Chapter 131: Mr. Wang Hu, I Wish to Speak with You Privately

Professor Wang smiled, a hint of both teasing and seriousness in his eyes. "Big mouse is a term we use in the exploration industry. Among natural disasters, mice are the most sensitive animals to earthquakes, landslides, and the like. Your behavior was like that of a mouse—able to sense abnormalities before danger strikes."

I was momentarily taken aback, then understood his meaning. "Professor, you flatter me. It was just luck."

Professor Wang shook his head solemnly. "No, this isn’t luck. For those of us in exploration, mice are considered good omens. Your intuition and judgment truly helped us a great deal."

Hearing this, the surrounding students gradually quieted down, casting admiring glances in my direction.

The thick-glassed college student, though still somewhat resentful, said nothing further and quietly continued inspecting the equipment.

At that moment, our group reached the entrance of the collapsed tunnel. Professor Wang instructed the students to fetch the ventilation system first.

We stood before the collapsed entrance, the air thick with dust. Professor Wang’s gaze swept over each student before resting thoughtfully on me.

"You all, go set up the ventilation system to ensure proper airflow," he commanded.

The students sprang into action, the sound of moving equipment echoing through the silent entrance. I remained where I was, still shaken by the earlier close call.

“Mr. Wang Hu, was it really just luck that made you notice this?” Professor Wang suddenly asked.

“Luck? I’ve always been lucky,” I replied, somewhat surprised by his interest.

“Mr. Wang Hu, your instincts are sharp. You must know, even luck, when consistent over time, is called ability,” Professor Wang nodded. “Pay attention from now on—this kind of talent is extremely valuable in our line of work.”

I smiled sheepishly. “Professor, you’re too kind.”

Professor Wang gave me a meaningful look. “Sometimes intuition is more reliable than any instrument.”

As we spoke, the thick-glassed student had already finished installing the ventilation system. The machine roared to life, and the air at the entrance noticeably freshened.

“Professor, the ventilation system is installed. We can continue exploring,” the student reported, his tone tinged with reluctance.

Professor Wang nodded and signaled for us to proceed.

I stood beside him, ready to follow inside.

Suddenly, the thick-glassed student blocked my way. “Mr. Wang Hu, this is our exploration team. What do you mean by coming in?”

I was taken aback; I hadn’t expected such blunt opposition.

His tone carried a hint of hostility, clearly unwelcoming to me, the outsider.

Professor Wang frowned slightly, displeasure evident in his voice. “Xiao Li, Mr. Wang Hu is an important member of our team. His intuition and judgment greatly aid our exploration work.”

Xiao Li’s face flushed with embarrassment but he persisted, “Professor, I’m just worried about safety. The situation inside the tunnel is still unclear. One more person inside means one more risk.”

Professor Wang nodded, softening his tone. “Your concerns are valid. But Mr. Wang Hu’s experience and intuition are especially crucial here. He can sense dangers we might overlook.”

Reluctantly, Xiao Li stepped aside, handing me a hard hat with evident impatience.

I nodded in understanding and followed Professor Wang deeper into the tunnel.

Inside, the air grew fresher thanks to the ventilation system.

We proceeded cautiously, every step deliberate.

The rocky walls, illuminated by our flashlights, appeared eerie and foreboding, as if danger lurked at any moment.

“Watch your step. Don’t slip,” Professor Wang warned.

Suddenly, I stopped. The ground ahead seemed off. I crouched and gently touched it, feeling a faint vibration.

“Professor, there’s a problem here,” I whispered.

Professor Wang approached and examined the ground carefully, brow furrowed. He clearly sensed something amiss.

“Everyone back up and keep a safe distance,” he ordered.

The students quickly retreated, eyes alert.

Professor Wang and I continued observing the ground’s subtle shifts. The vibrations grew stronger, as if something beneath was stirring.

“This might be an underground cavity, prone to collapse at any moment,” Professor Wang analyzed.

I nodded in agreement.

Suddenly, the vibrations intensified. Cracks appeared on the surface, with stones tumbling down.

“Fall back!” I shouted, grabbing Professor Wang and retreating swiftly.

The students scattered, the tunnel erupting into chaos.

Just as we reached a safe distance, the ground collapsed, revealing a vast underground hollow.

“That was close!” Xiao Li gasped, pale-faced.

Professor Wang patted him on the shoulder reassuringly. “It’s alright. Everyone’s safe, and that’s what matters. Thanks to Mr. Wang Hu, or the consequences could have been disastrous.”

The students shot me grateful looks. Xiao Li glanced my way once more, but all I saw in his expression was fear—nothing else.

Perhaps he was wondering why my luck was always so uncanny.

“It seems this jade vein tunnel is real, and its internal conditions are quite complex!” Professor Wang announced to us all, then turned to me. “One thing is certain though—Mr. Wang Hu’s information has proven accurate. Now, we must see if the jade vein holds any historical relics left by ancient jade miners.”

After two near collapses, Professor Wang was cautious about entering the jade mine.

Since it was getting late, he ordered everyone to withdraw temporarily.

Under his command, we swiftly exited the tunnel.

Back at the office in the market district, everyone sat down to rest, their faces still marked by the ordeal.

“Get a good rest tonight. We’ll enter the mine again first thing tomorrow morning,” Professor Wang announced.

Though calm in voice, I sensed his inner tension and anticipation.

After a brief debrief, he suddenly turned to me. “Mr. Wang Hu… I’d like to have a private word with you.”

I nodded, curious but willing.

A man like Professor Wang, steady and wise, was bound to share something valuable.

Definitely not some crude jokes like Pan Ximi’s.