Chapter 110: The Silken Web Cave's Specialty—Cumin-Roasted Insects

Regarding Dong Xin, Gu Mengyan, with her carefree nature, harbored no suspicion whatsoever. She accepted Dong Xin’s self-introduction without hesitation, believing it entirely.

However, having witnessed the cold realities of the world and the scheming intrigues of people, Fan Yirou, like Chen Hao, silently harbored a big question mark in her heart.

Although she only learned today about the conflict between Chen Hao and Dong Xin on the day Chen Hao and the others resigned, the astute Fan Yirou quickly sensed something deeply peculiar about the whole matter.

The concerns Chen Hao had, though never voiced aloud to the two women, naturally occurred to Fan Yirou as well. Moreover, she noticed Chen Hao’s attitude toward Dong Xin had shifted quite noticeably.

At first, when Chen Hao first met Dong Xin in the room, he was wary and guarded. Yet, after stepping out briefly with Chen Shaotian and returning, his demeanor had undergone a complete 180-degree turnaround—something clearly abnormal.

Furthermore, being intimately familiar with Chen Hao, Fan Yirou could tell from the subtle expressions on his face that the politeness he displayed was merely a façade.

If Gu Mengyan had observed carefully enough, she too would have noticed Chen Hao’s odd behavior. However, because she instinctively took Dong Xin to be just an ordinary tourist like everyone else, a chance encounter, she never gave it much thought nor closely examined Chen Hao’s changes.

Otherwise, given Gu Mengyan’s familiarity with Chen Hao, it would have been impossible for her not to notice. After all, she had spent far more time with Chen Hao than Fan Yirou had.

Whether Dong Xin, with her hidden agenda, had realized that Chen Hao was merely putting on a show was unknown. But even if she had, she likely wouldn’t dare to voice it. After all, she was trying deliberately to get close to the group; speaking out would only expose herself.

Who in their right mind would harbor so many ulterior motives for a casual travel companion, let alone go out of their way to scrutinize others’ attitudes? Only someone with impure intentions or a guilty conscience would have such suspicions.

Fan Yirou refrained from warning Chen Hao because she trusted his intelligence—he surely had already thought of a plan by now. His sudden change in attitude must have been part of it.

It seemed this trip to Crystal would become quite interesting...

The group had decided to follow Dong Xin to a restaurant she claimed served delicious local specialties, so naturally, they trailed behind her. Chen Hao and the others expected Dong Xin to hail a taxi to their destination.

But unexpectedly, Dong Xin led them to the hotel parking lot instead, further arousing Chen Hao’s doubts.

Judging by her demeanor, could she possibly have her own car? Who brings a car when traveling? Though puzzled, Chen Hao kept his silence.

When an SUV pulled up, Chen Hao’s suspicions were confirmed—it was indeed her own vehicle. Upon boarding, he examined the interior and found it filled with feminine personal items—cosmetic bags, car decorations exuding a distinctly female style.

On the back seat lay a set of evening gowns Dong Xin had prepared for herself. Evidently, this was her private car.

Fan Yirou shared Chen Hao’s bewilderment about Dong Xin having her own car, initially thinking she had rented a hotel vehicle in advance, having arrived earlier. But the personal items inside left no doubt.

As Chen Hao and Fan Yirou pondered, Gu Mengyan bluntly asked, “Hey, Dong Xin, is this your own car? You brought your own vehicle on a trip? You flew here, right? Did you ship this car over?”

Chen Hao heard this and wished to kiss her for her cuteness and perceptiveness. Though he shared the curiosity, it would have been inappropriate for him to ask directly. Gu Mengyan’s straightforward, familiar manner made the question seem natural and non-threatening to Dong Xin.

Dong Xin, of course, had a well-prepared explanation that sounded plausible.

“This car was left here from my last visit to Crystal,” she said casually. “Actually, this isn’t my first time here. Previously, I came a few times, not for vacation, but for work.

You know, the game development inspiration work I mentioned before. I need to go to the big forest in Crystal to take photos and gather scenery. Taking taxis is impractical, especially since the mountain roads and trails are rough—taxi suspensions couldn’t handle it.

So, for convenience, I applied through my company to have this SUV assigned to me. That way, both travel and work here are much easier.

Since I come here occasionally, I didn’t have the company take the car back each time. Instead, I rented a long-term parking spot at the hotel and left it here.

Of course, I flew here this time, but the car would just sit idle if unused, so I’m using it myself!

It’s a bit of a gray area, but please keep it a secret!”

At the end, Dong Xin winked at Gu Mengyan, playfully like a mischievous girl.

Chen Hao couldn’t tell how much of this story was true or false. But one thing was certain: Dong Xin had indeed been to Crystal before. The car’s belongings and the dust on it attested to her ownership and that it had been parked there for some time.

Crystal... Chen Hao thought. He’d never heard of Unreal Company having any special operations here before. It must be related to the forest.

Dong Xin said she came to gather scenery to create game settings... And Chen Hao, well versed in virtual reality, knew that before the global computer virus crisis, Unreal hadn’t updated their game maps in a long time.

If Dong Xin was truly here to shoot scenes for a new game map, it must be for a new version. And the new map... Chen Hao had only once encountered it—inside the forest where he met Vivian. Could it be the same forest Dong Xin was capturing?

It seemed necessary for him to visit Crystal’s great forest. First, to look for his father and see how his health was now.

Second, his curiosity about the attack that happened in the forest was strong. Though the scene had likely been cleaned up, that strange building probably still stood. He wanted to verify if the fragment of memory in his mind was real.

Third, to gauge how much of Dong Xin’s story was true or fabricated. But this was difficult. Crystal’s forest was vast, and he had no idea which area Dong Xin was photographing. Even if he knew, she would surely alter the scenery to suit the game’s needs rather than replicating reality exactly.

What if he asked her to guide him? Would she agree? And he would have to keep it secret from Gu Mengyan and Fan Yirou.

Too complicated! Chen Hao felt his head growing larger.

Once in the car, Dong Xin, speaking as one familiar with the area, gave the three a general introduction to Crystal’s situation.

Contrary to rumors, Crystal was not a place devoid of attractions or vacation spots.

On the contrary, it was quite worth seeing. Though lacking famous historical sites or relics, its natural scenery was genuinely beautiful—otherwise Dong Xin wouldn’t come here for creative inspiration.

She didn’t elaborate why tourism wasn’t promoted here, only saying that because of its remote location and presence of large wild animals in the forests, safety concerns prevented publicity.

As for why such a luxurious hotel stood here despite no tourism development, Dong Xin was vague, claiming ignorance.

Hearing this, Chen Hao suddenly understood. Crystal did have many beautiful spots—besides dense forests, there were several stunning rivers and lakes.

Frankly, it was a fairyland described in books—nestled against green mountains, facing vast lakes. Located in the country’s south, the climate was pleasant, an ideal place for leisure and vacation.

If someone invested in lakeside villas, it would attract many tourists.

The lack of tourism was certainly linked to the forest’s secret buildings. Whether for confidentiality or safety, the natural beauty had been deliberately concealed. Without promotion, there was no fame, and so few visitors.

Thus, Crystal’s secrets remained well hidden, and safety ensured—benefiting both the nation and the public. Chen Hao understood this reasoning well.

When he had earlier inquired at the hotel lobby about Crystal, the staff said there was nothing to do here, probably mistaking him for a wealthy tourist and withholding the truth for his safety. They must have been trained accordingly.

Just as he pondered this, Dong Xin parked the car. Through the window, Chen Hao nearly gasped. Even Gu Mengyan’s gaze was peculiar.

The restaurant’s signboard was a stone plaque carved with large characters: “Pansi Cave Specialty Cumin Grilled Insects...”