Chapter 157: Temporary Worker

Chen Mu was completely unprepared for this.

But because of his mental power, he saw Tang Jing's falling motion clearly, instinctively wanting to help her, but in the next instant a stronger instinct changed his strategy.

The ground suddenly bulged a stone block like a stool, just enough to cushion Tang Jing's buttocks, halting her fall, but her upper body still tilted backward.

Because it came too suddenly, Chen Mu's action was about half conscious, half reflexive instinct, like when he first used his shield to block an enemy's spear.

Immediately, the edge of the stool shot up a barrier like a backrest, blocking Tang Jing's tilting body; this was indeed Chen Mu actively using his ability.

Tang Jing seemed to have simply sat down normally, while the ground obediently rose a back‑backed chair.

From start to finish, it was merely the blink of an eye.

Chen Mu didn't even have time to think about what had happened.

Tang Jing's falling motion was cut short, yet it jolted her awake a bit.

She cradled her forehead in her hands, then simply sat on this concrete chair, head tilted back, resting for a moment.

Chen Mu did not speak to ask.

A long while.

Only then did Tang Jing let out a long breath and lift her head.

"I was still wondering when you'd realize this use of your ability." Her previous flustered look vanished, and Tang Jing regained her confident, sharp demeanor.

However, Chen Mu always felt something odd.

Though Tang Jing's smile was as lovely as before, something seemed missing from it. Chen Mu couldn't describe the feeling, only sensing that in that instant she was different from before, though he couldn't pinpoint how.

"Shouldn't we talk about your problem first?" Chen Mu was somewhat dissatisfied with her reaction.

"I'm fine." Tang Jing didn't care about what just happened.

"Are you sure?" Chen Mu frowned.

"If I really have a problem, can you help me solve it?" Tang Jing said calmly.

Chen Mu paused, then helplessly spread his hands: "At least you could say it out loud so we can discuss."

Tang Jing restrained her smile, as if truly considering the possibility, but after a moment she shook her head: "Thanks, I do need your help, but not now."

Chen Mu was a bit annoyed by her mysterious behavior, but thinking it might be a special aspect of her Special Ability, he said no more.

From her earlier reaction, we can almost be certain Tang Jing has awakened, since that headache response is something Chen Mu has experienced many times.

Even to achieve the best training effect, he several times deliberately overextended his mental power to various degrees to test next‑day growth.

However, contrary to his initial expectation, greater mental‑power overexertion does not mean faster ability growth; of course that is a factor, but more important is the overall condition—or efficiency—of mental‑power use.

This brings up the issue of control.

The same amount of mental power yields far less growth when used crudely than when used delicately.

This makes sense.

It's like working out: a scientific, rational method may matter more than training time.

But regarding Tang Jing's situation, Chen Mu knows nothing.

"Let's get back to you."

Tang Jing smoothed the stray hairs at her temples behind her ears and said, "When did you think of this control method?"

Chen Mu felt somewhat helpless; talking with Tang Jing easily draws him into her rhythm—her words seem ordinary, yet her tone, gestures, and expressions always let her seize conversational control.

"Using the feet?" Chen Mu said: "I tried that long ago, but as I said before, efficiency is far lower than using the hands."

"You know I'm not asking about that." Tang Jing said.

"Conductivity." Chen Mu nodded.

To make that chair just now, the only way is to control the ground with both feet; he had tried this early on.

But he never made much progress.

One reason is that foot control is far inferior to hand control.

Another is the shoes.

This raises another issue: the conductivity of the Special Ability.

Simply put, it's how to channel the ability through one object to another to achieve the same effect, especially when the two objects are made of completely different materials.

In this regard, Chen Mu has actually tried many times.

When the two objects are of the same material, this isn't difficult; it's just a matter of merging them.

But when the materials are completely different, the situation becomes more complicated.

For example, he can easily make a crutch from stainless steel and plant it on the ground, but using the crutch to control the concrete floor is somewhat difficult.

And using the feet through shoes to control the ground is even harder.

Chen Mu wears ordinary athletic shoes, cheap stall goods at five yuan a pair, worn for over a year, yet surprisingly good quality,

Of course, if he were barefoot it would be much easier, but unless he had Chang Junyan's ability, that's impractical.

Conductivity between different materials also varies, and basically there's no pattern to find.

Often, although he can use the Special Ability skillfully, he knows little about its operating principle—like a car thief who can drive but may not understand the engine.

From Tang Jing's tone, she also thought of this problem, but hasn't immediately discussed it with Chen Mu.

Their relationship has been subtle from the start; Chen Mu senses Tang Jing's special attention toward him—unrelated to romance, as if he were a fine artwork and she an artist who admires him and always wants to study him up close.

"The conductivity issue will probably be your biggest challenge ahead, so you don't need to rush." Tang Jing smiled: "But you did really well just now."

"That was subconscious, just like when I first used my shield."

"Being able to do it subconsciously at least proves you have this ability; the rest is training to make it conscious."

Tang Jing said: "You can try retracting the chair… wait for me to get up first."

At the moment Tang Jing stood up, the concrete chair suddenly shattered, collapsing like melting, though this patch of ground could not return to its original flatness.

At the same time, not far from the chair, a bulge rose.

Chen Mu scratched his head, a bit embarrassed: "Still not proficient enough."

He tried again; it was somewhat better than before, but compared to when he first caught Tang Jing, both speed and precision were far worse.

He closed his eyes and focused intently.

A few minutes later, Chen Mu discovered that the ground beneath his feet was completely ruined, pitted and uneven, as if bombed, giving a desolate feeling of devastation.

The worst part was that some concrete had crawled up his shin to his knee.

If he kept going, he might turn into a terracotta warrior.

He activated his Special Ability, dispelling the restraint on his legs, and walked a few steps away.

"The strength is pretty good, but control still lacks a bit."

"It's not just a bit lacking; it's far lacking." Chen Mu shook his head; he clearly saw that this whole destroyed patch of ground, which looked strong, actually exposed his weakness.

He crouched, placing his right palm on the ground.

The next moment.

The cement floor, like a wrinkled paper, was suddenly pulled straight, instantly becoming smooth and flat, even neater than the original surrounding ground.

The mess under his feet was cleaned up in one sweep by his hand.

Chen Mu felt little joy.

Tang Jing saw his mood and smiled: "Take it slow."

……

……

Since the battle with Yi Zhong, the atmosphere within Qiming has noticeably changed, and everyone has become more proactive in their work.

Chang Junyan, Zhao Xiao Yan, and the others used to only follow Dong Junwei's arrangements, doing whatever they were told, but now they have started to actively monitor the organization's overall direction and occasionally ask long-term questions.

It's clear that when survival becomes uncertain, everyone wants to grasp their own future as much as possible.

That day.

As usual, Du Jia Jia prepared everyone's lunch, waiting for them to finish before cleaning up the utensils.

She initially took on cooking duties because she feared being abandoned by the team, but now, as one of Qiming's main sources of confidence, Du Jia Jia's position is as solid as Mount Tai.

Yet she still hasn't given up cooking; on the contrary, with richer ingredients, her enthusiasm has grown stronger.

However, the kitchen is no longer Du Jia Jia's solo endeavor.

Because the number of people has increased, the workload for three meals a day has surged.

Consequently, Du Jia Jia requested the organization assign her an assistant.

The target was clear: Zhao Xiao Yan.

And Zhao Xiao Yan readily agreed, indicating that the two had secretly become partners in crime.

Since it wasn't a major matter, Dong Junwei simply asked for everyone's opinions during a meal and quickly made a decision.

Zhao Xiao Yan duly became the second official staff member of Qiming's rear kitchen; given her ability, she is quite suited for kitchen work, and Dong Junwei encouraged her on her first day, saying he hoped she could elevate the kitchen's work to the next level……

Moreover, Dong Junwei also assigned two temporary workers to the kitchen—Feng Xiao Yu and Qian Fei.

As the only two unawakened members besides Tang Jing, assigning them a part-time kitchen role is understandable.

Qian Fei, as one of the original nine members of Class 4, Grade 3, currently has the least utility; unlike Zhu Hao, who at least can find a corner each day to study, he can only do ordinary manual labor.

Of course, in Qiming, regardless of ability—including Dong Junwei—everyone also does some ordinary moving work each day.

This relates to the current work focus.

According to Qiming's fourth all-hands meeting's plan for the next month, in the short term, aside from a few members of Qiming Construction Company, everyone else mainly works on organizing lower-level shelves and the floor.

Feng Xiao Yu's identity is also a bit awkward; as a latercomer, she doesn't know many people on the team, and being unawakened, her presence is low.

Sun Yuan, who came with her, has now become close with Zhu Hao and others, earning the nickname Qiming's "Three Scoundrels," with far-reaching notoriety.

Moreover, as an observer, Feng Xiao Yu clearly felt that Tang Jing valued Sun Yuan even more than Chang Junyan and the others.

Being valued by Tang Jing is indeed unfortunate, but it also proves his immense potential.

Feng Xiao Yu has become increasingly anxious lately; her thoughts resemble Du Jia Jia's earlier fears of being abandoned by the team.

Privately, she also asked He Ying whether Dong Junwei could assign her some fixed tasks, at least giving her a chance to prove her worth.

That is why she earned the title of temporary worker in the rear kitchen.

The two temporary workers have no actual duties; they only need to help when Du Jia Jia and Zhao Xiao Yan are overwhelmed, and of course Du Jia Jia still assigned them a fixed task.

Qian Fei's main work is clearing tableware after meals and helping wash bowls and chopsticks;

Feng Xiao Yu is responsible for serving rice and dishes to everyone.

Yes, just like the serving auntie in the cafeteria who often shook her hands.

……

After suddenly gaining three assistants, Du Jia Jia's pressure eased considerably, giving her more time to think and study her ability.

After finishing cleaning the kitchen today, she hurried toward the door.

Her meeting times with Little Yellow have become increasingly fixed, showing that Du Jia Jia's influence on cats is growing deeper.

As usual, when Du Jia Jia reached the door, she heard the familiar catcall, paid no mind, casually opened the passage door, and went out.

However, upon stepping outside, Du Jia Jia shuddered suddenly.

She looked up.

The cat was a cat, but it wasn't Little Yellow.

All white and slightly smaller than Little Yellow, the white cat sat obediently on the ground.

Du Jia Jia's heart almost stopped.

This was clearly the little white cat that Little Yellow had chased away before; she had thought it wouldn't return, but it suddenly appeared at the doorstep a few days later.

Du Jia Jia had only heard its voice through the door before and never actually seen it; now, suddenly face to face with it, she was completely at a loss.

Will it eat me?

Du Jia Jia didn't dare make any vigorous movements, fearing it would cause a misunderstanding.

But her heart was pounding.

However, the little white cat merely tilted its head, curiously looking at Du Jia Jia, without any movement.

The person and the cat just stood there in a stalemate.

Suddenly, the little white cat stood up.

Du Jia Jia was frightened out of her wits, almost wanting to run back, but her legs went weak and she couldn't walk.

But the next moment, the white cat simply changed its posture, lowering its body to the ground, extending its two front paws forward with its paws touching the ground, resting its head on its forelegs, looking utterly innocent.

"Huh?"

Du Jia Jia immediately put her heart back in place, because she was very familiar with this action.

Isn't this the action Little Yellow makes when it wants to communicate with her?

Could it be that this white cat really came here because it was attracted to her?

Du Jia Jia recalled what Tang Jing had told her before, and suddenly understood.

She remembered how everyone had once urged her to take in this little white as well, but because of Little Yellow's jealousy, it couldn't be done.

Now that Little Yellow happens to be absent…… Du Jia Jia felt as if she were cheating……

Indoors.

Sun Yuan was the first to notice something was wrong; after using his ability to listen attentively, he immediately told Tang Jing about it, but Tang Jing seemed unconcerned, even too lazy to bother, and continued to focus on writing something on paper.

In the end, Dong Junwei still felt uneasy and called Chen Mu to come to the door together.

To avoid stimulating the white cat, they only dared to move in the blind spot of the cat's field of vision, staring at Du Jia Jia.

Du Jia Jia mustered her courage and slowly walked forward.

Upon reaching the little white cat's paws, she raised her hand, then glanced around anxiously, fearing Little Yellow might suddenly dart out.

After confirming there was no problem, she gritted her teeth and reached out.

A familiar sense of warmth welled up in her chest.

When she first came into contact with Little Yellow, she had felt a similar sensation.

"Meow……"

The little white cat also seemed happy, blinking its eyes, licking its lips, and lowering its head even further.

……

He Ying and the others nervously stared outside from inside the house; Dong Junwei initially muttered complaints about Du Jia Jia being too impulsive, but now she also felt somewhat relieved.

Chen Mu didn't particularly like cats, nor did he dislike them; in his view, if Du Jia Jia could tame another cat, Qiming's safety level would go up a notch.

Next time someone invades, there would be an extra safeguard.

Of course, the premise is that the two cats don't fight.

"Is Du Jia Jia a scumbag?" Zhao Xiao Yan laughed.

"You need to distinguish friendship from love." Zhu Hao said in the tone of someone who's been there.

"But Little Yellow probably doesn't see it that way, right? They fought last time, didn't they?" Feng Xiao Yu seemed to enjoy this topic and couldn't help gossiping.

"Yeah, a cat's jealousy is no joke, especially if it's a female cat—wait, right, is Little Yellow male or female?" Lu Shanshan also joined in.

Dong Junwei laughed: "I heard Du Jia Jia say it seemed to be a female cat."

"What about this white one then?"

"I'm not sure."

"Regardless of gender, the white cat seems to be Little Yellow's sibling, right?" Zhao Xiao Yan pondered.

"Wow, the plot is getting more and more exciting!"

"……"

Just as everyone was gossiping, they heard a cat's cry from far away, clearly carrying anger and resentment.

"Oh no!"

Obviously, Little Yellow has arrived.

It seems the previous scene is about to repeat.

Du Jia Jia was immersed in her interaction with the little white cat, not noticing at first, but the white cat's sharpness far surpassed humans; it hastily retracted its paw and shrank to the side.

Little Yellow was probably the top cat in the household, with its siblings all a bit afraid of it; now it came over aggressively, overwhelming the white cat in momentum.

However, before it could charge over—

Du Jia Jia spread her arms to block in front of the white cat.

"Little Yellow, don't bully it!"

This time Du Jia Jia didn't hesitate as before, domineeringly blocking Little Yellow.

Although her current build, sandwiched between the two small cats, wasn't even enough to be a stumbling block, Little Yellow was clearly subdued by her; it slammed on the brakes, but due to inertia it couldn't stay upright, rolling several times on the ground, and skillfully avoided Du Jia Jia.

After getting up, Little Yellow still glared angrily at the white cat, hissing threateningly a few times, but it still didn't dare to look at Du Jia Jia.

Meanwhile, the white cat dared only to curl up in a corner, not daring to lift its head.

Du Jia Jia didn't know why, but she felt an unprecedented confidence.

"Don't scare it!"

"Sit down!"

"Right, let's talk properly."

"You're siblings, why fight?"

"……"

Repeated scolding voices came from Du Jia Jia's mouth, leaving everyone inside the house dumbfounded.

However, the two cats seemed to understand; Little Yellow indeed calmed down considerably, though still somewhat unwilling, and from time to time wanted to frighten the white cat, while the white cat, feeling backed up, was no longer as timid as at the start, yet still only dared to hide behind Du Jia Jia.

"Siblings," Feng Xiao Yu remarked with a strange look, not knowing what she was thinking.

"Can they get along peacefully?"

"That depends on Du Jia Jia's abilities."

"If we could make all these kittens ours..."

"Wouldn't the cat mother then come after Du Jia Jia for a fight?"

"We could even include the big cat..."

"You're so evil."

"I mean playing Fight the Landlord together, what are you thinking?"

"Does your cat play Fight the Landlord?"

"..."

Amidst everyone's chatter, Du Jia Jia's side was making good progress.

Little Yellow still felt a bit unwilling, but in front of Du Jia Jia, she dared not show any emotion.

A tiny human, standing between two cat-sized mountains, hands on hips, constantly scolding—this scene could not be more fantastical.

In the end.

Du Jia Jia summed up: "Alright, from now on we're still good friends—no, good brothers—no, good siblings; we should love each other, come shake hands."

Amidst the laughter of everyone inside, the yellow and white cats each reached out a paw to touch, but they separated immediately upon contact.

Little Yellow was no longer angry, seemingly accepting this fact, but toward the white cat she still acted arrogantly.

Quite obvious.

Even if a third party intervenes, it still insists on being the primary wife.