Hearing Chen Chuan bring up this question, Cheng Zitong thought for a moment before saying, "Strictly speaking, it matters a great deal. Going to Center City has always required a recommendation from our academy first, followed by approval from the Main Academy. The recommendation is purely an internal academy affair, but approval rests entirely in the hands of the Main Academy. And a considerable part of their review criteria comes down to capability.
"Even if you are a recommended student, you still have to pass muster on ability. And how do you prove ability? One way is through visible martial power, and the other is through the licenses you've earned.
"You need to understand that unless the disparity is blindingly obvious, it is generally difficult for the reviewers up top to discern differences in skill. The academy's evaluation can only serve as a reference. Under that premise, the licenses an examinee holds become a crucial benchmark.
"If you can obtain a Grade B unlimited defense license, it will indeed be a significant advantage. Because the Grade B test is too dangerous, recommended students are generally unwilling to risk taking it. So if you want to go to Center City, this license is truly indispensable."
At this point, he looked at Chen Chuan and asked, "Xiao Chuan, asking about this... are you intending to fight for a spot there?"
Chen Chuan nodded. "Teacher, I want to try."
Cheng Zitong looked at him and said earnestly, "You're thinking the right way, and I fully support you. Only by going to the Main Academy in Center City can you learn more and come into contact with the real world. All your efforts will only be truly worthwhile if directed toward that goal.
"As for the recommendation, the school administration and I will help you work something out. But just as Old He told you, martial strength is our fundamental bedrock. Build yourself up and make yourself strong enough first; only then can you do what you wish to do."
Chen Chuan agreed wholeheartedly. Martial power was not only the stepping stone to climb higher, but also the bedrock of self-preservation. He said steadily, "Yes, I won't forget."
Cheng Zitong remained quite optimistic. "Your talent is out of the ordinary—the best among anyone I've ever seen. I believe you can make it there."
Chen Chuan gave an affirmative sound, then looked up and said, "Right, Teacher. Over the past couple of days, quite a few commission firms have reached out to me through various channels, all hinting at recruitment. I also caught wind from a small company that the Municipal Administration is planning to crack down on a Flying Head Cult soon and is looking everywhere for commissioners capable of dealing with urban legends. I wonder if you have any news on that, Teacher?"
"That matter? I didn't expect you'd heard about it too." Cheng Zitong chuckled. "The Municipal Administration really leaks like a sieve—useless even after signing non-disclosure agreements. That's right, with this recent operation, the Municipal Administration actually approached the principal for solutions, and the principal later came to me.
"From what I know, this really is a major commission. I originally planned to look into it after the New Year to see if there were any issues before discussing it with you. Since you already know, I might as well tell you now."
He took a sip from his teacup, reached into his briefcase, rummaged around, and pulled out a document. "This is internal material from the principal. Have a look first."
Chen Chuan reached out, took it, and flipped through the pages one by one.
Cheng Zitong explained from the side, "You might not have heard of the Flying Head legend, but elsewhere it's actually quite well known. It usually appears alongside a ritual offering severed human heads. It exists in many places, though in some areas they perform the rites for decades without anything appearing, while in others it emerges after just once or twice.
"In truth, there's no direct causal link between the worship rituals and the appearance of the flying head. However, the worship itself summons an already existing flying head. The worshippers will succumb to irrational and frenzied emotions. It's one of the few urban legends that causes a mass-scale impact.
"Therefore, the key to resolving this matter lies in dealing with the flying head itself.
"The creature is extremely troublesome. Not only because it can fly, but also because if the first flying head that appeared isn't eliminated, the phenomenon will keep recurring over the next ten-odd years.
"From the intelligence I've gathered, following the advice of several consultants hired from out of town, the Municipal Administration should have already dispatched commissioners to investigate among the mountain villages. Word most likely won't come back until after the New Year. If the flying head in that place can be dealt with, things will be much easier.
"This Flying Head Cult has spread over a wide area now, and it's not something a single person can resolve. So once news arrives after the New Year, I'll talk to you again."
Chen Chuan said, "There's one more thing. Yesterday, a small company approached me offering rather generous terms." He recounted Ren Shu's company and the terms they offered to Cheng Zitong.
Cheng Zitong asked a few questions and gave his advice: "My view is that if the terms are genuine, choosing this company is an option. The commissions I help you take on here also go through firms run by acquaintances, but no matter what, the pay is modest—mainly intended for you to gain experience.
"However, I don't recommend you become a financial partner there. Getting entangled too deeply isn't good. It would be best to sign a well-paid, non-binding temporary agreement so you can leave at any time. That way, both sides save themselves trouble."
Chen Chuan nodded. He shared the same thought. Becoming an equity partner meant having to worry about company affairs. His goals were completely different from those of Ren Shu and his peers. He was mainly looking to earn high compensation while building up his evaluation records along the way. Fulfilling those two objectives was enough; there was no need to meddle in anything else.
Cheng Zitong reminded him further, "You just need to find a dependable solicitor—preferably one with no business dealings or financial ties to those wealthy youths. Do you need me to find one for you?"
Chen Chuan thought about it and said, "No need. I actually have a relative in the profession."
Cheng Zitong helping him was one thing; asking others for favors was another, and it always consumed social capital. Since he could find someone himself, there was no need to trouble Cheng Zitong.
Cheng Zitong smiled. "Then I won't worry about it on your behalf." He stood up. "A month of winter break—make sure to get some proper rest. I'm taking off."
"I'll see you out, Teacher."
After seeing Cheng Zitong off, Chen Chuan went to the public telephone booth and called Ren Shu. He stated that he had considered it, and if the previously offered terms were true, he would bring a solicitor to sign an agreement with them after the New Year.
Ren Shu was ecstatic. Hanging up the phone, he announced excitedly, "He agreed!"
"Whoa!"
The youths around him erupted with excitement, high-fiving one another. After all, so long after founding the company, they had finally landed a suitable and professional commissioner. Someone immediately suggested heading to a hotel restaurant to celebrate.
Being slightly older, Ren Shu remained relatively calm. He said, "Hold on, even if we celebrate, shouldn't we wait until the agreement is signed and celebrate together with our partner?"
"Right, right."
The youths agreed that made sense. But then someone grew anxious. "Could he change his mind? What if someone else offers better terms and he backs out?"
Ren Shu was a bit worried too, but on the surface he maintained an air of confidence. "He won't. He's a Wuyi student—he values his word. If he didn't want to agree, he could've just strung us along. The fact that he told us means he's already made up his mind."
Hearing him say this, the youths felt reassured. Although eager and impatient, no matter how restless they were, they could only wait until after the New Year.
Back in his dormitory, Chen Chuan packed his things and prepared to head back to his aunt's house for the New Year. Before leaving, he made another phone call. A sweet voice answered on the other end: "Hello, this is Mi's Law Firm."
Chen Chuan said, "Hello, I'm looking for Gao Ming. I'm his cousin."
"Understood, please hold a moment."
After a short wait, a languid voice came over the line: "Hello, Cousin."
Chen Chuan said, "Gao Ming, you're coming back for the New Year, right?"
"Of course! I have to come back to see Auntie and you. Cousin, do you need a consultation? I happen to be free right now."
Chen Chuan said, "I have some business this time and need a trustworthy solicitor."
The other side replied readily, "Sure thing. But listen, once the New Year passes, I won't be an intern solicitor anymore; I'll be a full-fledged solicitor, and my fees won't be cheap! But since you called today, Cousin, let's just calculate it at the intern rate."
Chen Chuan smiled. "Gao Ming, thanks."
"Don't mention it. You're paying, after all! We'll talk details when we meet during the holiday."
After hanging up, Chen Chuan returned to drop his written New Year greeting cards into the mailbox. Then, picking up his packed suitcase, he walked out.
Stepping out of the building, he saw heavy snow falling outside. Not planning to ride his bicycle, he intended to simply walk back. Just then, a car horn honked behind him. Turning his head, he saw a familiar Tuotu sedan rolling over slowly. The window rolled down to reveal Wei Chang'an's face, who called out, "Junior!"
Seeing him, Chen Chuan asked, "Brother Wei? You haven't headed back yet?"
Wei Chang'an said, "I came over to pick up some things and figured you'd be heading back around now, so I came by to give you a lift. Get in! Oh, by the way, the trunk is full, put your luggage in the back seat."
Chen Chuan didn't stand on ceremony. He walked over, opened the door, stowed his suitcase first, and then took the front passenger seat. Once his seatbelt was buckled, the car rolled smoothly forward.
Grasping the steering wheel, Wei Chang'an sighed with emotion. "Junior, you have no idea. Lately, the old man brings you up constantly, comparing your Brother Wei to you. He's started finding fault with me at every turn! Especially these past few days—no clue what set him off, but he lectures me every chance he gets."
Chen Chuan thought to himself: *Brother Wei, you didn't accidentally take the mop home, did you?*
"Let's not talk about the old man. Our company might have a big commission coming up soon. Management approached me multiple times asking to reach out to you, but I turned them all down. Now that you have your weapons license, where can't you go? There's no need to climb aboard our company's ship. Brother Wei has no choice and can only endure it for now, but the moment I become a senior commissioner, I'm definitely going out on my own."
Chen Chuan knew Wei was still brooding over the last incident. He said, "Brother Wei, a while ago I handled an urban legend. Lately, a lot of commission firms have been looking for me because of it, including many major firms."
Wei Chang'an was somewhat surprised and turned his head. "An urban legend? Not bad, Junior, you've got real skill if even major firms are coming... Huh?"
Suddenly, he caught on. Why would major companies be fixated on an urban legend? Factoring in Chen Chuan's tone and the scattered rumors he had heard recently, his eyes lit up. He could roughly confirm a few things now. He said, "Junior, you're a real pal!"
Chen Chuan smiled. "What do you mean, Brother Wei? I don't follow."
Wei Chang'an laughed heartily. Seeing they had left the school grounds, he stepped on the gas. After just a brief exchange, they arrived at the constabulary family residential compound.
Wei Chang'an got out first, opened the trunk, hauled out various bags and parcels, and packed them together into a large sack. "Junior, take all this with you. Your Brother Wei prepared it especially for you." He added, "Don't refuse! You've helped your Brother Wei several times—are you telling me I can't even say thanks?"
Chen Chuan didn't decline. "Then thank you, Brother Wei."
"I'm off, then. I still owe you a meal from last time—I'll look you up during the New Year." Wei Chang'an waved to him, got back into the car, and soon drove away.
Carrying the suitcase and the large sack, Chen Chuan walked into the alleyway. Arriving at the courtyard gate, he looked at the couplets pasted on the door, set his things down, and knocked. "Aunt, Uncle, I'm back."
……
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Chapter 106