"Exactly." Shao Yuewen nodded slightly, his tone carrying a hint of mystery, lowering his voice as he spoke, "This slot is quite valuable. If you're willing to go, I'll help you get signed up. It'll greatly benefit you in the future."

After hearing this, Qi Yun hesitated for a moment, understanding that Shao Yuewen's words carried an obvious tone of gratitude. This exchange opportunity was likely just a superficial gesture.

However, he currently had no significant financial desires, as he made money simply through information and current resources.

He hoped to save this favor for when he truly needed it.

"Thanks, Brother Shao. I appreciate your kindness, but I've indeed got a lot on my plate recently, and can't free myself up. You should give the spot at the exchange to someone else."

Shao Yuewen glanced at Qi Yun and, seeing his serious expression, decided not to push further: "Alright, let's wait for the next opportunity then."

"Okay, thanks!" Qi Yun raised his glass, clinking it with them before tipping his head back to finish it off.

Following that, the three of them didn't discuss any serious matters, just chatted casually.

Although Qi Yun had significant ties with both families, it wasn't possible to engage in deep discussion when they didn't fully understand each other.

Nevertheless, after a meal together, the three became somewhat familiar with each other.

As the meal came to an end, Qi Yun took the opportunity of going to the restroom to head to the reception to settle the check. Even though Shao Yuewen had organized the dinner, there was no way he'd allow the other person to pay.

After all, running all the way to Manila was aimed at building relationships with them, and he wouldn't hesitate over small expenses like this.

"Hi, I'd like to settle the bill for room 555."

"Certainly, sir, please hold on a moment." The waiter responded, then looked down at the computer to check. In less than a minute, the waiter looked up, smiled, and said, "Sir, your table doesn't need settling."

"Doesn't need settling?" Qi Yun was slightly taken aback.

"That's correct." The waiter confirmed with a smile.

"Alright, thank you." Qi Yun didn't inquire further and turned back to the room.

Inside the room, seeing Qi Yun return, Shao Yuewen, with a rosy complexion, stood up from his chair: "How about it? All taken care of?"

Qi Yun nodded with a smile: "Anyway, I've had enough; not sure if you two are settled."

Xia Shaohua also hiccuped from the alcohol, patted his stomach: "Alright, that's about it, got a meeting tomorrow morning."

"Alright, you two head out first. I have someone to meet later." Shao Yuewen picked up his briefcase and waved at Qi Yun.

"Sure, let's keep in touch."

Leaving the restaurant and arriving at the parking lot outside.

Two waiters respectively handed a box of wine each to Xia Shaohua's driver and Chen Wei.

Xia Shaohua glanced but didn't say anything. After all, it was just a box of wine and didn't need to be made into a big deal. Besides, his driver had been with him for many years and knows what to accept and what not to.

Chen Wei, on the other hand, looked towards Qi Yun, and only when Qi Yun nodded did he put the wine into the trunk.

Xia Shaohua pulled out a cigarette and handed it to Qi Yun. The two lit up and took a puff. Then Xia Shaohua patted Qi Yun's shoulder, speaking plainly: "Let's leave it at this today. If anything comes up, just call me."

"Okay." Qi Yun puffed a smoke ring and nodded with a smile.

"Alright, I'm off." Xia Shaohua waved as he headed towards the black Passat beside him.

Qi Yun walked contentedly to his BMW 5 Series; although the other only spoke a word, their attitude was clear.

Over an hour later, Qi Yun returned home, showered, and fell into a deep sleep.

...

Meanwhile, at W Apartments in the city.

You Wenlan, swaying a goblet in hand, lay slanted on the sofa. She asked Shao Yuewen, who was massaging her legs: "Did you tell Qi Yun about the exchange opportunity over dinner tonight?"

"I did." Shao Yuewen nodded, showing a trace of helplessness, "But that kid declined."

"Declined?" You Wenlan was a bit surprised, "Did you not explain its significance to him clearly?"

Shao Yuewen sighed: "Some things I can't say directly, I hinted indirectly. He should have understood."

"But he still refused? People are scrambling for a slot, and he's unwilling?" You Wenlan looked puzzled.

"Perhaps he has other ambitions..." Shao Yuewen also took a sip of red wine from the coffee table, continuing, "I feel like he's interesting. Not proud or impetuous, nor greedy."

"Since he doesn't want repayment now, there's no need to force it on him. Let's gradually work on the relationship, and see if opportunities arise later."

You Wenlan nodded silently without saying more.

"I've asked around; it seems he's quite close with Zhang Dayong from the New District Branch," Shao Yuewen brought up another topic.

"Zhang Dayong?" You Wenlan paused, familiar with the name; after all, she worked in natural resources in the New District, and had crossed paths with him.

"Yes."

"Isn't he affiliated with that person?" You Wenlan hesitated, "Could your interaction with Qi Yun make some people associate things?"

"No." Shao Yuewen shook his head indifferently: "We had dinner at 'Huyang Villa' tonight, no one else knows."

You Wenlan relaxed upon hearing this, reminding: "My dad mentioned results will come out soon, be careful during this time."

"Yes, I'll watch out."

...

The next day, Qi Yun was awoken by a phone ringing. He opened his eyes to see it was already past eleven in the morning.

He hadn't had such a drink in a while. Felt fine leaving the restaurant, but once home, the alcohol set in...

Grabbing the phone from the bedside table, the screen showed Mamati's name, so he braced himself and answered.

"Hey, Mamati."

Mamati noticed the raspy voice, carefully asked: "Boss Qi, hope I'm not disturbing you?"

"No, talk if you've got something." Qi Yun got up from bed, walked to the kitchen, retrieved a bottle of cold water from the fridge, and drank half of it in one go.

"Well, the team and supplies for entering Lop Nur are ready on my side. I called to coordinate the situation with you." Mamati responded quickly, "I've prepared four modified off-road vehicles, including myself, there are also two other experienced guides."

"They've also crossed Lop Nur before and know the terrain pretty well."

"Great." Qi Yun nodded, "No problem, arrange things as you see fit, I trust your judgement."

"Alright." Mamati responded, continuing, "I need to confirm our route with you. Are we crossing east to west, or taking the north-south route?"

"Neither. We're heading directly to the area near Loulan Ancient City, I'll send you the exact coordinates later." Qi Yun didn't hold back, directly stating the destination since he'd eventually need to share it.

Mamati paused to understand that Qi Yun likely was going in search of something again.

"In that case, entering from Ruqiang is closer, plus the roads there are better." Mamati offered his suggestion.

"Alright, following your lead." Qi Yun's strong suit was being receptive to advice. In areas he wasn't skilled, he'd rather trust the experts and not give blind orders.

"When shall we depart? How long do we plan to stay at the destination?"

Qi Yun stroked his chin, thought for a moment, responded: "Since everything's ready, let's head out tomorrow. We'll meet up in Ruqiang County Town tomorrow afternoon."

"As for the duration... should be no more than a week."

Mamati promptly made arrangements: "Okay, I'll contact about the registration now. We'll prepare two supply vehicles tomorrow and have them standby outside to support us anytime."

"Alright, I'll call you before we leave tomorrow."

After hanging up, Qi Yun dialed Zhong Rui's number.

"Anything happening with the company today?"

Zhong Rui shook his head: "Nothing urgent."

"Then do this: get a few more of those folding shovels from last time's desert trip, and also..." Qi Yun gave more instructions over the phone.

"Alright, understood, I'll take care of it right away."

"Yep, this time it's Lop Nur, even more dangerous than last time. Whether to go is your call, alright?" Qi Yun put down the mineral water bottle, checking Zhong Rui's thoughts.

Without hesitation, Zhong Rui shouted: "Wherever the boss goes, I'll be there! Ready to fight for the boss!"

Outside the office, Xie Mengmeng peeked her big head in, whimsically gazing at Zhong Rui, giving him a thumbs up: "Never realized you could suck up that well!"

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