"For now, I won't be going. Besides, our island expedition needs to start early. Anying is almost ready, so I wanted to give you a heads-up. If nothing unexpected happens, Anying and I will set off early tomorrow morning."

"What? The island expedition plan? It's starting so soon? Didn't you say we still needed to wait for a while?"

"There's nothing to wait for now. Basically, everything has been decided, so there's no need for me to wait any longer."

Upon hearing this, Ye Chen was somewhat puzzled about what Lin Yaru was truly thinking.

Before, when the expedition wasn't mentioned, he'd hoped the plan would proceed soon so that everyone could understand what really happened on the island.

But now, hearing that the plan was advanced and would start tomorrow, to be honest, Lin Yaru felt a bit overwhelmed.

"What's wrong, couldn't you believe it would happen so soon? Also, I've told you that your issue is the most important one, so I need to sort it out at all costs. Only then do I believe you can truly become active again."

"Thank you, Ye Chen."

Lin Yaru didn't know what else to say, feeling that perhaps Ye Chen could now express all his genuine thoughts.

"What are you saying, aren't these things just what you and I have to go through? Also, if we don't land on the island, we won't know if your father ever went to that island years ago or how long he stayed there. Only once we land can we see the real ending."

"Yes, it's just a pity that I won't be able to go with you this time. So, I'll stay here patiently waiting for your news and hope everything goes smoothly for you."

At this point, a hint of sadness appeared in Lin Yaru's expression.

After all, it concerned her father's whereabouts, so to be honest, as the involved party, she really wanted to go to the island with him.

But ultimately, they didn't know what the plan on the island was or what dangers they might face there.

Ye Chen said nothing, just nodded lightly.

"By the way, you're on the night shift tonight, right?"

"Yes, tonight is a night shift, so I can rest at home during the day."

"It's already this late; you should have a good sleep. Otherwise, you won't be able to rest well tonight."

"Yes, I know. I'll prepare these things and then get ready to go to bed and rest."

"Alright, then I won't disturb you. I'll go prepare, as we have to leave early tomorrow. If nothing goes wrong, we'll be back in two or three days. During this time, we might not be able to contact you, but rest assured, everything will be as usual."

"Okay, got it."

"By the way, have you noticed anyone following you these past few days?"

"I haven't, and honestly, I'm quite indifferent to my surroundings. Sometimes, even if someone is following me, I might not notice. So, I'm really not sure about this."

"If you notice someone following you, there are other people who can provide real-time protection for you. I've discussed this with Old Master Guo, and they're guarding you now. So, for the short term, your situation should be very safe."

"Don't worry, I still have some value, so they won't act against me easily. It's been so many years; do you think I haven't adapted to all this yet? You go do your thing, as you have a lot to prepare before you leave early tomorrow."

Lin Yaru said, getting up, clearly wanting Ye Chen to prepare a few things quickly.

Also, if Ye Chen stayed longer, he might again have to ask Ye Chen to take him along.

If she joins the expedition, can everything truly settle down?

Ye Chen quickly left his room and went straight to the second-floor room.

Earlier, he knew that if he stayed, Lin Yaru would surely follow him, insisting on joining the expedition. At that moment, he felt a bit hesitant.

Around late afternoon, about five or six o'clock, Ye Chen heard the door opening downstairs. So he walked to the second-floor living room and glanced down, seeing that Lin Yaru had packed up and left.

Lin Yaru's night shift started at 7:00 PM; it was 6:00 PM now. So, in about an hour's time, considering meals and preparations, it was quite tight.

Just as he was about to return to his room, Ye Chen unexpectedly heard the door open again. He looked down to see Anying pulling a large suitcase, entering from outside.

Seeing this, Ye Chen knew the suitcase likely contained the equipment needed for tomorrow.

"Anying, are you all set?"

Talking as he hurried down the stairs, he took the suitcase from Anying's hand.

This suitcase did indeed feel weighty, and with such a large suitcase, he believed all necessary items were ready inside.

"Everything is prepared, everything I could think of or might unexpectedly need is in there. We've made thorough preparations this time."

"By the way, didn't you see Lin Yaru when you went out earlier?"

"I saw her. Just as she was leaving, I came in. I greeted her, and she asked what was in the suitcase. I told her it was stuff for the island expedition. She didn't say anything, just 'oh,' and then turned and left."