Chapter 105: I'll Take Care of You!

At this moment, a new identity card had appeared on Ye Chen’s chest. The card bore a white background with black lettering, his photograph printed on it. On the front, a circular emblem enclosed a single character meaning “person,” symbolizing the Extraordinary Office. On the back, another circular emblem depicted a cogwheel, representing the City of Steel.

When Ye Chen inquired about his daily schedule at the Extraordinary Office, Youya explained that, as a specially appointed member, there were no strict requirements for him. However, he was expected to report at least twice a week: once to accompany her in various daring and novel experiments, and once to assist Youzhi. This was the final compromise between the siblings—Ye Chen’s experimental duties would be divided evenly between them.

Clearly, they didn’t think much of my skills and just want to use me as a tool… Ye Chen grumbled inwardly. He also wondered at the apparent leisure of the City of Steel’s Extraordinary Office—were they planning to overstay their welcome?

But this was no time to voice his complaints; airing them now would only aggravate matters. Little did he know, for this group of research fanatics, any place with a fascinating topic was home enough. Concerns about the management of the City of Steel’s Extraordinary Office were dismissed with a laugh—without the Chief Director, there was still the Deputy Director. Besides, the siblings’ grandfather, the former Chief, was still enjoying a leisurely retirement within the Office. Perhaps it was time for him to return to service. As for the other researchers, they were all adept at managing themselves. The only reminders their assistants needed to give were: “Professor, it’s time to eat,” and “Professor, if you keep going, you’ll blow up the Office!”

Yet it was Youzhi’s words that truly conveyed his goodwill to Ye Chen: “You’re not just here to assist us. You have free access to all the books in the shopping wing. If you need, I can even grant you entry to the archives behind the black doors.” It was a gentle reminder to keep learning and not bring shame to the Extraordinary Office.

As he was about to leave, Ye Chen slapped his forehead, suddenly recalling another purpose for his visit. Turning to Youya, he said, “Chief Director Youya, I suddenly thought of a question I’d like to ask you!”

Youya raised an eyebrow, arms folded. “Oh? If you have a question, shouldn’t you call me ‘teacher’?” The private lessons haven’t even started, and you’re rushing things… Ye Chen kept a straight face, shifted slightly to face Chief Director Youzhi, and began, “Here’s what happened…”

He briefly recounted the events at the green crystal mine outside the city and how the piglet was eventually taken away by an inner-city vehicle. “I don’t have any particular motive; I just wanted to know how he was dealt with in the end, since he did attempt to harm our team. If the Office tells us the result, all is well. But if they try to sweep the punishment under the rug or bury it, a lot of people would be outraged.”

Though not a master of social niceties, Youzhi understood the implication and nodded, promising to look into it. Ye Chen sighed inwardly—so you really are oblivious to anything outside your own interests. Still, as a Chief Director of a key inner-city office, how do you usually interact with the others?

…

As Ye Chen strolled joyfully down the inner-city streets, even the winter sky seemed bright, the air lightly intoxicating. The glances from passersby brimmed with envy. Such was the security, elation, and secret delight that came from having wealth in your pocket!

At this moment, that black-gold credit card, along with the one meant for Little Braised Egg, lay quietly in his storage space, exuding the scent of money.

Passing through the city gate, he gave one of the guards a friendly pat on the shoulder, flashing what he thought was a genial smile—though it struck the guard as rather odd.

Moments later, the older of the guards remarked, “See, didn’t I tell you? Did you notice his smile? That’s the look of someone who’s just achieved something big.”

The younger guard asked, “So, next time he comes by, should we be more respectful?”

Watching Ye Chen’s cheerful silhouette fade into the distance, the older guard nodded, “Of course. In my experience, for a young man to be that happy, he must have contributed greatly to the Extraordinary Office’s research.”

But the reason Ye Chen hadn’t lingered at the Extraordinary Office wasn’t an eagerness to flaunt his newfound wealth; he had a more pressing matter at heart—he needed to practice the Savage Beast-level Breathing Technique without delay.

…

Inside Bus 99 Tavern.

The tables and chairs previously damaged in a brawl had been replaced. Because of Boss Zhou’s rousing speech the other night, customer reviews had been overwhelmingly positive, and business was booming.

In the dim light, three people sat together at a table in a corner—two with drinks, one with tea. Two cigarettes were being chain-smoked, the smoke aimed squarely at one person.

Rarely seen here, Team Leader Dai was coughing uncontrollably, waving away the thick clouds of secondhand smoke. “Can you two knock it off? Secondhand smoke can kill, you know,” he complained irritably.

Zhou Peng obediently stubbed out his cigarette, apologizing, “Sorry, Team Leader Dai. You brought such good cigarettes, I couldn’t resist a few extra.” Beside him, Jin Yinghui took a final drag and commented, “Free smokes always taste sweeter. Haven’t had this brand in years.”

Dai squinted, pulling out another unopened pack and placing it on the table. “If you like them so much, take this one too.”

Jin Yinghui glanced at it, flicked it over to Zhou Peng with a finger, and said, “All yours. Just remember to give me a discount on drinks tonight.”

Zhou Peng pocketed the cigarettes in tacit agreement, then probed, “By the way, Team Leader Dai, what’s Ye Chen been up to lately? Feels like we haven’t seen him in days.”

Jin Yinghui paused mid-puff, adding, “If you can say, do. If not, don’t force it.”

“You two really do care about your brother,” Dai said, adjusting his glasses, recognizing the genuine concern on their faces. He realized that their invitation for tea and conversation was really a pretext to find out about Ye Chen’s recent disappearance—especially after the team had recently returned, all injured.

“There’s nothing I can’t say,” Dai replied, taking a sip of tea. “He took a leave of absence, said the inner-city Extraordinary Office wanted him to assist with a few experiments. I approved it.”

Jin Yinghui and Zhou Peng exchanged glances. That wild kid? Since when did he have connections with the Extraordinary Office? With his level of knowledge, the only experiments he’d be fit for would be skinning wild beasts… Jin Yinghui thought bluntly.

Wait, the Extraordinary Office—Youzhi? What did he want with Ye Chen? Hmm, but perhaps it wasn’t Youzhi personally; after all, he was the Chief Director… Jin Yinghui mused. Still, if Ye Chen was just brushing shoulders with the Office, there was nothing to worry about—so long as he didn’t get into trouble with the other departments.

At that moment, Dai removed his glasses and set them aside. Looking at Zhou Peng, he said, “Ever since you left the Patrol Office, we haven’t heard your harmonica in ages. Since I’ve satisfied your curiosity, why not indulge me for a bit?”

Zhou Peng smiled awkwardly, went behind the bar, turned off the speakers, and retrieved an old harmonica from a drawer, carefully wiping it down. Soon, the noisy music was replaced by the melodious notes of the harmonica.

…

Morning.

With a grating creak, the rusty hinges of a door in a narrow alley turned. Ye Chen, feeling refreshed, stepped out, stretched, and a series of crackles ran through his body.

After practicing the Savage Beast-level Breathing Technique, Ye Chen’s appearance hadn’t changed much, but a keen observer might notice a glint of brilliance deep in his eyes.

In his own words, the Monster-level Breathing Technique was more about laying a foundation—purifying and tempering the body, improving physical attributes. In the early days of cultivation, after each session, Ye Chen’s body would expel many impurities, which left a psychological scar. But the result was a dramatic boost in his physical strength.

Among the three main awakening series, the Artifact Path was strange and unpredictable, the Elemental Path dazzling, and the Physical Path tough as hide and flesh. Of course, this was a rough outline—there were also weaklings among them, like the sand rats.

The Savage Beast-level Breathing Technique, aside from further strengthening the body, also enhanced the practitioner’s mental power. Ye Chen felt that he now approached problems with a greater calmness, sharper analysis, stronger willpower—and, admittedly, thicker skin. …Which, he supposed, was a good thing.

But the most tangible improvement was in his internal reserve. A quick check revealed it had reached 200—satisfactory! He wondered why Breathing Techniques always left an odd number; wouldn’t a cap of 999 be more satisfying?

After returning from the Extraordinary Office, Ye Chen had gone straight into secluded cultivation. Before starting, he’d requested extended leave from Team Leader Dai. Dai had warned that extended leave meant a pay cut, to which Ye Chen had replied, “Cut away, I don’t mind!”

During this time, his close friends had sent messages. Ye Chen replied to all: “My trip to the inner city was enlightening. I’m developing new skills, so… I’m off alcohol for a week.”

Jin Yinghui replied, “Tch, can’t handle your liquor—hiding from us!”

Zhou Peng replied, “Just got a batch of fresh meat. Old Jin said he won’t wait, he’s eating without you.”

Aunt Chen replied, “Keep it up, I’m looking forward to your results.”

Xu Fan replied, “Did you blow all your money on high living in the inner city?”

Qiao Mucao replied, “When I developed my skills, I had some insights too. Here’s what happened… (ten thousand words omitted)”

Ye Shanshan, of course, knew Ye Chen was back. He simply asked her to leave a meal at his door morning and night, and told her she could stop running her food stall from the next day—saying nothing else, not even mentioning his newfound millions.

He wanted to give her a surprise.

At the time, his little sister just rolled her eyes. “Stop the food stall? Are you going to support me?!”

Ye Chen replied, “Yes, I’ll support you!”