Chapter 91: Relationship Household Xiao Qin, Second Choice (First Update!)

"It's rare that you have such spirit."

Chen Ruofu, as an old hand, had seen all kinds of geniuses.

Even he himself had once received the honorary title "Hero" long ago, with countless praises.

It's a pity that the Star Sea is boundless, and heaven's favorites emerge in droves; a moment of glory counts for nothing.

Only after being washed and tempered by the years, still blooming with brilliance, dazzling and unparalleled Martial Sun.

Can one pursue the Martial God and step onto the absolute peak!

"Since Xiao Qin, you have lofty aspirations, this inheritance is left with you; I will handle the procedures for you, absolutely not giving anyone a handle to hold."

Regarding Qin Shi's positive attitude toward accepting the "Xu Kong Meditation Method," Chen Ruofu appeared very satisfied.

Just as he said, the Martial God Inheritance is not precious; the Martial God Seed is rare.

What Dongxia values most is not a path to heaven left by some ancient existence, but a broad road that continuously creates new blood and manufactures talent.

He Lanchan's inheritance would be better left to a destined person to make use of its remaining heat than to keep it in his own hands while the Hengzhou Martial Association keeps thinking about it all day and still owes the Yincheng Qin Family a favor.

Better to leave it to a destined person to exert its remaining heat.

"Trouble you, Chen Shu."

Qin Shi felt a great stone fall from his heart, instantly feeling relieved.

Having an open and aboveboard talk with Old Chen turned out to be a good thing.

With the backing of the top leader of the Taian Metropolitan Area, he holding the "Xu Kong Meditation Method" was in accordance with the rules, natural and proper, no need to sneak around anymore, worrying about the Qin Family watching like tigers and making a move to seize it.

Having such a stable big backer covering him, he could cultivate in peace, avoiding much trouble.

Truly a case of killing two birds with one stone!

"By the way, how are your master's connections? Is his background strong enough? Can he speak up in the Martial Association?"

After settling the ownership of the "Xu Kong Meditation Method," Chen Ruofu immediately raised three questions about the soul.

"Uh, Chen Shu, what does this have to do with me walking the Martial God Path?"

Qin Shi knew with his feet that Old Liang belonged to the three-no person with no connections, no background, and no presence.

His own master had been stripped of his medals and had served time in prison; no matter how you looked at it, he didn't seem like an honorable retiree.

"Of course it's related. If your connections are broad, after you achieve great merit this time, you can properly step into the limelight, operate through a TV interview, and create a propaganda model of a good citizen who sees justice and acts bravely."

If the background is strong, let the Education Bureau open a gap to recruit you into Qiguang Heng University or Jia Kai University of Technology; it's not difficult at all.

If the Martial Association can speak up, I can file a report with the Hengzhou Martial Association, write a recommendation letter, and apply for some cultivation resources as a reward."

Chen Ruofu was indeed an official person, well-versed in the ways of mobilizing resources and cultivating juniors.

Even more skilled at spending Dongxia's money to handle his own affairs.

"Making Chen Shu laugh. My master is just a physical education teacher at Zi Fu No. 9 Middle School, with no connections or background."

Qin Shi shook his head, not feeling it was hard to speak of.

"What a pity. Like this: I will strive for more bonus treatment for you, but regarding the merit and limelight, you suffer a bit of injustice and share a part with Xiao Yun."

Chen Ruofu said in a low voice.

Qin Shi nodded and agreed decisively.

Not feeling the slightest bit of resentment at being suppressed or robbed.

What a joke!

The top leader of the Taian Metropolitan Area!

Hugging such a high-level thick thigh, let alone stepping into the limelight a few fewer times, even being a doorstep son-in-law who washes feet, Qin Shi would be willing!

"Count me as owing you a favor. As an elder, taking a junior's merit is indeed not justified."

Chen Ruofu coughed twice; he had to say, Qin Shi was one of the few young people he dealt with who felt comfortable.

"I see your parents are both employees, never participated in the Xinxing Development, and never obtained Taian Metropolitan Area residency rights. Secretary Huo!"

He turned and waved; a refined young man in standard business short sleeves and long pants immediately ran over.

This top secretary of the metropolitan area had a respectful attitude, bending slightly:

"Minister, what are your orders?"

Chen Ruofu pointed at Qin Shi and began to instruct:

"Xiao Qin is a hero; we cannot let a hero bleed and also let a hero cry. Their family situation, you investigated before coming; his parents devoted their lives' passion selflessly to the construction of Dongqiao Suburb; his sister dropped out of school to support his younger brother and sister's schooling..."

Secretary Huo quickly took over:

"A good seedling like Xiao Qin, with excellent grades and both moral and academic excellence, should receive subsidies for poor families and student grants distributed every semester. This is a dereliction of duty by Dangyang District; later I will meet with the leadership team of Dongqiao Suburb to have them correct the mistake."

Chen Ruofu nodded and continued:

"Xiao Qin is a good child; these years have not been easy; we should do our best to help. Tell the Administrative Bureau to settle the metropolitan area residency rights for his family; he studies at Xin Yi High School, running back and forth, delaying his studies too much."

"As for the Education Bureau, wasn't there a 'Talent Cultivation Project' proposed before, specifically targeting students outstanding in Life Force Development, providing them with good conditions? Add Xiao Qin's name to it."

"Also, Xin Yi High School's annual Hongzhi Class Scholarship, Grade Scholarship, Taian Metropolitan Area's municipal-level scholarship, Dongxia's national-level scholarship..."

Secretary Huo silently noted them down, listing them as top priorities.

"School starts soon; by then, look at your Ranking Examination results, and I will communicate with the Martial Association to raise your Citizen Level."

Chen Ruofu smiled slightly.

Good fellow!

Call him Chen Shu once, and the scholarships come easily!

Qin Shi's mouth corners were almost unable to be suppressed; it turned out having political resources was so refreshing!

Those Talent Cultivation Projects, Student Grants, he had never heard of before; now his name is added directly!

Not to mention Taian Metropolitan Area residency rights, Citizen Level improvement, such hidden policies.

Spending money might not necessarily get it done; one needs to constantly run connections to possibly obtain it.

"Never imagined it! One day I'd actually become someone with connections!"

Qin Shi did his utmost to control his expression, lest it be too obvious, making him appear insufficiently composed.

"I'll get it done as soon as possible."

Secretary Huo glanced at Qin Shi, thinking to himself:

"With a minister as backer, the Taian Metropolitan Area might as well let this Young Master Qin walk sideways. Progress, sometimes it's hard, sometimes it's effortless……"

……

……

Dawn broke dimly; Old Factory Street, having tossed about all night, seemed like an elderly person who had stayed up the whole night, slow to wake.

Qin Xiao, returning from a long trip, stared blankly at the shed house in a shambles all over the floor, as if it had been torn apart by a crazed Husky.

Windows shattered, the wooden door knocked open, sofa tables and chairs toppled askew, and most importantly, every single household appliance had vanished without a trace.

Such a scene brought back bad memories — once, her old man gambled and owed debts, and New Year's debt collectors coming to the door was just like this, fierce and malicious, smashing everything usable to smithereens……

"Aunt Zhou, my younger brother hasn't been home lately. Do you know where he went?"

Qin Xiao hurriedly ran to the neighbor's small shop.

Aunt Zhou usually opens early; right now she was muttering, "Where's my grilled sausage machine? Such a big grilled sausage machine, how could it be gone?" Seeing Qin Xiao flustered, she hurriedly comforted her:

"Xiao Shi hasn't been home much this period. My Lao Zhou said he's been following No. 9 Middle School's Teacher Liang doing training."

Qin Xiao quietly let out a breath of relief; she was afraid her younger brother had gotten mixed up with society's scoundrels and hoodlums — Old Factory Street's bottom layer weren't all kind-hearted; many did shady, gray business, specially liking to drag students down with them.

"Xiao Shi didn't come back last night either? How did the house end up like this?"

Aunt Zhou sighed, moved a long wooden bench over to invite Qin Xiao to sit:

"Seems it was a gas pipeline leak; the community sent many staff members to urgently evacuate residents. Me and Lao Zhou followed most everyone to the air-raid shelter, pitched tents and made do for a night.

But some say it was ghosts; he personally saw his own motorcycle start up and jump out the door, and TVs, radios, washing machines moving out with the whole family — anyway, it was plenty spooky……"

Qin Xiao was slightly stunned; how was it similar to the stories she heard from other long-haul truck drivers on the road occasionally.

What accidentally entering a restricted zone, then the electromagnetic stove becoming a spirit……

"Rest assured, the Urban Circle news said there were no casualties, and they interviewed experts, saying it was some large-scale magnetic storm radiation triggering appliance anomalies."

Aunt Zhou's lips fluttered, pulling Qin Xiao into endless chatter; roughly twenty minutes passed, and Qin Xiao still wasn't too reassured, thinking to inquire about her younger brother and sister's news, when she saw the youngest, Qin Lan, rushing home in a fluster.

"Big Sis, when did you get back?"

Qin Lan was somewhat surprised and delighted, coming over to hug Qin Xiao's arm.

"Did you see Second Brother? He didn't seem to come home yesterday."

Qin Xiao shook her head, worry flashing involuntarily in her eyes.

Just now, from Aunt Zhou's and the youngest's mouths, she learned Old Factory Street had been rather chaotic recently, and not safe.

Younger brother Xiao Shi usually worked part-time jobs, coming into contact with all sorts of social types.

What if he got bullied or hurt — what then?

"Xiao Lan, you tidy up the house; I'll find a few well-informed colleagues to ask about the situation."

Qin Xiao decided on the spot; in her eyes, Qin Shi had always been a model student who couldn't lift a thing with his hands or carry a thing on his shoulders, completely lacking the ability to protect himself.

Just as Qin Xiao was preparing to feel for a steel pipe and go find street loitering hoodlums to probe for intelligence, a sedan bearing the Inspection Department's white-on-black license plate slowly drove into Bao Gong Street.

Aunt Zhou's small shop was the information transfer station, known as Old Factory Street's intelligence bureau; early on a crowd of melon-eating, fun-joining neighbors had gathered.

Among them, Song Daye, who daily discussed statecraft and talked broadly of Dongxia's overall situation, spoke first:

"The one sitting in the car is definitely a big leader! White bottom black characters, Heng A00001! Could it be the Urban Circle's top leader coming down to inspect?"

Uncle Zhang, who read the newspaper every day, shook his head:

"What leader sits in the passenger seat? Probably the secretary driving to send someone off; I reckon the rank isn't high……"

Song Daye and Uncle Zhang pointed at the land and talked big, but Aunt Zhou suddenly sat up straight:

"Hey! Xiao Er, look, isn't that your family's younger brother?"

Qin Xiao looked in the direction Aunt Zhou pointed, and sure enough caught sight of a familiar figure.

Not seen for a long time, Qin Shi's bearing seemed even more straight, more spirited.

Only……

Why on earth was her own younger brother sitting inside the Urban Circle's official car?

Looking at that Heng A00001 black-on-white license plate.

One knew the background was extraordinary!

"Holy cow! Xiao Shi's really made something of himself!"

Song Daye exclaimed; for old statecraft people, administrative jackets and official car plates both carried serious weight.

Like the ancient era's official robes and riding in sedan chairs — privileges that made people yearn.

"Having a leader's secretary personally send him home, this treatment is no small thing."

Uncle Zhang also clicked his tongue in wonder; how did the Urban Circle's big leader get involved with an Old Factory Street high school student?

……

……

"Brother Huo, I'll get off right here."

The image Qin Shi presented to the outside was mostly a bashful youth quite fitting his age and temperament.

"Alright, Xiao Qin, can I call you that?"

Secretary Huo's smile was gentle, like a spring breeze; how to receive and treat people — that's a chief secretary's basic skill.

"Brother Huo knows you're at the critical time of the College Entrance Exam; procedural materials, documents, including evaluation visits — I've handled them all for you, so as not to disturb your Qi Life Force enhancement, deal?"

Is this the professional quality of a secretary?

So worry-free, so comfortable!

Qin Shi couldn't help but sigh with emotion; no wonder Leaders all like to be paired with Secretaries.

"Thanks, Brother Huo, for the trouble. Another day I'll specially treat Brother Huo to a meal!"

Secretary Huo, around thirty years old, adjusted his glasses and said with a smile:

"I'll hold you to that. Once you test into a First-Rank Academy in the Urban Circle, Brother Huo will make sure you bleed, slaughtering you for a feast."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Qin Shi closed the car door and waited for that official car dedicated to Chen Ruofu's travel to depart far away before turning around.

"Xiao Shi! Are you alright?"

"Which Leader's car from the Urban Circle? How come it sent you back!"

"Aiyo, could it be a classmate's family member..."

The shop's uncles and aunties surrounded Qin Shi in a black mass, chattering away with seven mouths and eight tongues, curiously questioning him.

Although the Dongxia Republic has been established for nine millennia, the Emperors and nobles of the past have long been abolished, yet the masses still hold a very strong longing for official positions and privileges, as well as a heavy reverence.

"What's with the noise! Asking this and that! Community people came to let you go claim your own refrigerators and TVs, hurry up, go late and they might get taken by someone else!"

At the critical moment, it still had to be Aunt Zhou; a loud shout in a full, resonant voice dispersed the chattering neighbors.

"Xiao Shi, your sister is back. You child, not home at night and didn't even know to leave a message, made your sister worry for a good while."

Aunt Zhou handed over a bottle of soda, stuffing it into Qin Shi's hand:

"Haven't eaten breakfast yet, right? Let Zhou Ning buy some flatbreads, steamed buns, shaomai, and send them to your home in a bit."

Qin Shi smiled and took the soda, walking toward his eldest sister and youngest sister.

"Sister, I'm fine."

"Mm, let's go home."

Qin Xiao's suspended heart finally settled; one hand holding Qin Shi, the other held by youngest sister Qin Lan.

The three returned to the shed house in the alley of Bao Gong Street.

Factory area, the sun slanting westward.

Gao Haipeng counted appliances with a livid face; the grandpa was chattering on and on:

"Comrade, my washing machine was fine before, now it's broken. Is there any compensation?"

This Inspector Gao of the Action Division suppressed his anger:

"Compensation measures need to contact the manufacturer, and communicate with the Dangyang East Suburbs departments; it's not under my jurisdiction..."

But the grandpa wouldn't let up, unreasonably starting to reminisce; that washing machine had accompanied him for twenty years, purchased on his wedding day, possessing extremely rare sentimental value.

"Enough! I'll pay out of my own pocket to compensate you for a washing machine!"

Gao Haipeng truly couldn't bear it; he threw a stack of bills into the grandpa's hand, then fiercely kicked that antique to pieces to vent the surging fire in his chest.

Damn Qin Renying! Because I helped him, I got dragged down instead!

Offending Chen Ruofu, the Patrol Department's number one, to his face — is there still any chance of advancement?

Might be exiled to watch a pond in a few days!

"Comrade! My fridge is sturdy too! You come kick it a couple times, perfect, I also want to swap for a new one..."

Seeing Gao Haipeng kick the washing machine to pieces and pay huge compensation, the uncles and aunties of Old Factory Street who had fought their way out of the supermarket's discount promotion battlefield instantly surrounded him in a circle.

"Truly fucking unlucky..."

Gao Haipeng was helpless; even with a body full of surging Qi Life Force he couldn't withstand the tide of people.

"Inspector Gao's side is pretty lively too."

Chen Yun had been busy for half a day and finally handled things more or less; she looked at Gao Haipeng deep in hell and sneered:

"Off duty, off duty."

Night fell.

After explaining to eldest sister Qin Xiao and youngest sister Qin Lan, Qin Shi finally returned to the bedroom.

"Even the alarm clock ran away; electronic demons truly have no humanity! Good thing we're moving soon..."

He slandered a couple sentences in his belly, sat cross-legged on the bed, and slowly regulated his breathing.

Through the expansion of his breath, he cast aside all the distracting thoughts cluttering his brain.

"Unexpectedly, the Second Limit of the Physical Body wasn't the 'Bone Gate' Lao Liang arranged."

Qin Shi emptied his consciousness and naturally entered the Thinking Hall; the Xu Kong Space seemed to expand again, transforming into an extremely real Small World.

He saw another "self".

"Spirit Gate Great Limit, Xu Kong Vision Divine... the most difficult step, actually let me cross it?"

(Chapter End)