120: Chapter 120 Perfect Exit

"The higher-ups have proposed that, in order to reduce the risk of conflict and ensure the absolute safety of the ruins, they hope your team can... temporarily evacuate the core area, letting us and personnel from international organizations take over completely."

"Of course, we absolutely acknowledge and guarantee your contributions and rights..."

President Chen Ran looked at the message, his face showing no surprise whatsoever.

Burning bridges after crossing, or rather, choosing to sacrifice the interests of an outsider to balance various parties when faced with greater pressure, was a perfectly normal political maneuver.

The fact that the three countries could withstand the pressure and allow him to participate in the advance investigation was already the result of his previous bribes and display of force.

Now, surrounded by even fiercer wolves, they naturally wanted to invite this source of trouble to leave first, attempting to use international joint management to share the pressure and contradictions.

He replied with a single sentence: "Understood, we will consider it." Then he ended the call.

His gaze swept over the noisy investigation site below, falling on Shen Wanqing in the distance, who was carefully cleaning the edge of a stone carving with a soft brush, and then looked at Chen Yan, who was biting her pen and frowning while scribbling on a tablet.

It was time to leave.

Not because of pressure, but because the first half of this play—discovery, shock, and preliminary confirmation—had already finished.

Next was the stage where various powers would take the stage to gamble, a phase of surging undercurrents.

If he continued to stay here, he would instead become a target for everyone, which would tie his hands and feet.

Moreover, the return gifts for New Zealand hadn't all been delivered yet, the relocation of his parents needed to be arranged, and the construction of Deep Blue Nation couldn't be stopped.

Here, there was gold, history, and a perfect target to attract the world's fire; for now, let those greedy vultures fight over it.

Wait until they fight until they're bloody and expose more weaknesses...

"Victor," President Chen Ran said in a low voice, "inform our people to start preparing for evacuation."

"Leave in batches, keep it quiet."

"Take the backups of the research data we should take. As for the little souvenirs we left at the scene, make sure they are marked."

"Tell Anvil to arrange for one or two elite teams to stay on the periphery of the investigation mission, perhaps under the guise of being hired by an international cultural relic protection organization or something similar. They don't need to intervene in the core; they just need to be our eyes and ears."

"Focus on monitoring the people sent by those countries jumping around the most, as well as the movements of those PMCs with military backgrounds in the rainforest."

"Understood. What about Miss Shen and Miss Chen?"

"I'll tell them that the investigation is almost done, the rainforest is getting more and more chaotic, and it's time to go back."

President Chen Ran paused, "Additionally, issue a statement in the name of the Deep Blue Nation government and myself."

"Key points: First, we are honored by the discovery of the El Dorado ruins and express our appreciation for the efforts of the three governments and international organizations."

"Second, given that the security situation around the ruins is becoming increasingly complex, in order to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and conflicts, my team and I have decided to evacuate the ruins site starting today, leaving all subsequent protection and research work to the host countries and relevant United Nations agencies."

"Third, we call on the international community to respect the sovereignty of the host countries, treat this heritage of all mankind in a scientific, peaceful, and cooperative manner, and oppose any armed intervention or resource plundering in the name of protection."

"Fourth, Deep Blue Nation is willing to provide necessary technical consultation and support when needed, under the invitation of the host countries and within the international framework."

This statement seemed like a retreat, but it was actually a strategic withdrawal.

It not only removed him from the immediate powder keg but also placed him on the moral high ground, preemptively labeling those restless powerful nations with the stigma of armed intervention and resource plundering.

At the same time, it reserved the possibility of returning by invitation in the future.

After arranging these matters, President Chen Ran walked down the broken walls toward Shen Wanqing and Chen Yan.

It was time to take them away from this glorious place that was about to be stained with more desire and blood.

The world outside was very lively, but he had to first ensure that the people he cared about returned to absolute safety.

As for the gold and conflict here... let the bullets fly for a while longer.

He had plenty of time and plenty of means to wait for the most suitable moment to return and collect everything he deserved, along with... extra interest.

The radiance of the Golden City was gradually cut off behind them by winding passages and thick rock walls. The moment she stepped onto the soft soil of the rainforest again, Shen Wanqing subconsciously looked back at the deep entrance.

The faint sound of human voices and the hum of equipment still came from inside; the work of the joint investigation mission was in full swing.

She felt a slight tinge of regret in her heart, like missing the subsequent chapters of a brilliant historical book.

Those mysterious symbols, the magnificent murals, and the exquisite yet mysteriously purposed gold artifacts... only a corner of the veil had just been lifted.

President Chen Ran walked to her side, followed her gaze, and said in a gentle voice, "Reluctant to leave?"

Shen Wanqing nodded slightly, then shook her head: "I'm a bit regretful that I couldn't see more, but it's true... it's too complicated here."

She was referring to the gunshots, sometimes far and sometimes near, that had been heard over the past week, as well as the increasingly obvious undercurrents and arguments within the investigation mission.

Although she was focused on academics, she was not dull. She saw the subtle verbal sparring between experts from various countries, the eyes of reporters who were looking for treasure more than history, and the increasingly tense faces of the soldiers from the three countries.

"Safety first." President Chen Ran looked at her, his tone serious. "El Dorado is right here, it's not going anywhere. Wait until it's... a bit quieter here."

"If you want to come back for in-depth research, you can at any time. But now," he paused, his gaze sweeping over the silently alert team members, "everyone around me, including myself, has become a target for many people."

"Staying here might not be good for you, for me, or for the research itself."

He didn't use a commanding or demanding tone; he was simply stating facts.

Shen Wanqing understood the meaning behind his words.

He had discovered El Dorado and repelled the special forces of multiple countries. It was highly likely that he was the one who wiped out the New Zealand SAS. He had long been a thorn in the side of countless powers.

Staying by his side or being too closely associated with him meant danger.

He didn't want to put her in danger.

The trace of regret in her heart was replaced by a complex emotion, including understanding, warmth, and a hint of indescribable melancholy.

She looked up, met President Chen Ran's clear and honest gaze, and smiled slightly. Her smile was as gentle as ever, filled with understanding and relief: "I understand. I've caused you trouble."

"Let's go back together. It's perfect; I also need time to organize my previous records and thoughts."

"The amount of information here... is just too much."

President Chen Ran breathed a sigh of relief, a genuine smile spreading in his eyes: "That's good. On the way back, you can tell me about your discoveries. I'm also very interested in those symbols."

On the other side, Chen Yan didn't have much hesitation. Hearing that they were going back, she was actually a bit excited: "Finally leaving this place full of bugs! Brother, are we taking the big plane back?"

"Can I sleep in that big bed on the plane this time? I was too embarrassed last time..."

"Yes, you can sleep as long as you want." President Chen Ran rubbed his sister's hair, amused.

The evacuation was carried out silently.

President Chen Ran's team broke into small groups and used different identities and channels. Under the noses of the military and police of the three countries and various other powers, they quietly left the core area of the rainforest like water droplets merging into the sea, finally regrouping in Manaus.

The deep blue private jet was already waiting at the airport.

After boarding the plane, the cabin door closed, sealing out the humid heat and noise of the Amazon.

Shen Wanqing sat by the window, watching the green continent below shrink and eventually be covered by a sea of clouds.

The bit of regret in her heart gradually settled, turning into precious memories of this strange journey and a vague expectation for the future.

After the plane entered a steady cruise, President Chen Ran went to the communication room in the front cabin.

He needed to handle some matters that had to be kept from the two women.

The satellite phone connected; it was Shen Guomin.

"Uncle Shen," President Chen Ran said with respect.

"Xiao Chen, have you withdrawn?" Shen Guomin's voice sounded a bit tired but clear.

"Just boarded the plane and on our way back. Thank you and the country for the assistance provided this time." President Chen Ran was referring to the rapid response and subsequent protection from Xia Country after his parents were attacked.

"We're family, no need for such talk." Shen Guomin paused, his tone becoming serious. "There's progress. We followed the payment and contact leads of that group of Annamese mercenaries who attacked your parents, peeling back the layers one by one. Finally, the source of the funds and the origin of the instructions pointed to the Eagle Country."

President Chen Ran's eyes narrowed as he waited for what came next.

"It wasn't an official action, at least not on the surface."

"It's an old-money family in the Eagle Country called the Cavendish family."

"The history of this family can be traced back to the War of the Roses. Their ancestors included admirals and colonial governors."

"Their modern transition has been very successful. Their industries span finance, mining, the military-industrial complex, and media. They have deep roots in Parliament and the House of Lords and maintain close ties with the Royal Family."

"They keep a low profile, but their influence is pervasive."

Shen Guomin's speaking pace was not fast, and each word carried weight. "Their family has an ancestral castle in Scotland called Black Rock Castle, situated on a seaside cliff, making it easy to defend and hard to attack."

"Many of the family's core members and important assets are there."

"According to the intelligence we have, that castle has a very sophisticated defense system. Their private armed security is said to number in the hundreds, well-equipped and no different from a small army. Furthermore, they have countless connections with the local police and garrison."

"Moving against them will be difficult, very difficult."

After Shen Guomin finished speaking, there was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, as if giving President Chen Ran time to digest the information and also as if observing his reaction.

Then, he added a sentence in a subtle tone: "The clues end here for now. This family acts cautiously and leaves very few openings."

"We also put in a lot of effort and used some unconventional channels. The source of the information is absolutely reliable."

President Chen Ran understood Shen Guomin's unspoken implication.

Xia Country providing this clue was, on one hand, a display of capability and sincerity; on the other hand, wasn't it also a form of testing?

The New Zealand SAS had been wiped out as a complete unit with a professional and cold efficiency that was chilling. Although there was no evidence pointing to President Chen Ran, the eyes of international suspicion had already focused on him.