When the Mushroom Forest was mentioned, Shen Feng felt it was fine. The Mushroom Forest did not move, so even if there were dangers within it, as long as they didn't enter, it would be alright.
However, at this moment, Qian Bufei directly replied, "There's no way. We also want to pretend not to see it, but the Mushroom Forest truly exists, and it occupies a crucial location, which is in Ruili, where the oil and gas pipelines pass."
Upon hearing this, Shen Feng immediately understood and asked, "So, you mean the area where the oil and gas pipelines pass has now been occupied by the Mushroom Forest?"
Qian Bufei nodded solemnly and said, "That's right. Ruili is a border town and also a place where oil and gas pipelines pass. However, the pipelines in this area have encountered problems. If this continues, the oil pipelines will still be unusable, and obtaining oil will become even more difficult. Especially since these pipelines were built before the apocalypse, there was surplus manpower and resources at the time. But now, in the midst of the apocalypse, building new pipelines is almost an impossible task."
Hearing about this problem, Shen Feng could only shake his head. He clearly hadn't expected such an outcome, especially since Qian Bufei had just assured him that oil could definitely be supplied. But now, that opportunity was gone.
Shen Feng thought for a moment and suddenly asked, "Then why are you asking me to help you? My abilities don't seem sufficient to eradicate the Mushroom Forest, do they?"
Qian Bufei nodded and said, "That's indeed true. The Mushroom Forest covers too vast an area, and most of its mycelium is hidden underground. At this time, no esper can easily eradicate this Mushroom Forest. Even if all the mushrooms on the outside are burned, as long as there is rainwater, they can continue to grow."
Chang Jianyi and Chu Chaoyan found a map to examine at this time. After learning about Ruili, they suddenly remembered something and leaned into Shen Feng's ear to say, "There's a road that passes through Ruili, which is the Burma Road. Supplies can be transported from Myanmar. It can also bypass the Strait of Malacca."
When Shen Feng heard this news, he immediately felt that Ruili was an extremely important place. Not only did the oil and gas pipelines pass through it, but the Burma Road also passed through it.
Qian Bufei explained, "The objective of our Yunnan Province is actually very simple. We don't aim to completely eradicate the Mushroom Forest; we know that's impossible. What we want to do now is to enter Ruili and repair the pipelines. Mr. Shen Feng is there to escort us, it's that simple."
Upon hearing this, Shen Feng immediately understood. It turned out that their objective was merely to enter the Mushroom Forest to repair the pipelines; it was such a simple task.
"So, it won't take too long to go to the Mushroom Forest. That's good. But why are you looking for me? Can't anyone else do it?" Shen Feng asked.
Qian Bufei explained, "The headquarters cannot dispatch espers at the moment. The Esper Management Bureau and the Chosen Bureau have both been dispatched to sea for missions. As for the Heavenly Dragon Bureau, it was dissolved by Mr. Shen not long ago. Thinking about it, you are the only one who can help us. Moreover, the most important thing is that your esper ability can be effective when we enter the Mushroom Forest."
This was the first time Shen Feng had heard this news. The people from the Esper Management Bureau and the Chosen Bureau had been dispatched to sea at this time. Could there be a special mission?
"What's the issue with my esper ability that you must have me go?" Shen Feng asked.
"In the Mushroom Forest, the reproduction of mushrooms is carried out using spores. These spores are powdery and can be easily inhaled upon entering the forest. The most dangerous thing is that these spores have hallucinogenic effects. If Mr. Shen goes to the Mushroom Forest, you can directly blow away the spore powder," Qian Bufei explained.
Shen Feng, however, calmly took the map from Chang Jianyi's hand, carefully examined Ruili, then put it down, and looked at Qian Bufei, saying, "I forgot to tell you, my wife is about to give birth soon, so I probably can't go in the short term. Let's discuss this again in July."
Upon hearing this, Qian Bufei became anxious and said earnestly, "Mr. Shen Feng, since there are still several months, why are you still procrastinating? The sooner we clear the oil pipelines, the sooner we can have energy. As far as I know, Yuzhou has been short of oil for a long time, right? The production of plastic products is also a serious problem, isn't it?"
Shen Feng naturally understood why Qian Bufei was so anxious. At this time, Yunnan Province wanted to recover financially by selling oil. A few months later would mean losing several months of earning opportunities, especially since obtaining oil in Yuzhou was entirely dependent on Kunming's decision.
"You're right. The child still has several months before birth, and I don't have much to do right now. However, going into a place with unknown dangers to risk my life is too unprofitable, don't you think?" Shen Feng smiled at Qian Bufei.
When Qian Bufei heard Shen Feng's words, he, being from a prominent family and experienced, immediately understood Shen Feng's meaning. Shen Feng wouldn't say this without reason; he was saying this because he wasn't getting any benefits, meaning he was now raising the stakes.
"Mr. Shen Feng, how about this, our Yunnan Province can also give you ten thousand tons of corn. Please act at this time, is that enough sincerity? A total of twenty thousand tons of grain for you, this is a generous gift," Qian Bufei said solemnly. Since he knew Shen Feng's intentions, he could only grudgingly increase the price.
Shen Feng shook his head, not agreeing directly, but smiling, "Although grain is important, Yuzhou is not at the point of starvation yet. At most, we're tightening our belts. My wife, Chang Jianyi, can accelerate plant growth. In critical moments, she can use her esper ability to obtain grain. You tell me, is it too unprofitable for me to act for twenty thousand tons of grain?"
"Then what is Mr. Shen's intention?" Qian Bufei continued to ask.
Qian Bufei had already rejected Shen Feng's offers several times, leaving him unsure of what to say. He decided to let Shen Feng state his intentions, implying that he should name his price, and they would consider it.
Shen Feng slowly put down the map and said, "My goal is very simple: I want to use the Burma Road. From now on, you are not to collect taxes from me, nor are you to block the way. Is this condition acceptable?"
Qian Bufei had previously thought Shen Feng would make an exorbitant demand, perhaps asking for a hundred thousand tons of grain. But now, it seemed Shen Feng's intention was not that. Shen Feng was actually thinking about transporting supplies through the Burma Road.
At this moment, Qian Bufei carefully looked at the Ruili region. The Burma Road extended from Dali all the way south to Yangon. Yangon was by the sea and had a port. It could be said that as long as the Burma Road was opened, supplies from Southeast Asia could reach Yuzhou through a different route. This was a good calculation.
"Mr. Shen, you truly know how to name your price. I suppose you've had this idea for a long time. You know, this matter is also very difficult for me. If headquarters finds out about this, our Yunnan Province will also be punished," Qian Bufei said with difficulty.
"Is that so? Then find me again in five months. I don't have time now; I still need to inspect the southern mountains," Shen Feng said, standing up to leave.
Qian Bufei quickly called out to Shen Feng, "No problem, no problem. Mr. Shen can use the Burma Road freely in the future, but there will still be tolls. Otherwise, it wouldn't make sense. This is a road built with the lives of our Yunnan people; it's unreasonable not to pay tolls."
Shen Feng then sat down and said, "It's fine, tolls are tolls. I'll take a small loss and agree. Then I'll pack my things and set off tomorrow."
In reality, Shen Feng only needed to be able to use the Burma Road, because as long as he could continue doing business with the Qinghong Gang, making money would be no problem.
After settling the matter, Qian Bufei still hoped Shen Feng would accompany him to the Mushroom Forest as soon as possible. However, Shen Feng had to pack his belongings, so he could only choose to stay in Yuzhou for one day and prepare to depart the next day.
After the meeting, Chu Chaoyan hugged Shen Feng's arm and said, "Ah Feng, I want to go to Yunnan Province too. Since the Mushroom Forest has appeared, I naturally want to document it. You must take me with you this time."
When Shen Feng heard Chu Chaoyan say this, he quickly explained, "Chaoyan, this isn't a trip for sightseeing. If you want photos, I'll take them and bring them back for you. There are already refugees pouring in here; you should stay in Yuzhou to help handle matters."
Unexpectedly, Chang Jianyi then said, "Let Chaoyan accompany you too. As for Yuzhou, I will handle things here. You don't need to worry about it; I can handle it alone, and I have many helpers."
Shen Feng could only nod in agreement, saying, "Alright, since Senior Sister says you can handle Yuzhou's affairs, then I can only take Chaoyan with me on the mission. I will strive to quickly resolve the oil pipeline issue, and ideally, reopen the Burma Road. If we have leisure time in the future, we can go to the beach together."
Seeing that Shen Feng had agreed, Chu Chaoyan immediately returned to Fengshen Palace to pack her things. Shen Feng also found Du Xinshi to explain the situation and made a promise, "My trip out should not take too long. If it's later, I'll be back within a month. If it's faster, I'll be back by your side within half a month. Take good care of yourself."
Du Xinshi nodded and said, "Be extra careful out there. I've prepared some snacks for you to eat on the road."
At Fengshen Palace, Chang Jianyi earnestly instructed Chu Chaoyan, "Keep a close eye on Shen Feng. Don't let Shen Feng interact with other women. The main reason is that Shen Feng is too soft-hearted. As soon as he hears a woman crying and saying something, his sympathy will overflow. Moreover, there are many ethnic minorities there, and Shen Feng will likely be dazzled. Pay close attention and prevent Shen Feng from interacting with other women from the source."
Chang Jianyi also understood this principle after her previous argument with Shen Feng. Shen Feng, to put it bluntly, was promiscuous; he liked everyone he saw. However, as long as nothing happened, Shen Feng would stop there. Therefore, Chang Jianyi gave Chu Chaoyan a mission: when Shen Feng was away, she must prevent others from interacting with him, thus nipping his philandering tendencies in the bud.
Chu Chaoyan thought carefully. If Shen Feng saw girls wearing various ethnic costumes for the first time, his eyes would surely light up. And many ethnic minority girls were bold and open. Shen Feng might indeed be unable to resist temptation at that time.
"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on Shen Feng. However, Sister, you shouldn't appear in front of Sister Du recently. You called her promiscuous before, and she's still holding a grudge," Chu Chaoyan also reminded Chang Jianyi at this time. She was afraid that when she and Shen Feng were not in Yuzhou, the impulsive Chang Jianyi might do something irrational.
"What do you take me for? I wouldn't go so far as to eliminate Du Xinshi," Chang Jianyi said irritably.