Those Classmates who Suddenly Disappeared
Chapter 201: Sincere Invitation

Chapter 201: Chapter 201: Sincere Invitation

The weather was nice today, and Gu Fan wanted to have a good sleep in, but was woken by the next-door neighbor, Su Hui, humming and singing. Hearing her, he figured she was in a good mood and was probably getting ready for a date.

Getting up, Gu Fan saw Su Hui completely dolled up, looking better than a fairy, and waving cheerfully, "I have plans today, don’t wait for me for dinner."

"Sure, no issues if you don’t come home tonight," teased Gu Fan before watching Su Hui walking away in her high heels. He murmured to himself: Dating really changed a woman for the better, she was looking beautiful.

Just when Gu Fan thought he would have an ordinary day, he received a sudden call from Professor Luo, indicating that he wanted to talk about something important.

"What important matter could it be?" Gu Fan was puzzled. He believed he hardly had anything to do with Professor Luo and was surprised to be contacted.

Gu Fan felt a bit apprehensive, as unexpected contact usually came with unexpected news. At the same time, he felt a bit relieved. They had experienced life and death situations together, such rare bonds were palpable. He looked forward to catching up, it would save their relationship from drifting apart.

Upon reaching Professor Luo’s place, he found him engrossed in some documents, being assisted by Xu Haowen and Qin Jia. They greeted Gu Fan warmly.

"I haven’t seen you in a while, Professor Luo. Xu Haowen, Qin Jia, you both look beautiful as ever." Gu Fan returned their greetings and seeing the research on Professor Luo’s table, he asked, "I heard Professor Luo, that you made a trip out to unearth the city of Qianye Country, was it of any avail?"

Professor Luo shook his head, "The city of Qianye is completely buried, hardly anything to unearth. Even what we got is not well preserved. It doesn’t provide much to our research, but nevermind, Lin Xi has provided us with a great deal of information."

"Oh, Lin Xi?" Gu Fan was surprised, then added, "Why would she provide information, she’s not usually so generous?"

Professor Luo smiled: "You seem to disapprove Lin Xi’s recent actions. I heard you broke up. Seems the reincarnation of Queen Qianye is too much for you to handle."

Upon hearing this, Gu Fan pulled a bitter face, "Please Professor Luo, don’t pour salt on my wounds. Is your call today related to Lin Xi?"

Professor Luo nodded, "Yes, Lin Xi asked me to hand over something to you. She wants you to keep it safe." After that he handed a rectangular box to Gu Fan.

"What, she wants me to savekeep it for her, she wishes." Despite his reluctance, Gu Fan still accepted the box, carefully concealing his curiosity about what Lin Xi possibly could send.

While Gu Fan was deep in his thoughts, Xu Haowen asked, "I watched the news, there was a severe accident on the highway, mostly police cars. They’re saying it’s an accident, but we feel there’s much more to it than that. Do you know any inside story, Gu Fan?"

"Inside story, how would I have any clue, this is a matter for the police." Gu Fan feigned ignorance. Xu Haowen insisted, "But I feel you know something. Recently, things are getting increasingly complicated. A while ago, one of my relatives witnessed an attack on a police convoy. The attackers assaulted onlookers and destroyed recording devices. They wore masks and their demeanor was similar to those we met in Qianye Country."

"Really?" Gu Fan faked surprise, but inwardly he knew that Xu Haowen’s relative was at the same scene as Lu Yi, could it be...

Xu Haowen continued probing, "With so much happening, Sister Su being a policewoman might know something. You live together, she might reveal a thing or two."

Gu Fan shaking his head continuously, "Police investigations often exclude common people, Sister Su maintains professional ethics."

Xu Haowen unwilling to take no for an answer, "But I saw Luo Jingrong attacked that day, along with the town folks and you were also present."

"Really?" Gu Fan feigned surprise, hastily wagged his hand, "Listen Xu Haowen, don’t poke your nose into everything, don’t ask so many questions, good citizens live peaceful lives. With all the information provided by Lin Xi on the foreign domain, you should divert your attention towards it."

Xu Haowen did not pay any heed and stared intently at Gu Fan, "Gu Fan, aren’t you withholding information from us? Do you think we are cowardly, unqualified to participate, will slow you down? Don’t you trust us? I thought after enduring harsh situations together, we were able to trust each other."

Upon hearing this and seeing Xu Haowen’s stern expression, Gu Fan sighed, "Honestly, I trust you a lot, but some matters are too complicated and too dangerous. I don’t want to drag you into them. It’s not that I fear you will slow me down, but I fear I might involve you. Do you understand what I mean?"

Xu Haowen tried to say something more, but was interrupted by Professor Luo, and then Gu Fan left.

A moment later, Xu Haowen looked indignant and asked Professor Luo why he had intervened, suggesting that it wasn’t necessary for them to be involved.

Professor Luo heaved a sigh: "Haowen, can’t you see that Gu Fan also isn’t his own master?"

Qin Jia also tried to reason with him: "Okay, we just need to focus on our work in archaeology. Why are you so concerned with Gu Fan’s affairs?"

"What else is there to excavate? Lin Xi has already told us everything. The remaining job has become simple and easy. I suddenly feel as if I’ve lost my target, my purpose." Xu Haowen sounded frustrated. He went on to say, "After witnessing Queen Qianye’s reincarnation, the power of eternal life, and so many mind-boggling things, don’t you think there are more mysterious things in this world than archaeology worthy of our pursuit?"

Hearing this, Professor Luo finally understood that Xu Haowen’s mentality had changed. Archaeology no longer mattered to him. What he was after was something more mysterious and unpredictable, like eternal life.

Still, Professor Luo earnestly advised, "Archaeology is within our means, but strange phenomena are not something we can deal with. Archaeology isn’t confined to foreign lands. There’s so much history and culture that needs uncovering. You could certainly focus your attention on these."

Xu Haowen was not satisfied: "Professor Luo, do you believe we’re not qualified to participate? We’ve faced so many dangers in the foreign lands and still managed to overcome them. If Gu Fan can be involved, why can’t we be? Are we inferior to Gu Fan?"

Qin Jia rebuked him at once: "You can’t talk to Professor Luo like that, Xu Haowen. You’re his student."

"I appreciate Professor Luo’s teachings. I’ve always respected him, but there are some things, some paths that I should choose for myself. Since much of the history and culture of the foreign lands has been studied, I believe Professor Luo doesn’t need me anymore. Please take care of yourself in the future." After saying this, Xu Haowen turned to leave, showing no sign of reluctance, which indicated his determination to follow his chosen path.

Qin Jia was very worried: "What are we going to do, Professor Luo?"

Though worried, Professor Luo seemed helpless: "I’m too old to worry about everything. Qin Jia, you must contact Gu Fan and Lin Xi and ask them to handle it, so that Xu Haowen won’t get involved."

Qin Jia promptly dialed Lin Xi’s number, hoping that Lin Xi’s self-proclaimed sistership was not just a ploy, and that Lin Xi could actually help.

Upon hearing the news, Lin Xi had a headache. She hadn’t expected the studious Xu Haowen to be so tenacious. Things were already complex enough; having Xu Haowen involved would only add to the mess.

However, as Lin Xi and Qin Jia continued their conversation, Lin Xi revealed that Du Jun wanted to invite Qin Jia to dinner, hoping she would accept the invitation. As friends, it was necessary to maintain and strengthen their bond over a meal.

Qin Jia didn’t know why she didn’t refuse or accept immediately but said she would consider it.

However, when she was heading home, she saw a car parked by the roadside with Du Jun looking eagerly out, a smile on his face, resembling a man anticipating his date.

Seeing Du Jun, Qin Jia was surprised. She hadn’t agreed yet. How could he just show up uninvited? Wasn’t this disrespecting her wishes?

But Du Jun saw through her thoughts: "I know it’s a bit abrupt for me to invite you to dinner like this, but if I waited for you to consider it for a while, I probably wouldn’t stand a chance. I understand there’s been a misunderstanding between us. I’m not the turncoat you imagine me to be. I need this dinner to clarify all the misunderstandings. I don’t want you to change your view of me, but I just need an opportunity to explain."

Qin Jia was still hesitant. She felt it unfair to be wheedled into going, but the sports car was really impressive.

Undeterred, Du Jun pressed on: "You called Lin Xi, which means you’re willing to accept her. So you should also accept me who works for Lin Xi. Maybe you’ll understand me and Lin Xi better after hearing what I have to say. You might realize that we can actually continue being friends."

"Well, perhaps we could..." Seeing Du Jun’s sincerity and the irresistible sports car, Qin Jia softened and nodded in acceptance, not realizing she and Xu Haowen were in the same boat now.

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