Chapter 97 - Ninety-Seven: Is There a Borrow, Is There a Return?

Chen Gu was trying to sneak away with his head down when Liu Shichan, who had been eyeing him already, swiftly made her way through the dense crowd and, WHOOSH, appeared in front of him. Caught off guard, Chen Gu was met with Liu Shichan’s sly smile. He had a bad feeling about this. Suddenly, she extended her hand, offering him a cup of milk tea. "I’m treating you to milk..." Before Liu Shichan could finish, her voice was cut off by a loud roar. Darkray charged over like a mini tank, shoving several classmates out of the way. His thick, hairy legs firmly wedged themselves between Chen Gu and Liu Shichan! "Don’t you dare make things difficult for my Brother Chen! If you’ve got a problem, take it up with me!" Then, this blockhead twitched his nose, a look of delight spreading across his face as he lowered his head to admire the cup in Liu Shichan’s hand. "Caramel flavor, my favorite..." Liu Shichan glared at him fiercely. "If you like it so much, go buy your own!" "You’re not allowed to hassle my Brother Chen..." Darkray blurted out. Liu Shichan’s right foot moved slightly, the tip of her shoe pressing down hard, and several clear cracks formed on a floor tile! Darkray drifted away, his leg hair fluttering in the wind. "Brother Chen, I won’t disturb your chat with Sister Liu anymore." Chen Gu cursed under his breath at this coward! After Liu Shichan drove Darkray away, she again offered the milk tea to Chen Gu. "You, despite being lecherous, sleazy, despicable, and cunning, are at least loyal!" Chen Gu was about to retort on the spot when he noticed many of the surrounding classmates nodding in agreement, apparently quite accepting of Liu Shichan’s "evaluation" of him! "You guys..." Chen Gu felt weary. Liu Shichan added, "We in the underworld live by loyalty, and I respect you for being a man of your word!" Chen Gu snatched the milk tea, intending to leave, but Liu Shichan quickly withdrew her hand. "However, there’s something I still need to clear up." She blinked her large eyes and asked in a hushed, mysterious voice, "Is there something more than friendship between you, Mao Yisheng, and Darkray?" "You know, is it... that sort of thing?" "Because if you’re standing up for true love, then it’s not about loyalty... Please don’t get me wrong, I have ample respect and interest in people like you. Also, I have some questions about certain... practices, and I’d like to learn a thing or two from you..." Chen Gu noticed that her eyes were sparkling as she said this. He raised a finger, signaling her to pause. Liu Shichan eagerly awaited his answer. Chen Gu seemed hesitant, then said, "I need you to copy a gesture I make." "No problem." Liu Shichan was very cooperative at this moment. Chen Gu tilted his head to the left and then used his left hand to pick his left ear. Liu Shichan immediately did the same and then asked, "What’s this for?" Chen Gu replied, "Helping you drain the water from your brain!" Liu Shichan: "???" Chen Gu turned to leave, but after a couple of steps, he suddenly turned around, snatched the milk tea, and took a large gulp. Liu Shichan caught up to him. "So you’re saying, you guys aren’t really..." "Of course not!" Liu Shichan, disappointed, watched the little stars in her eyes extinguish one by one. "What a pity. You’re all so young and strong, full of vigor and radiating energy. You train diligently every day, bodies glistening with sweat, supporting each other... and yet you don’t push forward boldly, seize every opening, or connect from end to end... It’s truly such a waste." Chen Gu was stunned. He felt that exchanging even one more word with this woman would contaminate him. He turned and fled. Chen Gu found his car. Just as he started it, he received a call from Marcus: "Return to the team immediately!" The call didn’t reveal much, but Chen Gu subconsciously guessed: True Knowledge Sin is about to make a move. 「Twenty minutes later,」 Chen Gu arrived at the branch building, parked the car in record time, rushed upstairs, and pushed open the office door. "Boss, what’s the situation?" However, only Marcus and Director Mei were in the office. Upon seeing Chen Gu, Marcus looked like he’d found his savior. "Thank goodness you’re finally here! Come and help us brainstorm." A wave of joy surged in Chen Gu’s heart. Both leaders were present, but the other team members weren’t. They must value my abilities and have specifically called me over to provide input for the upcoming major operation! As a newcomer, he had effortlessly surpassed the three veterans in the team to receive such recognition. The leaders indeed have a keen eye for talent! "My skills are just average, really..." Great Actor Chen said with false humility, already darting over. A holographic projection page was open in front of Marcus and Director Mei. However, it wasn’t displaying operational plans, but a shopping page! "Hmm?" Marcus said, "Today is the Bureau’s biannual exchange discount day. You can exchange merit points for equipment at half price. Do you think this ’Kunlun Thunder’ is suitable for me?" This was a revolver with a caliber comparable to a grenade launcher. It was so large that its cylinder only had five chambers. The entire frame of the gun was engraved with arcane patterns, and the muzzle was reinforced with a mystical metal. Its appearance alone left no doubt about its power. Below was a description stating the gun came with three types of ammunition: "Armor-Piercing," "Airburst," and "Lightning Strike," ten rounds of each. There was also the even more terrifying "Nuclear Ammunition," but those had to be purchased separately, at one hundred merit points each. The special equipment from the Bureau of Mystic Security all included remnants of super life forms, and some integrated super materials directly. For example, this "Kunlun Thunder" incorporated the remains of a super life form with electrical abilities. It was not only incredibly robust, allowing it to fire high-powered ammunition, but each shot also delivered an additional impact equivalent to a high-explosive grenade. The original price of this gun was 1,200 merit points, but now it was only six hundred. Although Chen Gu was somewhat puzzled about why they had urgently called him over to ask his opinion, he still analyzed, "Boss, you’re an ’Alchemist.’ Your skills have a certain activation delay, so having such a direct-attack weapon would be an excellent complement. This ’Kunlun Thunder’ is very suitable for you." Marcus excitedly slapped his shoulder. "Great minds think alike! Since you agree, you’ll definitely help me out, right?" Chen Gu suddenly realized something. He clutched his pockets. "Boss..." "Chen Gu, I’m the team leader, responsible for the safety and survival of the entire Fifth Team! I want this equipment not just for myself, but also for your safety!" "The stronger I am, the safer you will be." "Safety, do you understand? Safety first!" Chen Gu’s face fell. "Can I even refuse?" "I have 156 merit points. You just need to lend me 444," Marcus said. Chen Gu inwardly cursed his luck; even the numbers were unlucky. He ruefully transferred 444 merit points to Marcus, who cheered and quickly placed the order. The order confirmation showed it would be delivered the next morning. Chen Gu’s heart stirred. Half-price sale, huh? Maybe I could also... Director Mei said, "Don’t rush. You can take your time looking later. For now, come and give me some advice too!" Chen Gu: "..."