Chapter 848: Tracking Mark
That team leader didn’t comment on Xu Huo’s explanation, but instead said, “The children from the welfare home have all been sent away. If you need it, I can give you a specific address.”
“Did any of the children have an accident this time?” Xu Huo asked for the address.
“No,” the team leader replied succinctly, then added, “If Mr. Xu has matters to attend to, feel free to go ahead, but it’s best not to enter the main city area. During the repair period, there will be some large machinery moving around. It would be unfortunate if you were accidentally injured.”
With that, the man led his people away. Xu Huo lingered around the outskirts of the main city for a while and, finding it difficult to enter, instead went to the address the Black Epaulets had given him to check on the children.
After finishing that, he planned to return to Rose Castle, but unexpectedly ran into Qing Cai.
More precisely, Qing Cai had actively sought him out. Wearing a hat and wig, she walked straight up to him and asked, “Do you have a place to stay in District 011?”
Xu Huo was slightly surprised. “Why haven’t you left District 011 yet?”
“My stuff was stolen. Of course I can’t just leave like that,” Qing Cai said. “If I can’t get my things back, this trip was a complete waste.”
“Do you have somewhere to stay... I don’t have much money on me.”
Xu Huo offered to take her to the castle, then added, “Actually, I’m the one who dragged you into this. I didn’t expect to bring you along too.”
Qing Cai waved her hand dismissively. “It’s nothing. I don’t like District 011 anyway. I’m actually quite happy to see this chaos. Besides, it’s not like you meant to bring me here.”
“When the boat reaches the bridge, it will straighten itself out. It’s such a coincidence that I happened to come over—maybe it’s a good opportunity given to me by fate!”
Seeing her looking like she was ready to stir up trouble, Xu Huo said, “I’m planning to stay in District 011 for a long time.”
“Don’t worry, I definitely won’t cause you any trouble.” Qing Cai grinned. “I took a walk around the Black Epaulets’ area and saw them pull a box out of the underground pipes. I was going to snatch it as interest, but it turned out several high-level players came personally to pick it up.”
“I heard from the lower-ranking Black Epaulets that it might be some important experimental sample, to be transferred to another laboratory.”
That box was likely the one Director Sanyang had deliberately hidden. Xu Huo added, “There aren’t many high-level laboratories near Base City. Are you sure it’s being sent to a lab?”
“That’s what the Black Epaulets’ conversation revealed, but it’s not certain. However, I put a mark on the Black Epaulet who was piloting the aircraft. I’ll know wherever they go.” Qing Cai patted a disc-shaped metal object on her waist. “I’ll show you later.”
“What? Is that box yours?”
“No, I’m just curious about what’s inside.” Xu Huo gestured for her to get into the vehicle.
Qing Cai climbed into the aircraft. “If you’re curious, let’s go take a look. Maybe my emerald was taken to the same place by the Black Epaulets.”
“Was it the Black Epaulets who stole your gem?” Xu Huo then asked, “I only saw a shadow at the time.”
“It was someone from the Holy Sword Society,” Qing Cai said. “That guy was unlucky. He didn’t get far before he was killed. The ones who made the move were two Black Epaulets. I figured fighting them would be risky, so I backed off first.”
“The emerald also has a mark on it. That’s our habit. As long as they don’t digest the thing internally, they’ll definitely hand it over to the District Government. Getting it back won’t be too hard.”
“Is that stone very valuable?” Xu Huo paused before asking, “Even the District Government has plenty of high-level players, especially now with the special circumstances. The players won’t withdraw so quickly.”
“I’m not afraid of risk,” Qing Cai said, flexing her fingers. “Anyone can take advantage, but I’m not letting District 011 get that advantage!”
Xu Huo didn’t say anything more. When they arrived at the castle, Qing Cai got out and let out a whistle. “Rich people, huh.”
Mr. Dong came out to greet them. Xu Huo briefly introduced Qing Cai. She was a natural at getting along with people and enthusiastically greeted Mr. Dong, adding, “I’ll drink anything. No need to go to the trouble of brewing tea.”
Mr. Dong served tea anyway. When Qing Cai saw the Painting Woman and Xiao Yuan coming down the stairs, she remarked, “I didn’t expect you to look so young, but your kids are already this big.”
“This is my sister and niece,” Xu Huo said with a smile. “My sister can’t speak.”
Qing Cai greeted them both and gave each a “meeting stone.” “Little trinkets, not worth much. They look especially nice when there’s no light at night. Just something to play with.”
Faced with her generosity, the Painting Woman happily accepted. Xiao Yuan wasn’t as comfortable yet and first looked to Xu Huo for his opinion. Only after he nodded did she take the gift.
They had only been sitting for a while when the metal object on Qing Cai’s waist emitted a faint beeping sound. She took it off and opened it. “That box was sent to a Level 3 lab in Lin City. Probably nothing particularly important.”
The toxins polluting the main city area would require a Level 4 lab to handle.
“Maybe it’ll be transferred again,” Xu Huo said. “What about your stone?”
“It’s been handed over several times already.” Qing Cai stretched lazily. “I’m not in a hurry.”
Whether it was that box or her gem, once players stashed them away, the chances of finding them again were slim. Besides, they weren’t items of special value. During the handover process, any one of the players could have taken them.
But seeing Qing Cai’s confident demeanor, Xu Huo didn’t say much. Perhaps she had some special method.
Then again, even if she couldn’t get her things back, District 011 had plenty of targets.
She probably wasn’t the only one sneaking around, planning a robbery.
After resting for a while, Qing Cai offered to pay and asked Mr. Dong to prepare some supplies for her.
“In District 004, daily necessities are in high demand. They’re usually enough for daily use, but I’m used to always keeping my luggage compartment stocked. Besides, daily necessities in District 011 are relatively cheap.”