Chapter 219: The Meeting
Chapter 219: The Meeting
After his call with Director Lei, Chen Chuan decided not to return to school directly and instead, he made a stop at his aunt's house.
Since it was a rest day, the whole family was gathered for dinner. During the meal, Nian Fuli suddenly asked, "Xiao Chuan, do you have a team that often dines at the Dueyi Hotel?"
Chen Chuan replied, "It's not that frequent, I've only been there twice."
Nian Fuli, with a serious tone, advised, "Then, you should avoid eating near that area recently."
Yu Wan, concerned, asked, "What happened?"
Nian Fuli put down his chopsticks and glanced at the two of them. "Recently, a bomb was found near the Dueyi Hotel, and not just there. One was even discovered close to the Municipal Hall. It's likely the work of the resistance organization, although all the bombs were detected in time, but we can't be too careful."
"Recently, companies and officials from other cities are coming here for a meeting. Our superiors have instructed us to heighten our vigilance. It seems like the resistance is targeting this event, and they won't stop their actions anytime soon."
Yu Wan looked at Chen Chuan with worry in her eyes. "Chaner..."
Chen Chuan immediately assured her, "Aunt, Uncle, rest assured. I won't go near that area for a while."
Nian Fuli nodded in agreement, "That's good. Sometimes, it's better to avoid than to guard against. If you can stay away, then do so."
Chen Chuan pondered for a moment, combining his previous deductions with the resistance organization's actions. He thought that the bomb might have been a ploy to divert the Patrol Bureau's attention, allowing the resistance to carry out their plans more easily.
The resistance had used this tactic before, and it was effective because even if the Government Hall and the Patrol Bureau knew it was a distraction, they would still have to strengthen their defenses, especially since this time, the target was the administrative building where the meeting was to take place—a highly sensitive location.
After dinner, Chen Chuan stayed at his aunt's house for the night and returned to the academy the next day.
He walked around Spring Autumn Lake, guiding his breathing, and then headed to the training hall to practice his sword techniques.
Whenever he trained there, a senior student from the martial arts department would come to spar with him, which he welcomed. Through these sparring sessions with various weapons, he gained valuable experience in countering different types of weaponry.
Although firearms were the most common threat he encountered outside, when facing other fighters, it often turned into a battle of weapons and physical prowess.
"Snap!" The wooden stick couldn't withstand the force and broke. The senior student across from him regretfully put down the broken stick and bowed to Chen Chuan, "Apologies for the interruption, Chen."
Chen Chuan returned the bow.
The senior student hesitated, then asked, "Chen, how do you manage to control your power so precisely?"
Chen Chuan thought that wasn't it common for the strong to overpower the weak? He replied solemnly, "I believe it's all about hard work and practice."
The senior student nodded in agreement, "You're right. I need to practice more. I'll have to train harder when I get back." He then thanked Chen Chuan and tossed away the broken stick, walking away with long strides.
The other students who had been watching the sparring session also bowed to Chen Chuan, filled with admiration and excitement. They then returned to their own training.
After leaving the training hall, Chen Chuan went to a private training room to practice his throwing techniques.
When he employed these skills, they proved to be more useful than firearms at close range. They were quick, discreet, and didn't make much noise, effectively compensating for the lack of long-range capabilities.
After a morning of practice, Chen Chuan returned to his dormitory, took a quick shower, and was about to head to the cafeteria for lunch when the phone on the desk rang. He picked it up.
Director Lei's voice came through the line, "Is this Chen? I'm Lei Guangcheng. After our conversation yesterday, I sent people to investigate Xieshan Mountain, but so far, nothing unusual has been found."
"So, it's not there?" Chen Chuan was slightly surprised.
Director Lei said, "No, I believe your deduction is correct. However, the Secret Sect Ritual doesn't necessarily require all elements to be visible. For example, some materials produced in Central City can achieve the same effect."
"With technological advancements, these materials are gradually replacing traditional ritual components. It's becoming increasingly difficult to guard against, but fortunately, the production of such materials is limited, so their practical application should be minimal."
Chen Chuan asked, "Director Lei, is there a Secret Sect in Central City as well?"
Director Lei's voice turned grave, "I'd say places like Central City are breeding grounds for Secret Sects. Every stratum of society can find solace, demand, and even profit from them. All we can do is suppress, not eradicate them."
Chen Chuan acknowledged with a hum.
Director Lei continued, "I'm calling to inform you of another matter. Since this involves a significant issue that the Secret Sect Review Bureau can't handle alone, there will be a meeting in a couple of days with colleagues from other departments to discuss this. I hope you can attend."
Chen Chuan agreed without hesitation, "Okay, Director Lei, I'll be there."
"Good, I'll inform you of the specific location later. By the way, the Wu Yi Academy alumna you mentioned woke up yesterday. Now, it's just a matter of her gradual recovery. As for the others in her group, even the fighters, they remain unconscious. She's fortunate to have regained consciousness."
Chen Chuan nodded and thanked Director Lei.
"Don't mention it. I'll let you know when I'm ready," Director Lei responded.
After the call ended, Chen Chuan hung up the phone, called Feng Xiaoqi and Luo Kaiyuan to join him for a meal in the cafeteria. After a brief rest, he planned to resume his afternoon training, but was interrupted by a call from Cheng Zitong.
"Xiao Chuan, the new Minister Zhu wants to meet with you," Cheng Zitong informed him.
"Me?" Chen Chuan was slightly taken aback and asked, "Teacher, what's this about?"
Cheng Zitong explained, "Your application was signed by him. As the new Minister of Civil Affairs, I suspect he might want to show goodwill towards Wu Yi Academy through you."
Chen Chuan pondered for a moment and guessed one possible reason. "Teacher, when is the meeting?"
Cheng Zitong replied, "This new Minister Zhu is very courteous and humble. He knows your training is arduous and doesn't require a specific time. I think, regardless of his sincerity, he's made a good show of it. So, we shouldn't keep him waiting, and it's better to settle this early so you can focus on your training with less attention."
Chen Chuan agreed, "You're right. Since that's the case, let's go now. I have time anyway."
"Alright, then. I'll drive you there. I'll be at the dormitory building soon," Cheng Zitong said.
After the call, Chen Chuan went back to his dormitory, washed up, and changed into formal attire. He left the building and met Cheng Zitong, who had just arrived. Cheng Zitong quickly approached and got into the car.
The car drove out of the school gate and headed south along the avenue. In less than twenty minutes, they arrived at the administrative building of the municipal government in the south of the city. Cheng Zitong said, "Xiao Chuan, go ahead. I've already made a call. Someone will meet you inside."
Chen Chuan nodded and got out of the car. He exchanged a few words with the security personnel at the entrance and was soon greeted by a staff member from the government hall, who politely escorted him into the building.
Cheng Zitong waited in the car. After about half an hour, he saw Chen Chuan coming out. He waited for Chen Chuan to get into the car and asked, "Did you meet him?"
Chen Chuan nodded.
"What did he say to you? Did he give you a hard time?"
"No, not at all," Chen Chuan replied. "Minister Zhu was indeed as you said, very friendly and approachable, without any airs. After meeting, he inquired about the students' lives. Upon learning that the quota application for Central City had been submitted, he also encouraged the students. He didn't mention anything else, as if he purely wanted to meet a student."
"Meeting him is a gesture in itself. What he said isn't that important," Cheng Zitong commented.
Politicians' actions always carry meaning, even if unintended. They often indirectly convey messages to the outside world. Even if they don't plan it, they consider the potential repercussions and consequences of their actions beforehand.
Chen Chuan looked at the administrative building. Although Minister Zhu hadn't mentioned anything extra during the meeting, he sensed that the reason the minister sought him out was likely related to that matter.
The car started again and headed back to Wu Yi Academy along the avenue.
In the Minister's office, Zhu Xian examined the map of Yangzhi City. As the newly appointed Minister of Civil Affairs, he was highly vigilant towards the long-standing rebel organization and the Secret Sect within the city.
Through reports, he knew they might have a chance to capture these groups. Successfully eliminating them would be a notable achievement, establishing his authority in Yangzhi.
However, failure would be detrimental to him, so he couldn't openly express his intentions.
Meeting Chen Chuan was a way to show concern for Wu Yi's outstanding students and goodwill towards the academy without getting directly involved.
If the mission succeeded, it would highlight his foresight. With clever publicity, it would seem like a success due to his arrangements and encouragement. Even if it failed, he could downplay it, ensuring no connection to him. Either way, he wouldn't lose.
But this student gave him a different feeling.
Recalling Chen Chuan's calm presence before him, he suddenly felt uncomfortable.
How to describe it... Typically, students in their teens would be nervous and uneasy in front of someone of his status and position.
But this student remained composed throughout, and his serene gaze made Zhu Xian feel a subtle, indescribable pressure. It reminded him of the time he faced Mr. Wen on the train.
It was as if his life no longer belonged to him at that moment.
He silently decided to keep his distance from these fighters in the future. He couldn't let himself get too close to such individuals.
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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