Chapter 217: Traces
Chapter 217: Traces
The next morning at 8 a.m., Chen Chuan changed into formal attire and went to the administrative building with his mentor, Cheng Zitong.
Similar to the previous time when he obtained the Weapon Permit, there were seven examiners present, seated behind a long table.
After verifying his identity and filling out the necessary forms, one of the examiners, an elegant lady in her thirties with light makeup, scrutinized him for a while before speaking in a friendly tone, "Chen Classmate, we've looked into your records. You have not only completed one task during the National Draft, but have consistently received top-tier evaluations. You are an exceptional and outstanding student. Now that you're in your second year at Wu Yi Academy, have you given any thought to your internship?"
Chen Chuan replied, "Of course, I've considered it."
The examiner smiled and asked, "Oh? May I ask about your plans, Chen Student?" As she spoke, the other examiners also became attentive.
Chen Chuan thought to himself that his plan was to go to Central City, but it didn't seem appropriate to say it so bluntly. So, he humbly responded, "Perhaps I could start with a temporary position at a commissioned company, or I might go to a government agency to learn from experienced professionals."
The examiner's eyes lit up, and she spoke with increased enthusiasm, "Then, Chen Student, what do you think of our Finance Bureau? We offer excellent benefits, and we are in great need of talented individuals like you to strengthen our security."
Another member of the examination group spoke up, "We at the Communications Bureau also have high hopes for Chen Student. Would you be interested in joining us? After all, we have always lacked sufficient security, and we desperately need capable reinforcements. As long as you're willing to join us, we can offer you the best treatment."
He glanced at the lady and cleared his throat, "Although we may not match the Finance Bureau, we can provide additional benefits and conveniences in other areas."
As he spoke, the other members of the Examination Committee also chimed in, all of them expressing their interest in inviting Chen Chuan to intern at their departments.
Cheng Zitong, standing by his side, understood the situation. These people, or the institutions they represented, were impressed by Chen Chuan and wanted to recruit him.
Anyone could see the potential in Chen Chuan, who possessed the Infinite Defense Permit and had participated in the National Draft. Wherever he ended up, he would undoubtedly make significant contributions and might even rise to high positions in the future.
Having such a talented individual in one's department would not only bring substantial benefits but also enhance the department's reputation.
Even if Chen Chuan were to leave their department in the future, having this connection would allow both parties to maintain a good relationship.
At this moment, Cheng Zitong stepped forward and spoke on Chen Chuan's behalf, "Examiners, I have already made arrangements for my student. If there are any issues, you can come to me."
The examiners looked at Cheng Zitong with some dissatisfaction, but he returned their gaze without hesitation. He held a position equal to or higher than most of them, so he wasn't intimidated. Moreover, since his student was heading to Central City, there was no need to involve other matters that would only distract him.
The examination committee members had no choice but to accept this. After all, Cheng Zitong was Chen Chuan's mentor, and they couldn't easily bypass his arrangements for the student before graduation.
The questioning ended abruptly, and the Examination Committee issued the Armor Permit.
Like the Weapon Permit, it was also a jade-like object, but it appeared predominantly black. Despite its thinness, it felt substantial, with faint white cloud-like patterns that formed the shape of a large shield. Chen Chuan's name and card number were engraved in ancient seal script on the surface.
With the Armor Permit in hand, the matter was concluded. Cheng Zitong didn't bother with formalities and left with Chen Chuan. Once outside, he said, "Chen Chuan, it seems they all have high hopes for you."
Chen Chuan replied, "They only have such expectations because of my strength. But in my opinion, I still have a long way to go."
Cheng Zitong nodded, "That's right, Chen Chuan. It's good that you recognize this. With strength and status, you won't need to seek out others; they will come to you. Stay focused on your goals and keep moving forward."
Chen Chuan nodded in agreement.
"Well, now that you have both the Weapon and Armor Permits, do you need me to get you a protective suit as well?"
"Thank you, Teacher, but the Action Team provided me with one during the National Draft, and it's still usable."
Although the Armor Permit was theoretically more challenging to obtain than the Weapon Permit, anyone could use it without restrictions. The key was acquiring the protective suit, as wearing it concealed its presence. Only with the permit could one use it openly without fear of repercussions.
Cheng Zitong replied, "That's good." He paused, then continued, "Speaking of internships, it's up to you whether or not you want to go. You already have an impressive resume, but I must remind you that you'll need to start making more money from now on.
In Central City, there are countless expenses. Before you go, try to save as much as possible, or you might end up spending most of your time figuring out how to earn money, leaving little time for training."
Chen Chuan nodded, understanding that money would be tight in Central City. So, he needed to save as much as he could.
It seemed that taking on commissions was necessary. Whether it was for the Secret Sect Review Bureau, the Patrol Bureau, or even the Strange Tales, he was willing to take on any job. This way, he could not only accumulate wealth but also prepare for his time in Central City by increasing his convergence time.
After parting ways with Cheng Zitong in front of the administration building, Chen Chuan returned to the dormitory. Before he even reached the corridor, he could already hear the voices of Feng Xiaoqi and Luo Kaiyuan from a distance.
"I heard that the north is preparing to build a railway to connect Beiguan City and our Yangzhi City by land. But that area in the north, where Mo Lan Company was annihilated, has all turned into a crimson color."
"It's said that this substance was originally used for health and beauty products, and was Mo Lan Company's core medication. After refining it again, it still has effects, so many people have been acquiring it recently. Rumor has it that one hundred pounds can fetch one yuan, and one hundred pounds of soil can sell for one yuan. That's a very profitable business!"
Luo Kaiyuan said, "I don't believe it. If there's such a good opportunity, why didn't the government clear the land before and instead leave it for others? Even if it was some kind of drug, it's useless after being burned."
Feng Xiaoqi said, "Since there's such a rumor, there must be some truth to it. What if it's useful? Besides, isn't it worth taking a look at the place where Mo Lan Company was annihilated?"
Upon hearing these words, Luo Kaiyuan became somewhat intrigued. Just then, they spotted Chen Chuan walking towards them, and they greeted him.
Feng Xiaoqi called out to Chen Chuan, "Chen Chuan, we were just discussing going to the place where Mo Lan Company was annihilated. Are you interested in joining us?"
Chen Chuan smiled and said, "Sure, I'll go take a look when I have time. It'll be a memorial visit."
Of course, he had to go and "pay respects" to the site of Mo Lan Company's annihilation. Previously, he hadn't ventured to Zhangshan Mountain because it was in the direction of the old mansion, and he feared encountering any dangers. Now that he had been there, he had no more reservations.
Feng Xiaoqi excitedly said, "Then let's go on the weekend. Maybe we can even shovel a few pounds of soil and make some money."
After a brief discussion, the three of them went off to train separately.
In the blink of an eye, several days passed, and it was the weekend in mid-month. Chen Chuan, Feng Xiaoqi, and Luo Kaiyuan rode their bicycles towards Zhangshan Mountain. They had initially planned to invite Wei Dong and Wu Han as well, but Wei Dong was busy with a commissioned task with Wu Han, and they didn't know when he would return, so they let it go.
However, they noticed that the closer they got to Zhangshan Mountain, the more people there were on the road. Apparently, many others shared their thoughts, or perhaps they were drawn by the allure of the crimson soil.
When they reached the foot of the mountain, they discovered a parking lot, which they learned was set up by the Iron Chain Gang. Feeling assured, the three of them parked their bicycles there. A large gang like the Iron Chain Gang wouldn't cheat them out of a few bicycles, and even thieves wouldn't dare steal from the Iron Chain Gang.
The trio strolled up the mountain path, passing through a fortified passageway and reaching the rear area. Here, the mountain gradually receded, offering a panoramic view. Feng Xiaoqi pointed excitedly, "Look, it's over there."
Chen Chuan and Luo Kaiyuan looked down together. What met their eyes was a crimson expanse, as if a vast stretch of land had been dyed in blood. Many people were bent over, shoveling soil, filling bags, and then heading to a nearby scale to exchange them for money. It seemed there was a dedicated buyer.
But no matter how much they shoveled, the soil beneath remained crimson.
"I say, this stuff can sell for money, right? Look, so many people are shoveling soil." Feng Xiaoqi was excited and took out his camera hanging around his neck, "I have to take a few photos."
As he snapped away, Chen Chuan stood there, gazing at his Second Self. He noticed a subtle blurring on the surface, a barely perceptible effect that one might easily overlook if not paying close attention.
Moreover, this color...
Staring at the open area below, he suddenly recalled the blood-like droplets he and Ren Xiaotian had collected from near Jiao Mountain during their first commission in the wilderness.
Those droplets also seemed to be sought after by someone.
After a few glances, he, along with Luo Kaiyuan and Feng Xiaoqi, walked down the slope. However, upon reaching the site, they didn't feel very good about it. Everywhere, people were digging up soil, creating a mess of dirt and dust, and with the sandstorm in the wilderness, it was not a place to linger. So, after a quick tour, the three of them returned.
Although Feng Xiaoqi had said he wanted to shovel soil, he didn't actually do it.
On their way back from Zhangshan Mountain, Chen Chuan couldn't stop thinking about the crimson soil and Mo Lan Company's annihilation... Mo Lan Company, crimson...
Suddenly, he had an idea. He made an excuse about company matters and parted ways with Feng Xiaoqi and Luo Kaiyuan midway. He rode his bicycle to the city center, where Mo Lan Company's building had once stood.
He parked his bicycle and then entered the nearby river channel, carefully inspecting the riverbanks and the bottom. There, he discovered extremely faint and difficult-to-distinguish red marks, an incredibly long trail.
He followed the river channel, swimming and searching, until he reached the area near the White River in the south of the city. He found that these marks continued without interruption, stretching forward into the unknown.
At this point, he stopped his pursuit and returned to the shore. As he emerged, wisps of white steam rose from his body, and by the time he entered a nearby phone booth, his clothes were already dry.
He picked up the receiver and dialed a number. After a brief wait, the call connected, and he said, "Director Lei? This is Chen Chuan. I think I know what that person is planning."
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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