Qian Rushan cautiously observed the couple in front of him.
Strange.
Father and Mother Shen seemed completely unaware of what had just happened.
The police station incident…
Did Shen Ye not tell them?
With this thought, Qian Rushan tentatively asked, “Shen Ye took a simulated test at school today. Did he share the results with you?”
“He didn’t mention it,” Zhao Xiaoshang replied.
Qian Rushan glanced between Father Shen and Mother Shen, noting their calm and composed demeanor.
Finally, his gaze settled on Shen Ye.
Shen Ye sipped his tea, subtly signaling with a look.
Understood.
Father and Mother Shen still believed he had been at school all day.
Shen Ye didn’t want them to know.
Qian Rushan’s mind raced before he said, “Our Mortal Martial Arts Group offers excellent facilities, dedicated tutors, and comprehensive accommodations. How about letting Shen Ye stay with us starting today?”
“—After all, he’s now part of the Group. We’ll do everything we can to help him excel.”
Father Shen looked at Shen Ye.
Shen Ye nodded cooperatively. “I’ve seen the facilities—they’re top-notch. I’d like to stay there to prepare.”
Well done, Old Qian!
I do need a safe environment!
Shen Shian hesitated before saying, “We’ll come and see it ourselves. If it’s as good as you say, you can stay there.”
“Hold on. I haven’t finished reading the contract,” Zhao Xiaoshang interjected.
“Take your time,” Qian Rushan replied.
Half an hour later.
Zhao Xiaoshang finished reviewing the contract and solemnly signed her name as the guardian.
The agreement was sealed.
“This way, please!” Qian Rushan said cheerfully.
Outside, two cars were already waiting.
Father and Mother Shen got into one vehicle.
Shen Ye, however, joined Qian Rushan in the other.
As soon as they were seated, Shen Ye asked, “What happened at the police station?”
“A fierce battle. Many died, but we captured one alive,” Qian Rushan replied nonchalantly.
Shen Ye gazed out of the window.
The police station was nearly half a city away.
Outside, pedestrians strolled leisurely, vendors called out selling snacks and umbrellas, and shops had their doors open.
Everything seemed perfectly normal.
Who could have guessed that just half a city away, a battle had erupted, costing many lives?
These incidents were typically kept under tight wraps.
Ordinary people wouldn’t know unless—
The situation spiraled completely out of control.
In such cases, even escaping would be a matter of luck.
The shrill beep of Qian Rushan’s phone interrupted his thoughts.
Glancing at the screen, Qian’s face lit up. “Mission accomplished. I killed that guy and earned five military merit points.”
Military merit points were precious. They could be exchanged for rare items like techniques, materials, intelligence, and weapons.
“Do I get any?” Shen Ye asked.
“Although you reported the incident, you’re not even officially employed yet, so you likely won’t receive military merit,” Qian replied.
“How disappointing,” Shen Ye sighed.
Before he could say more, his phone buzzed.
On the screen, a system interface appeared, quickly displaying lines of text:
- “You made significant contributions to this battle.”
- “For minors, the government provides rewards in a more reasonable manner.”
- “Your package has been dispatched. Please collect it in the first-floor lobby of the local Mortal Martial Arts Tower.”
- “—World United Government, Military Merit and Rank Management Department.”
What could it be?
Curious, Shen Ye asked Qian Rushan.
Qian chuckled. “Middle schoolers focus on physical training, mental development, and basic academics. Only in high school do you begin learning real martial techniques.”
“My guess? A solid training manual.”
“I could use some offensive skills,” Shen Ye mused.
Time passed quickly.
After arriving at the Mortal Martial Arts Group Tower, Shen Ye’s family received a warm welcome.
Qian Rushan personally led them on a tour of the training facilities, weapons arsenal, and dormitories.
Shen Ye’s dorm alone spanned over 100 square meters, fully equipped with modern furnishings and appliances.
Satisfied, Father and Mother Shen finally left, reassured.
Standing at the entrance of the tower, Shen Ye waved as his parents departed in a Group car.
“Are you planning to keep everything from them?” Qian Rushan asked.
“No need to make them worry,” Shen Ye replied.
Back inside, as they rode the elevator, Shen Ye suddenly said, “Qian, someone’s trying to kill me.”
“Who?” Qian Rushan pressed.
“—I have no idea. My head seems to be in high demand lately; they’ve tried several times already,” Shen Ye said wryly.
“I’ll investigate immediately. In the meantime, avoid going out unnecessarily,” Qian instructed.
The elevator climbed to the 135th floor, piercing through the clouds to reach the top.
By now, dusk was settling in, but the sky remained a vivid blue.
Qian Rushan helped Shen Ye complete all the necessary formalities before they had dinner together.
“I need to gather information and handle some work, so I’ll leave you for now. If anything comes up, contact me anytime,” Qian said.
“Thank you for everything today. I’ll make sure my dad treats you to a proper drink soon,” Shen Ye replied with a grin.
Qian Rushan’s smile widened. “From now on, you’re part of the Group. This month’s pay has been deposited into your account—spend it as you see fit.”
“I’ll have someone take you to your room. You’re free to explore, but I recommend getting some rest. It’s been a long day, and you need to recharge.”
“Understood. Thanks, Qian,” Shen Ye said.
Qian gestured to a few capable staff members, who escorted him to the rooftop helipad.
The rumble of the helicopter echoed as it ascended into the sky.
Onboard, Qian Rushan busied himself with reviewing documents, holding a brief meeting, and listening to updates.
During a quiet moment, his assistant approached, whispering something in his ear.
Without looking up, Qian said:
“I don’t want to see anything that damages the group’s image.”
“Understood.”
The female assistant nodded and gracefully left.
“Also, investigate Shen Ye’s social connections and find out who might hold a grudge against him.”
“Understood.” Another assistant turned and left.
Meanwhile.
At the hospital.
Outside the ward.
Zhao Yibing quickly scrolled through her phone, reviewing the videos she had previously posted online.
“Malicious bullying ruins a classmate’s future!”
“The top student, mentally twisted after missing an exam, seeks revenge on society and harms classmates!”
“The police are now involved—this matter demands a response!”
Good.
The controversy was gaining attention.
Videos of Sun Ming crying bitterly and the miserable states of other classmates had drawn significant attention and comments.
Usually, at this level of exposure, the authorities would intervene, and the perpetrator would be dealt with.
This way, when I move up to the elite high school, this sensational incident will still linger around me, sparking discussions among my new peers.
It was Shen Ye who pestered me and attacked the boys pursuing me.
I stood for justice online.
That’s enough.
After contemplating for a moment, Zhao Yibing quickly typed a message:
“I have exceeded your expectations.”
She hit send.
Now, all that was left was to reap the rewards.
“Yibing!”
From inside the ward came Sun Ming’s tearful voice.
A fleeting look of disdain crossed Zhao Yibing’s face as she turned and headed for the stairs.
Once downstairs and outside the hospital, she pulled out her phone and called Sun Ming.
“Yibing,” Sun Ming’s voice came through the receiver.
“Don’t worry, Sun Ming. I’ve posted everything online. The police will ensure justice is served,” Zhao Yibing said softly.
“But my leg is broken—I can’t take the next exam,” Sun Ming said despairingly.
“You still have me. When I get into the elite high school, I’ll take care of you,” Zhao Yibing reassured him.
“Really? Do you mean—” Sun Ming clung to a faint glimmer of hope.
“Of course. We’re best friends,” Zhao Yibing said, trying to keep him grounded.
“Yibing…”
“I can’t talk right now. Someone’s looking for me. Let’s talk later,” Zhao Yibing said, cutting him off.
“But—”
The call ended.
Zhao Yibing quickly blocked Sun Ming and the other boys involved. She was about to permanently delete their contacts when—
Ring, ring, ring!
Her phone buzzed again.
An unfamiliar number.
She hesitated before answering.
“Hello, who’s this?”
“A reporter?”
“Yes, I’m standing up for them. Shen Ye’s bullying cannot be tolerated.”
“An online interview? Hmm…sure.”
“Alright, contact me later.”
What a headache.
For now, she couldn’t cut ties with Sun Ming entirely.
At this stage, his role was still useful.
She quickly unblocked him and the others, deciding to keep them around for a few more days—at least until the exams were over.
The only unexpected part of this ordeal was Shen Ye managing to fight off several of them at once.
It seems his skills are still intact.
—But what does that matter?
Without access to high school education, he’ll never learn advanced techniques, acquire weapons and armor, or gain access to alchemy pills or evolutionary fluids.
Nor will he inherit any legacies.
By then, even a casual move from me would be enough to defeat him.
And besides—
He’s already lost the chance to pursue higher-tier professions.
He’ll end up just like Sun Ming and the others, living as an ordinary person.
Separated by an insurmountable gap from me.
The phone suddenly chimed with several notifications.
Could it be the interview?
Zhao Yibing quickly fixed her makeup before picking up the phone.
Instead, the screen displayed several system messages:
“Your posts have been flagged as fabrications and are now hidden.”
“The police have issued an official statement regarding the matter.”
“The high school mentioned in your posts has also released a response. Please take note.”
“Furthermore, cease spreading false information immediately, or both the platform and the Mortal Martial Arts Group will pursue legal action against you.”
TL : Nah, this bitch is maddening
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