Chapter 644: On the Edge
Chapter 644: On the Edge
Chen Chuan was not surprised by Ji Xinmin and the other two's counter-accusations. Such tactics were common, and even without the numerous precedents, he had personally experienced similar situations before.
Lack of evidence? Evidence could be fabricated, and new evidence and witnesses could be produced continuously. Then, there would be a lengthy process of verification and investigation, followed by a repetitive cycle. In any case, with the support of certain legal principles, the matter could be dragged on indefinitely, never reaching a conclusion.
Director Wu, seeing the calmness in his eyes, knew that he was already prepared for this. However, he still offered a reminder, "The Grey Shell Affairs Hall and the Municipal Parliament are closely connected. You should be on high alert.
These people have abundant financial resources and manpower. They may continue to harass you over this matter, constantly dragging you into a quagmire that consumes your energy and time.
They might secretly influence people you know to put pressure on you or even resort to more sinister and despicable means to force you into submission or surrender."
Chen Chuan asked, "Does Director Wu have any suggestions?"
Director Wu replied, "In this situation, it's best to have a clear plan. If you intend to see it through to the end, the Bureau will support you. This isn't just my opinion; it's the consensus among the other directors as well.
The Bureau can intervene to prevent you from being summoned, and we can cover the costs of the Appellate Court from public funds. On this matter, we stand united in protecting our agents.
However, it may take several years or even longer to reach a conclusion. Even without being summoned, they will find other ways to interfere with you. Don't underestimate them; over time, this could significantly occupy your energy and time."
His voice turned serious, "There have been similar cases before, and not just one. Initially, they were confident in their ability to fight to the end, but in the end, they either requested a transfer or agreed to certain conditions for reconciliation, which put the Bureau in a passive position."
Chen Chuan nodded slightly, understanding the situation. If the Bureau's support repeatedly failed, it would be as good as having none, causing no harm to the Handling Bureau on the surface but severely damaging internal morale.
The difference between him and those who had compromised before was that Ji Xinmin and the other two were from the Polished Faction. Despite knowing that he had joined the Pureline Sect, they still attempted to use underhanded methods to pull him to their side, even resorting to additional means. If viewed from a broader perspective, this matter had already escalated into a dispute between factions.
After sending a telegraph using the communication frequency provided by Chang Dong, he received a reply promising additional Purity Substance and informing him that someone would be sent to resolve the issue within the next two days at the latest.
Even if the matter remained unresolved, it didn't matter. The Great Collision was approaching, and by the time it arrived, the existing rules might no longer apply. In the end, martial power would be the ultimate deciding factor.
Chen Chuan was grateful for Director Wu's good intentions and assistance. He said, "Thank you, Director Wu."
Director Wu said, "You're a member of the Handling Bureau, and in this case, you hold the evidence and have a reasonable grasp of the situation. The Bureau will definitely support you, but I must also remind you that while we can help you personally, we can't extend that support to other areas. Manager Chen, you should consider your next steps."
Chen Chuan nodded, "I believe I can find a solution."
Director Wu glanced at him and suddenly asked, "Do you know their identities?"
Chen Chuan understood that he was referring to their hidden identities. He replied affirmatively, "I know."
Director Wu nodded and patted him on the shoulder, "As long as you're aware, that's good. If there's anything you can't handle on your own, remember to seek the Bureau's help."
Chen Chuan acknowledged.
After the meeting, he exited the conference room and walked down the corridor. For some reason, he suddenly thought of the cold-mannered Manager Han he had just met. He couldn't shake the feeling that this person held some animosity towards him.
He had a hunch and decided to check the records. The file only contained basic information about age and work experience. Manager Han had started from the bottom and had achieved numerous accomplishments in his youth, but his position remained unchanged until he was thirty-five. Only in the past decade had he risen through the ranks, and he had been in his current managerial position for three years.
There was nothing else of note.
Chen Chuan paused for a moment and contacted Qiu Ganshi. After a while, she answered, and he said, "Qiu Ganshi, I'm now a manager. Let's stick to formalities within the Bureau."
Qiu Ganshi laughed and said, "Okay, Manager Chen. There's something I'd like to ask you about Manager Han."
"Manager Han?"
Qiu Ganshi thought for a moment and said, "Hold on.
Chen Chuan heard the sound of Ni Qianxi's heels walking outside, and after a while, her voice came out again, "When he was young, Manager Han was said to be quite famous. But after being injured in an operation, he was transferred to a more leisurely position. It seems he's been in this role for over a decade."
"But I heard his grandfather held a high-ranking position, specifically handling company affairs. It's probably because of this connection that he still has ties with some company executives, even with foreign entities."
Chen Chuan listened attentively. Ni Qianxi didn't know much, and a lot of it was unverified gossip, but some parts were worth considering.
After listening, Chen Chuan thanked her and promised to treat her to a meal another day. He ended the communication and stepped out of the corridor. As he reached the outside, he looked up and saw Officer Qiu waiting for him, smiling and saluting.
"Manager Chen, there are a few documents for your signature."
Chen Chuan took the documents and saw they were about national conscription and the Fusion Zone's exemption from conscription. As a Third Limit Fighter, he was obligated to respond to these calls, a duty of his rank.
However, as an investigation manager at the Handling Bureau, he was now considered an upper-middle-level official in Central City. Technically, he was no longer part of the front-line combat personnel.
Unless there was an emergency conscription or a request for transfer and voluntary enlistment, he wouldn't be forced into these duties.
But in the event of an emergency, everyone in the Handling Bureau, regardless of rank, would be expected to fight if they possessed combat capabilities.
It's just that such a situation hadn't arisen yet.
After reviewing the documents, Chen Chuan took the pen offered by Officer Qiu and signed the two documents.
Officer Qiu took them back and handed him another one.
"Manager Chen, please sign this one as well."
Chen Chuan took it and saw it was about his cultivation resources, especially the allocation of special drugs. Even without going to the Fusion Zone, his current position entitled him to a fixed quota.
He sighed inwardly. Those fighting on the front lines also received many resources, but there was a noticeable gap compared to the true managers, as they were the ones controlling and distributing the resources.
If he hadn't joined a sect or signed an agreement with the government or a company, the position he currently held would have been his peak.
He signed this document as well and returned it to Officer Qiu, who saluted once more before leaving with the documents.
Chen Chuan walked out of the Handling Bureau and returned to his car. He thought for a moment—the resources allocated to him by the Fusion Border Corporation were sufficient for his cultivation.
In fact, his physical cultivation was already approaching the limit of his true self's potential, but after consuming the Purity Substance, his potential had increased again, though overall, he had already reached his peak.
Of course, there was also his Second Self. His goal was for his Second Self to catch up to his current level, merge with himself, and then take that step beyond the limit, surpassing the theoretical perfection.
If this was his goal, he needed not only cultivation but also qualified opponents in Central City, which was not lacking in this regard.
Moreover, with the joint team and the Linax Federation's diplomatic group arriving in mid-to-late September, just over a dozen days away, it was easy to imagine that Central City would not be peaceful at that time.
Once he no longer needed special drugs, he could pass them on to suitable, talented individuals. Those with resources would naturally gather strength.
As Chen Chuan left the Handling Bureau, Wei Dong and Wu Han were heading towards an abandoned house on the edge of Shenwei District.
Today, they had accepted a commission to rescue someone kidnapped by gang members. Both were armed with their preferred weapons—Wu Han with a short gun and Wei Dong with a pair of special gauntlets—and wore their purchased protective gear.
After reaching the side of the building, Wu Han peered up from cover and said, "Same old rule. You go first to attract their attention, and I'll enter from the side to rescue the person."
They had carried out such commissions numerous times. These thugs couldn't possibly have high combat skills; if they did, they wouldn't be thugs. Usually, a single ambush was enough to resolve the issue.
But Wei Dong, uncharacteristically, didn't respond.
Wu Han looked at him in surprise.
"I have a bad feeling," Wei Dong said at that moment.
Wu Han was astonished. Wei Dong had never been afraid, but his intuition was always spot-on. If he said it felt wrong, there was likely something amiss.
The two had executed many missions together and encountered numerous dangers. Wu Han trusted Wei Dong, especially since Chen Chuan had recently warned them to be extra cautious.
So, Wu Han looked up and immediately decided, "Then let's not go in. We're leaving!"
...
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(End of Chapter)
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