Chapter 562 Becoming a Pickpocke (1/2)

Chapter 562: Becoming a Pickpocket

Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Although there was nothing valuable from the auction of storage units, Li Du was not discouraged. He shifted his focus and went to the Petrified Forest.

Coincidentally, Dr. Sophie was given a short holiday. She initially wanted to go on vacation with Li Du, who had time and experience.

However, after being informed of Li Du's plan to search for fire opals in the Petrified Forest, she became interested. She changed her mind and wanted to accompany Li Du for one week.

While eating, she told Li Du her plan. Li Du shook his head and said, ”Is that a good idea? It won't be interesting as I am going to Winslow for work. Let's relax for a few days. How about I accompany you to find a place to go on vacation?”

Sophie shook her head repeatedly. ”Truth be told, I don't have any particular place I would like to tour, and going to the Petrified Forest sounds great. I can give my brain a break and take a breather. It would definitely feel awesome.”

After pausing momentarily, she added, ”I am not going there just to play. I also plan to find a piece of fire opal, which I would like to give to my dad as a gift for his upcoming birthday.”

Having heard her, Li Du became enlivened. ”When is your father's birthday?”

Sophie replied, ”On the last day of October. As there are not many days left, I would like to accompany you to search for fire opal and find one for his present.”

As a present, fire opal was an excellent choice. In the culture of the Native American Indians, it was referred to as the gem of the Birds of Paradise and symbolized good fortune and tranquility.

Mexicans believed that falling from the glistening cosmos gave opal its magical tint.

Opal was also the lucky stone of those born in October and was known by the international jewelry industry as the October birthstone.

With a lack of money-making opportunities in the auction of storage units, Li Du changed his course of action and chose to mine opals in the Petrified Forest.

In his previous attempt, he managed to pick eight opals with some last-minute gear he bought. By being fully prepared this time, he believed he would be able to mine more opals.

In order to protect the landscape and geographical features of the National Park, fully-automated machinery such as a small scale excavator, pile driver, and reclamation machine were not permitted to enter.

However, Li Du knew there were opals between layers of crushed rocks. As some of these rocks were buried thr deep in the crushed rocks, they were hard to dig out manually.

All he could do was bring some large digging tools. Besides, he would be bringing along Godzilla and Big Quinn who were both strong workers.

This time around, he was fully prepared to search for opals. Other than the excavation equipment, he also followed cousin Stephen's instructions and prepared first aid items, a tent, pot, wind resistant stove, etc.

In addition, he brought the following: raincoat, umbrella, boots, generator, large backpack, flint fire starter, clean water bottle, sleeping bag and a variety of food.

Li Du could not help but laugh bitterly when he saw that Sophie even brought along three small toys for Ah Ow.

Driving a large truck for this expedition would be a waste. Instead, Li Du dug into his own pockets and bought a pickup truck. It was a Ford F-350 pickup truck, an upgrade from the F-150, and was an absolute powerhouse equipped with a 6.7-liter V8 turbo pressured diesel engine.

During the final ten days of October, with all the tools and necessities prepared, they drove toward the Petrified Forest National Park.

They entered from the north side of the National Park as opposed to the south side they had entered previously. Compared to the southern region, the northern region didn't have as much huge and colorful petrified wood, but it had better surroundings.

When entering the National Park from the south side, it felt barren and desolate. On the other hand, fields of green grass and thickets could be seen when entering from the north side.