Chapter 2054 - 2049: The Purpose of the Gathering
Chapter 2054: Chapter 2049: The Purpose of the Gathering
"It really is you..."
Faced with Chief Yuan’s welcoming gesture, Fu Qian couldn’t refuse him and promptly packed the "Spine Lock" before heading downstairs to open the door.
Although Yuan Shan was shocked, she couldn’t hide her resentment at the welcome.
"Can’t you just come directly to me? Making such a fuss the moment you return."
"It should be fine. I think the people of Shangjing have gotten used to it."
Fu Qian simply ushered him in with a smile, not even glancing at the shopping bags in Chief Yuan’s hands.
"Aren’t there those big bats? They’re always a bit sensitive to such commotion... How did it go?"
Yuan Shan just casually complained a bit, sighed lightly, and then focused on the main issue.
"It went smoothly. Everyone gained something. You should have received some related reports, right?"
Fu Qian was confident and curious about the information flow within the Night Watchmen.
Returning to disturb Shangjing was partly because the local chief was skilled at covering up.
And was quite adept at calling upon them as well.
"My latest update is that Lord Stos is heading to assist in handling matters. It seems you and Su Gao discovered something incredible."
"So, what’s the latest situation? With Stos’ involvement, there might be higher confidentiality requirements from the Council."
Yuan Shan shook her head, the downside of delayed information was evident since she wasn’t on the front line.
"The latest news... I guess Wen Li ascended to demigod status."
It sounded like she didn’t even know Su Gao and Stos had already returned to the Night Watchmen Base. Fu Qian shook his head and sighed.
"Hmm—what?"
Fu Qian’s answer was a bit off from the question, leaving Yuan Shan momentarily stunned. By the time she reacted, she nearly tossed the shopping bag at Fu Qian’s face.
...
"Wen Li? A demigod? How did that even happen?"
Yuan Shan blurted out in disbelief, looking like she had bitten her tongue.
No wonder, since she had helped Wen ascend to the Fourth Phase not long ago.
The Academy’s recent record for the youngest demigod was quite astounding.
"I’m not entirely sure, it was achieved under the guidance of the Divine Ashes Institute."
Understanding yet not claiming credit, Fu Qian promoted the achievement of the Divine Ashes instead.
"Really? That’s unbelievable... If it’s that impressive, I might consider furthering my studies there."
Yuan Shan remained skeptical, though with a touch of envy.
"Of course, it is true. The Night Watchmen might even update this record soon."
The chief’s ambition was commendable.
"But by saying that, I feel like Old Master Henry might be hurt."
Fu Qian, however, didn’t forget to remind her to consider her mentor’s feelings.
"He won’t mind; he might even want to join me... Speaking of which, are you sure there won’t be any hidden dangers with such exaggerated claims?"
Mentioning the Night Holy City figure, Yuan Shan momentarily scoffed, but suddenly recalled something, frowning.
Miss Wen seemed to have formed a good friendship with her during their time together.
After the initial envy, Yuan Shan quickly recalled various dark aspects she encountered in her career, speaking with concern.
"Not quite sure, but it seems fine for now, and it probably doesn’t require me to confirm."
Fu Qian waved it off, indicating no need for excessive concern for now.
"Indeed, a demigod in their twenties with such a unique ability type — those guys are likely eager to keep an eye on them 24/7. Wait, why do I suddenly feel like my workload might increase?"
Feeling somewhat relieved yet aware that Fu Qian was referring to the Night Watchmen keeping tabs, Yuan Shan agreed with the sentiment.
However, as she spoke half to herself, she suddenly realized something, staring at Fu Qian wide-eyed.
If there were no obvious issues, they wouldn’t lock someone away outright.
But if they didn’t confine them, when that person returned from studying abroad, wouldn’t it become her responsibility again?
"Looks like it."
Fu Qian mercilessly confirmed Yuan Shan’s prediction, even with a mix of praise and critique.
"In this regard, Miss Wen has a much higher awareness. She’s already prepared to face any consequences brought by her power."
...
"The price of power... She might not fully realize it."
Though Fu Qian’s last remark wasn’t the friendliest, it touched Yuan Shan, who took it graciously without further complaint.
"Pain, distortion, madness lurking in every step... the self becomes indefinable, not even realizing the lack of definition until all existence’s anchor points deform—"
Moreover, at that moment, she spoke with a deep tone as if recalling unwilling memories.
"Come on, you can experience all that by having three kids, no need for such complexity."
Unfortunately, the atmosphere was abruptly interrupted right at the dramatic moment.
Feigning the listener briefly, Fu Qian responded with disdain, even gesturing towards a pile of shopping bags nearby.
"Besides, without the curse’s gift, do you think you could act as a shopaholic freely day in and day out?"
"...Of course, I can. What’s so hard about that?"
Initially shocked by Fu Qian’s example, Yuan Shan suddenly became defensive after the second half of the sentence.
...What kind of world is this?
Silence fell upon Fu Qian for a while.
...
So even the apparently compulsive shopper chief, her family has always been affluent enough to buy whatever they want?
Realizing the people he knows, only Su Gao’s family seems to have modest means?
Wait a moment, he previously marveled at Su Gao’s incredible work efficiency, and the work was even bonus-incurring.
Although his lifestyle wasn’t as extravagant as hers, who knows how many zeros he had in his bank account....
Claiming to be perpetually poor seems like a lie all along.
If the recent academic and career boom hadn’t happened, he might have fallen out of social circles.
"So, for now, I just need to wait for news from the Council, doing nothing? How’s Su Gao? No danger, right?"
While Fu Qian pondered life, Yuan Shan, who couldn’t fully empathize, attempted to steer back to the topic.
"It should be going well, and there might even be some achievements."
This concern for colleagues was touching, but the moment Fu Qian shattered Yuan Shan’s notion of laziness.
"You seemingly don’t need to run around for now, but you need to help me find a name — Eckhart."