The next day, Qi Yun received a call early in the morning from the guide Mamati, who said that the personnel registration procedures had been completed and he was calling to confirm the departure time.
Qi Yun thought for a moment, then asked, "Are we setting out from Shanshan County again this time?"
"That’s right, entering the desert from there is the closest route and can save a lot of time," Mamati replied.
"Then let’s meet up at Shanshan County tomorrow."
"Tomorrow? Okay, Boss Qi," Mamati responded and continued, "This time I’ve found three experienced helpers; we’ll have four modified off-road vehicles in total, so you don’t need to prepare any vehicles on your side."
"As for the supplies, I plan to buy most of them in Shanshan County, but some special items can’t be bought in small places. You might need to get those from your side and bring them over."
"No problem, I’ll follow your lead. Send me a list of things you need me to prepare, and I’ll arrange for someone to purchase them," Qi Yun replied.
"Alright, and one more thing..." Mamati paused, then said with a smile, "it’s about the cost. You’re Brother Hong’s friend, and we’ve worked together before, so I’ll be straight with you."
"Since we have quite a few people and vehicles this time, we discussed it and decided on a rate of twenty thousand a day. How do you feel about this price?"
Upon hearing the price, Qi Yun quickly calculated in his mind and thought it was reasonable.
After all, last time it was just him, and it cost five thousand yuan.
Also, this time they would be going deep into the desert, where the risks are high. Plus, Mamati had found three experienced helpers, and the vehicles were all provided by him, which all required costs.
He then readily said, "No problem, it’s twenty thousand a day as you said, as long as you ensure the safety of our trip this time."
Mamati was relieved to hear Qi Yun agree to the price and said with a smile, "Boss Qi, don’t worry, I’ve been crawling around in the desert for so many years and have never had any accidents."
Qi Yun nodded, "Hehe, alright, quickly send me the list of supplies I need to prepare so I can have someone go purchase them."
"Okay, Boss Qi, I’ll send the list to you right away," Mamati replied quickly.
"Alright, then let’s leave it at that for now. We’ll meet in Shanshan County tomorrow and discuss the details further then."
"Okay, Boss Qi, see you tomorrow."
After hanging up, Mamati quickly sent over a list. Qi Yun glanced at it; it consisted of some professional outdoor tents and sleeping bags, as well as emergency rescue medicines.
He immediately forwarded the list to Zhong Rui and transferred twenty thousand yuan to him, asking him to make the purchases.
After completing these tasks, he checked his watch.
Since it wasn’t time for the hot pot restaurant to get busy yet, he didn’t rush to Old Feng’s place. Instead, he dialed the number of Ma Baoguo, whom he met yesterday.
"Hello, Mr. Qi, what can I do for you?" came Ma Baoguo’s friendly laughter over the phone.
Qi Yun tentatively asked, "Director Ma, I hope I’m not disturbing you."
"Not at all, Mr. Qi! I happen to be off today," Ma Baoguo replied hastily, although whether he was truly off work only he knew.
"That’s perfect, I have some free time today too and wanted to invite Director Ma for a meal. Would that be convenient for you?" Qi Yun said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Ma Baoguo’s tone became even more enthusiastic: "Oh my, Mr. Qi, you’re too kind! Of course, it’s convenient, it’s just embarrassing to make you spend money."
Qi Yun responded with a laugh, "Director Ma, you’re being too formal. After hitting it off yesterday, I already consider you a friend in my heart."
"It’s just nice that we both have time today to grab a meal and have a chat, connect a bit more. Who knows, I might have to bother you often in the future."
After hearing this, Ma Baoguo responded quickly, "Mr. Qi, you’re too polite. If you say we’re friends, then there’s no need to talk about bothering. Your matters are my matters in the future."
"Hehe, alright, then I’ll thank Director Ma in advance. Let’s meet at two in the afternoon at the same hot pot place as last time," Qi Yun said.
"Sure, last time’s hot pot there was great. I’ve been thinking about those flavors, so let’s meet in the afternoon."
After hanging up, Qi Yun lay on the sofa scrolling through the news until it was almost one o’clock before leisurely driving over to Old Feng’s hot pot restaurant. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ novel-fire.ɴet
After parking in the lot at the entrance, he glanced up at the shop next door, which had already begun renovations. It seemed Old Feng had already finalized everything.
Even though it wasn’t yet meal time, there were already quite a few customers inside.
That’s how it is in Jiang Province; many people wake up late, combining breakfast and lunch into one.
Behind the bar, Old Feng was somewhat surprised to see Qi Yun come alone.
"What’s got you free to inspect today?"
Qi Yun laughed heartily, patted him on the arm, and the two of them sat down at a table in the corner.
"Has the store been peaceful lately?"
Upon hearing this, Old Feng was taken aback, then replied, "What do you mean? I’ve already smoothed out all the necessary relationships."
"Not talking about that," Qi Yun shook his head, "I’m asking if there have been any problematic customers."
"There are often those who get drunk, but no one causing intentional trouble," Old Feng raised an eyebrow and continued to ask, "What’s up?"
"Nothing much, just asking casually," Qi Yun said as he glanced out the window, "I have an appointment with Director Ma from the precinct to have a meal here later, you should get to know him."