Reborn in the 80s: The Smart Wife with a Secret Space Chapter 1217: The Road to Good Fortune Is Never Smooth

The arrival of the car created quite a stir in the village, drawing a crowd of onlookers eager to see the commotion.

As it was their first time there and they were unfamiliar with the village layout, Xinyan alighted from the vehicle. "Excuse me, could you direct me to the village chief's residence?" she inquired.

A child, hearing Xinyan's question, called out to the adults gathered beneath a large willow tree nearby. "Village Chief, someone is looking for you!"

The village chief, upon hearing he was being sought, stood up, his bowl in hand, and approached. "Who is it that requires my attention?"

At that moment, Wei Fengyuan also emerged from the car and stepped forward. "Village Chief, might we have a private word?"

Glancing at the modest car parked a short distance away, the village chief replied, "My home is just up ahead; let's proceed there to talk."

Since the car could not navigate the narrow paths, Mr. Gu also exited, and the group proceeded on foot towards the village chief's dwelling.

Upon entering the courtyard, the village chief called towards the house, "Kids' Mom, we have visitors."

A voice responded from within, "Coming, I'll be right there."

The village chief ushered them into the living room before asking, "What is it that brings you here today?"

Mr. Gu produced a photograph from his pocket. "Was this picture taken in your village?"

The village chief accepted the photo and examined it closely. "Yes, this was indeed taken in our village. It's been quite some years now."

After his perusal, he looked up at Mr. Gu. "Is there an issue with the photograph?"

Mr. Gu's excitement grew. "Do you recognize the individuals in the picture?"

The village chief rubbed his head and looked at the photo once more. "This was taken when the village was digging a deep well. An exploration team happened to be in the area, and a reporter accompanying them took this picture. The team stayed for a few days before departing."

Upon hearing this, Mr. Gu's hand, which held the photograph, trembled slightly. "Where was that exploration team from?"

The village chief appeared somewhat hesitant. "We didn't hire the exploration team. They were sent by the authorities to explore Chicken Mountain and coincidentally stayed in our village for a period. Hearing of our well-digging plans, they offered their assistance."

He had arrived with fervent anticipation, only to find this outcome.

Mr. Gu, still somewhat insistent, pressed, "Village Chief, please reconsider. Is there anyone from that photo you might still be in contact with?"

The village chief cast his gaze back to the photograph. After a pause, he directly shook his head. "Aside from a few villagers, everyone else was part of the exploration team. They only mentioned being sent from 'above,' and we didn't inquire for further details."

Suddenly recalling something, he slapped his thigh. "Ah, yes! I remember seeing their letter of introduction. It bore the official stamp of the provincial exploration team."

The photograph itself was not particularly clear. Though they wore work clothes, it was difficult to discern the origin of the attire, as many organizations used blue work cloth for their uniforms back then.

Even though they hadn't directly found the people they sought, the trip was not entirely in vain.

They spent the night at the village chief's home. Early the next morning, after leaving some money as compensation, they hastened towards the provincial capital.

The journey, excluding lunch, consumed the better part of the day. Fortunately, they had taken turns driving; otherwise, the trip would have been grueling.

By the time they reached Chengdu, dusk had already settled.

They secured lodging in the vicinity of the exploration bureau. Mr. Gu was so fatigued that he forewent dinner, which was instead brought to him.

Concerned that the elder might not recover well, Xinyan prepared a cup of malted milk powder for him using water from her spatial dimension before retiring to her own room.

The following morning, Mr. Gu awoke early. Noticing Wei Fengyuan still asleep, he ventured out alone.

Sensing movement, Xinyan promptly rose, tidied herself, and hurried after him. "Grandpa, I'll accompany you," she offered.

It was still too early for most people to have started their work, meaning any visit now would involve a lengthy wait. "Grandpa, let's find a place for breakfast first. Afterward, I'll go with you to get acquainted with the area."

Mr. Gu understood that an early visit would be unproductive. "Very well," he conceded.

Xinyan, aware of the old man's anxieties, reassured him, "Grandpa, don't worry. At most, we'll have to invest more effort, but we will certainly find them."

How could he not be worried? Yet, he recognized the wisdom in his granddaughter's words. He needed to take care of his health, avoid causing distress to his wife and the young lady at home, and not burden his granddaughter or Wei Zi.

At this juncture, breakfast vendors were just beginning to set up their stalls. Xinyan led him around to familiarize himself with the surroundings of the exploration bureau. After completing their circuit, they returned to find a spot to eat.

Following that, they procured some provisions before heading back to their lodgings.

Wei Fengyuan had also roused himself by this time: "Uncle Gu, I was just on my way to find you."

Xinyan offered a smile, presenting the breakfast: "Uncle Wei, we've brought some sustenance back for you."

Wei Fengyuan, possessing astute observation skills: "Did you visit the exploration bureau early today?"

Xinyan confirmed with a nod: "Indeed, we decided to familiarize ourselves with the location beforehand to prevent any delays later."

Upon observing Uncle Gu retrieving that photograph once more, Wei Fengyuan inwardly sighed, harboring a hope: "Hopefully, today brings favorable tidings."

The anticipation seemed to stretch endlessly. With merely half an hour remaining until the staff commenced their duties, Mr. Gu's patience wore thin: "Let's depart. By now, someone should have arrived."