Chapter 610: Homecoming
Chapter 610: Homecoming
After a seven-hour journey, the armed convoy reached the checkpoint of Yangzhi City around noon, pausing briefly before continuing forward with the salutes of the checkpoint inspectors.
Meanwhile, He Fen, the director of the Yangzhi Handling Bureau, and Guan Yuming, the chief of the Patrol Bureau, waited at the entrance of the National Highway leading into the city.
Chen Chuan, the investigation supervisor of the Handling Bureau and a Third Tier Master, had informed the Yangzhi authorities of his trip in advance and requested their cooperation.
Guan Yuming stood at the intersection, gazing down the straight and broad National Highway, his emotions slightly complex.
Chen Chuan was considered a junior colleague in the Patrol Bureau, and Guan Yuming had watched his rise closely, even lending a helping hand along the way. He knew Chen Chuan was an exceptional young man destined for higher positions.
But who would have thought it would happen so soon? The last time Chen Chuan returned, it was as an execution captain, already one rank higher than Guan Yuming. Now, he had become an investigation supervisor, a true superior, with only the Civil Affairs Secretary of Yangzhi City at the same rank.
He Fen looked into the distance, then at his watch, estimating their arrival in just a few minutes.
He had been transferred from another region this year and was still unfamiliar with Yangzhi City. Compared to Guan Yuming, he didn't have as many sentimental feelings. At this moment, he only had the mindset of welcoming a superior.
He turned and said, "Chief Guan, I heard that Supervisor Chen is also from your Patrol Bureau?"
Guan Yuming nodded, "He's the nephew of our bureau's captain, raised by Captain Yearly and his wife since childhood. He's one of our own."
He Fen smiled, "Then Chief Guan is like a senior to Supervisor Chen. I haven't met him yet, but after we do, I'll need your help in communicating."
Guan Yuming said, "Supervisor Chen is now with the Handling Bureau, and Director He's words will carry more weight than mine."
As they spoke, a high-pitched, distant cry echoed in the sky, catching He Fen's attention. He looked up, then toward the end of the road, as if a glimmer of light flashed in his eyes. Confidently, he said, "They'll be here in just a few minutes."
After a while, Guan Yuming spotted a black dot in the distance on the National Highway, gradually becoming clearer. It was a convoy heading their way.
Leading the convoy was an armed vehicle with a mounted machine gun, followed by a stretched armored car and an escort vehicle.
The leading armed car spotted the people waiting ahead and immediately used its domain creature to report back to the convoy. After reaching a certain distance, it pulled over to the side of the road.
The armored car slowed down as it approached, eventually coming to a stop. Chen Chuan emerged from the opened door, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, protective gloves, and an investigation supervisor's military overcoat. His tall and upright posture, characteristic of a fighter, made him appear particularly valiant.
Upon his arrival, someone from the welcoming party shouted, "Salute!" All the personnel from the Patrol Bureau and the Handling Bureau snapped to attention and saluted.
Chen Chuan returned the salute, and after the salute, he walked forward to stand before Guan Yuming. He greeted Guan Yuming, "Chief Guan," then turned to He Fen, extending his hand, "Director He, it's good to meet you."
He Fen stepped forward, shaking his hand warmly, "Supervisor Chen, I've heard a lot about you from my colleagues. Director Fang even called me earlier, specifically mentioning your achievements. I'm deeply impressed."
Chen Chuan understood and replied, "I'm just returning home. The higher-ups requested advance notice, not wanting to disturb you."
He Fen said, "Supervisor Chen is a superior from the headquarters. As a subordinate, it's my duty to welcome you. Otherwise, people might say I don't understand etiquette."
Guan Yuming said, "You're my superior in official matters, but in private, you're our Patrol Bureau's most outstanding disciple. Both emotionally and logically, I should come to welcome you."
Chen Chuan modestly replied, "Chief Guan, you're too kind."
Guan Yuming's expression turned solemn. "Also, when I was on my way here, Governor Zhu specifically called me, asking me to convey his greetings to you."
Chen Chuan nodded slightly, "Then please convey my thanks to Governor Zhu on my behalf."
Guan Yuming assured him, "I will do so."
At this moment, He Fen's face lit up with a smile, "Supervisor Chen, we've prepared a banquet for you at the bureau. It's a special occasion to welcome you and wash away the dust of your journey."
Chen Chuan said, "When I was in Yangzhi City before, I didn't have the chance to visit the bureau. As a member of the Handling Bureau, I must go there for a meal this time."
He Fen's smile widened, "I'll make sure to take good care of you, Supervisor."
After the exchange of pleasantries, Chen Chuan and his companions returned to their vehicles, and the convoy proceeded towards the Yangzhi Handling Bureau, guided by the leading vehicle.
Inside the Yangzhi City Government Hall, Civil Affairs Secretary Zhu Xian was on the phone.
"They've arrived? Did you convey my greetings? Good, make sure to arrange the reception for Supervisor Chen properly."
After hanging up, he, too, couldn't help but feel emotionally stirred. He had met Chen Chuan a few years ago, thinking of him as a promising young man at the time. But he never imagined they would become peers so quickly.
It's been less than three years, hasn't it? It took him many years of hard work and experience in the field to reach his current position.
But he also understood that the times had changed, and capable fighters like him could rise quickly. He had witnessed numerous examples of individuals seizing an opportunity to soar to new heights within a few years.
While he may not have held as much power as a local leader responsible for millions of people, in times of major conflict and confrontation, it was the martial arts faction that held priority within the entire system.
His secretary spoke up at this moment, "I wonder if Supervisor Chen's return to Yangzhi City is a triumphant homecoming or if he has other plans?"
Director Zhu 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 a glance."
He waved his hand dismissively, "Just follow the rules and treat him as a guest." After a moment of thought, he added, "Keep me informed of any developments."
The secretary nodded in agreement.
The last time Chen Chuan visited Yangzhi, he merely called to inform his aunt's family. There was no commotion.
But this time, before Chen Chuan even returned, the news had already spread throughout the Patrol Bureau's residential area. Everyone knew that Chen Chuan had taken on a higher position in Central City, and even Director Guan personally went to the intersection to greet him.
Everyone was filled with a mix of surprise and envy, marveling at Chen Chuan's newfound success.
The news didn't just reach the Patrol Bureau and the Handling Bureau; Wu Yi Academy also received the information. After all, Wu Yi Academy and the Handling Bureau were two sides of the same coin, and Chen Chuan was a graduate of Wu Yi. They shared in his success.
Cheng Zitong had received the news early that morning, so he had been glowing with excitement these past few days. Upon hearing that Chen Chuan's convoy had entered the city, he immediately picked up the phone and dialed a number, "Old Qian, I'm looking for my senior."
The other end responded promptly, "Director Cheng, the old master isn't here."
"He's not here? Where did he go?" Cheng Zitong asked, taken aback.
Old Qian explained, "It's almost the end of the school year, and the new semester is about to begin. The old master has arranged with Central City to send the young master there to adapt to the environment. So, a couple of days ago, he took the young master to Central City."
Cheng Zitong exclaimed, "Oh... Did my senior rush things a bit? Why didn't he inform me in advance so I could see him off?"
Old Qian said, "The old master mentioned that the semester is almost over, and this is your busiest time, Director Cheng. He didn't want to bother you."
Cheng Zitong sighed and said, "My senior is truly considerate. Alright, please let me know when he returns or calls, Old Qian. Don't forget."
Old Qian respectfully assured him, "Director Cheng, I will certainly do so."
After hanging up the phone, Cheng Zitong turned around. At that moment, Qiao Linhu was sitting there, surrounded by his students, with their luggage already packed nearby.
Qiao Linhu nodded in response.
Just then, the sound of a car horn echoed from outside, and he immediately stood up, his voice stern, "Let's go."
As he hurried outside, his disciples quickly followed suit.
Qiao Linhu settled into the car, and once his disciples and all the attendants were seated with their large and small bags securely stowed, he urged in a deep voice, "Let's go. Avoid the main entrance and take the route behind the academy."
His demeanor made others tense, knowing that they were headed to Central City. Those unaware might have thought they were fleeing from danger.
Soon after his car departed, before the scent of algae oil had dissipated, another vehicle arrived and stopped at the entrance of the estate.
Cheng Zitong stepped out, removed his sunglasses, and glanced at the tightly shut and locked gate. "Oh, he's really left. Well, I guess I won't be able to join him for a meal after all."
He looked into the distance and called out, "Senior, have a safe journey!"
His voice carried on the wind, fading into the distance.
After standing there for a while, he suddenly chuckled, put on his sunglasses, returned to the car, and drove off.
The convoy headed towards the city center, and as they passed through it, Chen Chuan glanced at the former site of the Mo Lan Corporation building.
It was evident that the building had undergone renovations. From the outside, it was uniformly silver-bright metal, with the Yuan'an Corporation logo in the center, resembling a metal gear base with protruding ridged armor leaves overlapping on top.
In the square, a full-metal sculpture stood, supported by several legs, and it seemed to be covered in overlapping shell-like armor.
Ordinary people might not be able to discern what it was, but he felt that it resembled the active sentient entities to some extent.
Chen Chuan observed it for a moment, then looked up at the building above before finally averting his gaze.
The convoy drove past the sculpture in the square and headed into the Handling Bureau's administrative building, not far from the square, under the watchful eyes of the armed personnel.
...
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(End of Chapter)
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