Chapter 128: Two Evaluations
Chapter 128: Two Evaluations
Director Lei put down the phone and calmed his mind before returning to the sofa. He turned to Chen Chuan and spoke solemnly, "Chen Chuan, I was able to find my son thanks to your help. If there's anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask. I'll do my best to assist you within my capabilities."
Chen Chuan replied candidly, "I do have a request for Director Lei's help, but since you've just found your son, perhaps we can discuss it later."
Director Lei glanced at his watch and said, "We still have some time." Then, with determination, he added, "Chen Chuan, I'm a man who clearly distinguishes between gratitude and grudges. If there's anything you need me to do, please tell me."
Seeing his resolute attitude, Chen Chuan thought for a moment and said, "I need an evaluation from the Government Bureau."
Director Lei immediately understood his intention and stared at him. "You're a student of Wu Yi Academy, and a Government Bureau evaluation is only useful for going to Central City. So, you want to go to Central City?"
Chen Chuan nodded.
Director Lei spoke slowly, "The Secret Sect Review Bureau can provide an evaluation, but it requires you to accept a commission."
Without hesitation, Chen Chuan replied, "Of course, what do you need me to do?"
Director Lei looked at Chen Chuan and said, "The director of the Secret Sect Review Bureau, Lei Guangcheng, temporarily resided at a location that was exposed, leading to his son Lei Ying being controlled by members of the Flying Head Sect and subjected to a ritual. Therefore, he has commissioned Wu Yi University Hall student Chen Chuan to rescue his son and break the ritual..."
At this point, Director Lei paused before continuing, "After confirmation from Director Lei Guangcheng, Lei Ying has been rescued, and the ritual has been broken. Chen Chuan, your commission has been completed. Tomorrow, when I return to the bureau, I will write you a detailed Government Bureau evaluation."
Upon hearing this, Chen Chuan understood his intention, and without being overly sentimental, he thanked him, "Director Lei, thank you."
Director Lei waved his hand, "It's nothing." He paused for a moment, then said, "You're going to Central City, and a single Government Bureau evaluation might not be enough. I know that you have an internal evaluation from the Handling Bureau, but since you're not a recommended student, two evaluations might not be sufficient. What do you think about getting an additional evaluation from the Foreign Affairs Bureau?"
Chen Chuan was surprised, "The Foreign Affairs Bureau? Can Director Lei really get an evaluation from them?"
Each department in the Government Hall usually only handled their own affairs, and they were all quite conservative, making it difficult for external departments to intervene. Director Lei's words implied that either the Secret Sect Review Bureau had influence over the Foreign Affairs Bureau, or that Director Lei himself had a more powerful background or other connections.
Director Lei explained, "You don't understand. Many departments in Yangzhi City are there because of the framework, and they can't be removed, not because they are particularly important. The Foreign Affairs Bureau in Yangzhi City still has some presence because it is the legendary ancestral land of the Makah people, and there is a need for exchanges between the two countries.
Now that this incident has occurred among the Makah people, the relationship between the two countries will inevitably deteriorate, and exchanges in the coming years will surely be hindered, making the Foreign Affairs Bureau even less relevant.
The Secret Sect Review Bureau is mainly responsible for banning foreign secret sects and often requires communication and cooperation with foreign countries. If necessary, they will ask the Foreign Affairs Bureau to assist, so the two departments are mutually supportive and collaborative."
Chen Chuan understood. Although it was said that the two departments were mutually supportive and collaborative, whether it was necessary to involve the Foreign Affairs Bureau depended on the attitude of the Secret Sect Review Bureau. As a semi-violent institution dealing with foreign personnel, the Secret Sect Review Bureau would likely have its own channels of communication, and if not needed, they could simply sideline the Foreign Affairs Bureau.
Now that the relationship between the Makah people and Great Prosperity had reached an all-time low, the Foreign Affairs Bureau in Yangzhi City had become a marginal and dispensable department. Given the past cooperation between the two departments, the Secret Sect Review Bureau would surely want to help them out.
Director Lei continued, "You previously eliminated a Makah fugitive at the exchange meeting, which should have earned you an evaluation from the Foreign Affairs Bureau. However, for the Foreign Affairs Bureau, this might not be enough."
Without hesitation, Chen Chuan asked, "What do you need me to do?"
Director Lei said, "If the Foreign Affairs Bureau can recover their lost item, they will gain some impression points with the higher-ups. Failure won't necessarily be a bad thing; it might even become an opportunity for advancement. I will discuss this with Liu Zhan. If you can find a way to retrieve that Evergreen Oak Leaf, I can ensure you get an additional evaluation from the Foreign Affairs Bureau."
Chen Chuan thought it over. If he had the ability to complete the task, he would definitely do it, but if it was too difficult, he wouldn't force it and would rather give up.
He had no idea how to accomplish this task, and it also involved the resistance organization, making it more complex. So, he asked, "Does Director Lei have any suggestions?"
Director Lei appreciated his perceptiveness. "That Evergreen Oak Leaf might have a unique significance for the Makah people, but we don't need to discuss that now. Let's talk about what comes next.
If the Makah people who took the leaf are genuine fugitives, it would benefit the resistance organization that is helping them, and there would be a basis for cooperation, even if they are not friendly.
However, now that they have been exposed as a group of fugitives, the Makah government has disavowed them, so they hold no special value for the resistance organization. They might even be threatened and exploited, which they should be aware of. They will likely leave before their identities are revealed."
Chen Chuan's eyes lit up, "The exchange delegation!"
Director Lei nodded and spoke coldly, "In reality, there are no fugitives, and it's impossible for the entire Makah exchange delegation to be controlled.
And for half a month, there was no response, not even a telegram from within the country. It was clearly a self-directed play.
Now that they have what they want, the first thing to do is to leave. Even if they want to take back the Oak Leaf, which was a gift to the Great Prosperity government, they can only request a return or a gift from our country, not by force."
Speaking of which, he turned to Chen Chuan, "Chen Chuan, the situation has been explained to you. If you're willing, I can call Liu Zhan today."
Chen Chuan thought carefully, then raised his head and said, "I want to give it a try."
Director Lei looked at him with appreciation and said, "Then it's settled! Don't feel burdened. For me, it's just a phone call, not even a favor. In fact, we're helping Liu Zhan, so it's no big deal if it doesn't work out. Even if this opportunity is lost, I'll find another way to thank you."
This matter was beneficial to Chen Chuan, so he accepted it gracefully, saying, "Thank you, Director Lei, for your help."
Director Lei spoke in a low voice, "These things are nothing compared to the help you've given me. Xiao Ying is my everything, and you saved him. That's more important than anything."
Chen Chuan thought for a moment and said, "Director Lei, there's something I'd like to ask."
Director Lei said, "Go ahead."
Chen Chuan looked at him and said, "It's clear how vicious the ritual is. Your former wife lost her life because of it, and you must have been affected by the ritual as well. But how did you avoid the ritual's harm to your life?"
Director Lei replied, "A reasonable inquiry. I can tell you that as the director of the Secret Sect Review Bureau, I have the Anti-Occult Ritual of the Secret Sect set up on my body. So even if something like that could affect me, it can't harm me. It's because of this that I became overly confident."
Chen Chuan understood, although he was very interested in these rituals, he knew that it was inappropriate to discuss this topic today, so he said, "Director Lei, I've been here for quite some time today. I need to get back to school soon, so I won't disturb you and your son's reunion."
Director Lei said, "Alright, I won't keep you today. Another day, I'll treat you to a meal. I want to thank you with Xiao Ying."
Chen Chuan said okay and was about to leave when he suddenly remembered something. "Director Lei, can I take the puppet's remains?"
Director Lei didn't ask further, "Even if you didn't say it, I'd have to dispose of this thing. It's best if you take it back. You're the expert in this field, so you should know how to handle it properly."
Chen Chuan went upstairs again, packed up the puppet, borrowed a package to wrap it up, and carried it out, while Director Lei saw him off.
When they reached the door, Chen Chuan looked up and was surprised to see He Nan standing there, with another car parked behind her.
Her gaze was fixed on Director Lei, "Old Lei, I heard about what happened to Xiao Ying. I've spoken to Dr. Li, who is particularly skilled in body conditioning."
Director Lei remained silent for a moment, then said, "You're very kind. I'll thank you on Xiao Ying's behalf."
He Nan walked up and hugged him gently, "Why are you being so formal with me? It's all in the past now."
Director Lei also raised his hand and hugged her back before letting go. He turned to Chen Chuan, "Chen Chuan, wait for me. I'll be right back."
He Nan also looked over, expressing her gratitude, "Chen Chuan, Old Lei has been tormented by this matter for a long time. Fortunately, today, Senior Uncle Cheng let you come. I'm also grateful to you."
Chen Chuan said, "Senior Sister, there's no need to be polite. Senior Sister, Director Lei, I'll take my leave now."
"Chen Chuan, you should take my car back."
Chen Chuan didn't refuse. The place was quite remote, and although he could run back, it would take too much time. After bidding farewell to the two, he got into the car and headed back to school.
On the way, he reflected on the events that had just transpired. When he arrived earlier, he had not anticipated receiving the evaluation from the Secret Sect Review Bureau.
As for the evaluation from the Foreign Affairs Bureau, it was still uncertain, but if he could also obtain it, along with the evaluation from the Patrol Bureau, that would make three evaluations. While it didn't guarantee an absolute advantage, it would carry sufficient weight.
If the Handling Bureau's evaluation could be added to this, it would be even better.
The Yufulan Sedan sent him all the way back to school. He bid farewell to the driver and made his way back to the dormitory. Picking up the telephone, he called Cheng Zitong and briefed him on the day's events.
After hearing the story, Cheng Zitong was not only impressed but also delighted for Chen Chuan. "Xiao Chuan, it's excellent that you obtained the evaluation from the Secret Sect Review Bureau. You must also strive to get the evaluation from the Foreign Affairs Bureau. Opportunities like this are rare, and you may never encounter it again."
Chen Chuan said, "Yes, Director Lei asked me to wait for his call."
Cheng Zitong thought for a moment and said, "Regarding the exchange delegation, if the Foreign Affairs Bureau entrusts you with the task, you should be able to obtain the exact itinerary. However, there are many Makah people in the delegation, and they can use firearms.
If the Makah person with the Oak Leaf meets up with them beforehand, it will be difficult to retrieve it. Moreover, this task involves many aspects, and it might be challenging for you to accomplish it alone."
Chen Chuan said, "Yes, Teacher. I plan to invite some classmates I trust to work on this task together. Also, Teacher, if possible, could you ask Senior Brother Ren for help?"
Cheng Zitong replied, "Senior Brother Ren, sure. I'll ask him, and you can start preparing."
Chen Chuan agreed and hung up the phone, pondering the situation. Since the delegation included Makah people, it was uncertain if there would be someone like Duoma. Therefore, he decided to call upon Wu Han, Wei Chang'an, and his dormitory mates to complete this task together.
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(End of Chapter)
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