Volume 2 Chapter 2 Reports from New Guinea (Part 2)

  "Is this the reason you asked me to come?" After hearing Professor Yilan's words, Zhang Fan smiled. Although it was said that accompanying that fierce woman wasn't a pleasant thing, the so-called new human did catch Zhang Fan's attention. Anyway, he didn't have anything particularly important to do recently, so why not accompany them to New Guinea for a trip? On one hand, it was a vacation, and on the other hand, it would also give Professor Yilan some face - after all, if he were to refuse, it would be quite troublesome. Who knows how many cold faces he would have to see when asking for help from him in the future? No matter what, no matter which aspect you looked at it from, the trip to New Guinea wouldn't be a boring thing. Since it was interesting and there were benefits to gain, why not do it?

  "Of course, that's just one of the reasons. I'm worried about my granddaughter's safety, but I also know your principle for taking on cases: they have to be new, unusual, and risky. I think this case can meet your requirements. And most importantly, I trust your skills - you're the best in the industry. Plus, we're old acquaintances... who else would I choose besides you?" Professor Yilans said, having thought out his plan, waiting for Zhang Fan to take the bait and then figuring out how to counterattack.

  "You say that as if you know me well! Indeed, I'm just like you said, I don't take on boring tasks. But do you really trust me? Aren't you afraid I'll take advantage of your precious granddaughter?" Although Zhang Fan had already made up his mind to accept Professor Elan's task and go to New Guinea, he didn't want to reveal the answer so quickly, which would make him lose face. He wanted to keep Professor Elan in suspense as revenge for being ridiculed after getting drunk last time.

  "Hmm..." Professor Yilans smiled and said, "I have confidence in my precious granddaughter. You think you can outsmart her? That's a bit difficult. But what I'm afraid of is that she'll outsmart you instead. And are you so reluctant to take on this task because you're afraid of Helena? Otherwise, encountering something like this and not investigating it thoroughly isn't like your personality, Zhang Fan."

  Zhang Fan hummed and smiled: "Is your precious granddaughter Helena willing to listen to your arrangements? And it's still me, the 'pervert' she keeps calling out, who is arranged to be by her side to protect her safety?" It seems that not only Professor Irlans knows how to counterattack. Zhang Fan quickly threw the difficult question back at Professor Irlans.

  "Are you referring to how to reasonably get close to Helena? Don't worry about this, I've taken care of everything." Professor Ilans threw back a calculating smile at Zhang Fan, and it seemed that everything was going according to his plan.

  "You're so sure I'll agree? And you've even arranged my identity?" Zhang Fan held up his wine glass and took a small sip. The 1995 Romanee-Conti was indeed delicious, wasting this kind of thing would be a sin. Although he had already made up his mind to take on the case, being calculated by someone else wasn't a pleasant feeling. He had already prepared himself, but he'd let Professor Elans' heart hang in mid-air for now!

  "To be honest, I didn't think you'd agree, but even if you don't, I still have to arrange for someone else to accompany Helena to New Guinea. The arrangements are necessary, it's just that I feel more at ease with you going." Ilans' expression looked somewhat despondent, and even though Professor Ilans was calculating Zhang Fan, it was because he was anxious about his beloved grandson.

  "How did you arrange this? And as for Helena and the researchers their company sent, they would naturally find ways to protect themselves. Don't you think you're worrying too much?"

  "However, compared to those mercenaries, who's more formidable?" Professor Yilans retorted, putting Zhang Fan on the same level as those mercenary groups, which indeed belittled Zhang Fan's abilities. Upon thinking about it, it was understandable; after all, someone you knew inside out was generally more trustworthy than strangers.

  Zhang Fan smiled and remained silent. Professor Yilans continued, "I heard from elsewhere that there were thirteen people on this trip, led by Mr. Greenham. He is the head of the Helena Department and also the main person in charge of this operation. Among these thirteen people, eight are mercenaries led by Lowell. You are my personal bodyguard assigned to Helena, and after my strong request, you can follow them together, only responsible for Helena's safety."

  "Haha......" Zhang Fan smiled and said: "I think you've arranged everything very well, but I have to ask the most important question. Does your precious granddaughter, our client Miss Helena, know about this?"

  "Does that mean you've agreed?" Hearing Zhang Fan's question, Professor Yilans was overjoyed. Although the conversation had been based on the assumption that Zhang Fan would accept this commission case, and although Zhang Fan hadn't explicitly refused, his words just now could be said to have given Professor Yilans a reassurance. Once Zhang Fan agreed to something, he wouldn't go back on it; if he said he'd take it on, then he definitely would.

  "Don't change the subject, I only asked if Helena knew about your plans?" Zhang Fan avoided Professor Ilans' outstretched hand and asked again.

  "She... of course knew. If she didn't agree to me arranging a bodyguard for her, then I would absolutely not agree to her going on this mission." Professor Yilan's eyes flickered for a moment, but Zhang Fan, who was pouring wine, didn't notice.

  "When is the trip?" With this confirmed, Zhang Fan began making preparations for his next assignment.

  New Guinea, and there are also fire-breathing wild donkeys, plus the rumored new humans, this trip is going to be very interesting, Zhang Fan can't help but start looking forward to it.

  "In three days, Paris airport, 9 o'clock sharp. I've already booked the ticket for you." Professor Yilans stood up and took out a ticket from the low cabinet by the wall and handed it to Zhang Fan. "I know you're more useful than any weapon, so I didn't equip you with one. If you need anything in the next few days, just go buy it yourself! Honestly, I'm still good at handling those brain cells, but when it comes to outdoor gear... sigh... I'm getting old..."

  Zhang Fan waved the ticket in his hand and gave Professor Yilans a faint smile: "Professor Yilans, it seems you've been hiding something from me! Along with that bottle of Cognac, wasn't there also a bottle of whisky from the same year unearthed at the same time? Don't tell me you didn't plan on letting me have a share?"

  With Professor Yilan's somewhat discomfited, embarrassed and some awkward glances, Zhang Fan took the ticket and left with a big laugh.