Chapter 440: More and More Mysteries

Chapter 440: Chapter 440: More and More Mysteries

The seven movable giant stones left Wu Yao utterly stunned.

The excavation was underway, so Wu Yao couldn’t go inside. She could only stand at the entrance and peer into the dark opening. On the walls within, she could indeed see many carvings of peach blossoms, as well as auspicious clouds that made it look like a wonderland.

When Wu Yao saw Professor Xu come out, she hurried over to ask, "Hello, Professor Xu. My superior, Han Xiaorui, is paying close attention to this site and would like to know what’s going on. What exactly is this place?"

Professor Xu had met Wu Yao at Han Xiaorui’s home. His stern expression relaxed slightly. "The main secret passage alone is a full four kilometers long, and it connects these seven islands."

"The murals here are abundant and well-preserved. Most of them feature peach blossoms as a backdrop. According to preliminary research, they likely date back to the Tang Dynasty, but we have yet to determine who built this place."

"However, I can say for certain that such precious, thousand-year-old murals and historical relics cannot be developed recklessly. Any development must be done in an orderly fashion after the archaeological excavation is complete."

"If she’s in a hurry, she can go to the government and terminate the contract to get her investment back. If she’s not in a hurry, then she should wait and see what happens next. I will lead a team to expedite the excavation."

Wu Yao’s heart sank when she heard this. "Thank you, Professor Xu. I’ll go back and tell Sister Xiao Rui. By the way, what if Sister Xiao Rui insists on not terminating the contract? What if she wants to plant peach trees here and turn this place into a real Peach Blossom Island, making it a scenic spot? Would that be possible?"

Professor Xu was slightly taken aback. "Cover the entire place with peach blossoms?"

Wu Yao nodded. "Yes. The peaches from Sister Xiao Rui’s family Peach Garden aren’t just delicious; the blossoms are also incredibly beautiful when they bloom every spring."

"After surveying the area, we could build some wooden boardwalks around the islands. Surrounded by peach blossoms, peach trees, and peach forests, it could become a scenic attraction in its own right."

Professor Xu stroked his chin. "That’s an interesting idea, but I’m only responsible for the excavation. What comes next will have to be decided by the higher-ups. There are many formations inside, and we still haven’t determined who built this place."

"There are so many of those beautiful murals, and nearly all the objects inside are made of stone. This is of monumental importance for archaeological research, so no one can say for sure how long the work will take."

Wu Yao had made a special trip, only to get a series of uncertain answers.

Worried that Han Xiaorui would get anxious and bored at home, she pressed on, "Professor Xu, you know our boss spent a lot of money to lease these islands."

"Now that these islands might become a protected historical site... Sister Xiao Rui invested so much to build a water park and aquarium to draw in tourists. She can only make a final decision after seeing it for herself."

"Do you think you could make an exception? Could you give me a definite date when Sister Xiao Rui would be allowed to come in and take a look?"

Professor Xu had known Han Xiaorui since the Jinshan Bay treasure incident and was well aware of her righteous deeds.

"I can’t be sure right now. How about this? Once outsiders are permitted to enter, I’ll have someone notify Comrade Xiao Han."

Hearing this, Wu Yao nodded. "Thank you, Professor Xu."

Although Wu Yao hadn’t entered the secret passages herself, she now had a general understanding of the situation.

When Han Xiaorui heard the report, her heart sank. "Oh my god, there’s a four-kilometer main passage underground? The side passages must be long too. It’s a maze down there!"

Hearing this, Ye Feng stroked his chin. "Sounds like an ancient tomb to me."

Wu Yao then said, "Professor Xu didn’t say it was a tomb. Although they’ve opened the secret passages, they haven’t found any epitaphs or coffins inside, so it’s not confirmed yet."

"What is certain is that it’s a structure from the Tang Dynasty. The stone walls are smooth and covered with many images. Professor Xu said it’s all very precious material."

Ye Feng nodded in agreement. "Murals are historical records second only to written texts. The images on them can reflect the standard of living and other important information from that era."

"Why are the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes so famous? It’s because of the vast number of murals and Buddha statues there. Invaders stole a great deal from Dunhuang back in the day, and the Dunhuang Research Institute has been studying and restoring them ever since. The work is of immense significance."

Han Xiaorui felt a complex mix of joy and sorrow upon hearing this.

On one hand, having such a historical relic, especially from the golden age of the Tang Dynasty, was incredibly significant for understanding the culture and history of that time.

On the other hand, even without seeing it in person, the mere mention of four kilometers of murals was enough for Han Xiaorui to give up all hope. Her water park and aquarium project was dead in the water.

"Ye Feng, I probably can’t build the water park and aquarium on these islands now. Can I just terminate the lease?"

Ye Feng chuckled. "Even if you don’t, the government will come to you to terminate it. Don’t worry, just wait."

Han Xiaorui scratched her head. "I was really hoping to build a unique water park and aquarium on the islands, but that’s not happening now."

There weren’t many islands near Jinwan. Han Xiaorui was already using some for seafood farming, and the remaining few were slated for the water park and aquarium.

Hearing this, Ye Feng suggested, "Why not build it where the Jinshan Bay mainland meets the sea?"

Han Xiaorui shook her head. "I’ve already built a pier at Jinshan Bay, and the empty land next to it is now an ornamental fish farm and a scenic green belt. There’s no space left to build an aquarium!"

"Jinshan Bay might not have land, but the villages next to Jinshan Bay do!" Ye Feng replied. "It might be a bit farther from the commercial district in Jinshan Bay, but you can just run a few free shuttle buses between the commercial area and the water park and aquarium. You’ll create a steady flow of visitors!"

Han Xiaorui’s eyes lit up, but then her expression clouded with doubt. "But it’s not Jinshan Bay. If we offer to purchase, contract, or lease their land, they might demand an exorbitant price!"

Ye Feng shook his head. "Not necessarily! The surrounding villages have all seen how Jinshan Bay has developed. They’re all very envious that Jinshan Bay has you to lead the way!"

"The district leadership also places great importance on local development. You don’t have to do all the work yourself. You can go through the higher-ups and have the leaders coordinate things."

"If there was only one suitable location, they might jack up the price on the spot. But you have a water park and an aquarium—you can build them in separate locations."

"Just put the word out that you’re looking for partners. These villages want to develop. As long as their officials aren’t complete idiots, they’ll come to you."

"That way, you can seize the initiative. In fact, they’ll be the ones trying to curry favor with Jinshan Bay to land the project."

A new line of thinking opened up for Han Xiaorui. ’Look at me, my brain’s been so muddled lately. I can’t believe I didn’t think of something so simple.’