The expected battle royale of a messy lovers' quarrel never happened.
Or rather, because Director-General Shen's strength was simply too overwhelming, fighting back was completely pointless.
But overall, Xin Hai'an left all by herself, carrying who-knows-what kind of emotions.
Bai Xiaodu sat on the ground in a daze, waiting for Director-General Shen to leash him and drag him back.
After learning that Grandma was safe, Bai Xiaodu felt a huge weight lift off his shoulders.
Whatever she wanted.
Just let the world end already, and hurry up.
Snap.
Hearing the sound of chains breaking, Bai Xiaodu let out a confused grunt.
Director-General Shen stepped in front of him, yanked off the collar, and spoke in a stiff tone.
It sounded like she was forcing a compliment when she had never praised anyone in her life.
“Congratulations, Bai Xiaodu. You completed your ascension ceremony using your own intellect. From now on, you are an official transcendent.”
Bai Xiaodu blinked.
Are you out of your mind, Director-General Shen?
We both know exactly what kind of fucked-up relationship we have. Why are you acting like a life mentor now?
Director-General Shen had clearly read his mind, as the corner of her mouth twitched a few times.
But in the end, she didn't do anything drastic.
The collar in her hand grew slightly warm.
The leather material turned to ash and dispersed, leaving behind an exquisite dark-gold necklace.
However, a small dark-gold dagger still hung from it.
“Take it. A gift for you.”
Bai Xiaodu obediently accepted it.
The system popped up an identification window, and Bai Xiaodu's brow arched slightly.
Good stuff.
【Gold Chain of Sword Intent】
【Quality: Blue】
【Type: Accessory】
【Effect: Consumes a current spell slot to release a small dark-gold sword that controls a designated target. The higher the enemy's rank, the higher the consumption and the shorter the control duration.】
【Description: I really must control you now.】
After reading the effect, Bai Xiaodu couldn't help but gasp.
This item was absolutely god-tier.
It was essentially an external, exclusive skill of the 【Autocracy】 Pathway!
But why was she giving him such an expensive item?
What was she up to?
Besides, Bai Xiaodu knew without even thinking that free lunches like this always came with a catch.
He immediately put on a look of sheer panic and trepidation.
“I'm sorry, Director-General Shen, but this is far too valuable. I don't dare accept it. I'm afraid I won't be able to repay such a huge favor.”
Director-General Shen smiled faintly.
“Are you really pretending not to know what our relationship is? Why play the innocent white lotus now?”
Hey, she's even copying my vocabulary!
Feeling awkward, Bai Xiaodu could only pocket the necklace, with absolutely no intention of putting it on.
Seeing this, Director-General Shen didn't force him. Her beautiful cyan-blue eyes silently observed Bai Xiaodu.
If you raise a dog to guard the house, it will surely struggle wildly, resist with everything it has, and even lash out in fear when you first put a collar on it.
But if you only collar it for a few intervals every day, let it roam free the rest of the time, and make it clear that behaving well while collared earns rewards, it will gradually stop resisting.
Until...
...it obediently puts on the collar of its own accord.
Director-General Shen slowly stroked his head along the contour of his fox ears, and then she gradually began to fade away.
“Remember to look for me in a few days. You can learn some First Circle spells now. I'll teach you.”
Having said that, she didn't forget to add a detail.
“For free.”
Bai Xiaodu raised both hands and clapped enthusiastically, hopping up and down at the same time.
“Director-General Shen is the best!”
“I can never repay your kindness, Director-General Shen!”
He kept jumping and cheering like that until she completely vanished.
Instantly, Bai Xiaodu's jubilant face fell.
Free?
Free things are always the most expensive.
Never repay her kindness?
If this keeps up, Director-General Shen's 'kindness' is going to compound with interest!
No, no, I can't let this go on. I need to run away as soon as possible.
If I keep letting her feed me like this, I'm worried I'll end up just like Awuna.
Being used as disposable material on someone else's cultivation path!
I need to find a way to stall her quickly. Otherwise, what if she keeps hounding and biting at my heels?
Tiannan Star Military University partnered extensively with the Federation military.
If he could perform exceptionally well at the university and gain their appreciation, then Director-General Shen probably wouldn't find it so easy to lay a hand on someone holding an official position in the Federation military.
I have to double my efforts and hurry up!
It was actually quite funny.
He didn't even know Director-General Shen's real name yet, yet she had actually asked him if he loved her.
Director-General Shen's brain is probably overloaded. After all, her built-in cooling system is entirely focused on maintaining that beautiful, expressionless face of hers.
“Oh, my name is Shen Qingqiu.”
Hearing this faint, ghostly response, Bai Xiaodu whipped his head around!
He stared open-mouthed as Director-General Shen's face, which had reappeared out of nowhere, slowly dissolved back into the air!
Bai Xiaodu: “...”
Even though she had completely vanished, Bai Xiaodu quickly yelled out a couple of makeup excuses.
“Director-General Shen, I was wrong! I'll never talk bad about you behind your back again!”
“Oh, no, no, I guarantee there won't be a next time! I swear I won't even think it!”
...
Before the sun rose, Bai Xiaodu brought Grandma and the children back. After doing a head count, he found everyone was safe and sound.
However, looking at the already run-down orphanage, which was now half-destroyed, Bai Xiaodu felt a mix of complex emotions.
He had promised Grandma that once he became a transcendent, he would give her a bigger house and a better life.
Although he would definitely fulfill that promise later on, seeing the current state of things still made him a little sad.
“It's fine, Brother Bai!”
The grey fox-kin kid beside him spoke up to comfort him, carefully pulling a card out from his clothes.
“This is the money that guy who beat me up last week gave me. He said it was an apology.”
“He even brought a few people to kowtow on the floor. I was so startled at the time that I didn't dare stop them. They even cracked the floor tiles.”
“Later, I checked the balance myself. There's 150,000 credits inside. It should be enough to build a few tin-roofed rooms for us to live in for now, and we can figure something else out when we have more money later.”
Katemor is seriously terrified of dying.
Bai Xiaodu couldn't help but chuckle.
Still, he was quite curious. Could a kid raised in an orphanage really turn down such a large sum of start-up capital?
“Are you really willing to give this to me?”
The grey fox-kin boy nodded firmly.
“Of course. I know that if it weren't for you, Brother Bai, he would never have come to apologize to me.”
“You're quite clever.”
Bai Xiaodu declined his card, solemnly telling him to keep it safe, preferably by handing it over to Grandma for safekeeping.
Indeed, it was a bit of a problem; he didn't have much cash on him right now.
If they wanted to renovate a house for so many people to live in, they would need to buy land, buy materials, and hire workers. The expenses would start at several hundred thousand credits.
Bai Xiaodu couldn't go to Tiannan Star Military University empty-handed either.
So, should he call Xin Hai'an?
Sigh, what a headache.
If Director-General Shen hadn't played that stupid audio clip, he might have already been happily riding in Xin Hai'an's car by now.
Wouldn't renovating a house just be a matter of another kiss?
If all else failed, he could just sell his charms. After all, Xin Hai'an's Affection was already so high.
No matter how broke a guy is, he's got to sell his charms. If the cash is right, that's what we call love!
Just as he made up his mind and dialed the number, he heard the sound of gongs and drums not far away.
What on earth was going on?
Bai Xiaodu looked up, slightly dazed. After ascending to a transcendent, his five senses had been vastly enhanced.
Thus, he could clearly see a festive red banner in the distance, surrounded by a crowd of people walking toward him.
The large red banner read:
“Warmest Congratulations to Mr. Bai Xiaodu of Our District on Ascending to a Transcendent of the 【Spellcasting】 Pathway!”
Holy crap, if I recall correctly, I only ascended a few hours ago.
How is your banner already printed?!
Bai Xiaodu even recognized the man leading the group—it was Deputy District Chief Li of Pingshan District.
He wore a suit that couldn't possibly hide his beer belly, holding a massive bouquet of flowers in his hands as he led the way with a beaming smile.
As for how he knew him, cough, cough.
This was the exact kind of guy who would be the most ruthless at the nightclub, shouting, “You want to turn your life around now? Too late!”
As the red banner drew closer, Deputy District Chief Li waved, jogging over out of breath, his voice bursting with unstoppable enthusiasm.
“Mr. Bai, congratulations, congratulations!”
Bai Xiaodu could only smile and nod.
“Thank you, congratulations to you as well.”
Deputy District Chief Li handed over the large bouquet of flowers. Seeing Bai Xiaodu accept it, he quickly said:
“Mr. Bai, not to mention Pingshan District, but even on the entire Blue Star, you are one of the youngest transcendents!”
“Your future is absolutely limitless! As your fellow townsman, I, Old Li, really feel so proud!”
“You flatter me, you're far too kind.”
Bai Xiaodu before him was very warm, but Deputy District Chief Li keenly detected a hint of despondency.
His eyes dated around, taking in the state of the orphanage, which was nearly half-destroyed.
Deputy District Chief Li gasped, immediately pulling over the neighborhood director beside him.
“Old Liu, what is wrong with you? How did this happen? I personally approved the establishment of this orphanage! It's a key assistance project!”
“Look, just look at what it has become! Our heroic townsman who brought glory to Pingshan District is living in a place like this?”
“Why didn't you report this to me beforehand? This is a serious oversight on your part!”
Director Liu of the neighborhood committee immediately got the hint and quickly chimed in.
“Yes, Deputy District Chief Li. Failing to inspect the orphanage's conditions in a timely manner is indeed a major oversight in my work. I will reflect on this.”
“Could you please give me a chance to make amends? I will apply for a special district grant to renovate and rebuild this place. I will personally supervise this project from start to finish.”
“We'll make sure all the children can feel the warmth of a home and showcase the humanitarian spirit of Pingshan District!”
Deputy District Chief Li nodded in satisfaction, though his tone remained stern.
“Recognizing your mistake and correcting it is acceptable. I'll leave this matter entirely in your hands. Remember: make it fast, stable, and high-quality!”
Bai Xiaodu's mouth slightly formed an 'O' shape, but he quickly snapped out of it and hurriedly shook Deputy District Chief Li's outstretched hand.
Because someone nearby had already raised a camera.
Bai Xiaodu spoke up.
“All of my efforts and my rapid ascension to a transcendent would never have been possible without the care of the Pingshan District leaders, especially Deputy District Chief Li, and the strong support of my fellow townsfolk!”
“It is safe to say that without them, I wouldn't be who I am today! Please allow me to bow in gratitude!”
Bai Xiaodu's performance was so smooth and seamless that they nailed it in a single take.
The cameraman gave an OK sign.
After chatting a bit more, Deputy District Chief Li heard that he was going to university and immediately helped Bai Xiaodu apply for a low-income student subsidy on the spot.
Then they left, looking highly satisfied.
It was resolved just like that?
Bai Xiaodu was a bit dazed as he subconsciously rubbed his ears.
So smoothly?
He looked up again, only to find that it wasn't over yet!
Yet another large red banner was coming!
“Warmest Congratulations to Mr. Bai Xiaodu of Our Hospital on Ascending to a Transcendent!”
Bai Xiaodu couldn't help but stand on his tiptoes. He recognized the leader of this group too!
It was Director Chen, whom he had greeted a few times when picking up Grandma's lung medicine!
The minotaur boss had also called him last time!
He had also swapped out his usual doctor's white coat for a formal suit to lead the way.
Wait, "our district" is somewhat explainable, but what on earth does "our hospital" mean?!
Although he wasn't sure what was going on, Bai Xiaodu still warmly stepped forward to greet them.
Director Chen first offered some typical compliments, then changed the subject.
“Mr. Bai, your grandma suffers from Zerg dust lung disease. It's very troublesome to treat completely after all these years, which is why the hospital could only prescribe special medicine.”
“But things are different now. A major hospital on Blue Star has started a collaborative project with our hospital. I looked over your grandma's medical records earlier.”
Director Chen made sure to emphasize the word “our” very heavily.
“The illness she has happens to perfectly match the profile for our collaborative clinical trial patients!”
“So, when do you think it would be convenient for her to come to our hospital for surgery?”
“By the way, since she will also be serving as an observational patient, the surgery and treatment costs will be completely free of charge.”
Seeing a camera pan over, Bai Xiaodu expertly stepped forward and shook Director Chen's hand.
“She has time, Director Chen! Thank you so much for your trouble!”
He flashed a big thumbs-up right at the camera.
“Whenever I'm sick, I always go to Sacred Heart Hospital. The doctors there have noble hearts and superb medical skills.”
“The nurses there are dedicated, gentle, and caring. Sacred Heart Hospital is truly trustworthy!”
Director Chen coughed quietly.
“The hospital has refunded all your previous expenses to your original payment method. Recently, we've been selling a body-tempering medicine...”
Bai Xiaodu raised both thumbs up.
“If it weren't for the body-tempering medicine sold by Sacred Heart Hospital, which gave me abundant physical energy and strong muscles,”
“I wouldn't have been able to complete the ascension ceremony so easily and crush those bastards of the machine civilization!”
“Thank you! Thank you, Director Chen! You've changed the trajectory of my life!”
Director Chen left, highly satisfied as well.
Leaving behind a crowd of completely bewildered children and an at-a-loss Grandma.
They were used to being self-reliant and often worked odd jobs outside.
They couldn't comprehend the current situation at all.
But Bai Xiaodu breathed a sigh of relief.
Thinking about how he had just been worrying about repairing the house made him feel ridiculous.
Being an official transcendent is actually this awesome!
Then, just as he was about to head back to his room, he saw several more large red banners heading his way!
More?!
Bai Xiaodu licked his lips, showing no sign of backing down.
He charged forward excitedly.
This is all money!
Let the storm rage even harder!
As for whether taking on so many advertisements at once would affect his image?
That's pure bullshit.
Having worked in nightclub lounges every day before, what image did he even have left?
Maybe when someone saw these ads, they would even recognize him as the sweet little treat they once ordered?!
“Warmest Congratulations to Coach Bai Xiaodu of Our Gym on Successfully Ascending to a Transcendent!”
“Warmest Congratulations to Our Model Alumnus, Classmate Bai Xiaodu, on Successfully Ascending to a Transcendent!”
“Warmest Congratulations to Our Colleague Bai Xiaodu of Our Lounge on Successfully Ascending to a Transcendent!”
“...”
Rate on N.U.
