Chapter 565 - 565
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Early the next morning, Zhou Chao was awakened from his sleep by the bustling noise outside.
“Who’s making all this racket so early in the morning? Don’t they know people need their rest?” Zhou Chao grumbled as he got out of bed, threw on his heavy down jacket, and made his way to the balcony.
“Wow, there are so many people!” Zhou Chao observed as he looked out at the villa’s courtyard, where at least forty to fifty people were busy with various types of machinery and equipment. It seemed that these people were all part of the exploration team that Abdullah and Ibya had called in.
“Zhou!” Abdullah called out loudly as he and Ibya were leisurely enjoying their morning tea nearby, noticing Zhou standing on the balcony.
Zhou waved at them in response to their call, realizing it was only around 8:30 in the morning. He hadn’t expected them to arrive so early with a group of people.
“Ah, well, since they’re here, might as well make the best of it. But why disturb my sleep?” Zhou sighed. After all, the weather here was much colder than back home, so it was tempting to stay in bed longer in the mornings.
A gust of wind made Zhou shiver involuntarily. He hurried back inside.
Soon, Zhou changed into fresh clothes and headed downstairs. As he reached the entrance, he bumped into Lin Wu coming in.
“Why are you in such a rush?” Zhou asked.
“Boss, you’re up. I was just coming to wake you up,” Lin Wu replied.
Zhou glanced at the busy crowd outside and asked, “When did these people arrive?”
“They’ve been here for a while, but those two young masters just got here not long ago,” Lin Wu answered.
Zhou nodded and walked over to the two of them.
“Boss, I made some Eight Treasure Porridge this morning. Would you like to try some?” Lin Wu offered.
“Bring me three bowls, and have them sent over later,” Zhou replied without looking back.
“You’re here! Come, have a seat. Ilya, top up Zhou’s tea!” Abdullah warmly welcomed Zhou as he sat down.
“Don’t trouble yourselves, I can handle it,” Zhou quickly declined their hospitality.
After all, he was planning to fleece the two of them later, and if they were too attentive now, it might be harder to carry out his plan later.
Abdullah and Ilya exchanged a glance and nodded slightly, unaware that Zhou had noticed their expressions.
“Zhou, it’s getting late. Shall we go check out your big gold mine?” Abdullah suggested eagerly.
Zhou waved a hand dismissively. “No rush. Have you two had breakfast yet? I’m still hungry!”
Just as Zhou finished speaking, Lin Wu arrived with a tray.
“Boss, I wasn’t sure if you wanted extra sugar. Please let me know if you do!” Lin Wu said respectfully.
Zhou nodded slightly, and Lin Wu left with the tray.
“Abdullah, Ilya, why don’t you try the specialty Eight Treasure Porridge we have here?” Zhou suggested as he picked up his own bowl and started eating.
Lin Wu’s congee-making skills were surprisingly good, not inferior to those of even top-tier hotels.
Abdullah, who had intended to speak, glanced at Ilya beside him. Seeing him gently shake his head, indicating not to rush, Abdullah could only pick up the bowl of Eight Treasure Congee in front of him and start eating with a hint of resignation.
The three of them quietly enjoyed their bowls of Eight Treasure Congee.
“Hmm, Zhou, this Eight Treasure Porridge is really good! It suits my taste. Tell me how to make it, and I’ll add it to my breakfast menu in the future.”
“It’s nothing. I’ll have Lin Wu copy his process for you later.”
“Haha, don’t keep it a secret!”
“Rest assured, I’m always open and generous with my friends,” Zhou nodded with a smile.
Abdullah and Ilya were momentarily stunned, but soon they joined Zhou Chao in laughter.
The group chatted for about half an hour, during which Abdullah and Ilya didn’t rush Zhou Chao about heading to the gold mine. They understood that haste makes waste, and the gold mine wasn’t going anywhere. Once they realized this, they relaxed considerably.
Zhou Chao glanced at his watch. “It’s about time. Let’s organize your people and get ready to head into the mountains.”
Upon hearing Zhou Chao’s words, the two of them immediately stood up and hurried towards the open space, shouting for everyone to assemble. Watching their excitement, Zhou Chao chuckled softly.
Soon, they had organized their respective teams. At the same time, Lin Wu and Lev gathered all their bodyguards, each equipped with the weapons they had taken into the mountains previously.
Seeing everyone assembled, Zhou Chao called Chen Nan over.
“You and Lev lead the way with your teams. You should know the way.”
“Yes, boss!” Chen Nan nodded.
Zhou Chao nodded slightly and said softly, “Let’s go.”
Then, a group of fifty to sixty people began to move, with Zhou Chao’s bodyguards positioned on either side of the crowd to prevent encounters with any animals or beasts in the mountains.
“Hey, Zhou, isn’t this the road we encountered before?” Ilya asked, puzzled, as they approached a tranquil lake.
“Yeah, we’ll pass by your previous campsite soon.”