After a series of commotions, Luocha, Black Swan, and Kafka arrived one after another.
Black Swan conducted a simple test and confirmed that Jingliu had returned to normal, posing no immediate danger.
Luocha also verified that Feixiao had sobered up.
Currently, the most severely injured was Modu, who had been punched by Firefly.
Of course, under Su Chen's watchful eye, receiving treatment came at the price of being forced to sign a contract.
Then, Su Chen slowly walked over to Hoolay's side.
"Well? Still want to fight?"
Hoolay, lying on the ground, glanced at Su Chen before turning his gaze to the sky.
"How did you do it? Was it worth creating a scene like this?"
"Why wouldn't it be worth it? There are many ways to achieve greatness—why resort to violence?
For example, in a web series, I could start with a zero-frame opener, follow it up with an unexpected twist, and insert a textbook-level product placement. Wouldn't that be more effective than stirring up drama here?"
"Hiss…" Hoolay pondered for a moment.
Right!
That actually makes sense!
If it really came to a fight, he still wasn't confident he could defeat Jingliu.
"So… how much would you charge? Product placement in a Honkai: Star Rail web series must cost a fortune, right?"
Su Chen didn't respond. Instead, he reached behind his back and pulled out a contract.
"Sign your name here, stamp it, and that's it. Don't worry—you'll live better than you do now."
Hoolay sat up straight, carefully examining the employment contract in his hands before sighing.
"By the way, don't you want to know who sent me?"
Su Chen's lips curled slightly. "In my humble opinion, revealing your employer's information is hardly professional, no?"
Hoolay caught the implication in Su Chen's words. With two quick strokes, he signed his name on the contract.
"You're my boss now, so it's only right I tell you! The person who hired me—no, the one who asked for my help—was a fat man. He's not the important one. The key figure is his superior—Topaz!"
"Oh! The ranking manipulator? Why her? That doesn't make sense!" Su Chen lowered his head, deep in thought.
Still, it was good to have this information.
If Topaz was here, then Aventurine and Jade were likely around as well.
It'd be best if they were all together.
Though convincing them to join would be quite the challenge.
Once he finished handling current matters, it'd be time to meet them.
Su Chen stored Hoolay's contract and walked toward Jingliu.
By now, she had recovered significantly, with none of the murderous aura from earlier.
Just as Su Chen was about to exchange pleasantries, Baiheng rushed over and hugged Jingliu tightly, wrapping her limbs around her.
"Jingliu! I missed you so much! Wuwuwu…"
Tears streamed uncontrollably down Baiheng's face.
Su Chen had no intention of disrupting the yuri atmosphere lingering in the air.
Instead, he walked over to Feixiao. "Are you sober now?"
Feixiao blinked. "Did I drink?"
Su Chen gave a thumbs-up. "Playing the amnesia card, huh? Classic you!"
He turned to Jiaoqiu. "Your boss has already signed the contract. What about you two? Oh, right—where's Moze?"
Jiaoqiu lightly fanned himself with his feathered fan. "He's on the roof. But how did my boss end up signing with you?"
"Free meals in the cafeteria, drinks included."
"Uh…" Jiaoqiu shook his head. "What choice do I have? I'll sign. Hm?"
He scrutinized the contract. "What does this clause mean? 'Must contribute to cafeteria menu planning'?"
"Ah, as the saying goes, 'Ignore the wisdom of elders, and your ears shall rest.' With great power comes great responsibility! You can do it!" Su Chen raised a fist to his chest, cheering Jiaoqiu on.
As the two continued bantering,
Huaiyan brought Yunli before Su Chen. "Hohoho! Su Chen, you truly are a man of remarkable talent! No wonder you've convinced so many to join your company.
This old man should take his leave now. Thank you for your hospitality. This trip was not in vain—seeing such sights gives me plenty to discuss with the Bureau Director."
"Grandpa, are we leaving already? I haven't…" Yunli tugged at Huaiyan's sleeve, glancing around.
"Ah, Yunli, if we don't leave now, it'll be too late. This man's skills are extraordinary. Even someone as sharp as Jing Yuan wants to put down roots here. That speaks volumes…"
Clap, clap. Su Chen patted his hands twice, smiling at Yunli behind Huaiyan.
"No need to rush. You arrived before I did, didn't you?
As a senior, I must personally host you!"
At that moment, Yingxing walked over carrying a bundle of candied hawthorns.
Huaiyan's expression twisted slightly. "Yingxing… how have you been?"
Yingxing remained silent, only nodding repeatedly.
"Here, little one—these are for you!" Su Chen handed the entire bundle to Yunli.
Yunli's pupils dilated, her face rounding with delight. "Wow! R-Really? For me?"
"Yes! But if you leave, you won't get to eat them anymore. Why not stay a while longer?"
Yunli wiped her drool and accepted the skewers.
Then, Su Chen gave Yingxing a meaningful look before walking away alone.
Meanwhile, in the Security Bureau Director's office,
The Director sneezed repeatedly for no apparent reason.
"Hiss… what's going on? My right eyelid won't stop twitching! Could it be Huaiyan too?
Does miHoYo really devour people?"
Soon after, in the café,
With the commotion settled, everything finally stabilized.
Su Chen sat on the sofa,
while Welt Yang sat across from him.
"So? How'd it go, Mr. Yang? Smooth sailing?"
"More or less." Welt Yang's face darkened slightly. "Taking March 7th and Stelle along nearly cost us the return trip!"
"No way. With you, Himeko, and Dan Heng, handling two people shouldn't have been a problem, right?"
Welt Yang forced a bitter smile, sipping his tea. "That's how it should've been. But once we reached the school, everything changed.
Anyway, let's focus.
I've already briefed the folks at St. Freya, but…"
"But?"
"But they need you to go there personally. After all, you're the one inviting so many to join miHoYo."
Su Chen stared at his cup before taking a sip.
"Hmm… shouldn't be an issue. Late October should work. Not great, not terrible."
He set the cup down and checked his watch. "Almost 6 o'clock!"
Welt Yang looked puzzled. "6 o'clock? What about it?"
"Time to tell the audience the tale of the Xianzhou Luofu!"
Right at 6:00 PM, Welt Yang's phone chimed.
"Pull down the notification bar to check. The UP you follow has updated multiple posts."
The first thing that caught his eye was:
Character PV: "Death Approaches."