Chapter 349: Rewards and Recognition
Chapter 349: Rewards and Recognition
The female steward tapped on the Boundary Token, and a lotus lamp-shaped flower above the living room slowly opened, revealing a large light screen that descended from above.
The screen displayed the battle between Chen Chuan and Wei Wusheng, a fight that showcased their destructive power despite the lack of sound.
As the fight concluded, the image froze on Chen Chuan, his back to the dazzling sunlight, overlooking Wei Wusheng. His face, however, was slightly blurred.
"This is Chen Chuan, a student from the Wu Yi Academy," the female steward explained, gazing at the screen, "He's only eighteen, but he has already reached the Third Limit. Even within the Wu Yi Academy, he's considered an exceptionally rare talent. I consulted a professional team, and they unanimously believe that this student has immense potential and possesses abilities that most fighters lack."
"We should do our best to recruit such talent," she continued. "Having him on our strategic planning team would significantly enhance our competitive advantage."
"Although our resources may not compare to other companies, which seems like a disadvantage, it's also an advantage. It means that our limited resources will be concentrated on a select few. Once a fighter joins us, they won't face excessive internal competition."
Meng Shu watched the screen for a while before asking, "Aside from him, are there other candidates?"
"There are," the female steward replied. "However, in terms of various assessments, from age to potential, none compare to this young man. Miss, if you're determined to recruit him, we must act quickly.
"The company needs someone like this, or more precisely, you need someone like this. Most of the company's current fighters are under the control of your cousin. Without capable personnel, we'll have no chance against him in the upcoming competition."
Meng Shu inquired, "How confident are you about recruiting him?"
The female steward answered earnestly, "Although other companies will compete with us, we have an advantage they can't match. I've reviewed his resume, and he studied in Yangzhi, where he was your classmate. You can use this connection to invite him, Miss."
Meng Shu shook her head. "I tried to recruit him before, but he refused."
"Oh?" The female steward was surprised. "May I ask why? According to your ages, he wasn't a mature fighter then and hadn't demonstrated his true value. What did you see in him, Miss?"
Meng Shu explained, "I wanted him to be my butler and managerial delegate."
The female steward smiled and said, "In that case, I should thank him for giving up his position. Hmm..." She paused, deep in thought, "This adds another layer to his potential, and we must not let him slip away."
Taking a step forward, she addressed Meng Shu, "In any case, the fact that you can communicate with him is our advantage. If you permit, I can spread the word that you and Mr. Chen have a prior connection. That will make other companies hesitant, and even if they recruit him, they won't utilize him fully."
Meng Shu immediately dismissed the suggestion. "That's not feasible. Such tactics would only backfire."
"I understand," the female steward said, making a note of this point. "I'll cross this out. If I have similar suggestions in the future, I'll seek your approval first, Miss."
Meng Shu then asked, "Can we cultivate our own fighters?"
The female steward replied, "As far as I know, the company does have such operations, but they're highly confidential. Even your cousin seems unable to access them fully.
If we cultivate our own, with the change period approaching, we won't have enough time. The results may not be apparent, and fighters are still considered consumables. Cultivating and consuming them ourselves would mean bearing all the costs, which isn't a wise choice.
It's better to invest in fighters who have already been cultivated. All major companies do this. It's a well-established model now. However, your suggestion isn't entirely useless. For security we can truly trust, we need to cultivate them ourselves instead of outsourcing to security companies."
Meng Shu nodded slightly. Although the company had a systematic security force, she didn't trust them due to the presence of too many of her cousin's people.
After a moment's consideration, she looked up and said, "Arrange a meeting for me. I want to see him."
"I'll take care of it right away," the female steward responded, pleased with Meng Shu's attitude. She was willing to listen, learn, and not let personal preferences or emotions influence her decisions—the ideal successor for the company, in the steward's opinion.
As for Meng Shu's cousin, he had the ability, but his interests were too diverse. If he devoted even a third of his attention to the company, it would be impressive. In the steward's view, several of his previous decisions had been questionable, and the company was only surviving due to its solid foundation.
So, she preferred to side with the seemingly weaker Meng Shu, who appeared to have no chance of winning, rather than be recruited by her cousin. In the upcoming era, the old order would face intense upheaval, and anything would become possible.
After a day's rest, Chen Chuan woke up feeling refreshed and once again made his way to the Central Processing Bureau's headquarters in Central City.
He recalled his previous visit, when the Bureau had summoned him regarding the Zhao Qian incident. Although they had maintained a professional demeanor, their bureaucratic attitude had been evident.
This time, the treatment he received was a stark contrast to his previous experience. As soon as he entered the Central City Enforcement Agency, he was escorted to a dedicated reception room, offered hot drinks, and given access to an internal information browsing platform. There was even a dedicated internal attendant waiting outside.
These privileges were not only because he was now a Third Limit Fighter, but also due to the impressive strength he displayed the day before.
Of course, there were those who felt jealous or disdainful, but they kept their thoughts hidden, putting on a facade of enthusiasm when they encountered him.
After a brief wait, possibly just two minutes, the internal attendant received instructions and escorted Chen Chuan to a bright and spacious meeting room.
A man in his thirties, with a smile on his face, was already waiting there. He shook hands with Chen Chuan and introduced himself, "I'm Qiu Gan Shi from the Examination Department of the Central City Enforcement Agency, directly responsible to the Central Bureau. Chen Chuan, for your successful handling of Wei Wusheng, I'd like to express the Bureau's gratitude on their behalf."
Chen Chuan replied, "I'm a Reserve Enforcer of the Enforcement Agency, so I'm also a part of the agency."
"I'm glad to hear that," Qiu Gan Shi smiled and gestured for Chen Chuan to take a seat.
Once Chen Chuan was seated, Qiu Gan Shi sat down as well and smiled, "Due to the changes in your situation, I have a few questions on behalf of the Bureau. You can choose to answer or decline to answer them. These won't affect your evaluation, but they are necessary procedural steps. The records of this conversation will be used to update your file, is that acceptable?"
Chen Chuan nodded and said, "Please go ahead, Officer Qiu."
Qiu Gan Shi picked up a recording pad and asked, "Chen Chuan, when did you enter the Third Limit? You don't need to give me an exact timeframe, an approximate one will do."
"It was just these past few days," Chen Chuan replied.
"These past few days..." Qiu Gan Shi carefully recorded the information and then asked, "In that case, did you take any drugs before your fight with Wei Wusheng?"
"If you're referring to explosive drugs, no, I only took the regular cultivation drugs I use daily," Chen Chuan answered.
Qiu Gan Shi noted this down and then asked, "In that case, Chen Chuan, do you have any plans to graduate from Wu Yi Academy in the near future?"
"Not at the moment," Chen Chuan replied firmly. "I've only recently joined the academy, and there's still a lot for me to learn."
Qiu Gan Shi nodded and continued, "Chen Chuan, do you have any specific requests or expectations regarding your position and benefits at the agency?"
"I haven't thought about it yet," Chen Chuan answered.
Qiu Gan Shi proceeded to ask a few more questions, all of which were standard and easy to answer. After recording everything, he closed the recording pad, straightened his posture, and smiled, "Alright, that's everything. Chen Chuan, let's discuss the internal benefits provided by the Enforcement Agency.
As per our usual practice for apprehending wanted criminals, the agency will award a bonus. This time is no exception."
Chen Chuan noticed that a reward fund signature list had appeared on his Boundary Token. He signed it, and within a short time, he saw a transfer of 50,000 yuan into his platform account.
"Additionally," Qiu Gan Shi continued, "the agency is granting you the status of an Official Enforcer, temporarily assigned to the Special Operations Execution Team. From now on, I can address you as Enforcer Chen."
Chen Chuan observed that his Boundary Token flashed, and on the agency's platform, his information had been swiftly updated, changing his status from Reserve Enforcer to Official Enforcer.
Starting from now, he would receive a monthly national salary, with additional bonuses for successful special operations.
He also gained access to a personal storage cabinet within the agency, free use of their firearms and training grounds, and the ability to borrow official vehicles.
This status was linked to his enrollment at Wu Yi Academy. As long as he remained a student there, this identity would remain valid. However, upon graduation, whether he stayed with the agency or not, a new agreement would need to be signed.
"There's one more thing," Qiu Gan Shi said.
After ensuring Chen Chuan understood, Qiu Gan Shi stepped aside, brought a box to the table, and smiled, "As a Third Limit Fighter, the agency provides a special welfare package. We'll issue you a brand-new uniform and a customized weapon.
After your battle with Wei Wusheng, Enforcer Chen's original shoes must have worn down significantly, right? This uniform is different from your previous one; it's specially tailored to meet the needs of Third Limit Fighters."
Chen Chuan couldn't help but nod.
Whether it was the uniform from the Central City Enforcement Agency or the one provided by the Logistics Department, they were both custom-made to withstand powerful forces. However, the Enforcement Agency's uniform was slightly inferior, and after the battle on the highway, his shoes had suffered considerable wear and tear, leaving the soles scorched.
A well-made combat uniform could significantly enhance one's performance.
"Then I appreciate it," Chen Chuan said. "I'm in need of a new one."
Qiu Gan Shi smiled and said, "The uniform is easy to handle, but the weapon requires customization. We can even replicate your sword exactly, and its functionality won't differ much. What kind of weapon do you prefer?"
...
...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
