Chapter 656: The Conversation
Chapter 656: The Conversation
Chen Chuan turned to look at Assistant Ling, who was smiling, waiting to continue.
Assistant Ling extended a hand, gesturing to his right.
Chen Chuan looked in that direction and saw a floor-to-ceiling glass wall. Through it, he could see most of the Central City's scenery. Due to the current lighting, he could also make out the faint silhouettes of the two of them reflected on the glass.
"Look outside," Assistant Ling said with a smile. "I love admiring the entire city from here. It makes me feel like I can grasp it all. I believe many people feel the same way, but I know it's just a psychological illusion of satisfaction."
"It's because this building has elevated me, giving me a sense of superiority. But when I step out of here and stand below, I can only look up at them. I can only see a fraction of the city, and their shadows alone can engulf me."
Assistant Ling turned to face Chen Chuan and said, "Power that doesn't belong to you is not true power."
He looked out at the city through the glass wall and drew a circle with his finger. "This world is bound by countless rules. Rules? They dictate what you can and cannot do. The difference here is... you must first be permitted, and then you can possess."
Chen Chuan listened calmly. He had heard similar words from members of the Mutual Aid Society, and Chen Bitong had spoken of this as well. Now, Assistant Ling was discussing the same topic.
Assistant Ling sighed, "It's truly a shame. I should have waited until you, Chen Chuan, had discovered that layer of hindrance before discussing this with you. It might have been more appropriate then."
"I should have realized that someone as outstanding as you would be valued. Even if you didn't take the initiative, someone would be willing to open a crack in that door for you."
"Now, you've probably already seen the staircase behind that crack, but such a staircase... undoubtedly requires a certain price."
"Companies, governments, and factions all operate in this manner."
"I wonder what choice you'll make, Chen Chuan? I doubt you'll choose the company. The government, perhaps? Or maybe a faction? The Fusion Sect or the Refinement Sect? Whichever you choose, it doesn't make much difference."
"They hold the resources, control the power, and set the rules. Although you've managed to squeeze through a crack, I must say something that might make you uncomfortable. How far you can go depends entirely on how far they allow you to go."
He emphasized, "You must follow their rules. You can only do what they tell you to do. You are merely a tool in their hands, a means to maintain their authority, protect their interests, and reinforce their rules. They are the masters of these tools. Once you join them, it's unavoidable. I believe you've realized this, Chen Chuan. Are you truly content with this?"
Assistant Ling paused and then snapped his fingers. Suddenly, the entire garden transformed into a golden desert, leaving only the two of them sitting across from each other.
"They've tried to recruit me before, but I refused," Assistant Ling said with a smile. "I know that if I join them, I'll not only become one of them, but my thoughts will no longer guide my actions. I'll be driven and constrained by external forces.
This is not what I desire. My ideals will fade away.
I want to find a staircase where I can be the master, where I can set the rules."
"A rule maker?"
Chen Chuan nodded. "That seems difficult."
Assistant Ling smiled and said, "It is difficult, but not impossible."
"Did you find that staircase, Assistant Ling?"
Assistant Ling picked up the cup beside him, and the beverage inside seemed to have refilled itself. He swirled the cup and smiled, "I've found it.
This staircase is challenging, but not to the point of exaggeration. I've already climbed it, but I've been searching for like-minded companions.
I'm willing to share this. It shouldn't be a staircase for just me. When many walk together, we can reach the other end faster."
He shook his head, a hint of lament in his voice. "But such people are few and far between. Those from powerful families have their own perceptions and would never abandon everything to stand with me. And those from the lower classes often lack the necessary resources to reach this threshold."
He looked at Chen Chuan and said, "Chen Chuan, you're the second person I've met in over a decade who has the qualifications to join me, someone who rose from the peripheral cities."
"Over a decade in a peripheral city?" Chen Chuan couldn't help but make some connections upon hearing this.
"Director Chen, I've said a lot, just to tell you that the path you're on right now isn't the right one for you. No matter how talented you are, every step you take requires the approval of certain people. Do you really want them to control your future and plan your path?"
He spread his hands, gesturing to his surroundings, "Think about it. Without these constraints, how wonderful would it be to follow your heart's desires? A vast world where you can roam freely, unbound by anyone."
Chen Chuan looked at the cup in his hand. The beverage seemed to have been refilled, its refreshing aroma indistinguishable from before, making it hard to differentiate reality from illusion.
"The idea is indeed wonderful," he said, looking at Ling Assistant. "You said I've found the pathway, which has piqued my curiosity. Because nothing is just talk; it requires support, whether it's dominant power, available resources, or the most easily understood and accepted money..."
He looked at Ling Assistant, "I wonder what it is that you possess?"
Ling Assistant smiled and said, "I can tell you, Director Chen, that there is indeed something supporting me from behind. It wasn't the first thing I found, to be precise. I'm a participant and inheritor, but I can assure you that I will fulfill all my promises.
My earlier words aren't just beautiful in theory; they are substantively achievable. If you're willing, Director Chen, I can show you, and I believe you'll understand after seeing it."
Chen Chuan's gaze fixed on him, "Is that so? Then I'd like to see it."
Ling Assistant glanced at him and smiled, "Today might not be suitable. Let me prepare, and when the right opportunity comes, I'll personally show you, Director Chen."
Chen Chuan said, "Okay, then I'll await your notice." He placed the cup aside and stood up, "I think it's time for me to take my leave."
Ling Assistant also stood up, and at that moment, the surrounding scenery transformed from the desert back to the previous botanical garden.
Chen Chuan nodded at him and walked towards the door. Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly seemed to remember something and turned back, asking, "Ling Assistant, did Teacher Wu also join you?"
Ling Assistant smiled and said, "He used to be. Unfortunately, we couldn't find him later. It seems Teacher Wu holds you in high regard?"
Chen Chuan sincerely replied, "Teacher Wu has indeed provided me with a lot of help." After saying this, he nodded again and left the aerial garden.
In the 619th chapter, a single glance revealed no errors!
After Chen Chuan left, Ling Assistant touched the World Credential, and after a while, the call connected. He said, "I talked to him."
"How did it go?"
"Unfortunately, he doesn't seem interested. I don't think he'll join us."
"I told you so," said the voice on the other end. "Moreover, he's now the Investigation Director at the Processing Bureau. How could he possibly turn back? I think we should give up and stop bothering him."
Ling Assistant said, "But no one is more suitable than him."
"Suitable?"
"Yes, you know what I mean."
The person on the other end was suddenly startled, "You..." Then the voice lowered, "You better think this through."
Ling Assistant slowly walked to the window, gazing outside, "We've been delayed for too long. That person helped us obtain the item from Ink Lotus Corporation, and I believe this person can help us complete the final piece of the puzzle. If we miss this chance, who knows how long we'll have to wait."
"If you're sure..."
Ling Assistant smiled, "I'm sure for now, but not in the future."
The voice seemed convinced and cautiously asked, "When? I'll need some time to prepare."
Ling Assistant simply said, "Start preparing, and I'll inform you of the time." After ending the call, he raised the cup and drank the Valley Treasure Juice inside.
Chen Chuan left the aerial garden and took the elevator back to the apartment. After that conversation, many thoughts filled his mind.
He remembered Teacher Wu's final warning, so he remained vigilant towards Ling Assistant.
He didn't forget Teacher Wu's notes or his final madness.
No matter how beautiful the words, they couldn't conceal the harsh reality.
When you gain something, you inevitably lose something else. If you don't feel the sacrifice, it's because someone or something else is paying the price for you.
Indeed, the other party's approach was a bit late, as he had already found his path.
Ding! The elevator doors slowly opened.
He stepped into the corridor. Regardless of their intentions or goals, he would soon find out when he met them.
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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