"Big Brother BuYu, it's all taken care of. I had my company snatch that project at a premium price, heh!"
Only after wrapping things up did Big Goose rush over to report to Chen Nian.
Here he was—a CEO of a major corporation, a man nearing forty—gleefully glued to his phone, eagerly awaiting BuYu's reply.
Yep, just like a desperate puppy chasing after his dream girl.
Chen Nian: Alright, I owe you one.
Big Goose jolted upright and instantly replied: Not at all, bro! Helping you is my honor!
Chen Nian: If I recall correctly, your talent is Knight? I'll keep an eye out for related opportunities for you.
Big Goose: Hahaha, you're too kind, bro! Thanks in advance!
No sooner had he finished than he rushed off to brag in the group chat.
Getting a favor from "Silent" was definitely something worth bragging about!
If nothing else, it would boost his status in the group—that was the power of "Silent."
"Awesome, Big Goose!"
"From now on, we'll all call you Goose-Bro."
"Brother Goose, Brother Goose! I'm your little brother now—take me under your wing!"
Big Goose's vanity was instantly gratified. Honestly, just this alone felt worth it—everyone in this group was elite!
In the future world, these connections would be powerful networks!
Building ties with Silent meant owning influence. Influence meant power. Power meant securing a foothold in the new era.
He understood these power dynamics all too well.
Chen Nian simply went offline.
This incident was merely a minor punishment; he hadn't given Liu Xingchen a second thought.
It was like a clown tried to jump on his head, so he casually slapped the clown away.
Few people were capable enough to warrant his attention.
Only someone of Ye Hongling's caliber...
But I have a girlfriend now. She shouldn't be able to track me down so easily.
Chen Nian's plan was simple: rest for two more days until his extraordinary powers fully recovered, then venture out again to level up.
Extraordinary powers stemmed from unlocked genes within his body.
Overuse would cause genetic depletion and collapse, leading to irreversible consequences!
[Important Notice: All students are required to attend school as usual tomorrow. The school will establish a new "Martial Arts Department" for extraordinary individuals to study and grow, with the potential for official recruitment. All students are advised to take note.]
This announcement was pinned at the top of the school's group chat.
The school is resuming operations?
It makes sense. Even with the game merging with reality, the real world's systems can't collapse. How else would people sustain their economies and livelihoods?
Not just schools—public facilities, entertainment venues, and all industries are rapidly recovering.
But unlike before, the most sought-after talent in this era has become "Extraordinary Individuals"!
The school aims to cultivate these extraordinary individuals.
Chen Nian received another call—this time from his "girlfriend," Qin Yu.
"Hello, Chen Nian?"
"What is it?"
"I... I'm enrolling at Linhai City University tomorrow to study at the 'Martial Arts Department.' Could you accompany me?"
Qin Yu's voice sounded hesitant, tinged with shyness.
"....."
Chen Nian attended Linhai City University—this was a bit too coincidental.
He suspected Qin Yu's three friends were secretly scheming, trying to give her more chances to interact with him, so they'd tricked her into coming here...
After all, they knew my true identity.
"Why aren't you saying anything?!"
Seeing his silence, Qin Yu clearly displayed a touch of girlish temper.
"Where are your agency people? Isn't anyone picking you up?"
"My agent said... said that since I have a boyfriend now, he should be the one to pick me up and drop me off. He also suggested finding a time to make an official announcement on my Weibo."
Qin Yu flopped onto the bed, burying her crimson cheeks deep into the pillow, wishing she could vanish into a hole.
She never imagined her agency would just abandon her like this!
"Fine."
"Fine what?! Isn't it your job to pick up your girlfriend? Hmph!"
"Then meet me at the main gate tomorrow."
"Don't you dare stand me up, or I'm done for!"
Qin Yu knew that once he stepped onto campus, his identity would inevitably draw a huge crowd.
Without an agent or bodyguards by his side, he'd be completely helpless. And who knew if that Chen Nian guy was reliable?
...
The next morning, Chen Nian stepped out.
Though he was a homebody, when dressed neatly, his looks held their own.
His tousled hair fell naturally, paired with a loose T-shirt, jeans, and white sneakers—the picture of a handsome college guy.
Chen Nian didn't drive himself; he took a taxi.
Unfortunately, traffic was gridlocked!
This street was packed with cars, almost all heading to Linhai City University!
Because Linhai City University's "Martial Arts Department" was holding open recruitment!
Not just current college students—anyone possessing extraordinary abilities and meeting the age requirements could apply.
Joining Linhai University meant systematic training and opportunities for official collaborations. For most people, it was definitely better than going it alone!
.....
"Damn it, traffic jams and red lights!"
The driver cursed under his breath, lit a cigarette, and turned to Chen Nian in the backseat.
"Young man, you heading to Linhai University for recruitment too?"
"Yes."
"Honestly, I think young folks should learn a trade and settle down. What good does all that stuff do?"
The driver blew smoke out the window. "My nephew dabbled in that stuff. Thought he was gonna be the next big thing. Yesterday, the enforcers brought his body back."
Chen Nian: ....
"Fighting those monsters? That's no easy task. Young folks are full of vigor, but settling down is the right path."
Chen Nian shook his head. "Driver, there's no such thing as peaceful times. Someone always has to bear the burden."
"Bear the burden? That's not for you kids!"
Just then, on the sidewalk ahead, a little girl with a backpack skipped across the street.
BOOM!
The manhole cover by the roadside flew into the air like a cannonball!
Several pitch-black tentacles shot out from the hole, wrapping around the girl's arms and legs before dragging her into the sewer!
"AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
"Xiao Ke! Xiao Ke!"
Her mother screamed her daughter's name like a madwoman, trying to leap in, but a male passerby behind her held her back tightly.
"Let me go! My daughter was dragged into that monster! Let me go!"
"Calm down! Calm down, sister!"
The driver stared blankly at the scene, likely frozen in terror.
In broad daylight, a monster emerged from the sewer and snatched away a living little girl—the very thought was terrifying!
Chen Nian pulled on his mask and opened the car door.
He shot forward in a single bound, charging through the crowd with brute force before nimbly leaping into the sewer.