Chapter 438: The Island Is Still Strange

Chapter 438: Chapter 438: The Island Is Still Strange

Sometime ago, Yao Ziqian returned to Yue Province to bring his parents over for a formal visit with the Wu Family.

Following the engagement customs of Yue Province, they came bearing four pairs of large gold bangles for Wu Lingling, along with a generous betrothal gift.

Additionally, Yao Ziqian’s parents bought him a three-story commercial property right in the business district Han Xiaorui was developing.

Their sincerity was abundant, which was a great source of pride for Uncle Wu and Aunt Wu.

But all of this was secondary. The most important thing was that Yao Ziqian’s parents once again promised, in person, that they would let their son remain in Shencheng, putting the Wu Family’s minds at ease.

Superstition, it seemed, had its advantages.

Since Yao Ziqian’s parents believed in such things, the Wu Family was more than happy with the arrangement.

Since it was a second marriage for both, neither family planned a large celebration.

In Shencheng, the Wu Family asked Granny Cai to cater a small banquet, inviting only their closest friends and family to the wedding.

Wu Lingling and Yao Ziqian then returned to Yue Province with his parents, where they held another meal for their friends and relatives to announce their marriage.

From that day forward, Yao Ziqian officially settled in Shencheng, becoming a son-in-law of Jinshan Bay.

The apparel trading company that Wu Lingling and Yao Lili co-founded was also flourishing.

Wu Lingling had already opened ten clothing stores of varying tiers across Shencheng.

There were three high-end boutiques, three mid-range shops, and four more affordable stores, the latter focusing on trendy styles at low prices.

Yao Ziqian, having taken the job of arranging the feng shui for the islands, had been busy working there recently.

Meanwhile, the research institute, along with expert professors and their students, were conducting surveys and planning before moving on to the design phase.

After seeing their design proposals, Yao Ziqian went straight to Han Xiaorui. "Xiao Rui, their designs are just copied from foreign projects. They can be built, sure, but not only will the cost be high, their safety can’t be fully guaranteed."

Han Xiaorui was taken aback. "Why do you say that? From what I saw, the plans seemed to have considered every possible angle."

Yao Ziqian shook his head with a small smile. "Xiao Rui, if these buildings were just on the coast, the plans would be fine. But they’re on islands. Those islands have plants and wildlife, but why has no one ever lived there?"

"They’re not suitable for habitation," Han Xiaorui replied. "The vegetation is low-lying, so it gets too hot."

"Exactly. It’s too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. During a typhoon, the danger increases exponentially," Yao Ziqian explained. "So, for any outdoor recreational activities, there must be shaded areas nearby for sun protection. Furthermore, the proposed aquarium is a case of over-engineering."

"Since we’re on islands, we could build boardwalks with covered promenades, allowing people to watch dolphins and whales directly in their natural habitat, rather than keeping them captive in a tank."

Han Xiaorui nodded. "I agree, I don’t want to do that either. That’s why the plan is to build a glass wall into one of the flatter coastal slopes, allowing people to view marine life from the side."

Yao Ziqian smiled. "Since we’re on the same page, I think we should revise the plans. Some attractions can be indoors, but for any outdoor elements, we must carefully consider the local weather and hydrology to guarantee safety..."

Han Xiaorui took his words to heart. "Mm, you’re right. I’ll discuss this with the design team. In fact, why don’t you join them?"

Yao Ziqian nodded. "That’s exactly what I was hoping for. I’d do it even if you didn’t pay me. I think there’s something strange about those islands. You should tell the designers to hold off on starting any construction for now."

Han Xiaorui blinked, her expression filled with doubt. "All the treasure in Jinshan Bay has been found; there’s nothing left. What else could there be?"

Yao Ziqian smiled. "I’m not entirely sure, but I’ve discovered traces of Qimen Dunjia, so I want to investigate further."

"Huh?" Han Xiaorui said, astonished. "Isn’t that an ancient art? I’ve heard it’s incredibly powerful!"

Yao Ziqian chuckled. "It’s not as mysterious as you might think. Modern technology can replicate many of the ancients’ achievements."

"But it’s not the same. Take Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum, for example. Only a fraction of it has been excavated. Even with today’s technology, we can’t properly preserve the rest if we were to unearth it."

Yao Ziqian shook his head with a laugh. "Even if future technology makes full excavation possible, it won’t happen unless it’s absolutely necessary. At most, they’ll develop instruments that can see inside the mausoleum through the layers of earth."

"After all, he is the First Emperor of China, the ancestral dragon. How could anyone casually excavate his tomb? He is resting peacefully; why should anyone disturb his eternal sleep? Some things are simply taboo."

Han Xiaorui froze, a nervous knot tightening in her stomach. "Don’t tell me there’s an ancient tomb on one of the Jinshan Bay islands?"

’An ancient tomb isn’t like the war-era treasure. Once discovered, it has to be protected.’

’Developing the island would become incredibly difficult.’

Hearing this, Yao Ziqian hesitated for a moment. "I can’t be certain. Qimen Dunjia is inherently complex, and if it’s protecting the tomb of a major historical figure, it would be even more intricate!"

"That’s why, after noticing something was amiss, I wanted to suggest extending the planning phase and pushing back the construction schedule. We should hold off on building anything for now, just in case a tomb is discovered mid-construction. If that happens, everything will have to stop."

Hearing this, Han Xiaorui started to panic. ’All cultural relics belong to the state.’

’Han Xiaorui had no doubt about that, and it was a good way to ensure the artifacts were protected.’

’But it also created a huge problem. Even though she had leased the islands, she’d still be forced to halt all work.’

’Construction could only resume after the archaeological work and any potential excavation were complete.’

’She remembered hearing about a large tomb being discovered in Shencheng, forcing a factory that was under construction to shut down completely.’

’In a desperate attempt to restart operations, the factory owner had secretly been giving gifts to the archaeologists and their staff, hoping they would speed up the excavation.’

’Only when the dig was over could his factory be built.’

Han Xiaorui scratched her forehead anxiously. "Ziqian, I’m begging you! Please find out for sure, and fast! Don’t let me get halfway through building the water park only to discover a tomb—a major one at that—that takes five or ten years to excavate. My investment will be completely ruined!"

Seeing how worried she was, Yao Ziqian said, "That’s exactly why I came to see you today! Give me one week!"

"If I still can’t find anything by then, I’ll call my master and ask him to come take a look. If he can’t find anything either, then I’m probably just being paranoid."

Han Xiaorui nodded eagerly. "Ziqian, thank you! If Mr. Zhao comes, you have to let me know. I’ll treat him to a meal."

"Okay!" Yao Ziqian agreed. Ever since his master had purchased a Fengshui Fish and a Money Turtle from Han Xiaorui last year, the master’s skill in arranging feng shui had grown, and his local reputation had become even more prominent.

Of course, this also meant that more and more wealthy clients sought out his master for feng shui consultations, making his retirement fund increasingly substantial.

’If he extended the invitation in Han Xiaorui’s name, his master would surely come.’

Yao Ziqian packed some dry rations and a sleeping bag and headed to the island. Two days later, he made a major discovery.