Chapter 459: The Decision
Chapter 459: The Decision
The gates of Yangzhi Wu Yi Academy opened, and the security guards saluted as a Gaud car slowly entered the campus.
Chen Chuan steered the wheel and drove in. It was the holiday season, and both students and teachers were on vacation, so aside from the security guards, the roads were empty. A thin layer of snow still adorned the tree branches and eaves.
As they drove along the road, they soon reached the edge of the Spring-Autumn Lake. On one side, the dormitory building came into view.
It had been less than half a year since his last visit. Most of the students from his batch had already graduated, but the dormitory manager was still there, waiting for his retirement pension.
After passing the Spring-Autumn Lake, they continued driving further into the campus, eventually reaching the lakeside residential area designated for the academy's teachers.
During his studies, Chen Chuan had visited Cheng Zitong's home a few times. Most of their training sessions took place in his dormitory's practice room, though they occasionally went to other training halls as well.
The snow had stopped a few days ago, and the sun was shining brightly at this moment. In the cleaned-up open courtyard, two elders were playing chess at a stone table.
They noticed the approaching car and glanced in its direction.
One of them said, "Another teacher's relative? I haven't seen this person before."
"Look at where it's going..." The other elder peered forward, "It's going to Chief Cheng's home."
"Hey, the number of people visiting Chief Cheng for the New Year hasn't stopped since the beginning of the year. This logistics manager sure is popular. We, on the other hand, are left with nothing but our old bones. No one cares about us anymore."
"Who else would want your old bones but you? There weren't this many visitors to Chief Cheng's home in the past few years. Even a few days ago, someone from Central City came, supposedly sent by Old Cheng to see him."
"That's quite a strange thing. It's been so many years, and this father and son have been at odds for so long. Could it be that Old Cheng finally conceded?"
"It's hard to say. I think it's mostly because of the excellent student he taught."
"Is it the one who went to Central City?"
"He's now an official at the Administration Bureau in Central City. What a prestigious position! He returned half a year ago, and it's said that his position is already quite high. In a few more years, I think even the principal will have to give him face."
"No wonder Chief Cheng has gained quite a bit of weight this year. Everyone wants to treat him to a few more meals."
At that moment, the car stopped in front of the courtyard. As the door opened, the two elders saw a young man in a military uniform, tall and handsome, stepping out.
One of the elders said, "Old Qian, is this the student of Chief Cheng you mentioned?"
"Yes, it should be him."
"This uniform... It seems quite extraordinary to me..."
The two elders squinted from a distance, and simultaneously, their hearts skipped a beat.
It wasn't just the recognition of the uniform that caught their attention, but as they looked at the young man, they could sense an indescribable aura surrounding him.
The connection of auras between fighters is highly sensitive. Even though the young man didn't turn around, they both felt a momentary sensation as if their skin was pricked by needles, and their hairs stood on end.
The two elders exchanged a glance.
"Chief Cheng's student is extraordinary."
Cheng Zitong, as the deputy director of logistics, had security guards at the gate, who were notified early in the morning about Chen Chuan's arrival. They promptly opened the gates and saluted him.
Chen Chuan nodded, carrying the gift, and walked in. Before he even crossed the front hall, Cheng Zitong came out. Compared to half a year ago, the teacher looked a bit rounder around the waist, but he was full of vigor and vitality, seemingly well-fed and well-rested.
"Xiao Chuan is here. Come in, come in. Oh, you're here, and you still brought something?"
"It's just a small token from the student," Chen Chuan said.
"Okay, I won't be polite with you, student," Cheng Zitong said, examining him. His eyes lit up, "That uniform suits you well. Come, come in and sit down."
Chen Chuan followed him into the courtyard. The layout was similar to the teachers' residences, with an old-fashioned style. In the flower hall, he took the teapot Cheng Zitong offered and said, "Teacher, let me do it."
After brewing the tea, Chen Chuan served Cheng Zitong a cup. Only then did he sit down.
Holding the steaming teacup, Cheng Zitong sighed, "I know, promotions in Central City aren't easy. If it were another student, I'd advise them not to push too hard. But I know you, student, and you know your limits."
Chen Chuan smiled, "Teacher, I remember all your past teachings."
Cheng Zitong's round face was filled with smiles. He put down the teacup, "Xiao Chuan, tell me about your time in Central City these days."
Chen Chuan nodded.
The teacher and student sat in the flower hall, drinking tea and chatting. One by one, guests arrived, but they only visited briefly, leaving gifts before departing.
Chen Chuan had lunch here and stayed until three or four in the afternoon. As the sky began to darken, he stood up to bid farewell. Cheng Zitong saw him off to the gate, watching as he got into the car and left before returning indoors.
Back in the house, he thought for a moment, then picked up the phone and dialed a number.
"Hello, Senior Brother. I'll come to see you later... Can't I visit you after the New Year's greetings?"
We've been like brothers, why are you being so distant? Oh, you're going out for something..."
After hanging up the phone, Cheng Zitong chuckled, "Going out? At this hour, where are you going? If you hadn't stopped me, I wouldn't have come."
He took a sip of tea, picked up a box of gifts he had prepared long ago, and slowly walked out the door.
After visiting Cheng Zitong, Chen Chuan returned to his aunt's house. A few days later, he went out to meet up with Ding Jiao and some old classmates.
This winter seemed less cold than usual, so the planned ice skating and skiing activities were canceled, replaced with a motorcycle ride and a visit to the newly opened archery range in the city center.
Archery was not taught in Wu Yi, as ordinary bows and arrows had their limitations, were inconvenient to carry, and required certain skills to use. It was better to use a pistol or throw by hand, as they had better accuracy and more power.
However, archery was still a great form of entertainment and exercise. Chen Chuan, a fighter, only needed to know the techniques for exerting force and could quickly get the hang of it after a few tries. But even when playing with his friends, he didn't show off too much.
In fact, after becoming a fighter, except for some entertainment that required special skills, ordinary physical activities were almost effortless for him.
...
...
After relaxing with his classmates for a few days, on the 14th, Chen Chuan arrived at Duyi Hotel. This time, he was meeting up with Wei Chang'an and others for a meal. When he arrived, everyone who had been there last time was present.
After ordering the meal, Wei Chang'an said, "Junior, remember what you told us about Central City? Brother Wei and the others have discussed it, and we plan to take our chances there after the New Year."
Chen Chuan smiled and said, "Brother Wei, that's great news."
He had always been encouraging about this. Yangzhi's ceiling was right here, and Wei Chang'an and the others were wasting their talents by staying here. Not only could they not improve their fighting skills, but they might spend their entire lives as mere commissioners. In Central City, they could make a name for themselves.
Furthermore, before the grand collision, the world was constantly changing, and the previously existing class boundaries were easier to cross.
Cai Sai said, "Actually, it's not just us who have this plan. I know that recently, several commission teams have gone to Central City."
Ever since Mo Lan Corporation's demise and the fall of the Bloodstain Gang, the Iron Chain Gang had been conducting business honestly. Under the leadership of Guan Bureau, the Patrol Bureau had tightened security within the city, and there were almost no incidents.
Although there were still many incidents outside the city, the smuggling channels to Yangzhi had been severely disrupted, and now, apart from fighting with the armed gangs in the wilderness, there were hardly any significant commissions left."
He shook his head and said, "There's only so much meat, and so many people eyeing it. Instead of fighting over it here, it's better to change locations."
Several people on their team were feeling the same way, even the usually quiet Ren Xiaotian was silently nodding.
Wu Han and Wei Dong exchanged a glance, looking somewhat puzzled. It seemed like they were wondering, "Fewer commissions? Is that so? How come we haven't noticed?"
Cai Sai understood their meaning and helplessly said, "You only take commissions from the wilderness, and there's no one as non-discriminating as you. It's no wonder you don't feel there are fewer commissions."
Commission companies particularly favored Wu Han and Wei Dong, as they took on any commission without asking about its difficulty. Moreover, some commission teams also preferred dealing with them, as they were fearless and always ready to charge to the frontlines. Every time they were invited, the success rate of the commission tasks increased significantly.
It was estimated that they would never be short of commissions until the wilderness armed gangs were eliminated.
Wu Han said, "I work well with Wei Dong, but now he's gone to study at Wu Yi Central Academy," and turned to look at Feng Xiaoqi and Luo Kaiyuan, "Feng and Luo, are you two coming along?" Seeing them both nod, he said with a sigh, "Then it's just me. I might as well go to Central City too."
At this moment, Chen Chuan said, "There are many opportunities in Central City, and the resources you can obtain there far surpass those in Yangzhi. Central City refers to the surrounding cities as peripheral cities, which is a derogatory term, but the gap between them is evident. If you aspire to reach greater heights, that's the only place you can obtain what you desire."
He paused and said, "I've also established a slight foothold in Central City. If you all go to Central City, I can lend a hand."
If not for his team's requirement to sign confidentiality agreements or being from the Convergence Zone, he would have recruited them into his team. But there might still be opportunities in the future.
Wei Chang'an's expression became more solemn as he said, "Junior, you're right. Brother Wei and I will have to rely on you to look after us in Central City, as we're unfamiliar with the place."
Chen Chuan nodded and said, "I believe in Brother Wei and Brother Cai's abilities. You'll stand out wherever you go."
Wu Han slapped the table and said, "It's decided! After the New Year, I'm going to Central City!"
He turned to Chen Chuan and said, "Junior Chen, we'll meet again in Central City. I'll toast you." As he spoke, he stood up and raised the cup on the table.
Following his action, everyone present raised their cups.
Chen Chuan smiled slightly and stood up, picking up his cup. "Good. I'll be waiting for you all in Central City."
...
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(End of Chapter)
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