He changed Tiwat

"As you know, if the higher-ups really want to investigate... we can't hide it."

Although the exploration team's salaries are paid by Hydif, the supplies and equipment for the mining site are still provided annually by the Huishan Agency through government appropriations. After all, the Stranded Rock is considered a state-owned mine in Liyue and is under the jurisdiction of the Huishan Agency. The exploration team is semi-official, and the mining equipment, gunpowder, and machinery are all distributed by the Huishan Agency.

If Mu Ning approves the loss report, the money spent won't be Haidifu's money, but Huishan Hall's money. If there's a problem with the accounts, he, as the steward, will bear legal responsibility.

Han Fulai, representing Shenglu Hall, was investigating with the backing of Yuehaiting and Yuhengxing, making him a powerful figure Mu Ning couldn't afford to offend. However, Han Fulai's actions of breaking the seal and reimbursing the exploration team's expenses were without the Seven Star Token, making them illegal and clearly indicating a dispute at the Seven Star level. Mu Ning had no right to get involved in such a power struggle.

Clearly, given the position of this Deputy Director Yue Haiting, it's unlikely he would stoop so low as to embezzle such a small kickback from the mine; there must be a deeper meaning behind his actions. Mu Ning understood perfectly well that these were things he shouldn't know, so ever since Han Fulai came to the Layered Rock Abyss, aside from providing necessary information, he maintained a subtle distance from Han Fulai in all other matters.

The exploration team's reselling of supplies... could be a big deal or a small one. If the higher-ups really want to investigate this, Vice Minister Han's backing is incredibly powerful, but Mu Ning's backing is clearly not as strong as Vice Minister Han's. If something happens, Vice Minister Han probably won't fall, but Seven Stars could easily handle a specialist from the General Affairs Department.

Even if Mu Ning didn't consider his own future, he had to consider his family's future. Although his father had signed the official documents at Shenglu Hall, it was just an official procedure, and he hadn't privately written to him asking him to be associated with this Vice Minister Han.

Despite his playboy ways, the trials he endured in the deep abyss over the past two years have taught him the importance of self-preservation.

The consequences of falsifying accounts are far greater than those of owing gambling debts.

However, Mu Ning's reaction was exactly what Han Fulai had anticipated.

Han Fulai chuckled and said, "What are you thinking, Steward Mu Ning? There's no need to hide anything. Just report the exact amount of loss."

That's exactly what you can't report... The loss rate is so high that even a layman could see there's a serious problem with the exploration team! If I actually report it, I'll be the first one investigated by the higher-ups!

Mu Ning gave a bitter smile.

“Deputy Minister Han, as you know, this loss is completely unreasonable.”

“What’s unreasonable about it?” Han Fulai pointed to the list of losses one by one. “The tools are old and need to be replaced, right? The gunpowder is damp and needs to be remade, right? As for the raw ore, it was used to make experiments to improve the ‘lumenite’ catalyst.”

“It’s a matter of quantity,” Mu Ning argued, forcing a smile. “In previous years, the reported losses were generally around 10%, but this year, 50% of the losses occurred in just one quarter. That just doesn’t make sense.”

“Perfectly reasonable.” Han Fulai casually pointed to the inventory sheet. “These, and these, um, about ten percent of the total. Including regular losses, is that alright?”

"But there's still forty percent..."

"Based on my exploration at the bottom of the Layered Rock Abyss, the 'Luminite' catalyst has the effect of removing 'Black Mud,' but correspondingly, the consumption will also increase. So the remaining raw ore consumption will be allocated to the 'Luminite' catalyst consumption... How much is left?"

Mu Ning did some mental calculations.

"Twenty-six percent remains..."

"Okay, you know about the earthquake in the Abyss of Layered Rock the day before yesterday, right? Some mine tunnels collapsed, requiring explosives to blast through the passages, and the loss of explosives is taken into account. That leaves only 6% of the additional loss."

"As for the 6% increase in losses, tools, miners' lamps, and so on will all experience fluctuations in losses, so this figure is perfectly acceptable."

Mu Ning shook her head again.

"The items themselves are fine, but compared to the same quarter last year, the increase in losses is too abnormal."

Han Fulai glanced at him sideways, "But why are you comparing it to the same quarter last year? The Laminar Abyss is currently open for investigation, so you should compare it to before the mine was closed, um... what was the material loss rate three years ago?"

"...I don't know. I hadn't started working at the Layered Rock Abyss back then." This time, Mu Ning shook her head because she genuinely didn't know.

"That's right. If you, as the chief administrator of the Layered Rock Abyss, don't know, then no one else will know either. Just write in the report that the increase in material loss rate is due to the open survey and exploration work of the Layered Rock Abyss."

Mu Ning had no choice but to nod.

"In addition, add another entry to the report, applying to the Huishan Hall for a 'special allowance for hazardous work,' well, let's say it's about one million Mora per person per quarter for the exploration team," Han Fulai continued.

"Huh? I need to apply for a stipend?" Mu Ning thought she had misheard.

It was already outrageous enough to try to get reimbursed for the resold goods, but this Deputy Minister Han not only wanted to get reimbursed with public funds, he also wanted to ask for an extra allowance.

Han Fulai explained confidently, "Of course! Look, there are monsters, 'black mud,' and toxic gases at the bottom of the giant rock abyss... At the same time, the gloomy environment and oppressive working atmosphere at the bottom will put a lot of pressure on the mental health of the exploration team members. Qi Dingdu is 'depressed' because of work pressure, how can we not give him some appropriate compensation?"

In his months as a secretary, the secretarial skill Han Fulai learned the fastest was expense reimbursement. When it comes to the art of cleverly creating pretexts for reimbursing public funds, his level is now almost on par with Gan Yu's.

"Our exploration and survey work is dedicated to the mining industry of Liyue, so it's only right that we ask the Huishan Hall for appropriate support. Besides, all the projects we're applying for reimbursement are legal, compliant, and well-founded... Who would dare ask for subsidies after doing something wrong? Don't you think so?"

As he spoke, he patted Mu Ning hard on the back.

"Manager Mu Ning, the exploration team will have to rely on you a lot for logistics in the future... I think you have a very good chance of winning the Outstanding Civil Servant Award in the General Affairs Department this quarter."

Mu Ning was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized what was happening. She hurriedly put the list into her pocket and bowed to Han Fulai to express her gratitude: "Thank you for your promotion, Vice Minister Han."

Han Fulai smiled slightly.

From this moment on, everyone in this giant abyss, from top to bottom, is at his disposal.

Chapter 157 The Little Girl Picking Mushrooms

After Han Fulai and Mu Ning finished their discussion, they returned to the temporary camp in the main mining area and ran into Jin Wu.

When Jinwu saw him return, his face lit up with joy. He wanted to say something, but then swallowed his words back.

Upon seeing this, Han Fulai hurriedly asked, "Sister Jinwu, has something happened?"

Jinwu sighed: "Sigh, it's all because of that girl Xiaoqiong... She took advantage of my inattention and went to the depths of the mine to draw a map by herself."

Han Fulai shook his head upon hearing this. They had clearly agreed to wait for him to return before setting off, but Zhiqiong couldn't even wait two hours.

It's a pity that Zhiqiong is an adventurer, not one of his civil servants, otherwise he would have also helped Jinwu teach him a lesson; this guy is just too disorganized and undisciplined.

“When we searched for Qi Ding yesterday, we at least eliminated all the threats along the route. As long as Zhiqiong doesn’t go too far, she shouldn’t encounter any danger,” Han Fulai reassured her.

"I also hope she wasn't in danger. I don't know why that child was in such a hurry..." Jinwu put his hand to his forehead, "recklessly leaving everyone behind and wandering around alone... If she causes any more trouble and drags everyone down with her..."

"Does Sister Jinwu know where she went?" Han Fulai asked.

“I remember she was always very interested in the underground watershed area. I guess she might be trying to… help me find Lao He,” Jinwu said, frowning.

Han Fulai nodded. Zhiqiong had deep feelings for Jinwu and cared a lot about his affairs. In addition, Zhiqiong was impatient, so it was not surprising that she would act rashly.

"Don't worry, I'll set off right away. After I meet up with Zhiqiong, we'll also try to explore the underground water area."

"Then I'll leave it to Vice Minister Han." Jinwu quickly thanked him.

"Also, please ask Vice Minister Han to tell her for me—Sister Jinwu's fists won't hold back! If she runs off without informing me, her backside will be in danger!"

Han Fulai found Jiang Xue, and with the map Zhiqiong had drawn the day before and the "Lumen Stone" catalyst, he embarked on another exploration.

It must be said that Zhiqiong's drawing talent was indeed very important. Even though Han Fulai had walked this road before, finding the right path among the many and complicated forks in the road was no easy task. Without Zhiqiong's map, he might have spent a lot of time trying and failing.

Zhiqiong's map was not only exquisite but also concise and clear, making it easy for even a layman like Han Fulai to find his way. This further strengthened Han Fulai's resolve to recruit Zhiqiong under Keqing's command. Of course, this also made it even more important to ensure Zhiqiong's safety. He couldn't let this little genius of drawing perish at the bottom of the giant rock abyss!

With the help of the map, Han Fulai and Jiang Xue reached the location of the underground swamp in less than two hours.

This watery area is formed by the convergence of underground water veins from the Stratorock Abyss. It covers a large area and is home to many aquatic herbs and fungi along its banks. There are even some fish species that cannot be found in surface waters, forming the unique ecosystem of the Stratorock Abyss watery area.

If one were to visit this place for a leisurely outing, the underground waters would certainly be a scenic spot. And for a scholar like Haidifu, studying the ecology of the underground waters might actually lead to a decent paper... But these are not things Han Fulai should be considering right now.

Zhiqiong's pace shouldn't have been too fast. Even if she set off more than an hour earlier, Han Fulai and Jiang Xue should have caught up with her by now. However, they didn't see any trace of Zhiqiong along the way.

This means that Zhiqiong has entered an unknown area on the map of the underground swamp.

Unknown areas mean unknown risks, and Zhiqiong's safety is no longer guaranteed. If things go wrong, Zhiqiong could also become a missing person.

Finding Zhiqiong in this unknown area became the challenge facing Han Fulai.

"Where should we begin?" Jiang Xue asked.

Jiang Xue remained dressed in his usual heist-like attire, though his furrowed brows betrayed his anxiety. Although Jiang Xue always presented himself as Han Fulai's bodyguard and kept a considerable distance from the exploration team to conceal his identity, he couldn't maintain his aloof demeanor when facing Zhiqiong.

—After all, this outgoing girl has already made "Hero Jiang Xue" one of her adventure idols.

Although Xinghan, as the star of Yaoguang, was reluctant to interact with outsiders, as the "Hero of Jiangxue," he still hoped that nothing bad would happen to this innocent girl.

"This is my first time here too, I don't know the way at all..." Han Fulai shook his head helplessly.

"Then... how about we try searching separately and agreeing to meet up again after a certain period of time?" Jiang Xue suggested.

With their abilities, he and Han Fulai weren't afraid of encountering monsters, and searching separately would be more efficient. However, this was their first time exploring the underground swamp, and being far apart did pose a risk of getting lost. Searching separately would expand the search radius, while rendezvous at set times would limit the radius to a certain area, reducing the risk. Under the current circumstances, this was indeed the most suitable solution.

However, Han Fulai still shook his head.

"...I don't recommend splitting up in unknown areas. As you know, the terrain beneath the Abyss of Laminaria can change, and there might be unknown forces affecting it. What if something unexpected happens while we're separated..."

During his search for Qi Ding yesterday, Han Fulai had already deeply experienced the power within the Layered Rock Abyss that could isolate him from the outside world. Faced with the eerie power deep within the Layered Rock Abyss, even with the remnants of a demon god and immortal power within him, he dared not be careless any longer—who knew if a bunch of bloodthirsty dogs might rush out from here?

"What should we do then?" Jiang Xue frowned deeply.

He knew that what Han Fu said was true, but he was indeed worried about Zhiqiong's safety.

"Hmm, although I do not know the way... but you don't necessarily need to know the way to find someone." Han Fulai rested his chin on his hand and entered thinking mode.

"Besides drawing maps, Zhiqiong mainly came here to find the missing miner Lao He. After all, she came to find him because of Sister Jinwu... In other words, we can start with Zhiqiong's goal. Wherever Lao He might be, that's where Zhiqiong is."

Jiang Xue remembered the miner's log left by Lao He and suddenly realized: "Lao He's log mentioned water and... mushrooms?"

"Mushrooms do not need photosynthesis to grow, which is very suitable for the environment of the rocky abyss, but in return, they need enough nutrients. The humus accumulated from the dead branches and leaves of other plants is the best nutrient for mushrooms."

Han Fulai's geographical knowledge came in handy once again.

"The place we're looking for is the most lush and aquatic area in this region. And the distribution of vegetation along the way, from sparse to dense, serves as our natural landmark. So... Senior Jiang Xue, let's follow the direction of the water source. If all goes well, Zhiqiong, this 'mushroom-picking girl,' should be where the mushrooms are most abundant!"

New Year's greetings

First of all, New Year's greetings to all our viewers.

New Year's Day 2023 is just around the corner.

In the new year, I wish all my viewers good health, family happiness, academic progress, smooth work, and success in both career and love!

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Give yourself a round of applause!

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Wishing everyone a happy New Year's Day!

I'm taking a day off too; my cough got pretty bad today.

Above~

Chapter 158 Star Fungus and Being Followed

The two followed the flow of the underground water veins, heading towards the heart of the watery region.

The enhanced Lumenite catalyst, adjusted by Jinwu, can now execute more "light energy bursts." Along the way, the two encountered black mud blocking their path several times, which Han Fulai dispelled each time using the Lumenite catalyst.

Fortunately, the black mud did not seem to attract any monsters. If Zhiqiong was on this path, she should not have been attacked by monsters yet—but this also means that she may have come into contact with the black mud.

Han Fulai and Jiang Xue exchanged a glance, both of their eyes filled with worry.

Zhiqiong was, after all, just an ordinary person, without divine power or the Eye of God, unlike Han Fulai who could use the Jade Shield to traverse the black mud. One could only hope she was careful enough to avoid the obstacles along the way.

Just as Han Fulai had said, the further in we went, the denser the vegetation became, and along the way we occasionally saw a peculiar mushroom growing in the underground water area.

Unlike common mushrooms, this mushroom that grows in the deep abyss has its own special feature—it glows!

In this dark underground swamp area, those mushrooms were like fireflies in the darkness, so eye-catching, and their light was very similar to the light emitted by the "Lumenite" catalyst in Han Fulai's hand.

Han Fulai held up the "Lumen Stone" catalyst and approached the mushrooms. The closer he got, the more he could feel the vibration emanating from the catalyst—it seemed that the glowing mushrooms also contained the same light energy as the "Lumen Stone"!

Clearly, this area has also been affected by the "spirit stone".

Han Fulai frowned slightly, unsure whether this discovery was a good thing or a bad thing.

In the exploration team's previous report, the light energy of the "Spirit Stone" seemed to only affect the minerals in the Layered Rock Abyss, but now he has seen the mushrooms containing light energy with his own eyes.

Although mushrooms are plants, plants are also living things.

This means that the energy of the "spirit stone" can not only transform inanimate minerals, but also change living organisms.

And what about humans?

Although the possibility is very small, if that miner Lao He really is alive, could he have become some kind of "new human"?

Furthermore, in this new ecological environment, it is highly likely that new types of monsters that do not exist in the outside world will be born.