Chapter 97: A Chance Encounter

Chapter 97: A Chance Encounter

An 8 million relocation allowance was certainly not the highest offer here.

But since his family had already moved to Hedong City, Chen Shouyi didn’t want to consider other options. Moreover, compared to the benefits, he valued Hedong City’s safety more. After all, it was the provincial capital, where resources were concentrated, and the provincial military garrison was stationed here. Without a doubt, it was far safer than other places.

Before long, a young assistant came jogging over with freshly printed brochures and distributed them to the nearby Martial Artists. "Take a look, everyone! Hedong City’s benefits have been updated!"

Chen Shouyi took one of the brochures, its pages still warm to the touch, clearly just printed. He skimmed through it and found that Hedong City’s benefits were indeed quite impressive.

For example, the Otherworld Training Room operated by the Hedong City government could be used for free. There were also tax exemptions.

Additionally, the Municipal Martial Artist Subsidy was as high as 20,000. Combined with the uniform National Martial Artist Allowance of 10,000 and the provincial subsidy of another 20,000, his monthly income alone would reach 50,000—more than enough to live comfortably in Hedong City.

And that didn’t even include the salary from his assigned position.

In truth, this was also to meet the basic material needs of Martial Artists.

"A warrior’s strength can defy the law"—such individuals possessed overwhelming personal combat power. They struck as fast as lightning, ran swifter than galloping horses, and could even begin to resist firearms. They were practically one-man armies. If they turned to crime for profit, who could stop them?

After the person ahead of him left, Chen Shouyi stepped forward and took a seat.

"Hello, hello! Welcome to Hedong City. If you have any questions, feel free to ask," the Hedong City Representative said politely, his tone humble.

"I just want to ask, if I join Hedong City, which unit would I be assigned to?" Chen Shouyi asked after a moment’s thought.

The Assistant beside him quickly handed over a document.

The Hedong City Representative glanced at it.

"Name: Chen Shouyi

Age: 17

…

Physical Fitness Test: Excellent

Combat Test: Excellent"

His spirits lifted immediately, and he grew even more attentive. "Mr. Chen, for newly recruited Martial Artists, there are generally three placement options based on personal preference.

"First, you could be assigned to a district police bureau. The work is usually quite relaxed, but occasionally, you’d assist in extreme situations.

"Second, you could be attached to district governments at various levels, holding some nominal positions.

"Third, if you’re interested in politics, you could take on an actual administrative role. According to regulations, the starting treatment would be at the Section Chief-Level.

"As for the benefits, the first option offers the highest base salary—over 30,000—along with bonuses and Martial Artist Merit Points upon completing tasks. The second and third options follow the standard civil servant salary structure."

Chen Shouyi pondered silently, immediately dismissing the last option.

He had no interest in politics. The thought of a nine-to-five routine made his hair stand on end.

In contrast, he much preferred training in martial arts every day. The feeling of growing stronger with each day’s effort filled him with motivation.

As for the second option, while it was indeed relaxed, it wouldn’t earn him Martial Artist Merit Points. He still wanted to buy several doses of Divine Marrow and Divine Blood—not just for himself, but also for his family.

Especially for his parents, who were already getting on in years, this thing clearly had the effect of prolonging life, warding off illness, and strengthening the body.

...

Having made his decision, Chen Shouyi no longer hesitated. He took the pen and filled out the letter of intent, while the Hedong City Representative completed the filing procedures on the spot.

The official onboarding would take place three days later, on Monday.

As for the 8 million relocation allowance, it would be deposited into his bank account that afternoon.

He walked out of the Hedong Grand Hotel, took off his suit jacket, and draped it over his arm.

"Xiacheng District Public Security Bureau."

He murmured to himself, feeling a faint sense of emotion welling up inside.

A few months ago, who could have imagined he’d end up becoming a police officer—albeit only part-time?

What had his childhood dream been again?

Ah, right—a scientist...

...

"Chen Shouyi!?"

Walking down the street, he heard someone call his name—a very familiar voice. He turned toward the sound.

"Teacher Wang, what are you doing here?" Chen Shouyi asked in surprise.

He hadn’t expected to run into Wang Ruyue here, his former tutor.

Standing beside her was a young woman with an oval face and fair complexion, both carrying large shopping bags—clearly, they had been out shopping.

"I moved to Hedong recently. What’s with the suit? You look so different dressed like this, I almost didn’t recognize you," Wang Ruyue said with a light smile. She wore a pale green casual blouse and low-rise jeans that accentuated her slender waist.

"I just came from a formal event. Wearing a suit makes me look a bit more mature," Chen Shouyi explained.

Wang Ruyue didn’t press further. "You do seem a lot more grown-up. How’s your swordsmanship training going? Did you master the moves I taught you last time?"

"Uh—" Chen Shouyi hadn’t expected her to ask about that. He froze for a moment before hurriedly replying, "Yeah, I’ve got them down."

Wang Ruyue looked apologetic. "That’s good. Good thing I ran into you today—otherwise, I’d have had to break my promise about the last two lessons.

You came looking for me at my place, didn’t you? Actually, not long after that blackout, my family moved to Hedong."

Chen Shouyi quickly waved it off. "You really don’t have to go to the trouble. You’ve already taught me more than enough."

"I made a promise, and I intend to keep it—especially since you paid for the lessons," Wang Ruyue said seriously.

"But..." Chen Shouyi hesitated. He couldn’t very well say he’d already mastered all the basic swordsmanship techniques—or that he was now a Martial Artist.

"Been busy lately?"

"A little," Chen Shouyi replied vaguely.

"Well, come by when you have time. I live in Building 15, Room 602, Lanshan Community, Xiacheng District. Call me first—my fixed phone number is ."

With the invasion of mystical energy from the Otherworld, mobile phones had become unusable and were gradually phased out. Now, landlines were making a comeback.

Chen Shouyi repeated the address, pretending to memorize it. "Thank you so much, Teacher Wang!"

"I’ll get going now!"

Watching Wang Ruyue walk away, Chen Shouyi let out a long sigh.

What a mess!

If he actually went to her place now, wouldn’t it just be rubbing salt in the wound?

...

"That young man’s quite handsome. What, changing your tastes? Trying to rob the cradle?" Wang Ruyue’s friend teased once they were out of earshot.

"Don't be so dirty-minded. I wouldn't even glance at such a little brat," Wang Ruyue snorted, then added, "But he's actually quite impressive. He already has the strength of a Martial Artist Apprentice. If I don't go all out, he can hold his own against me."

"Then why are you even tutoring him?" the oval-faced girl asked in confusion.

"He's got natural talent, that's why. He picks things up instantly, and his body grows like it's been fed pig feed—just keeps getting stronger and stronger. It's just his foundation that's lacking!" Wang Ruyue pursed her lips, feeling a twinge of envy. If she had even half his talent, she would've already become a Martial Artist by now.

"Anyway, enough about him. How come you have time to hang out today?"

"Ugh, just my rotten luck—shift swap. I’m starting to think it’s better not having a phone. Otherwise, I’d always be worried about suddenly getting a mission call, dragging me back to work."