Chapter Sixty-Eight: The Extraordinary Mansion Receives a Commission Too?

Upon hearing Jin Minghui's explanation, everyone wore an expression of shock, including Zhou Peng. Ye Chen was slightly moved... It seemed this was the first time Old Jin had proactively mentioned something related to his past. Qiao Mucao searched his memory quickly, trying to recall which prominent figure had refused to take the Number Zero Serum back then. Unfortunately, he found nothing.

Jin Minghui didn't seem worried that this topic might expose his identity; instead, he added, "If I had injected the Number Zero Serum, would any of you have the chance to sit here with me, eating and chatting?" His words exuded a brazen arrogance, yet they were grounded in reality. Moreover, his face showed no trace of regret as he spoke—so natural, so casual, as if what he had given up wasn't anything precious.

Ye Chen speculated inwardly: those qualified to receive the Number Zero Serum must be the absolute top echelon of power in the Inner City. These elites naturally had their own circles. If Old Jin had chosen to mingle with them back then, he wouldn't have had the opportunity to befriend Ye Chen and Zhou Peng.

Many people unknowingly reflect on the choices they made in the past; some are minor, others monumental, but all could mark a turning point in one's destiny. Once a choice is made, one shouldn't care about whether it was right or wrong. The road itself bears no concept of right or wrong—it is about whether the person walking it does so with resolve, making the journey worthwhile and complete.

......

The group quickly ended their discussion about the serum; after all, such things weren't something ordinary folk at their level could access. Rather than chasing the elusive promise of immortality, wasn't it better to live well in the present?

The conversation, guided by someone, shifted to awakened artifacts. Ye Chen borrowed Qiao Mucao's gloves and tried to infuse them with his inner essence, but nothing happened. As expected, awakened artifacts recognized their owners; not just anyone could use them.

When Qiao Mucao took Ye Chen's broken blade, a sudden sense of dread surged within him. He was so startled he barely held the knife, its tip plunging deep into the floor with a muffled thud. Ye Shanshan bent down to help pull it out, her face calm and composed.

Ye Chen looked at Qiao Mucao in confusion, while Qiao Mucao himself appeared utterly bewildered.

"What just happened?"

Qiao Mucao shook his head, answering vaguely, "I can't really say, but if I must describe it, it felt like my gloves were afraid of your broken blade..."

Fear? Terror? Could awakened artifacts convey such emotions? Ye Chen silently tucked that question away in his mind.

......

When the dinner ended, Jin Minghui handed Ye Chen a task sheet he'd brought along. The task sheet... such a nostalgic feeling. He spread out the paper, and Ye Shanshan leaned in to read with him.

Extraordinary Bureau Task Commission:
[Our bureau recently acquired a special box, suspected to be an awakened artifact, currently without an owner.]
[We hope a destined person can open it, or discover the method to do so.]
[Registration fee: ten thousand; reward negotiable.]

"What the—?! Ten thousand just to sign up? Why don't they just rob people!" Ye Chen couldn't help but curse upon seeing the exorbitant fee. "Do they think the box is gold-plated? Touch it and lose a layer of skin or something? Who came up with this!"

"And besides, what's with this awakened artifact being ownerless?"

Ye Chen finished reading, his mind full of complaints, nearly crumpling the task sheet and tossing it into the trash.

Old Jin, patting his full stomach, explained, "The Extraordinary Bureau has issued similar tasks before—seeking someone fated for such an artifact. In the end, an ordinary person was recognized by the artifact and became an awakener on the spot. His reward, naturally, was the artifact itself."

Ye Chen uttered an "oh," suddenly enlightened, sensing the immense opportunity hidden in this task. I wonder if my trainee researcher card could get me a discount on the registration fee...

......

Meanwhile, a car bearing the Outer City Patrol Bureau emblem sped through the streets of the Inner City. Captain Lu Biao sat in the back, gazing at his reflection in the window, once again breaking into a satisfied smile. It was the umpteenth time he'd smiled like this today.

The designated driver in the front seat noticed Captain Lu's persistent smile in the rearview mirror. He showed no curiosity or questions, simply following Captain Lu's instructions to deliver him to the specified location, as always.

A driver's basic professionalism—this lesson he had mastered thoroughly.

......

"Xiao Wang, once we arrive, you don't have to wait for me. Head back," said Captain Lu, still riveted to the window, unable to tear his eyes away.

"Yes, Captain Lu!"

"Stop calling me 'Old Captain.' Drop the 'old.' Tell everyone at the bureau as well, understood?"

Lu Biao suddenly turned, his tone sharp with obvious irritation. Xiao Wang, startled, hurriedly replied, "Yes, understood, Captain Lu!"

"Mmm..." Drawing out the syllable, Lu Biao turned his gaze back to the window, lightly brushing his bangs to ensure his hairstyle remained just as it was when he left home.

The car stopped at the entrance of the Emerald Crown Hotel. Black-clad security guards were on duty, apparently awaiting the arrival of each guest.

Driver Xiao Wang got out to open the door for Lu Biao. Just then, a strong gust of wind blew, ruffling his meticulously styled hair. Lu Biao immediately erupted, "Quick! Quick! Block the wind for me! My hair... my hair!"

Xiao Wang, quick-witted, unfurled his coat to shield Lu Biao from the wind, escorting him to the hotel entrance. Then he dashed back to the car, rummaged through storage, and handed Lu Biao a makeup mirror left behind by some girl.

Lu Biao's face lit up instantly. He gave Xiao Wang a hearty slap on the arm, his lips twitching in approval, signaling he could leave.

On his way to the banquet hall, Lu Biao walked while tidying his hair. Only when every strand was perfectly in place did he enter, thoroughly satisfied.

Inside, the lights blazed, golden and splendid, with a massive crystal chandelier sparkling overhead. The floor tiles shone so brightly they reflected the men and women present.

Though this was a small, exclusive dinner party, the women outnumbered the men two to one—scantily clad, voluptuous, and beautiful. Some flirted with their eyes, some radiated innocence, others exuded wild charm—every type imaginable.

There was always one just for you.

The tables overflowed with exquisite dishes and expensive wines. Everything here could be freely chosen—including the women.

If Ye Chen's dinner with friends was filled with the warmth and roughness of everyday life, then this gathering was the epitome of extravagant indulgence...