Chapter 610: Homecoming
Chapter 610: Homecoming
After a seven-hour journey, the armed motorcade arrived at the checkpoint of Yangzhi City around noon, making a brief stop before continuing their journey into the city amidst the salutes of the checkpoint officers.
At the same time, He Fen, the Director of the Yangzhi Processing Bureau, and Guan Yuming, the Commissioner of the Patrol Bureau, were waiting at the entrance to National Highway.
Chen Chuan, as the Investigation Supervisor of the Processing Bureau and a Third-Level Fighter, had already informed the Yangzhi authorities of his trip in advance and requested them to make prior arrangements.
Guan Yuming stood at the intersection, gazing at the straight and broad National Highway before him, his emotions slightly complex.
Chen Chuan was considered a junior at the Patrol Bureau, and Guan Yuming had witnessed his rise. He had even lent a helping hand along the way. He knew that Chen Chuan was an exceptional young man destined for higher positions.
But who could have imagined that his rise would be so swift? The last time Chen Chuan returned, it was as an Execution Team Leader, already one rank above Guan Yuming. Now, he had become an Investigation Supervisor, a true superior, with only the Civil Affairs Commissioner at the same level in Yangzhi City.
He Fen looked into the distance, then at his watch, estimating that they would arrive in just a few minutes.
He Fen had been transferred from another region this year and was still unfamiliar with Yangzhi City. Compared to Guan Yuming, he didn't have as much sentiment, and at this moment, he merely held the mindset of welcoming a superior.
He turned and said, "Guan, I heard that Supervisor Chen is also from your Patrol Bureau?"
Guan Yuming nodded and replied, "He's the nephew of our Bureau's Chief Instructor, Nian Lilu. He was raised by Nian Lilu and his wife since childhood and is one of our Patrol Bureau's own."
He Fen smiled and said, "Then Guan is like an elder to Supervisor Chen. I haven't met Supervisor Chen, but when we do, I'll have to ask you to speak on my behalf."
Guan Yuming said, "Supervisor Chen is now with the Processing Bureau. Director He, your words will carry more weight than mine."
Just then, a high-pitched, distant cry echoed through the sky, and He Fen looked up. As he gazed towards the end of the road, a glimmer seemed to flash in his eyes. He affirmed, "He's here."
After a while, Guan Yuming saw a black dot gradually appearing on the National Highway ahead, becoming clearer as it approached. It was a motorcade heading towards them.
Leading the way was an armored vehicle with a mounted machine gun, followed by the extended armored saloon and the escort vehicles trailing behind.
The front armored vehicle, upon spotting the people waiting ahead, immediately used its field domain creature to report back. Once at a certain distance, it pulled over to the side of the road.
The saloon slowly reduced its speed and eventually came to a stop. The door opened, and Chen Chuan stepped out.
He wore a wide-brimmed hat, protective gloves, and the distinctive coat of an Investigation Supervisor. His fighter's stance made him appear especially valiant.
As soon as he appeared, someone from the welcoming party shouted, "Salute!" All the Patrol Bureau and Processing Bureau personnel present saluted in unison.
Chen Chuan stood still, returned the salute, and then proceeded forward until he reached Guan Yuming and He Fen. He greeted Guan Yuming first, "Guan," and then turned to He Fen, extending his hand, "Director He, nice to meet you."
He Fen immediately stepped forward and shook his hand enthusiastically, "Supervisor Chen, I've heard a lot about you from my colleagues. Director Fang even called me personally, specifically mentioning your accomplishments. I'm deeply impressed, Supervisor Chen."
Chen Chuan understood that this was Director Fang's subordinate and said, "I'm just returning home. The higher-ups requested prior notice, not wanting to cause a disturbance."
He Fen said, "Supervisor Chen is a superior from the headquarters. It's only proper for me, as a subordinate, to come and welcome you, or else people might say I don't understand the rules."
Guan Yuming said, "Officially, you're my superior. But personally, you're the most outstanding disciple our Patrol Bureau has produced. Both emotionally and logically, I should come and welcome you."
Chen Chuan said, "Guan, you're too kind."
Guan Yuming straightened his expression and said, "Also, when I was on my way here, Director Zhu specifically called me and asked me to pass on his greetings to you."
Chen Chuan nodded slightly and said, "Then please convey my thanks to Director Zhu on my behalf."
Guan Yuming replied, "I will pass on your message."
At this moment, He Fen smiled broadly and said, "Supervisor Chen, we've prepared a banquet for you at the bureau. We'd like to welcome you on behalf of the bureau."
Chen Chuan said, "When I was in Yangzhi City before, I didn't have the opportunity to visit the bureau. Now that I'm back in Yangzhi, I should definitely go there for a meal."
He Fen's smile widened, and he said, "I'll make sure to take good care of you, Supervisor."
After the greetings, Chen Chuan and his entourage returned to their vehicles. With the lead vehicle guiding the way, they headed towards the Processing Bureau of Yangzhi City.
Inside the Yangzhi City Government Hall, Civil Affairs Commissioner Zhu Xian was on the phone.
"Have they arrived? Have my greetings been delivered? Good. Make sure to arrange the reception for Supervisor Chen properly.
After hanging up the phone, he couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. A few years ago, he had met Chen Chuan once, thinking he was just an outstanding young man. But after that, he hadn't given it much thought. He never expected that Chen Chuan would rise to his level so quickly.
Was it really less than three years? He had spent many years climbing the ranks in the local government to reach his current position.
However, he also understood that times had changed, and capable fighters like Chen Chuan could rise rapidly. Sometimes, a single opportunity could propel them to great heights, and he had witnessed numerous such examples over the years.
Although, in terms of real authority, he might not compare to Chen Chuan, who was responsible for a region with millions of people, but in the face of major conflicts, it was these martial factions that held priority within the entire system.
His secretary, standing beside him, spoke up, "I wonder if Director Chen is returning to Yangzhi City to bask in his success or if he has other plans."
Zhu Xian replied, "It's not that complicated. In the eyes of Central City, Yangzhi City is just a small place. Without Mo Lan Corporation, they wouldn't even spare it a glance."
He waved his hand dismissively, "Just follow the rules and treat him as a guest." After a moment's thought, he added, "If there's anything, inform me immediately."
The secretary nodded.
The last two times Chen Chuan visited Yangzhi, he had merely called to notify his aunt's family, causing no commotion.
But this time, even before Chen Chuan's return, the news had already spread throughout the families of the Patrol Bureau, everyone knowing that Chen Chuan had assumed a higher position in Yangzhi. Even Director Guan personally went to greet him at the city entrance.
Everyone was filled with a mix of surprise and envy, exclaiming that the Chen family was truly on the rise.
The news didn't just spread within the Patrol Bureau and the Processing Bureau, but Wu Yi Academy had also received the information. After all, Wu Yi Academy and the Processing Bureau were two sides of the same coin, and Chen Chuan was a graduate of Wu Yi. They shared in the glory.
Cheng Zitong had received the news early in the morning, so these past few days, he had been glowing with pride. As soon as he learned that Chen Chuan's motorcade had entered the city, he immediately picked up the phone and dialed a number, "Old Qian, I'm looking for Senior Brother."
The other end immediately responded, "Director Cheng, Senior Brother isn't here."
"Not here? Where did he go?" Cheng Zitong was a bit surprised.
Old Qian explained, "The school year is almost over, and the new semester is about to begin. Senior Brother has arranged with Central City to send Young Master there for adaptation, so he took Young Master to Central City a couple of days ago."
"Oh... Did Senior Brother rush things a bit? Why didn't he tell me beforehand? I could have seen him off."
Old Qian said, "Senior Brother said that the semester is almost over, and this is your busiest time, Director Cheng. He didn't want to disturb you."
Cheng Zitong sighed and said, "Senior Brother is really considerate. Alright, when Senior Brother returns or calls, you must let me know, Old Qian. Don't forget."
Old Qian respectfully replied, "Director Cheng, I will."
After hanging up the phone, he turned around, and at that moment, Qiao Linhu was sitting there, surrounded by his students and some luggage they had prepared earlier.
He said, "Young Master, I've spoken with Director Cheng."
Qiao Linhu acknowledged with a hum.
Just then, the sound of a car horn came from outside, and he immediately stood up, saying sternly, "Let's go."
As he spoke, he strode out quickly.
His disciples hurriedly followed behind him.
Qiao Linhu got into the car, and after his disciples and all his retinue had boarded, he urged in a deep voice, "Let's go. Avoid the main gate and take the back route from the Academy."
His demeanor made it seem as if they were heading to Central City, but to those unaware, it might have looked like they were fleeing.
Soon after his car left, before the smell of algae oil had even dissipated, another vehicle arrived and stopped at the entrance of the courtyard.
Cheng Zitong stepped out, removed his sunglasses, and looked at the tightly closed and locked gate, saying, "Ah, he's really gone. Oh well, I guess I won't be getting that free meal."
He looked into the distance and shouted, "Senior Brother, have a safe journey!"
His voice carried on the wind, fading into the distance.
After standing there for a while, he suddenly laughed, put on his sunglasses, and returned to the car, turning it around and leaving.
The motorcade headed towards the city center, and as they passed through it, Chen Chuan glanced at the former site of the Mo Lan Corporation building.
The building had clearly undergone renovations, its exterior walls gleaming with silver-bright metal. At its center was the Yuan An Corporation emblem, resembling a metal gear base with interlocking spiked leaves.
In the middle of the plaza stood a full metal sculpture with several supporting legs, seemingly covered in foldable armor plates.
Ordinary people might not understand its significance, but he recognized its resemblance to the shape of an active consciousness entity.
Chen Chuan stared at the sculpture for a moment before looking up at the top of the building, then finally averted his gaze.
The motorcade drove under the plaza sculpture and headed towards the nearby Processing Bureau administrative building, passing by the armed personnel in the square.
...
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(End of Chapter)
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