Chapter 111: Hotel Surroundings
A few minutes later, the bus stopped outside the luxury hotel.
The hotel had twelve floors with an underground parking garage.
Tour guide Yang Tao was a young man in his twenties with excellent eloquence—he hadn't stopped talking the entire journey.
Yang Tao entered the hotel to communicate with the front desk and soon returned with a stack of key cards to distribute to the tourists.
"There are many worthwhile attractions nearby, but for safety reasons, everyone should stay close to the hotel. Tomorrow I'll lead everyone to visit the nearby sights. We'll have a barbecue gathering outside the hotel at 8 PM—don't be late."
Lin Ye took his key card with room number 804. Without waiting for Feng Youcai and Wang Yao, Lin Ye took the elevator upstairs with Jiang Yu.
"Wait! We're coming up too!"
Several quicker-moving tourists followed them into the elevator.
The elevator was spacious enough that eight people didn't feel crowded at all.
Those who entered together included three classmates, a photographer, and a couple. "Hey man, those clothes are pretty cool. What brand are they?"
One of the students struck up a conversation with Lin Ye.
"Work issued them. No brand."
Lin Ye replied with a smile.
He could tell these students were still excited about traveling, but unfortunately, they'd had bad luck running into a travel scam—this was the consequence of not choosing a reliable tour group.
"What kind of job requires clothes like these?"
Sun Yuhang asked curiously.
"My work is somewhat special, mainly helping higher-ups solve problems. The pay is average and it keeps me busy. You just graduated, right? Make sure to study hard in college so you don't end up as miserable as me later."
Lin Ye said with a laugh.
"You're being too modest. The material of these clothes is quite unusual."
A female student standing behind Sun Yuhang suddenly interjected.
"You can tell?"
Lin Ye glanced at the female student. He had sensed earlier that everyone on the bus was ordinary.
Song Qi moved closer to Lin Ye and said quietly:
"My dad works at the Public Security Bureau. I've seen him wear clothes with this same feel. Are you here for work?"
"I'm not with the Public Security Bureau, but I am here related to work. I can't say more than that... you understand, right?"
Lin Ye winked at Song Qi.
"I understand. I won't tell anyone."
Song Qi covered her mouth, indicating she would keep the secret.
The elevator reached the eighth floor. Only Lin Ye and Jiang Yu got off. The hotel hadn't arranged them on the same floor—instead, each group was assigned to a different floor, which was quite strange.
Jiang Yu: As expected of a big shot, still finding time to pick up girls.
Wang Yao: ?
Feng Youcai: ?
Lin Ye: Don't talk nonsense. I'm gathering information and laying groundwork for our identities. Now we're Public Security Bureau staff.
Jiang Yu: Is the Public Security Bureau the official organization here?
Lin Ye: Probably. I didn't commit to it. You can make up your own identities too, but Public Security Bureau staff sounds more reliable than random passersby with superpowers.
Wang Yao: Do we really need to hide our identities like this? We're the only spiritual energy users in the tour group. Wouldn't enemies sense it immediately?
Lin Ye: Hiding our identities and getting discovered can give enemies a false sense of security. And unless they have remote observation methods, I'll probably detect enemies first.
Jiang Yu: I see... When are we going out? Can I take a bath first?
Lin Ye: Let me check the room first, then you can have half an hour for your bath. To avoid being alone, I'll wait in the room for you.
Jiang Yu: Great! I also want to attend the barbecue dinner tonight.
Lin Ye: That's fine. Banquets are often part of many rituals.
Wang Yao: I'd like to bathe too, but forget it in a place like this.
Jiang Yu: This is a luxury hotel! I never got to visit places like this back on Blue Star.
Wang Yao: Suit yourself.
The hotel guest room was quite luxurious—two bedrooms, one living room, one bathroom, totaling about 100 square meters. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered views of the distant scenery.
This was probably what they called a mountain view room.
"Wow, this place is really nice. I almost want to live here forever."
Jiang Yu leaned against the window, speaking happily.
"If we're not careful tonight, that might just be possible."
Lin Ye began scanning the entire room with his mental energy, then conducted a thorough physical search. He found no issues.
Jiang Yu hummed songs while bathing. Lin Ye mentally mapped the hotel's entire structure and marked each tourist's specific location.
Lin Ye hadn't yet grasped the key points of this mission, so he could only make preparations.
"Aren't you going to bathe? I can wait for you."
Jiang Yu finished her bath, dressed, and emerged from the bathroom.
"I shower daily at the shelter, so no need. Let's go check out the area. We should return before dark."
They took the elevator downstairs where Yang Tao was still discussing the barbecue gathering with hotel staff.
"Heading out?"
Noticing them, Yang Tao turned and greeted them.
"Yes, going for a walk nearby. Guide Yang, any interesting attractions around here?"
Lin Ye asked with a smile.
"To the north there's a deep water pond—best not to get too close. Northwest has some caves that were supposedly nests of some ancient creatures. The cave structures are complex and easy to get lost in, so don't go inside—just look from outside. To the east is pristine forest with many wild beasts. I hear people go missing there every year, so stay away from that area."
Yang Tao vividly described the surrounding attractions with clear enunciation and a measured pace.
"What about the south?"
Jiang Yu suddenly asked.
"The manual doesn't mention... oh, sorry, this is my first time on this route. The company promised to have a senior guide show me first, but he suddenly resigned. I'm not even sure if the manual information is accurate, but the company told me to promote it heavily. Probably just gimmicks to attract tourists—can't actually be that dangerous."
Yang Tao explained quietly.
"...You're not a complete newcomer, are you?"
Lin Ye couldn't help but ask.
"I did just join the company, but I've worked many places before. The company poached me with a high salary."
Yang Tao's voice brimmed with pride and confidence.
"...Well, good luck with your work."
Seeing the sweat on Yang Tao's brow from working so hard, Lin Ye could only silently wish him well.
"Thanks! The boss promised that if nothing goes wrong this time, I'll get to lead this route permanently. I calculated—just a few more years and I can buy a place downtown with cash. Already talked with the agent—signing the contract when I get back."
Yang Tao's eyes shone with anticipation.
"Then I can only wish you good fortune. Here's a lucky cookie—have one."
Lin Ye took out a little dog-shaped fortune cookie and gave it to Yang Tao, hoping his luck would hold out long enough to make it back alive to sign that contract.
"Oh, thank you!"
Yang Tao happily accepted the cookie and continued discussing the evening barbecue with the front desk.