Chapter 279: Chapter 279

Cai Ming followed in Gong Tao’s footsteps and crawled into a tree hollow, leaving Cai Ming dumbfounded.

Could the underground entrance really be inside the tree hollow? Cai Ming found this quite unbelievable, knowing full well he’d passed by this place several times and never knew there was such a secret here.

"Be careful." After entering the entrance, Gong Tao lit a torch. Although they hadn’t been here much, they had made preparations to prevent anyone from entering without any lighting tools.

Cai Ming followed into the dark cavern, but to his surprise, it wasn’t stuffy in there. "Is this cave very large?"

That, Gong Tao wasn’t sure about. Ever since they moved the valuable things out, this place was pretty much abandoned. They found it a bit redundant, and since they wanted to conduct an experiment this time, they thought of it again.

"Not very sure, it was Ni Zi who accidentally discovered it, and Ni Zi’s Jade Pendant was found here," Gong Tao explained the origin of the Jade Pendant.

Cai Ming acknowledged with an "oh". He wasn’t that curious to ask in detail about what his brother-in-law discovered here; that was their business.

"The cave is a bit dark."

Gong Tao nodded, leading Cai Ming to a platform where he used the torch to light up a Stone Tripod. Slowly, the surrounding area began to brighten, though it was only bright around there.

At the same time, Cai Ming took a deep breath, "Was this artificially carved?" Cai Ming doubted that his brother-in-law would come here to carve out such a cave; that seemed pointless.

"Hmm, not sure when it was carved. It could have been a bandit’s den or a hideout for enemy agents," Gong Tao wasn’t from the public security bureau, nor was he an archaeologist. How would he study something so complicated?

"Can anything be planted here?" Although Cai Ming wasn’t from a farming background, after being here for over half a year, he did some farm work and got a bit of understanding. He didn’t think anything could be grown there.

"For warmth, you could use firewood, plus in winter, it’s warmer here than outside."

That’s the conclusion they reached last year. If it weren’t for the lack of light, they might have been willing to stay here for a few days.

"As for the lighting, we’re planning to make a few openings here." Gong Tao and Cai Ming discussed it, and with Zhao Gang joining them, the three were lively in their discussion.

Meanwhile, Gong Ruini and the other three were intensely discussing as they closely studied a map.

Zhao Xuran stared at the map for a long time, "I think it might be that place,"

But there were quite a few differences compared to the map. However, this should have been a map drawn decades ago, so some differences were normal.

Ah, Zhao Xuran actually figured out the place? Gong Ruini lifted her head and stared at Zhao Xuran with a bewildered look.

Gong Ruwen also fixed a bright gaze on Zhao Xuran. Regardless of who found the place, it was a good thing; otherwise, who knew how long they would need to study the map.

Not surprisingly, her own big brother, Zhao Guangran, was even more excited, far more than Zhao Xuran, whose excitement was still a bit shy. Zhao Guangran could barely resist loudly proclaiming his admiration for Zhao Xuran.

Her big brother is really amazing, he even found the place; that’s such an impressive thing.

Zhao Guangran was full of swagger, constantly throwing glances at Gong Ruini, signaling how remarkable his brother was. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novel_fіre.net

Gong Ruini felt amused just watching; come on; it was Zhao Xuran who discovered it, having no connection to Zhao Guangran. Was it necessary to be this excited?

"Actually, I’m not too sure either." Zhao Xuran was somewhat embarrassed by his brother’s exaggerated actions.

Knowing full well everyone was eagerly anticipating the location, now hearing there’s a place, wouldn’t that overly excite them?

Initially, Zhao Xuran thought it might be better to confirm first, but his brother had spoken so definitively, leaving Zhao Xuran a bit frustrated.

If it really was the right place, that would be great. But if it wasn’t, what then? Wouldn’t it have been a joy for nothing?

Zhao Xuran didn’t want to see everyone’s eyes filled with disappointment again. If there was no hope to begin with, that would be one thing, but giving them hope only to find it’s another disappointment—who knew how unhappy everyone would be.

"You know where it is?" Zhao Gang had just returned home after being busy for half a day when he heard his eldest son saying he had good news, leaving Zhao Gang thrilled.

Well, he always knew his kids were smart enough to figure out where the place was.

Well, even his father knew now. Sigh, Zhao Xuran originally wanted to quietly confirm it, but his brother had such a big mouth.

Zhao Xuran gave Zhao Guangran a resentful glare, "Dad, I just feel there’s a place that looks similar, but I need to go and confirm to be sure."

Oh, so it was just a guess, Zhao Gang nodded, "Alright, at least you have something to go verify."

Although a bit disappointing, having a place to check is better than having no goal at all. "Taozi, you’re not working today, right?"

Gong Tao nodded, "The village wants me to make some stuff for the school."

Ever since a half-baked carpenter emerged from the village, most things needed in the village would find their way to Gong Tao. Whenever the school was in need, they’d go to Gong Tao.

"Then you accompany Xuran and the others to have a look." Zhao Gang, worried the kids would go to an unfamiliar place, thought it best to have an adult with them.

"Sure." Gong Tao agreed without hesitation. After all, he was skilled in this, and could finish quickly.

Under such arrangements, Zhao Xuran could only pray and hope that the place was really what they were looking for; otherwise, involving an adult would be quite embarrassing.

Zhao Guangran was also constantly praying, hoping his brother would guess the place right this time. He thought if his brother guessed wrong, and Gong Ruini figured it out, it would be quite embarrassing. Not everything can be left to Gong Ruini, can it? That would really be a loss of face.

Just like that, after a good breakfast, a group of enthusiastic people took off to the mountain with some simple tools, aiming to explore and uncover the treasure location.

"The weather is nice today."

"Brother, we’re sure to find the place." Zhao Guangran said, not forgetting to shoot a smug glance at Gong Ruini, who walked quietly behind him.

Gong Ruini really didn’t get why finding a possible location, even Zhao Xuran wasn’t this excited, so what was Zhao Guangran so worked up about?

Come to think of it, even if they discovered the place, it would be a good thing, considering that this time, his family would benefit the most.

Gong Ruini stealthily flashed a middle finger at the endlessly chattering Zhao Guangran ahead; kid, stop being so smug; if we really hit upon something valuable and it’s all worth money, who knows how heartbroken you, the little miser, will be?

Thinking of this, Gong Ruini felt joyous, knowing that the one who laughs last laughs the sweetest.