"They betrayed everyone's trust and tarnished the profession of guiding. I have nothing more to say, I'll follow your decision."

Beside him, Ah Li listened to those earlier conversations, glanced at the things in Mamati's hands, and looked dazed, opening his mouth but saying nothing.

Qi Yun nodded, turned to Liu Meng and Zhong Rui, who had just awakened from sleep, and said, "Keep a good watch over them."

Liu Meng sneered and looked at the two people lying on the ground with disdainful eyes: "Relax."

"Okay, boss." Zhong Rui was stunned for a moment and then quickly nodded.

Having dealt with this, Qi Yun turned around and said to Mamati, "Alright, it's been a long night, hurry and get some sleep, we'll talk when it's light."

Mamati and Ah Li responded, glanced at the tent again, and then turned and left.

...

The next day, after breakfast, Zhong Rui came over and said, "Boss, Beck said his vehicle carrying supplies is parked just two kilometers ahead."

Qi Yun nodded upon hearing this, saying nothing.

Next to him, Mamati inquired, "Boss Qi, should I go bring the car over? If there are supplies on board, we won't have to wait for someone to rescue us."

Qi Yun did not immediately reply, checked the time on his watch, lit a cigarette, and slowly said, "No rush, the rescue party is coming soon."

Mamati was momentarily stunned, wondering how there could be a rescue team since he hadn't called them.

At that moment, a sudden roar rose from afar, growing clearer by the minute.

Everyone turned their heads, only to see a convoy of off-road vehicles racing toward the camp, kicking up a storm of sand.

Mamati looked shocked, turning to Qi Yun, and asked, "Boss Qi, is this...?"

Qi Yun's lips curled slightly, exhaling a ring of smoke, "This is the rescue team."

Ah Li beside him asked in confusion, "Boss Qi, when did you contact them, how are they here so fast?"

Qi Yun smiled without answering, quietly watching the approaching off-road vehicles.

In no time, the convoy stopped outside the camp, and several people disembarked—aside from a guide, the others were dressed in police uniforms.

A person who appeared to be the captain approached and asked, "Which one of you is Mr. Qi Yun?"

Qi Yun stepped forward, extinguished his cigarette, and nodded to indicate, "I am Qi Yun."

The captain saluted Qi Yun and said, "Mr. Qi, I'm Zhou Hongchang. We received orders from Director Zhang last night to come and escort you."

Qi Yun showed a hint of gratitude, "Hmm, thank you all for your hard work."

Zhou Hongchang chuckled, "You're too kind, Mr. Qi. It's our duty. Director Zhang cares a lot about your safety. Upon receiving your information, he immediately arranged for us to set off."

Qi Yun nodded and turned to Zhong Rui, "Go tell Meng to bring the people over."

Zhong Rui acknowledged, turned around, and hurried into the tent.

Soon, Liu Meng emerged, escorting Ai Shan and Beck.

Upon seeing the people in police uniforms, the two looked ashen-faced, knowing they were certainly caught this time.

Zhou Hongchang looked hesitantly to Qi Yun, "Mr. Qi, is this?"

"These two are the guides I hired. Last night, while we were asleep, they planned to steal my belongings."

"These are their tools for the crime." With this, Qi Yun took out a plastic bag from his pocket and handed it to Zhou Hongchang; inside were the two towels and the bottle of ether.

Zhou Hongchang froze for a moment, took the plastic bag, and examined its contents, his expression becoming stern.

He cast a sharp glance at Ai Shan and Beck and then signaled to the officer beside him, who promptly stepped forward, took Ai Shan and Beck from Liu Meng, and escorted them to the vehicle.

"Mr. Qi, could you tell me what they intended to steal?" Zhou Hongchang asked quietly.

Qi Yun smiled at him, "Something very valuable."

Zhou Hongchang paused slightly, understanding that the other party didn't wish to divulge further but inferred the implication.

Last night, Zhang Dayong had mentioned on the phone, ensuring that trustworthy individuals would come. Qi Yun trusted that Zhou Hongchang wouldn't spread whatever he might hear from Ai Shan.

"If Mr. Qi doesn't have other matters, shall we head back now? Hopefully, we'll reach Shanshan County Town by night."

"Alright." Qi Yun nodded, calling out to Mamati not far away, "Mamati, go fetch the car."

"Okay, Boss Qi." Mamati responded and quickly walked toward Beck's concealed vehicle.

...

Around 1 AM, the convoy finally arrived at Shanshan County Town.

Zhou Hongchang parted ways with Qi Yun and the others, promising to contact them the next day, and then took Ai Shan and Beck directly back to the station.

Qi Yun and his companions found a hotel to stay for the night.

After a night of rest, everyone felt rejuvenated. Qi Yun initially intended to invite Mamati and Ah Li to stay another day to properly host them.

However, due to the matter involving Ai Shan, they seemed disinterested.

Without pressing further, Qi Yun paid their guiding fees in full, including Ai Shan and Beck's share, transferring it to Mamati.

"This money is for their families, or whatever you'd like, you decide."

Mamati was emotionally stirred, looking at Qi Yun with gratitude in his eyes, "Boss Qi, I'm sorry for involving you this time. I will handle the money properly."

Qi Yun patted him on the shoulder, "It's not your fault. People are unpredictable. Let's cooperate again if the opportunity arises."

Mamati and Ah Li packed their things to leave.

At the doorway, Mamati turned back, saying, "Boss Qi, if you need a guide in the future, remember to contact me. I assure, this won't happen again."

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