Chapter 630: Chapter 600 Sins_1
Zhou Ning and his team did not dwell on the issue, knowing that if all local facilities had been adequate, there would not be such urgency to partner with Qindao.
The group opened their backpacks, found the few disposable gloves they had, and various sealable bags, and hurried to collect samples.
As for the coffin, they tried to open it but were unable. More than a dozen people couldn’t manage to pry it open, so Mr. Zhao simply waved his hand to stop everyone’s efforts.
"I can see now that we really need the museum director to send someone to open it. The coffin nails haven’t been removed, and there are dove-tail joints—it’s too specialized and we can’t damage the exterior. After all, the task of lifting it whole down the mountain is even bigger. Who knows what’s inside?"
Mr. Guan came over and, rubbing his chin, said:
"I think, since everything outside is related to sacrificial activities, it can’t be much better in here. But we really can’t just rashly open it here. Taking it back is, undoubtedly, the most reliable option."
Mr. Zhao laughed, put his arm around him, and said:
"Buddy, of course that would be best, but it’s a huge project. How do we take it back?"
Mr. Guan waved his hand.
"Don’t worry about that, we’ll find locals. They have a technique. A single person can carry logs up the mountain. I don’t know the specifics, but these people can definitely do it."
"Alright, that’s settled, then. As for the samples that need to be taken back for testing, we’ve got them ready. We can easily take down an intact cocoon, but who will carry the mummified corpse with the broken eggshell?"
Mr. Guan’s legs went weak; he almost knelt to Zhao Xinli, waving his hands as his face turned pale.
"I really can’t handle that."
Everyone waved their hands in refusal as their complexions suddenly changed. Zhao Xinli glanced around, pointed to the intact cocoon, and said:
"Fine, I’ll carry this. However, the backpack space is limited—its contents are now in this bag. Help me spread the load around. As for the mummy with the broken eggshell, I saw that the museum director came empty-handed. He’s in archaeology—how could he be afraid of a mummy?"
The others looked at each other, all understanding the ’every man for himself’ philosophy, especially given how overbearing that individual had been upon entering—none had missed that.
Knowing that Zhao Xinli was upset, Mr. Guan quickly took the initiative and said.
"I will call someone over. Let’s start carrying these items out. We have personnel staying behind here."
Without any fuss, Mr. Zhao hoisted the backpack with the intact cocoon and walked out, unconcerned. Six of them, along with Mr. Liu, were already making their way downhill, with Mr. Guan carrying a bag and handing it to the museum director without a word. After all, everyone was more or less carrying something, and the man didn’t seem to mind.
Seeing him shoulder the bag, Mr. Guan clearly breathed a sigh of relief, and Mr. Zhao, watching from the corner of his eye, spat.
"Ptui, coward!"
Chen Cheng tried to hold back his laughter, patted Mr. Zhao’s shoulder, and the group quickly descended the mountain, grabbing onto the ropes set up by Fang Dongsheng and his team.
On the way down, Zhou Ning had a lengthy chat with Fang Dongsheng, gaining a better understanding of Ganzhou City. Fang Dongsheng was quite talkative and Zhou Ning could tell he was an honest man, unafraid to reveal his shortcomings.
"Well, with the pace of economic liberalization, there’s been some development in Ganzhou City, but mostly it’s seen a loss of its young population who rarely return after going away for education. The industrial sector has failed to take off, tourism hasn’t been able to spur growth, those who do manual labor can’t keep up, and those who think don’t have the smarts.
The few pillar industries here are either mining, lumber, tourism, livestock, or herbal medicine. Even a heating company can make it onto the list of key enterprises. With an area of 38,600 square kilometers, more than three times the size of Qindao, the economy is even smaller than one of Qindao’s districts.
This is why the local government sought help from more developed urban areas. The olive branch from Qindao came at just the right time. The city leaders take it very seriously. Being actively equipped with science and technology, bringing us new techniques and equipment, and having you guys coming over to assist means a lot to us—we feel quite anxious about it.
Just now, apart from contacting Director Xu, I updated our bureau chief. He told me that the first priority must be to ensure the safety of you and the others; any other issues must be put on hold.
The second directive from the city leaders is the hope that this collaboration is just a starting point for further cooperative development with Qindao, for instance, in terms of business investment. After all, there’s plenty of unused land here, labor is cheap, and there are certain advantages."
Zhou Ning smiled. If this had relied on the museum director, who had been so stubborn earlier, there might have been no further discussion. However, since both Qin University and the city authorities shared this intention and Director Xu had issued instructions, Zhou Ning had no other concerns.
"I’m just a forensic doctor; I have no say in other matters. But since we’re here to help you improve the forensic department and provide training in technical applications, that’s definitely no problem.
We’ll start selecting personnel today. If there are no local forensic professionals, personnel can be transferred from the police staff, given that many of them are already undertaking forensic investigations and duties.
Mastering these skills will at least put you at the top in Longyou Province. Subsequently, if you wish to come to Qindao for studies or training, it would be a great opportunity for you. We can’t possibly go to every city, so in general, someone from the local team would go to Qindao to learn and then come back to train the others."
Fang Dongsheng understood and his eyes lit up, although regrettably, he couldn’t pat Zhou Ning on the shoulder with his left hand.
"Let’s take it step by step. People in the northwest are enthusiastic, but in our line of work, we can’t afford to have a couple of drinks. I know you’re all really tired after playing around outside for so many days, and today crossing the desert and climbing mountains, the physical exertion is too much. Let’s rest up well today and talk about everything once your team arrives."
Zhou Ning smiled.
"Mr. Fang, thank you for your understanding. We really do need to rest for a bit. All analyses and sample testing can wait until tomorrow. There’s a lot to be tested. I saw that there’s a need to contact the largest local hospital here—a facility capable of doing DNA and various other tests will do.
We’ll need to borrow their autopsy room. Of course, if that’s not possible, borrowing a morgue will also suffice. We have to take imaging data of the mummies and then examine any clues left on the bodies to analyze the cause of death and the situation at the time, to provide as much assistance as possible for your investigation."
Then, as an aside, this place is secluded, and the statues differ in detail from the ones in the Thirty-three Skies Grottoes. Could we ask the local minorities if there are any stories passed down about them? After all, this place looks like it hasn’t been entered for many years. Entering after so many years just to worship seems a bit like..."
Zhou Ning didn’t utter the word, as this place was not Qindao. He didn’t know the city well, but the ominous feeling made one’s spine tingle with coolness.
At this moment, Fang Dongsheng had already stopped walking. Glancing at the people who were getting into their cars, he leaned in and whispered:
"Are you suggesting that this is related to a heterodox sect?"
Zhou Ning nodded.
"Well, it could be a legitimate branch that, due to various factors, was not recognized and gradually faded from sight, or was eliminated by history, like the Yinshan Sect in Taoism. After all, they had shadow masters, which is taboo."
Fang Dongsheng quickly took out his notebook, made some notes, and then said to Zhou Ning:
"What you mentioned is very important. It’s so well-preserved probably because no one has entered it for a long time. Later on, I will send people to nearby and even farther autonomous counties to inquire if there are any stories passed down.
Also, you took many photos inside, right? When you get to a place with a signal, send them to me. I’ll organize them and discuss them with the chairman of the local religious association. Looking into several aspects together, I feel we should find something.
The key thing is that the local Yugu People have no written language, just a phonetic script similar to that of the Huihe people. This makes it difficult to distinguish the meanings of many sounds. Come on, get in the vehicle. You guys can sleep for a bit, and I’ll call you when we arrive."
Zhou Ning smiled, finding Fang Dongsheng’s consideration very comforting. Zhou Ning and the others got into their respective cars; the girls were in the tour guide’s vehicle. All of them closed their eyes along the way, and after half an hour, the mobile phones finally got a signal.
Mr. Zhao nudged Zhou Ning, who then opened his eyes. Although still amid the Gobi, he could occasionally see buildings by the roadside.
"How much longer until we reach the city?"
"I just asked; it’s another half hour to the city. Aren’t you going to call Director Xu? What does he mean, our vacation has just been taken away, right?"
Zhou Ning gave him a sidelong glance with a smile, turned on his phone, and before he could make a call, a plethora of missed call alerts came in, along with numerous unread messages in WeChat.
Zhou Ning, without haste, opened WeChat to check the messages.
The person who sent the most messages was Xu Dayuan, not voice messages but text, giving a very detailed account of the plans for cooperation between the city government, Qin University, and the city bureau with Ganzhou City.
He was also unaware of this matter, only getting news on the eighth. Hearing from Fang Dongsheng that he had run into Zhou Ning’s team, Xu Dayuan was also incredulous. His message meant that there was no rush to return; it was good timing to investigate this case and to test out the equipment donated by Qin University.
Of course, the messages then detailed the training plans for personnel and many meticulous arrangements, including Liu Yufei, who was scheduled to join the special case team here.
The other team members would arrive on tomorrow’s flights. Seeing this, Zhou Ning suddenly lost the desire to call Xu Dayuan. Mr. Zhao raised an eyebrow, leaned over for a look, and after reading, exclaimed,
"Damn, Chen Cheng is really unlucky; ten days into his marriage, and he has to live apart. Director Xu is really causing a calamity here!"
Zhou Ning glared at him and raised his phone, which was already connected on the other side, the roar from the phone instantly made Mr. Zhao shudder. He quickly made a pitiful face towards Zhou Ning and hurriedly said:
" Honestly, our Director Xu is really considerate; otherwise, how could it be possible to grant leave to all three couples at once? No complaints about what he’s done for us. Since the others can arrive by tomorrow afternoon, let’s go into the city and buy some souvenirs for them later. What do you think Director Xu and the others would like?"
As Mr. Zhao spoke, he put his hands together, pleading with Zhou Ning, who just shook his head.
"Hello, boss, finally got a signal. I’ve seen a bunch of messages on WeChat about the city, Qin University, and the bureau. Is this decision to choose this place because we’re in Ganzhou City?"
"Judging from your voice, you’re still on the road, aren’t you? Let’s talk details later. Call me back after you get to your room, and tell Mr. Zhao to keep his mouth shut. Over there, it’s not Qindao; you can’t do whatever you want."
Zhou Ning agreed and hung up the phone, furrowing his brow slightly. This feeling was not good; it seemed like something had happened.
