact, she might not even sleep, given the potentially fatal risks. But this time was different—she was in the know.
This Specter incident wasn't a Grade C task, as they'd said; it was actually a D. It was possibly even one of the easiest ones among the Ds.
Wang Dehai was currently placing significant importance on Fang Xiu and didn't want to expose him to too much risk. Yet, for the sake of skill enhancement, Fang Xiu still needed field experience. So, this particular Specter incident was handpicked by Wang Dehai as a training exercise specifically for Fang Xiu.
And Shen Lingxue? She was essentially the babysitter.
With her current power level, a Grade D mission wouldn't offer any real benefits in terms of her skill advancement. So, she was here purely to take care of things. Wang Dehai had sent her to protect Fang Xiu and the others.
Fang Xiu had enormous potential and could not be put at risk. As for Liu Shuai, even though his teleportation ability only covered a distance of twenty centimeters, the agency believed that once he advanced to the second tier, he would become a force to be reckoned with.
Zhao Hao, on the other hand, was there mainly to make up the numbers and was included largely because of his relationship with Fang Xiu.
All of this contributed to Shen Lingxue's growing sense of irritation.