Chapter 194: National Conscription
Chapter 194: National Conscription
As Chen Chuan stepped outside, he was greeted by a chorus of cheers from the Wu Yi students gathered outside. They had received news of his well-being, although it wasn't the specific message the Adjudication Court had shared.
Making his way to the platform outside the Adjudication Court, the students noticed him.
"He's out! He's out!" the students below exclaimed.
The enthusiastic Wu Yi students surrounded him, their eyes filled with youthful energy. Despite their youth, they possessed a genuine sense of right and wrong.
Chen Chuan understood Shen Zheng's actions; by setting an example, even in failure, he inspired others to see the possibility of success, no matter how slim. As long as someone took that first step and kept going, a path would be forged, even if it was only achieved once.
While Chen Chuan didn't follow Shen Zheng's exact path, he had found his own way, with the help of many and by riding the wave of the times.
This achievement wasn't solely his doing; it was a collective effort, and he had ridden the wave of the times. But this didn't diminish his role as a key player in the grand scheme of things. His goal was to break through the dam that stood in his way!
Looking at his classmates, Chen Chuan didn't say much. Instead, he raised his hand and bowed to them in respect.
The students were momentarily taken aback but quickly responded with their own enthusiastic bows.
After returning the gesture, Chen Chuan made his way down from the platform. The students respectfully made way for him, and just before getting into the car, he turned back and smiled, saying, "See you all in the new semester." With that, he stepped into the car.
"See you in the new semester, Senior!"
"Chen, we'll see you in the new semester!"
The plaza echoed with responses, not only addressing Chen Chuan but also encouraging each other, eagerly anticipating the new semester.
From a distance, Lu Fang felt his eyes well up with emotion. If only his senior were here, he thought. Turning around, he addressed the members of Ze Xin Society, "From now on, I entrust Ze Xin Society to you all."
"Senior, rest assured. This is the society you established, and we'll ensure its continuity," they assured him.
Lu Fang smiled, "I have no doubts."
Meanwhile, Tai Dongwei, standing at a distance, had an epiphany. "Do we still need to take the Infinite Defense Certificate exam?" he wondered aloud.
Deng Fu gave him a strange look, as if he had said something absurd. "Of course we do. Why wouldn't we? We've registered, so why not take the exam? There's no reason to back down now."
Tai Dongwei raised his head, determined. "The exam is tomorrow, and we can make it if we leave by car today!"
"Exactly," Deng Fu agreed. "Let's not waste time. We should go now." He had barely taken a few steps when a voice called out, "Brother Deng."
Deng Fu turned to see Geng Zheng, who looked at him with concern. "What's up?"
"Brother Deng, you're right," Geng Zheng said earnestly. "As long as we stay alive, and for longer, we might witness anything."
Deng Fu was momentarily stunned. "Seems like my words have some power," he chuckled. He sighed, as if remembering something, "What if..."
Tai Dongwei and Geng Zheng both reacted, stepping forward to stop him. "Brother Deng, please hold those thoughts until after the exam, okay?"
Deng Fu looked at them, feeling cornered. "Alright, alright. I wasn't going to say anything..."
"Don't!"
---
Chen Chuan got into Gao Ming's car and soon arrived at his aunt's house. As he entered the courtyard, Yu Wan grabbed him, inspecting him closely to ensure he was unharmed. Satisfied, she released him with a sigh of relief.
"Auntie, I'm sorry for worrying you," Chen Chuan said.
Yu Wan feigned nonchalance. "There's nothing to worry about. Don't underestimate your aunt; I've handled many cases in the middle of the night over the years. I'm not only once."
Chen Chuan smiled. "Aunt, I'll take care of myself."
"Bravo!" his cousins clapped.
Chen Chuan smiled and pulled a bag of candy from his pocket, tossing it to them. They jumped to catch it, eagerly unwrapping the treats.
After comforting Yu Wan, Chen Chuan turned on the radio, which was broadcasting news from the Adjudication Court. The report detailed how influential families had attempted to harm Wu Yi Academy students and then tried to cover it up, even framing the students.
This broadcast confirmed that the narrative, previously controlled by certain individuals, had shifted.
As Chen Chuan pondered this, the phone in the living room suddenly rang. Yu Wan's voice called out, "Chen, your phone."
Chen Chuan answered, "Hello, this is Chen Chuan."
"Chen Chuan, student," a familiar, serious voice said. "Please bring your Infinite Defense Certificate and come to the alley."
Chen Chuan's heart skipped a beat. He hung up, bid Yu Wan farewell, and stepped out of the courtyard. At the end of the alley, he saw the luxurious car he had seen before, with several people in black trench coats standing around it. He had encountered them here and at the edge of the wilderness.
As one of the men opened the car door, gesturing for Chen Chuan to get in. "Chen Chuan, please get in the car."
Chen Chuan thanked him and stepped inside, only to find Specialist Cao sitting in the back seat. He nodded in greeting, "Specialist Cao."
Specialist Cao nodded back and, after Chen Chuan took his seat and the door closed, spoke solemnly, "Chen Chuan, now that you have obtained the Infinite Defense Permit, you're virtually a law enforcer."
"With great power comes great responsibility. I, as the Special Commissioner of the Da Shun Administration Bureau, am issuing a national summons on behalf of the bureau. What is your answer?"
Chen Chuan looked up, his voice steady, "I obey the national summons."
Specialist Cao's expression remained unchanged, but his eyes revealed satisfaction. "Then, you will be on standby, awaiting my orders at any time."
Chen Chuan nodded, then asked, "May I inquire about the target of this mission, Specialist?"
Specialist Cao extended his hand, and immediately, an assistant handed Chen Chuan a document. It bore the official seal of the Da Shun National Administration Bureau and the words 'National Summons'. After Chen Chuan took it, he spoke gravely, "This mission, as you might have guessed, is to suppress the Mo Lan Gao Ling Corporation."
"The Mo Lan Gao Ling Corporation's headquarters are in Central City, but you need not concern yourself with that. Others will handle it, and it's almost an empty shell. Two years ago, the Mo Lan Corporation secretly relocated their main implant body research equipment and crucial company data to a branch."
Chen Chuan asked, "Is there anything in Yangzhi City that can rival Central City?"
Specialist Cao replied solemnly, "There is. Yangzhi City's water has unique properties, which are highly beneficial to the Mo Lan Corporation's implant body research. So, they've been trying to gain control of Yangzhi's water sources. And if necessary... they can introduce a special toxin through the water supply, potentially holding an entire city and its surrounding towns hostage!"
Chen Chuan's eyes narrowed.
Specialist Cao's voice turned stern, "This is the bottom line, a step they must never be allowed to take. But over these two years, through acquisition, infiltration, and sabotage, they've forcefully seized control of multiple water channels. This forces our hand, and we must take action."
Chen Chuan nodded, suddenly remembering that his classmate Han Shu's family was in the water affairs bureau. Later, he had joined the Mo Lan Corporation as a trainee. It seemed the Mo Lan Corporation had been planning this all along.
However, if they truly controlled the water sources, the Mo Lan Corporation would have a grip on the Da Shun government's vital point. The government couldn't possibly allow millions of people to be controlled and held hostage by the Mo Lan Corporation.
Yet, he also felt that Specialist Cao hadn't revealed the entire truth. There were clear signs of other companies' involvement, not just the Canghong Water Channel. If it were merely a government concern, these companies wouldn't need to get involved. There must be something else at play.
But since the specialist wasn't sharing more, Chen Chuan knew better than to ask further, especially as some matters might involve state-level secrets.
Specialist Cao signaled, and his assistant handed Chen Chuan a document, "This contains information about the Mo Lan Corporation's armed forces. Take it back and study it carefully."
Chen Chuan took the document, and Specialist Cao suddenly asked, "If your Recommendation Card is still valid, will you use it?"
"No," Chen Chuan answered honestly.
Specialist Cao raised an eyebrow, "Oh? Why not? Don't you want to join those companies? You could even become a recommended student, and with that card, your starting point would be far higher than most."
Chen Chuan spoke frankly, "Whether joining a company as a manager or becoming a recommended student, it's not decided by a card. It's determined by the resources and background of the recommended student. It's these things that lead to the card, not the other way around. Since I started with nothing, my choice is clear."
Specialist Cao studied him for a moment, then nodded, "Chen Chuan, you may go. Await my orders."
Chen Chuan nodded to the nearby car door, stepped out, and walked away carrying the briefcase.
Through the window, Specialist Cao watched Chen Chuan's straight back as he left. His assistant asked, "Specialist, do you believe him?"
"Does it matter?" Specialist Cao replied. "He's already responded to the national summons, making him an enforcer of the state. As long as he obeys and serves the nation, that's enough. We needn't concern ourselves with his thoughts, but judge him by his actions.
Besides, his words just now were sincere. He's better than those who only claim to serve the nation but think of themselves first when it matters. Let's go, we have much to do today."
(End of Chapter)
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