"You know of Icefire Island?" He Xinyi asked in astonishment, her voice filled with disbelief.
Master Lin, standing beside her, was also visibly shocked. He clearly hadn't expected Chen Xiao to mention Icefire Island, and his demeanor immediately turned wary.
Chen Xiao curled his lips and let out a soft hum, "Given your earlier trickery, I can't answer that question."
"..."
He Xinyi was once again left speechless. However, after a moment, she patiently and pleadingly asked Chen Xiao, "Sir, could we perhaps speak in private?"
"Certainly."
With too many eyes and ears around, this was indeed not the place for a conversation. Chen Xiao nodded immediately, agreeing.
"Please!"
The group walked out, and He Xinyi invited Chen Xiao into the super luxury RV custom-made for her at the factory.
As for the others, they could only wait outside.
Seeing this, Huang Wenlei was consumed by jealousy. How he wished he were the one invited inside!
Li Qin also pouted, her eyes fixed intently on the RV, as if she could bore a hole through it to see what Chen Xiao and that alluring woman were doing inside!
Noticing this, Gu Zhendong playfully whispered, "What's wrong, jealous?"
Li Qin pouted and immediately turned her head away, spitting, "Hmph, as if I'd be jealous of him!"
Meanwhile, inside the RV, after introducing themselves, He Xinyi poured Chen Xiao a glass of red wine.
"Mr. Chen, please."
Chen Xiao took a sip and got straight to the point, "Let's cut the pleasantries and get to the heart of the matter. So, your objective is Icefire Island, correct?"
"Yes, that's right. Our objective is indeed Icefire Island," He Xinyi admitted.
As she spoke, she slightly lowered her chest, revealing a large expanse of fair skin to Chen Xiao. Her captivating gaze was constantly appraising him.
It had to be said, He Xinyi was indeed beautiful and alluring.
It was a pity that Chen Xiao had no interest in women of this type.
Moreover, He Xinyi was so forward...
"Mr. Chen, where did you hear about Icefire Island?" He Xinyi inquired.
Chen Xiao swirled his wine glass and slowly replied, "Given your previous deceitful behavior, I think it's best if I ask first, and you answer."
"..."
He Xinyi was once again speechless. Her delicate nose twitched slightly, and she thought to herself, is this guy going to harp on about this endlessly?
Chen Xiao, however, directly asked, "And where did you learn of Icefire Island, and what is your purpose in going there?"
Chen Xiao's business-like demeanor made He Xinyi realize her charm offensive had failed. She immediately sat up straighter and put on a jacket, wrapping herself up tightly as if determined not to give Chen Xiao any advantage.
"Regarding Icefire Island, Master Lin told me about it. According to him, there are many rare treasures on Icefire Island that can prolong life. My grandfather is gravely ill and his lifespan is nearing its end. I wish to find some rare treasures to extend his life!"
When He Xinyi spoke directly, she was truly direct, without any pretense.
"I see."
Chen Xiao nodded slightly. He had initially thought He Xinyi knew something valuable about Icefire Island, but it turned out she was just a treasure hunter hoping for a lucky break. In that case, he wouldn't be able to get any valuable information from her.
"Alright, I've asked my questions. Ask me whatever you want," Chen Xiao said. He was a man of his word, unlike He Xinyi.
However, he hadn't expected her first question to leave him utterly speechless.
"I want to ask you, do you know where Icefire Island is?" He Xinyi asked very seriously.
Hearing this question, Chen Xiao almost burst out laughing, "So you don't even know where Icefire Island is? Then why did you clear out all the medicinal herbs from the market?"
He Xinyi wrinkled her nose and said, "Master Lin said he needed them, and the more the better, so I bought them all."
Well, she was indeed wealthy and extravagant!
Chen Xiao looked at He Xinyi with amusement and slowly said, "Coincidentally, I'm also planning to go to Icefire Island. Although I don't know its exact location, my companion does know..."
"Really? Take us with you!" He Xinyi suddenly became excited, her tone laced with a hint of command.
Chen Xiao scoffed, "Why should I take you? Taking you offers me no benefit, and you'll only compete with me for treasures. That's not worth it."
"I can give you money. Name your price!" He Xinyi said with a determined look.
Chen Xiao shook his head, "I'm not interested in money. However, if you give me that spiritual herb, I might consider it."
"Spiritual herb?" He Xinyi blinked slightly, then realized, "You mean the Buddha Hand Fruit?"
Buddha Hand Fruit? Who came up with such an unpleasant name? Chen Xiao couldn't help but roll his eyes.
"Yes, that thing. If you give it to me, I'll take you to Icefire Island."
He Xinyi considered for a moment, then gritted her teeth and handed the Buddha Hand Fruit to Chen Xiao.
"Deal!" Chen Xiao snatched the Buddha Hand Fruit and turned to leave.
"Then we'll set off in three days. Miss He, see you then!"
With that, Chen Xiao got out of the car.
Afterward, Chen Xiao led everyone back to the hotel. Sun Buxian also stayed, not returning to the Huang family with Huang Wenlei.
When Chen Xiao informed everyone that he would be taking He Xinyi's people to Icefire Island, everyone wore expressions of confusion.
Li Qin was particularly displeased and directly asked, "Brother Chen, have you taken a liking to that woman?"
Chen Xiao was speechless, "What nonsense are you talking about?"
Sun Buxian said, "Chen Xiao, why don't you reconsider? Miss He isn't one of us, and I worry there might be some unnecessary trouble later on."
"Trouble?" Chen Xiao smiled slightly, "With the people she brought, they aren't enough to cause me any trouble?"
"Besides, Icefire Island is extremely dangerous, and I might not be able to look after each of you at all times. He Xinyi has many bodyguards, so it's perfect for her people to scout ahead and act as cannon fodder for us."
Upon hearing this, everyone understood Chen Xiao's thoughtful intention.
Gu Zhendong couldn't help but give Chen Xiao a thumbs-up.
"Chen Xiao, if you're going to be cunning, you're certainly the most cunning!"
Chen Xiao replied, "Uncle Gu, that doesn't sound like a compliment."
Gu Zhendong chuckled heartily, "Just take it as a compliment!"
Chen Xiao spread his hands and finally said, "Alright, it's settled. Everyone rest for three days, and we depart in three days. This journey is extremely perilous, and if anyone wishes to withdraw, now is the time."
With the arrow already on the bowstring, no one proposed to back out. On the contrary, everyone was excited, anticipating the trip to Icefire Island!