I was called upstairs by Xiao Yudi upon returning home. She and Xiaohui had specially designed a helmet for our African expedition. Powered by high-energy batteries, this helmet has an impact-resistant shell to protect the head as well as several hidden special functions.

Lowering the windshield visor turns it into an energy wave detector that can roughly identify unexpected energy attacks while also serving as night vision goggles to compensate for Jud and Xiahuaren's limited visibility in darkness.

Pulling down the telescopic microphone transforms it into a communicator - with good signals we can connect via satellite directly home, or use it like walkie-talkies within certain distances if signals are blocked.

The helmet also has a long-lasting lighting system designed specifically for nighttime operations since nobody can guarantee what might happen in special environments at night, when illumination is most needed.

Regarding sidearms, Xiao Yudi wanted me to carry a laser gun as its firepower significantly exceeds regular bullets. However considering the complex personnel from M and R countries, showing off our advanced compact laser technology would surely draw their attention which could cause future troubles - I rejected this suggestion.

Xiao Yudi also gave me a small freshwater generator resembling a flashlight in appearance. Powered by high-energy batteries, it produces pure drinking water through distillation of moisture molecules extracted from the surrounding air. If humidity is sufficient, it can fill an entire container within one hour - simply twist open the "flashlight" back cap to drink directly. It's enough to supply three or five people with essential daily hydration.

The departure day finally arrived. No one came to see us off. The women had stayed home instead of giving a farewell as they didn't want to create psychological pressure. Very early morning, I, Jud, Cai Bao'er, Xiahuaren and our cat took the police car to pick up Hua Qingqing.

Hua Qingqing stood in her driveway wearing tight-fitting combat gear. She had four large boxes - food supplies, medical kits and plant growth solutions for safely transplanting "blood flowers" back home once found.

Jud and Cai Bao'er loaded the boxes into the trunk then asked Hua, "Dr. Hua, what weapons did you prepare? Don't tell us we'll have to fight with bare hands against those enemies."

Hua wore a loose robe over her form-fitting suit without buttons but tied at the waist. She got in next to me and said, "Weapons can't be brought into the country according to airport regulations. The M team will equip everyone uniformly when we arrive in Kisanganyi."

When our five-man group reached the airport, we found Qiu Sihai waiting there - he was really determined to accompany Hua on this African expedition despite all dangers. He hurriedly approached as we arrived and said, "Qingqing, I've hired 5 experienced bodyguards from China. This trip will definitely ensure your safety - including Dr. Zhao's too. You can rest assured with them."

Hua gave Qiu a smile while glancing at the five burly guards behind him then replied, "Thank you for your concern Mr. Qiu but tell me did you sign any death contracts with these people? This is an international expedition after all - if there are fatal accidents returning home could be quite problematic."

Qiu shrugged nonchalantly, "Of course I did. I paid them extra salaries. They'll protect our lives with their own if necessary. Qingqing can rest easy."

Jud noticed a parasol sticking out of Qiu's luggage bag and laughed, "Mr. Qiu thinking about desert strolls? Why bring an umbrella?"

Qiu proudly showed off to Hua, "I brought this special parasol fearing the African sun might damage your skin."

Hua waved her hands with a wry smile, "Let's board already. No baggage inspection needed - we have our private jet."

Our journey was silent until arriving at Kigali in Rwanda where we joined the M and R research teams. The M team had 19 members led by Professor Smedt - a tall middle-aged man with his two assistants, Marla and Jennifer - both striking blonde-haired blue-eyed American women that made Jud and Cai Bao'er keep glancing their way.

Their leader Jack was around late twenties with Schwarzenegger-like muscles and a calm composed appearance befitting a former US Navy SEAL.

Our side had 13 members including Professor Jitou who seemed about mid-thirties. He and his assistant Xiao Shanshi were both short in stature, which looked somewhat comical compared to the tall Smedt. However his other assistant Misuzu was also an attractive young woman but unlike Marla and Jennifer, her Asian features didn't naturally command as much attention.

The Chinese delegation had 11 members including Qiu Sihai's 6-man team. Our actual crew only numbered five - Hua Qingqing whispered to me on the plane that Qiu never gives up easily and would surely face some embarrassing situations when we get deep into the jungle, making him regret this journey.

The research teams rested in Kigali for an afternoon before flying directly to Kisanganyi in DR Congo at night. This was our last stop before entering the rainforest where local guides had already been arranged by the M team - two English-speaking Luba men from DR Congo with extensive jungle expedition experience having successfully led multiple international expeditions.

On the plane Jud whispered to me, "Those M and R guys definitely have strong energy fluctuations. Looks like real experts. We need to be careful not to fall into their traps."

I warned Jud and Cai Bao'er, "Unless absolutely necessary don't provoke them even if we eventually discover blood flowers. As long as they don't try to seize it by force, we must maintain proper etiquette following international principles for development."

Jud scoffed, "What's all this high moral talk? Remember the Eight-Nation Alliance ever spoke about manners when invading our country?"

Cai Bao'er warned Jud, "Commander Zhuda - follow orders or you'll be sent back home immediately."

Jud fell silent. In Kisanganyi we met our two guides at a run-down inn. They were two muscular Luba men in their thirties speaking fluent French with somewhat stiff English but still understandable. One was named Kisin and the other Winston, both said to have extensive rainforest expedition experience.

Several more large suitcases joined us as we departed - I used my vision ability to confirm they contained weapons likely prepared by our experienced guides for security in the jungle.

Our rented vehicles proceeded along dirt roads beside the Araba River. The spectacular tropical rainforest amazed these "country bumpkins" while the sweltering heat left even the fatter guys drenched with sweat and constantly drinking water.

As dusk approached, the convoy stopped at a small village with about ten households. Kisin stepped out to announce, "We'll rest here tonight and continue tomorrow. We should reach Aruvi River junction by noon two days from now where we'll board boats upriver into the rainforest heartland."

When departing, Qiu Sihai eagerly insisted on riding with Hua's car. I let it pass without contesting this time. Now he was holding his parasol closely behind Hua as they headed toward a small inn at village center.

It seemed to be the guides' familiar base - locals spoke freely in their incomprehensible language while Jack and R commander Kuran directed people unloading supplies into the inn for temporary storage.

Qiu's five bodyguards also had many belongings. We distributed our big boxes among ourselves, each carrying a pack making us look most leisurely compared to others.

The inn was just several wooden huts elevated from ground level. With so many people, women occupied one room while men shared restlessly. Meals were self-prepared as locals couldn't spare much food for visitors - otherwise entire village would starve given their sparse business.

Taozi and I sat on a tree stump gazing at the lush forest when Hua Qingqing suddenly appeared behind me asking, "What are you staring at Zhao Qian? Missing your wife already?"

Smiling without answering (actually we were both mesmerized by nature's grandeur), she tugged my sleeve requesting, "Quickly find a bathroom for me - I'm desperate."

"Isn't there one next to the inn?" I asked politely.

"I checked but it's just a puddle with no standing space," Hua grumbled.

I chuckled, "Then relieve yourself behind any tree. Need me to check for snakes or ants?"

Suddenly she grabbed my ear fiercely, "My wife said treat you like your own husband once here! Don't expect me to be seen relieving myself with so many men around!"

There were indeed many crew members moving about. I surrendered quickly, "Stop pulling then - let's find some privacy."

Finding secluded spots proved difficult as even supposed quiet areas near streams were occupied by M and R team members. Eventually we settled on a riverbank where dense foliage offered relative silence.

I checked for vermin first before letting Hua go in. As she relieved herself I walked toward the stream when strange noises caught my ear.

Crawling over a small hill, the river view suddenly opened up revealing two naked bodies entangled under white flowers blooming intensely with heavy perfume. Their skin color indicated they were M team's Marla and Jennifer - although paler than Asians, their squeezed-together forms looked quite unnatural to me - too stiff and artificial.

I was caught in the act when Hua appeared beside me suddenly yanking my ear, "Disgusting! Stop peeping immediately!"

Hua normally maintained a proper ladylike demeanor (though possibly familiar with all my wife's body details) but would never engage in such behavior. At most she'd kiss someone once.

I hastily explained without turning around, "It wasn't me watching - they offered a free show voluntarily! American women are truly open-minded. Since they don't mind why not learn from them? Dinner is still hours away."

Hua insisted we return immediately fearing exposure. She crouched to pull my arm, "My wife said I must discipline you or she'd scold me later if you learned bad habits."

I continued watching while saying, "Don't worry about self-control - even a hundred times won't corrupt me. If you can't handle the temptation return by yourself."

Hua wasn't naive and warned me again, "Will you finally move? Not moving means I'm seriously angry now! You were once my good guy image but not anymore."

Heeding her obvious anger I got up reluctantly, "Alright let's go - those two sure picked a romantic spot under the flowers. If filmed it would make an excellent love story."

Hua calmed down seeing my capitulation yet still asked in confusion, "I know American openness but didn't expect them to be this extreme!"

As I was about to respond I noticed Hua blushing and asked, "Why so shy? You doctors must have dissected many bodies. Besides aren't they women too?"

Hua's breathing quickened as she protested, "No shyness - suddenly my heart is pounding fast and head feels dizzy."

I touched her forehead, "Too humid climate probably caused illness. Take some medicine when we return - the journey ahead remains long and can't afford accidents."

Suddenly Hua leaned against my hand on her forehead, "Maybe... I'll take it easy." Then wrapped my arm around her body.

"Qingqing are you already giving up? How fast does sickness come upon you? Seems these years of medical training went to waste," I laughed.

Hua closed her eyes murmuring indistinctly, "Don't know... feels so hot. Help me take off a shirt."

She only had two layers on anyway - the outer robe being almost non-existent. So I said, "Stop taking clothes. If you can't walk I'll carry you. You urbanites really need more outdoor exercise."

"Carry me," she suddenly whispered in my arms with an uncharacteristically soft voice.

I lifted her up while saying, "For your wife's sake I comply but if it gets worse just inject yourself a B injection and don't delay the expedition - foreigners might lose patience waiting..."

Before finishing this sentence something unexpected happened. Hua suddenly opened her eyes and kissed me fiercely knocking us both over onto wet ground.

It wasn't kissing at all but biting! Before tasting anything, I pushed her away instantly.

"Qingqing what's wrong?!" I panicked. "I don't want to take advantage but your behavior is too strange!"

Her cheeks were even redder than before, skin glowing pink everywhere exposed. Still not responding she started tearing off clothes with heavy breathing.

Grabbing her hand I was surprised by how strong she became. She abruptly thrust her chest into my face through the clothing - feeling that softness made me realize this wasn't illness but madness!

I struck her back of head to knock her unconscious before she stripped completely. As her husband's best friend, I couldn't possibly take advantage.

When Hua calmed down in unconscious state, I carried her back to the inn finding everyone gone out. Carefully administered a B injection from my backpack.

Minutes later she stirred touching her head asking confusedly, "Why does it hurt so much?" Then noticing me nearby screamed, "What... what just happened?"

Clearly remembering parts of this episode she covered herself with trembling hands.

I laughed, "Almost raped you! Had to knock you out to resist."

Hua clutched her chest blushing deeply, "I think I had some sort of mental breakdown. Brain wasn't responding properly. Please forgive me and thank you for preventing disaster!"

"Be polite? My mission is protecting you. If I can't ensure your safety now, I might as well go home and jump."

Sitting up she said, "You were so honorable not taking advantage - I'm proud Xiao Ruo has such a husband."