Chapter 217: Traces
Chapter 217: Traces
The next morning at 8 am, Chen Chuan changed into formal attire and arrived at the administrative building with his mentor, Cheng Zitong.
Similar to the previous occasion when he obtained the Weapon Permit, seven reviewers were present, seated behind a long table.
After verifying his identity and filling out the necessary forms, one of the reviewers, a graceful lady in her thirties with light makeup, examined him for a moment before speaking in a friendly tone, "Student Chen, we've looked into your records. During the National Recruitment Period, you not only completed a mission but also received top-tier evaluations for each task. You are an exceptional and outstanding student. Now that you're in your second year at Wu Yi Academy, have you considered the matter of an internship?"
Chen Chuan replied, "Of course, I have."
The reviewer smiled and asked, "Oh? May I inquire about your thoughts, Student Chen?" As she spoke, the other reviewers also became attentive.
Chen Chuan thought to himself that his plan was to go to Central City, which had little to do with them. But saying it so bluntly might not be appropriate. So, he humbly responded, "Perhaps I'll transition through certain commission companies or spend some time learning from seniors in government institutions."
The reviewer's eyes lit up, and she continued with increased enthusiasm, "Then, Student Chen, what do you think about our Finance Bureau? We offer very competitive benefits, and we're in great need of talented individuals like you to strengthen our security."
Another reviewer spoke up, "We at the Communication Bureau also have high regard for Student Chen. Would you be interested in joining us? After all, we've always lacked sufficient security, and we desperately need capable reinforcements. If you're willing, we can offer you the best opportunities."
He glanced at the lady reviewer and cleared his throat, "Although we may not match the Finance Bureau, we can provide more benefits and conveniences in other aspects."
As he spoke, the other members of the review committee also chimed in, all expressing their desire to invite Chen Chuan to intern at their respective departments.
Cheng Zitong, standing by his side, understood the situation. These individuals or the institutions they represented were interested in Chen Chuan due to his potential, and they wanted to recruit him into their departments.
Anyone could see that a student like Chen Chuan, with an Infinite Defense Permit and experience in the National Recruitment Period, had immense potential. Wherever he ended up, he was destined for great achievements and might even rise to high positions in the future.
Acquiring such talent would not only bring substantial benefits to the department but also enhance its reputation.
Even if Chen Chuan were to leave the department in the future, the established relationship would still allow for friendly interactions between both parties.
At this moment, Cheng Zitong stepped forward and spoke on Chen Chuan's behalf, "Reviewers, I have already made arrangements for my student. If there are any issues, you can come to me."
The reviewers looked at the review committee with a hint of dissatisfaction, but Cheng Zitong met their gazes without hesitation. He was not from any of their departments, and his rank was not inferior to theirs. Therefore, he felt no intimidation. Moreover, his student was headed for Central City, and it was unnecessary to involve other matters that would only distract him.
The review committee members had no choice but to acquiesce. After all, Cheng Zitong was Chen Chuan's mentor, and they couldn't ignore his arrangements for the student before graduation.
The questioning ended hastily, and the review committee issued the Armor Permit.
It was also a jade-like object, but it appeared primarily black. Despite its thin profile, it felt substantial, with faint, cloud-like patterns that vaguely formed the shape of a large shield. Chen Chuan's name and permit number were engraved in ancient seal script on the surface.
With the Armor Permit in hand, the matter was concluded. Cheng Zitong didn't indulge in pleasantries with the committee members and instead led Chen Chuan out. Once outside, he said, "Chen Chuan, it seems they all have high hopes for you."
Chen Chuan replied, "Only when a student is strong enough will they be favored. But in my opinion, I still have a long way to go."
Cheng Zitong agreed, "That's right, Chen Chuan. It's excellent that you recognize this. With strength and status, others will seek you out, and you won't need to approach them. Stay focused on your goals and forge ahead."
Chen Chuan nodded.
"Indeed. Now that you have both the Weapon and Armor Permits, and you already possess the Wu Ji Gun, do you need me to arrange a protective suit for you?"
Chen Chuan declined, "Thank you, Teacher. The action team provided me with one during the National Recruitment Period, which I can still use."
In theory, the Armor Permit was more challenging to obtain than the Weapon Permit, but anyone could use it without restrictions since it was worn underneath clothing. The key was acquiring the protective suit through legitimate means, avoiding any potential investigations.
Cheng Zitong acknowledged, "That's good." He paused for a moment and then added, "Regarding internships, it's entirely up to you. You already have an impressive resume, but I must remind you that from now on, you need to find ways to earn more money.
In Central City, there are countless expenses. Before you go, try to save as much as possible. Otherwise, you might spend most of your time figuring out how to make money, leaving little time for training."
Chen Chuan nodded in agreement. He understood that in Central City, money would likely be in short supply, so it was essential to save as much as he could at present.
It seemed that taking on commissions was necessary. Whether it was for the Secret Sect Review Bureau, the Patrol Bureau, or even the strange and mysterious ones, he was willing to take on any available tasks. By accumulating wealth, he could also build up Overlap Time, preparing himself further for his journey to Central City.
After parting with Cheng Zitong in front of the administrative 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 coming from a distance.
"I heard that the north is preparing to build a railway to connect Hangu City in the north with our Yangzhi City by land. But that area up north, where Mo Lan Corporation was annihilated, has completely turned red."
"It's said that the substance was originally used for health and beauty treatments, and it was Mo Lan Corporation's most core product. Even after refining, it still has effects, so many people have been buying it recently. They say that a hundred pounds can sell for one yuan, and a hundred pounds of soil can fetch the same price. That's a very profitable business! I'm even considering going there myself."
Luo Kaiyuan said, "I don't believe it. If there was such a good opportunity, why didn't the government clear the land and instead leave it for others? Even if it was some kind of drug, it would be useless after being burned."
Feng Xiaoqi said, "Since the rumors are spreading, there must be some truth to it. What if it's useful? Besides, isn't it worth taking a look since it's the site where Mo Lan Corporation was annihilated?"
Upon hearing these words, Luo Kaiyuan became somewhat tempted. Just then, they spotted Chen Chuan walking towards them, so they greeted him.
Feng Xiaoqi called out to Chen Chuan, "Chen, we were just talking about going to take a look at where Mo Lan Corporation 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 of sorts."
Of course, they had to "pay their respects" at the site where Mo Lan Corporation was finally annihilated. Previously, he hadn't gone to Zangshan because it was in the direction of the old mansion, and he was afraid of encountering any danger. Now that he had already been there, he naturally had no more reservations.
Feng Xiaoqi happily said, "Then on our rest day, let's go together. Maybe we can even dig up a few pounds of soil and make some money selling it."
After a few words, the three of them went off to train on their own.
In the blink of an eye, several days passed, and it was already mid-month and their rest day. Chen Chuan and the other two each rode their bicycles towards Zangshan. They had originally planned to call Wei Dong and Wu Han along, but Wei Dong was busy with a commissioned task with Wu Han, and they didn't know when he'd be back, so they let it go.
However, they noticed that the closer they got to Zangshan, the more people there were on the road. Apparently, many others shared their idea, or perhaps even more were drawn to the red soil.
(No translation provided for the sentence with special characters)
When they reached the foot of the mountain, they were surprised to find a parking area, which they learned was set up by the Iron Chain Gang. The three of them felt safe leaving their bicycles there; even thieves wouldn't dare to steal from the Iron Chain Gang.
The trio leisurely climbed up the mountain path and reached the top. They passed through a flat area filled with fortress-like structures and arrived at the rear. Here, the mountain gradually receded, opening up the vista. Feng Xiaoqi pointed excitedly downwards and said, "Look, it's right there."
Chen Chuan and Luo Kaiyuan looked down together. What met their eyes was a vibrant blood-red color, as if a vast expanse of land had been dyed in blood. Many people were bent over, digging the soil, and after filling a bag, they would excitedly go to a nearby scale to exchange it for money. It seemed there was a dedicated person buying the soil.
But no matter how much they dug, the soil remained red.
"I say, this stuff can make money, right? Look, so many people are digging the soil." Feng Xiaoqi was very excited. He picked up the camera hanging around his neck and said, "I have to take a few pictures."
As he snapped away, Chen Chuan stood there, looking towards the Second I. He noticed a subtle distortion on the surface, though it was extremely faint and could easily be overlooked if one wasn't paying attention.
Moreover, this color...
Staring at the open area below, he suddenly recalled the blood-stained, blob-like substance he and Ren Xiaotian had collected near Jiaoshan during their first commissioned task in the wasteland.
That substance seemed to be sought after by someone as well.
After a few glances, he, along with Luo Kaiyuan and Feng Xiaoqi, walked down the slope to the bottom. However, once they arrived, they didn't feel very good about it. Everywhere, people were digging up the soil, and the surrounding area was filled with dirt and dust. Adding to that, the wasteland's sandstorm was intense, making it an unpleasant place to stay for long. So, after circling around for a while, the three of them left.
Although Feng Xiaoqi had said he wanted to dig the soil, he didn't actually do it.
On their way back from Zangshan, Chen Chuan kept thinking about the red color they had mentioned, and he also thought about the annihilation of Mo Lan Corporation... Mo Lan Corporation, red...
Suddenly, he had an idea. He made an excuse that he had company matters to attend to and parted ways with Feng Xiaoqi and Luo Kaiyuan halfway. Alone, he rode his bicycle to the city center, where Mo Lan Tower had originally stood.
He parked his bicycle and then entered the nearby river channel, carefully inspecting the riverbed and the bottom. There, he discovered extremely subtle and difficult-to-distinguish red traces, which were very long.
Following the river channel, he swam and searched, eventually reaching the area near the southern city's Baihe River and finding that these traces continued without interruption, extending forward to an unknown destination.
At this point, he stopped his search 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, dialed a number, and waited for a while. The call connected, and he said, "Director Lei? This is Chen Chuan. I think I know what that person is planning to do."
...
(End of Chapter)
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