Future Pet Shop

When Shen Yibin first saw the group of people, he was a little nervous. However, he quickly calmed down once he got a clear look. They were wearing rescue team uniforms and had search dogs with them; at a glance, he could tell they were the Yunzhong City team responsible for search and rescue operations for tourists. Shen Yibin stepped out of his tent and greeted them warmly, "What's going on? Do you need any help?"

"How long have you been in the mountains? Have you seen a group of students pass by?" the man in the lead asked as he stepped forward. "We just got a call. A group of college student hikers went off the trail and got lost up ahead."

"I just got here last night and I only just woke up. I haven't seen anyone else pass this way." Shen Yibin thought back on his journey from the day before. He had run into a few groups of hikers along the way, but they were all older. There was no way they were still in college. Besides, their gear and the way they moved looked extremely professional; they wouldn't have made a rookie mistake like straying from the path.

"Mr. Bin, what's going on?" While he was speaking, Sun Qian and Sakai Kaori also ducked out of the tent, curiously sizing up the uninvited guests.

The moment the rescue team members saw two beautiful women appear, their expressions immediately changed. They looked at Shen Yibin with unconcealed envy, completely unaware that he was still a virgin.

"Oh, these are members of the search and rescue team. They handle emergencies at all the major tourist spots in Yunzhong City. Apparently, a group of college student hikers got lost up ahead." Shen Yibin gave them a quick summary, then turned to the rescue team's captain. "Captain, do you know their approximate location? Do you need our help?"

"The phone signal was terrible. They barely got a few words out before it cut off. From their fragmented description, we can guess they're somewhere on that mountain ahead," the rescue team captain said, pointing at the mountain across from them. The mountain was shrouded in clouds and mist, making it impossible to see any details even with binoculars. It was also massive. Finding a small group of people in such an environment would be no easy task. The rescue team captain's brow was furrowed in a tight knot.

"Hasn't that mountain been fully explored yet? When I was coming up, the park staff repeatedly warned me not to go in there. How did they end up over there?" Shen Yibin asked, confused. Even he, with Carmen and Xiaoliu in tow, wouldn't dare venture into such a place. 'Why on earth didn't they listen to the warnings?'

"Sigh… They're just kids who don't know their own limits," the rescue team captain said with a helpless sigh. "We've seen plenty of people who refuse to listen to advice and insist on risking their lives. They have us scrambling around in these mountains several times a month. We explain the rules clearly, but what can you do if they refuse to listen?"

"Alright, we need to get going. You all be extra careful from now on. The whole rescue team is tied up here, so if you get into trouble, there won't be anyone left to come look for you." The captain didn't think Shen Yibin could be of much help, nor had he provided any useful information, so he prepared to leave.

"I'm guessing you haven't been to that mountain across the way many times yourselves, have you?" Shen Yibin asked. 'If you had, a trail would have been surveyed and opened to hikers by now. At this rate, they probably won't be able to find the missing students very quickly. I should have Carmen help.' He continued aloud, "It just so happens I have a great helper here. Let me bring it along to help you out!"

Sun Qian and Sakai Kaori were very supportive of Shen Yibin's decision. After speaking, Shen Yibin stuck his head back into the tent and called out. Carmen, Hah'Er, Egg, and Xiaoliu all came scrambling out. Seeing this menagerie, all the members of the rescue team just stared at each other. 'We've been working in these mountains for so long, and this is the first time we've ever seen a hiking group like this.'

"Oh, you must be Mr. Shen, right?" The captain now recognized him. "Thank you for the offer, but it's best to leave professional matters to us professionals," he said, politely declining.

"Excluding breaks and time spent messing around, it only took us five hours to get here from the mountain entrance. I'm no amateur," Shen Yibin said, letting his results speak for themselves. He beckoned Carmen over. "I see you brought search and rescue dogs, but I doubt they can compare to mine."

"How about this? We're heading in the same direction anyway. Let's just travel together for a bit and you can see what my dog is capable of. When we get to the next fork in the path, if you still think I should turn back, I won't pester you anymore." Seeing the captain was about to protest again, Shen Yibin tried a new tactic.

"Er, alright then. I'll take the lead. You and your group follow us, Mr. Shen. If you can't keep up, we won't wait for you." After a moment of thought, the captain agreed. 'This doesn't really conflict with my mission anyway.'

"You got it! Just a moment, I'll be packed up in a flash." Shen Yibin swiftly packed up the tent, and along with Sun Qian, Sakai Kaori, and his menagerie of pets, joined the search and rescue team.

"Whoa, that pack isn't light. Maybe you are the real deal after all," the captain said, giving Shen Yibin a thumbs-up as he watched him carry the enormous hiking pack with ease.

"Captain Qi, how about I lead the way? My dog is an expert pathfinder." The captain had introduced himself to Shen Yibin earlier. His name was Qi Jian. He originally worked for the traffic police but was transferred over when the search and rescue team was first formed due to his extensive experience in outdoor sports.

"Alright, let's give it a shot!" Captain Qi agreed after a moment's hesitation, letting him take the lead. Of course, he was ready to take over immediately if Shen Yibin led them astray.

"Carmen, let's go! See that mountain up ahead? That's where we're going!" Shen Yibin pointed to the spot Captain Qi had indicated earlier and patted Carmen's head. "Be as quick as you can. We're counting on you!"

"WOOF! WOOF!" Carmen's eyes narrowed slightly, enjoying Shen Yibin's touch. Then, it plunged headfirst into the woods, leading Shen Yibin and the others forward.

"Captain, this isn't the right path, is it? Shouldn't we be taking the upper trail?" one of the team members couldn't help but ask as he approached Qi Jian.

"No, there's a small trail here. It's just not used as often. Taking this shortcut will save us about ten minutes compared to the main path. It looks like Mr. Shen is the real deal," Qi Jian said with a serious expression, mistaking Carmen's ability for Shen Yibin's. "All of you, pick up the pace! We're supposed to be the professionals here—don't let Mr. Shen leave us in the dust!" With that, the rescue team escorted the two young women and followed them onto the narrow trail.