Chapter 206: Farewell
Chapter 206: Farewell
After leaving the Patrol Bureau Headquarters, Chen Chuan stood outside the spacious entrance, deep in thought. Ever since his decision to confront the Mutual Aid Society, he hadn't returned to the company or contacted them. The company's location wasn't far from here, and now was the time to pay them a visit.
He recalled Ren Shu's wealthy family background and their business connections with influential families. Some even relied on these powerful figures. However, in Yangzhi City, anyone doing business couldn't avoid these people.
Ren Shu's family didn't highly regard these individuals, so he wasn't groomed as the heir or sent to the Wu Yi Academy. This was why he chose to start his own company.
Chen Chuan wasn't sure if they had been implicated in this matter.
Just as he was about to leave, he spotted a patrol car driving out of the headquarters. A head popped out of the window, and someone called out, "Chen, is that you?"
Chen Chuan recognized the voice. It was Xu Gui, the patrol officer he had met at the station after the training ended. Chen Chuan replied, "Oh, it's Xu, my friend."
"Are you alone? Where are you headed? Do you need a ride?"
Chen Chuan politely declined, "No, thank you, Xu. I'm just a short walk away."
Xu Gui replied, "No problem. We're just carrying out an order to investigate certain people's businesses. Those guys won't get away, so there's no rush."
Chen Chuan thanked him, "No need, thank you, Xu. It's just a short walk."
"Alright, then. Give my regards to Manager Ren." Xu Gui turned back to his colleague in the car and shouted something before retreating. The armed vehicle drove off, leaving a trail of dust and smoke in its wake.
After leaving the headquarters, Chen Chuan walked a few blocks and arrived near his company's building. The security personnel, delighted to see him, greeted him, "Mr. Chen, Manager Ren and the others are inside."
Chen Chuan was surprised. "Oh, are they?"
"Yes, they're all here."
As Chen Chuan entered the company building, he saw Ren Shu coming out, his face filled with relief. Ren Shu approached him with a hint of excitement, "Mr. Chen, I'm so glad you're safe." He then apologized, "When we heard about your situation, we wanted to help, but our families restricted us."
Xiao Jiang, standing nearby, spoke up, "Chen, you probably don't know, but our families heard about our connection with you. They immediately removed your name from the company and warned us not to associate with you."
"Who's listening to them?"
"Yes, they even threatened to cut our funding and shut down our company. But we started the company with our own pocket money and assets from our elders. We never thought they'd use their money like this."
"Well done, Chen. Shao Xiao and his gang always act like they're better than everyone else. They look down on people, and I find them disgusting."
The others chimed in, agreeing that they had endured a lot. The main reason was the constant comparison with Wei Jun, Jiang Wei, and Shao Xiao's group by their elders. They were already fed up with them.
Chen Chuan observed their reactions and realized that they hadn't been significantly affected yet. However, the future was uncertain. He offered a word of caution, "Ren, be careful. Things might get tricky."
Ren Shu nodded solemnly, "I understand, and thank you for the reminder, Chen."
Chen Chuan knew that while they might not grasp the specifics of the business, they were well-acquainted with such matters. He believed they should understand the situation.
After having lunch with the company's staff, Chen Chuan left the building and got into a car driven by Xiao Wei, heading back to his aunt's house.
From that day onward, the sound of patrol cars from the Bureau filled the night.
The next morning, when Chen Chuan turned on the radio, he heard the news about influential families in Yangzhi City colluding with the Mo Lan Corporation to poison the surrounding population and hold them hostage with toxic substances.
Upon hearing this news, Chen Chuan was certain that the Mo Lan Corporation's affairs were coming to an end.
Today marked a turning point. Those who had colluded with the Mo Lan Corporation would face public backlash, and Yangzhi City would enter a new chapter.
After a morning workout, Chen Chuan returned home to the sound of the phone ringing in the living room. He picked up the call, and Cheng Zitong's cheerful voice came through, "Chen, I've got good news. Your application materials are ready, and when school starts, you can apply for a spot in Central City. If there are no changes, you should get the approval soon."
Chen Chuan raised his head slightly, "Thank you, Teacher."
Cheng Zitong laughed, "You're too polite, Chen. You're always so well-mannered. Well, you were quite nervous the other day. With school starting soon, take some time to rest. We can talk more when we meet."
After hanging up, Chen Chuan stepped out of the room and stood on the doorstep, gazing at the morning sun shining above. He watched the vibrant green leaves swaying gently in the breeze, and a sense of tranquility filled his heart.
He extended his hand into the sunlight, feeling the warmth on his skin, and then slowly clenched his fist. From the living room, his aunt's voice called out, "Chan, it's time for lunch."
"Lunchtime, lunchtime," echoed his cousins' voices.
Chen Chuan replied, "I'm coming."
From inside the room, the voices of Nian Fuli and his aunt continued, "I have to leave early for work today. Remember, one pack of cigarettes a day, no more."
"Alright, I've told you this every day, my ears are all calloused from hearing it."
"You never remember, so I have to keep reminding you."
Chen Chuan smiled and took his hand back, turning to walk into the room.
After breakfast, Nian Fuli went to the bureau, and Xiao Yi was also out with her nephew and niece. Chen Chuan, left alone, enjoyed some rare leisure time in his room.
As noon approached, a voice called out from outside, "Xiao Chuan, are you home?"
Chen Chuan recognized the voice as the shopkeeper from the alleyway, who was also a relative of a patrol officer. Her son often delivered items to their home.
Chen Chuan stepped out and opened the door, asking, "Aunt Qiu, what's the matter?"
Aunt Qiu, a middle-aged woman in her fifties, replied, "Xiao Chuan, I've been thinking about you since I saw you yesterday. I received a phone call for you, and when I asked who it was, they said it was someone you trained with. I thought you were a Wu Yi student, but their tone didn't sound like a Wu Yi student, so I asked again..."
Before she could finish, Chen Chuan smiled and said, "Thank you, Aunt Qiu. I know who it was."
"You know who it was? Oh well, I'll tell you." Aunt Qiu seemed to have more to say, but she stopped and walked with him towards the alleyway, asking, "By the way, is your aunt home today? The sweater pattern she knitted last time was really nice. I'll have to ask her to knit another one for me... Elder... Elder Squad, I noticed you left earlier than usual today..."
Chen Chuan nodded along as she chattered, and when they reached the alleyway shop, he picked up the phone and said, "Hello, this is Chen Chuan. Is this Lu Ke?"
In the 1619 version of the book, there's no mistake!
He guessed it was Lu Ke calling because Yu Gang had a criminal record and couldn't leave his aunt's phone number. So, he had only left the alleyway shop's number and had only done so once.
Sure enough, Lu Ke's voice came through the phone, "Chen, it's me... Chen, are you free to come over? The teacher wants to see you. The usual place, Fist House..."
At that moment, Chen Chuan suddenly remembered what Old Feng had said about the Iron Chain Gang the previous day. He didn't ask further over the phone but said, "Okay, I'll be right there."
After hanging up, he thanked Aunt Qiu, who was nearby, and returned to the courtyard. He took out his bicycle, which he hadn't ridden yet, and rode towards Fist House.
Yu Gang had joined the Iron Chain Gang and seemed to want no part in their affairs. He hadn't contacted Chen Chuan since, and when Chen Chuan went to look for him once, he couldn't find him. They hadn't been in touch since, and it had been almost a year since then.
After a quarter of an hour, Chen Chuan arrived at the alleyway entrance of Fist House. He got off his bike and walked in, seeing Lu Ke sitting on an old tire. Upon seeing Chen Chuan, Lu Ke immediately stood up, but paused when he recognized him, looking a little stunned.
Chen Chuan had grown taller over the past year, and as a Second Limit Fighter who had defeated two Third Limit Fighters, his spirit and energy were completely different from before. So, at first glance, Lu Ke was almost hesitant to acknowledge him.
Seeing Lu Ke, Chen Chuan smiled and said, "Lu, it's been a while."
Recognizing that familiar smile, Lu Ke walked up to him and smiled back, patting his hand. But then his expression turned somber, and he said, "Master..."
Chen Chuan looked towards the room and asked, "What about Master Yu?"
Lu Ke pursed his lips and turned to walk into the room. Chen Chuan followed, and inside, they saw Yu Gang sitting in a chair. His face was somewhat pale, and his once robust physique looked thinner. Only one of his arms remained, and both his legs and the other arm were missing, with gauze wrapped around them and traces of blood still visible.
Chen Chuan said, "Master Yu, you..."
Yu Gang, however, was very calm. "It's nothing. Yesterday, I was helping the Iron Chain Gang block the Mo Lan Corporation. Since I promised to help them, and they also solved my problem, it's only right that I repay them."
Lu Ke, his face reddening, said, "Master came back last night crawling with one arm."
Yu Gang shook his head. "Compared to those who died there, I'm already much better off. At least I still have one life left." He glanced at Chen Chuan, "It's clear you've learned a lot at the Wu Yi Academy this year. Good job. I called you here today because I wanted to see you."
Lu Ke added from the side, "Master is preparing to go to Central City for an implant surgery. He's leaving this afternoon."
"I've heard from the Iron Chain Gang that a good implant should help Master regain a normal life and possibly restore his former strength."
"Indeed. This time, the Iron Chain Gang was quite reasonable. They gave me a lot of compensation and retirement money. It's just that these conditions aren't available in Yangzhi City, so I plan to make a trip to Central City. By the way, this is for you." Yu Gang handed him a booklet.
Chen Chuan quickly reached out and took it.
"I know Lu taught you how to throw, but that's just the basics. This booklet has techniques for channeling and focusing your energy, which shouldn't be difficult for you now. These aren't some advanced techniques; in today's world, these things are useful and useless. This is a keepsake for you."
Chen Chuan solemnly put away the booklet and said, "Thank you, Master Yu." Then he added, "If there's anything you need help with, please let your student know."
"No need."
"Master used to have a student living in the lower district of Central City. We've already contacted her, and she said she can get in touch with an implant doctor, so there shouldn't be any issues."
Chen Chuan thought for a moment and said, "In that case, Master Yu, what time are you leaving? I'll see you off."
...
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(End of Chapter)
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