The Darling of Heaven Owns a Rip-off Shop

Chapter 628 - 13: Let Me Take You Home

Cheng Luo had no clue about Zhou Qiang’s thoughts. She leaned against Tianmiao’s sleeping bag and drifted off into a hazy sleep.

...

One night passed.

In the desert, it’s coldest just before dawn, giving the illusion of sleeping in a world of ice and snow. Que Qiu opened his eyes, unzipped the sleeping bag, almost getting sand in his eyes from the grains leaking onto it. When he sat up, he realized the sky, which should have been gradually brightening, remained unchanged, as dark as midnight. The cold wind howled, and the camels huddled together in the caravan started to get restless. Que Qiu opened his water bag, took a sip, strolled outside for a bit, and upon returning, found Professor Wu already up, sitting on a small stool outside, brushing his teeth.

"Professor Wu," Que Qiu nodded in greeting.

Professor Wu’s complexion looked much better than the day before. He waved at him, rinsed his mouth, and said, "Hard work, guide."

After exchanging a few words, the team members gradually emerged from their tents. After freshening up, they ate some biscuits and were ready to set off, but everyone hesitated and asked Que Qiu, "Why does it still seem dark?"

It was already seven-thirty, and the sky should not be this dim.

"Black sandstorm, likely to come in two days. We probably won’t reach our target today. We can only head to the Oasis Ancient City to avoid the black sandstorm first, then go through Hel Shallow to the Imperial City, taking a big detour."

Zhou Qiang asked anxiously, "Why? Didn’t they say the weather would worsen in a few days, which would slow us down, and our supplies aren’t enough?" The other assistants also protested, questioning why they had to stop.

Que Qiu calmly explained, "Because we can’t reach there today. The original plan was to cross Black Death Road today, where no machine or compass works. You can only rely on your eyes to navigate, but the black sandstorm blocks out the sun and moon, making it impossible to find direction, and we’d all die when it hits. We need to find shelter now. Moreover, precisely because our supplies are insufficient, we need to go to the oasis to replenish. Did you forget that we’re all using Miss Tianmiao’s water? Do you really think Miss Tianmiao’s water can support all of us reaching the destination?"

By the end, Que Qiu’s tone had turned somewhat mocking.

Zhou Qiang’s face flushed red suddenly. Indeed, he had forgotten. Tianmiao’s generosity made him, perhaps not just him, but everyone else too, overlook this fact.

"I’m sorry, Miss Tianmiao, please forgive our selfishness. We were too eager," Professor Wu apologized to Tianmiao.

"It’s fine, I understand how you feel. But, as the guide said, we really must replenish our drinking water. Otherwise, we won’t be able to sustain so many people on the road," Tianmiao waved it off, indicating not to worry.

"Thank you for your generosity, Miss Tianmiao. Then, let’s follow the guide’s arrangements. We’ll replenish water first, then figure things out. As important as the scientific expedition is, personal safety must come first," Professor Wu affirmed, and everyone stopped objecting.

Tianmiao also nodded and said, "Let’s set off then," and turned towards the camel caravan. The others followed behind.

With Tianmiao present, Que Qiu didn’t ride the lead camel but rather the one next to Tianmiao’s. However, Tianmiao still made Que Qiu lead the way, and the camel caravan seemed to naturally regard Que Qiu’s camel as the temporary leader, following it onward.

And Que Qiu was acutely aware of the lead camel’s status within the caravan, yet she managed to easily command it?

Though filled with many inner questions, Que Qiu had never asked them. Ever since he first met Tianmiao, he was convinced she was no ordinary person.