Crystal thought about how Uncle Hao mentioned that the southern Yunnan area had been unstable recently, and she couldn't help but knit her brows. She had come to southern Yunnan for field research on one hand and to meet Richard Shaw on the other. He hadn't returned home in over a year, and although he often video-called the elderly lady, it was no match for seeing him in person.
Seeing how much the elderly lady missed her grandson, Crystal decided to sponsor this field expedition. She planned to use the expedition as an excuse, claiming to be stranded in the mountains, so Richard Shaw would come to her rescue. Once she saw him, she intended to drag him back to the Imperial City, even if it meant tying him up.
"Professor Thorne, where should we set up camp?" Crystal asked, carrying her outdoor backpack and using a trekking pole to conserve energy. She noticed it was getting late and knew they had to choose a good camping spot.
