https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-353-Reunion-of-Teacher-and-Student/13030529/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-355-Internal-and-External-Affairs-Wishing-Everyone-a-Happy-New-Year-/13030534/
Chapter 354: A Return to Familiar Grounds
Chapter 354: A Return to Familiar Grounds
One of the students who had spotted Chen Chuan first excitedly exclaimed, "Is Senior Chen back from a vacation?"
Chen Chuan replied, "Yes, I just returned yesterday."
The dormitory supervisor, seeing the confusion on the new students' faces, smiled and explained, "This is your senior, and I'll give you a heads-up. He's the one who entered Central City last year."
Central City? Last year?
The students' eyes lit up with realization.
"It's Senior Chen Chuan!" one of them shouted.
Hearing this, the students became incredibly excited, and their gazes towards Chen Chuan filled with admiration.
Chen Chuan's achievement from last year had caused quite a stir. The newspapers were filled with reports about him, and he was the first student in several decades to be admitted to Central City as a civilian. His story had become an inspiring legend for those aspiring to enter Wu Yi Academy.
The students preparing for the re-examination, although they hadn't met him before, had heard about him from others and seniors. Now that they were seeing him in person, they couldn't help but feel thrilled.
They felt fortunate that they had come here today; otherwise, they might have missed the chance to meet this senior.
Chen Chuan smiled slightly and said, "Junior brothers, I wish you all the best in your upcoming exams, and I hope you'll have the opportunity to study at the Central City Academy in the future."
"Thank you, Senior Chen!" These fifteen and sixteen-year-old students were instantly filled with determination upon hearing his words. "We will definitely work hard!"
Chen Chuan then approached the dormitory supervisor and asked, "Teacher, are Luo, Feng, and Wei here?"
The supervisor replied, "Luo went home for the holidays, Wei is currently working on a commission with Wu Han, and Feng is here, helping with the preparations for tomorrow's re-examination registration."
Chen Chuan nodded.
The supervisor gestured upwards and said, "Do you want to go up and wait for a while? Your key is still with me, and your dormitory has been vacant since you left. It will remain empty for the entire next semester. You can move back anytime; it's a special arrangement approved by the school management."
Chen Chuan understood the school's intention. If it weren't for his unique circumstances, he might still be studying at the school, needing to complete a full year before graduating.
He shook his head and said, "No need, let's leave it for a more suitable student."
The supervisor smiled and said, "There might be someone in the future, but for now, you're the only one approved to stay there. Other students wouldn't even consider moving in."
Setting that aside, he continued, "These are minor matters. How do you feel after spending half a year in Central City?"
Chen Chuan said, "I've gained a lot of new experiences. If I hadn't gone there, I would never have known how different the outside world is. But the glare there is blinding, and the colorful lights can penetrate one's soul. Moreover, the standards are incredibly high, so much so that one misstep could lead to a significant downfall."
The supervisor silently nodded in understanding.
While he could comprehend Chen Chuan's words, the students nearby struggled to follow the conversation.
At that moment, Chen Chuan handed over a neatly wrapped package, saying, "I didn't bring anything special for you, but please accept this small gift."
The supervisor didn't hesitate and smiled, "I'll gladly accept it."
After chatting for a while longer, Chen Chuan noticed that the supervisor had other matters to attend to, so he said, "Please take care of your tasks first, Senior. I'll be on my way." He bid farewell to the students and left the dormitory building amidst their well-wishes.
After stepping outside, Chen Chuan had initially planned to visit Feng Xiaoqi, but upon further thought, he realized that Feng was probably still busy. If he went there, he might not be able to leave for half a day, and he didn't want to disturb others unnecessarily.
Instead, he decided to arrange a gathering with Wei Chang'an, Ren, and the rest of the team members for a meal in the near future.
With his mind made up, he headed towards the parking lot.
Whether it was due to his heightened senses or his improved mood, he walked around, and without realizing it, the intimidating aura that surrounded him had significantly diminished.
Getting into his car, he drove out of the school and pulled over to the side of the road. He approached a phone booth and made a call. After a brief pause, a pleasant female voice answered, "Hello, who's calling?"
"Senior Sister, it's me, Chen Chuan," he said.
"Chen Chuan?" He Nan reacted quickly, "You're on vacation, and you're in Yangzhi now?"
"Yes," Chen Chuan replied, "I'd like to visit you, Director Lei, and Xiao Ying when you're free."
He Nan smiled, "Director Lei will be delighted to see you. He's not busy these days, and he's available this holiday. Just come whenever you're ready, but remember, he doesn't like people bringing gifts."
"Alright, Senior Sister," Chen Chuan said, and they ended the call shortly after.
Meanwhile, the dormitory supervisor finished his tasks and sent off the excited students. He opened the package Chen Chuan had given him and found a photo album.
It contained photos Chen Chuan had taken in Central City, including images of the Mystic Palace Tower, Riptide Canyon, the railway station platform, and the abandoned building of Mo Lan Corporation. Underneath the photos were the words, 'Gift from Student Chen Chuan.'
The supervisor smiled and set aside the photos, knowing that the words were the real treasure he should cherish.
After leaving the phone booth, Chen Chuan bought a few newspapers from a nearby kiosk and flipped through them in his car. Having grown accustomed to the fast information access and queries in Central City, he found himself slightly disoriented upon returning to Yangzhi.
To get the inside scoop, one must consult industry insiders and professionals. Newspaper reports only offer fragmented information.
As it was nearing noon, he decided against returning for lunch. He drove to a specific location and found a Han Family Restaurant at an intersection. The restaurant was bustling with customers, a promising sign for business.
Inside, a family of three was busy at work, and a girl around ten years old was helping by carrying dishes. Despite her young age, her movements were remarkably efficient.
Chen Chuan removed his gilded cap and stepped out of the car, entering the restaurant.
Upon seeing him, a middle-aged man with white temples and a face full of wrinkles immediately wiped his hands with a cloth, approached from behind, and smiled, "Sir, what would you like to order?"
Chen Chuan glanced at the menu on the wall and ordered several dishes. After sitting down, he spoke softly, "I heard that the Han Family Restaurant's homemade beef is excellent."
"Then you've come to the right place, sir. Our beef is top-notch." The middle-aged man jotted down his order and said, "Please wait a moment, sir." He then went to the kitchen to cook.
Chen Chuan waited only a short while before the little girl brought out the dishes and placed them steadily on the table. She asked, "Are you from Wu Yi?"
Chen Chuan looked at her and asked, "Why do you ask?"
"Because some of the big brothers from Wu Yi are as tall as you."
Chen Chuan inquired, "Do many Wu Yi big brothers come here to eat?"
The girl nodded, "Yes, they say they're my brother's classmates." As she spoke, the middle-aged man silently wiped the table without saying a word.
Chen Chuan nodded and said, "I'm a big brother from Wu Yi too."
"Really?"
Chen Chuan replied solemnly, "Yes, it's true."
"Xiao Lan, don't disturb the gentleman's meal. Go and help with the dishes." The middle-aged man spoke from the side.
"Okay, Dad."
Chen Chuan took a pair of chopsticks from the chopstick holder and savored the food slowly. The Han Family beef was indeed delicious, reminiscent of the meal he had after the retake exam, but even fresher and more flavorful.
After finishing his meal, he paid the bill and left the restaurant. He drove out of the city, heading north while casually turning on the radio to listen to the news.
Most of the news was about civil affairs, but after a while, there was another report about the resistance organization, stating that the Patrol Bureau was preparing to suppress the organization's stronghold outside the city.
The day before, when he spoke with Nian Fulu, the latter had mentioned this as well. He said that although the Bloodstain Gang and Mo Lan Corporation had fallen, the resistance organization still existed, but their actions were not as intense as before, and they mostly operated outside Yangzhi City.
Those places were less like resistance organization strongholds and more like spontaneous armaments by villagers outside the city to defend against wild armed groups. The city dwellers couldn't protect them, so they naturally sought ways to protect themselves.
The Patrol Bureau was aware of this situation, so they didn't make things difficult for the villagers.
However, the new Chief Instructor seemed particularly concerned about this and repeatedly urged the Patrol Bureau to launch a suppression operation. The matter was still under dispute.
According to Nian Fulu, this Chief Instructor seemed to have a background in the National Temporary Special Action Committee and carried some delegated authority. He had been building his own team in recent days.
After driving for about twenty minutes, Chen Chuan stopped at a small river bend. Looking ahead, the old house remained unchanged after half a year.
He got out of the car, took out his key, and opened the door. But as he stepped in, he suddenly noticed an extra shadow on the ground, as if someone else was standing beside him.
Ignoring this, he went inside, tidied up the house and yard with some tools, and then started the algae oil generator in the basement. He boiled some water, brewed a cup of tea, and brought out a chair to sit under the eaves.
The weather should have been hot and dry, but the area was lush with trees, and a small stream flowed nearby, creating a cool and refreshing atmosphere.
Sipping his tea slowly, he relished the unique tranquility.
Although he had obtained information about his predecessor's parents' legacy, he hadn't visited the location yet, feeling that his strength wasn't sufficient.
If someone was watching him, going there might cause problems. But now, as a Third Limit fighter, he could make the trip after returning and learning more. He wanted to see what his predecessors had left behind.
This place was where his two parallel selves had merged, and as he sat there, the overflowing aura gradually subsided, returning to its original simplicity. However, his eyes shone even brighter.
After finishing his tea, he looked down and saw only one shadow, as if the extra one was merely an illusion.
He remained there until nearly five o'clock before getting up, putting things away, and tidying up again. He locked the door and left, driving away to the sound of the wind rustling the leaves and the stream flowing.
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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