Just as she expected, the week after the examinations, the administrator announced that everyone in the graduating class will have to join the End-Year Camping Trip where everyone was expected to attend and have fun creating good memories of their college years with their batch mates.
To someone like Li Yue who was avoided by her classmates, this was truly stupid and was a waste of time. However, for the social butterflies who want to establish connections with the young heirs, this would be the perfect opportunity to socialize.
"I'm surprised that you chose not to avoid me today, little rat." Mo Li mused when Li Yue sat next to him in the air conditioned bus. Since it was a trip for everyone to enjoy together, it was recommended for the rich socialites to experience the world for themselves without their usual lifestyle of having butlers drive them around. Everyone regardless of status had to ride the bus for two hours before they would arrive at their location which is just a small forest south of Yin City.
This time, Li Yue sat next to Mo Li and she was quite adamant on not leaving his side today. Well, at least in this trip. If she needed to sleep next to him at the campsite just to assure that he is safe, she will not hesitate to do that. Saving this man is her topmost priority right now.
"You're not talking to me? Are you still mad I stopped giving you money?"
Once again, Li Yue ignored him. He was not even giving her money out of goodwill! This man wanted her to work for him and that money was her compensation. Despite the injustice, Li Yue decided not to argue and maintained a stoic expression. She crossed her arms against her chest and maxed out the volume on her headphones.
Seeing this, Mo Li snorted and also started listening to music.
Two hours later, the bus stopped in front of an inn that served as the entrance to the mountain. Everyone immediately got out of the bus and eyed the majestic mountain towering in front of them.
"Everyone! Gather round!" The administrator enthusiastically called everyone to gather in front of the entrance of the inn. "This is Yin City's famous Woying Mountain. Its name is short for 'Woman Crying'. Two hundred years ago, it was said that our ancestors were scared of this mountain because of a woman. It was a woman wearing white which haunted handsome men. The legend says that the woman was heartbroken and full of resentment when she died in this mountain. Her fiancé left her for a more beautiful woman. So, she ran away in grief to the mountains and got lost. Since she did not have any means to survive in the thick forest, she died of starvation. That was when it all started." The sound of the administrator's voice echoed as he was using a portable megaphone. "Merchants who visited our town back then reported sightings of the ghost woman. They would say that it was an extremely beautiful woman who would charm their caravan guards and lead them away. Then, the guards would disappear and never come back. Some say they can hear a woman crying during the full moon. She was crying for her lover who cheated on her."
As expected, the rich students shivered as chills ran down their spine. Some paled in fright and some women were actually crying.
"Of course, this is not true. This mountain is safe for everyone, just like the previous years. The school has always used this mountain for the yearly retreat and year end camping. We have expert mountain hikers with us and some who are expert survivalists. Of course, they won't help you cook food or start fire. They will only help us out in case there are emergencies." The administrator then started to introduce a couple of men and women who looked like they were in their twenties or early thirties. "They will, however teach you to survive in the mountains. They'll be teaching you how to find sources of water, how to make it safe to drink. They will also teach you how to fish and start a fire! I'm sure this will be a great experience for everyone!" After the administrator finished his winding speech, the leader of the survival experts gave a slight briefing before they told everyone to relax and prepare themselves as they are about to start trekking in about an hour.
Of course, this was deliberately done because some of the influential parents had sent some security specialists to make sure that everyone who will lead the group are qualified. They were asking for all sorts of clearances that will prove that the experts are qualified to guide and teach them. However, this was all a facade.
Li Yue knew that these people were also here to ensure that the guides and survival experts were not some sort of criminal who wanted to kidnap any of the students. After all, some of them were children of politicians or some other important people in the community. They were all not without an enemy.
"Hey, she's here." Mo Li's voice made Li Yue flinch. She immediately turned towards the black sedan that had just arrived. Slowly, her eyes widened as she saw Sun Fengmian got out of the car and waved at her.
"What is she doing here?"
"I don't know." He shrugged in response. "I thought you guys were best friends. Maybe she is sending you off to the mountains."
"Little Yue!" Sun Fengmian's bodyguard and alluring voice immediately attracted the attention of every other student in the group near them. "I came to send you off." Sun Fengmian added. With her red, body-con dress and stiletto, Sun Fengmian walked towards the smiling Li Yue and immediately gave her a hug.
What is happening? Confused, Li Yue decided to maintain the smile on her face as she waited for Sun Fengmian to tell her the reason why she came here wearing an attire fitting for a party.
"Little Yue… I just came here to bring you everything that you might need for this trip." Sun Fengmian signaled one of her men to get a bag from the car. "This is a survival kit that I personally ordered abroad. One's for you and the other Mo Li's." She eyed Mo Li, whose eyes were stuck to his phone, ignoring her. "This is something you can use in the forest."
