lcionline Chapter 78 A New Journey
Chapter 78 A New Journey
Chapter 78 A New Journey (Part 2)
Kober, Hu Zhou, and others' perceptions of Cheng Xu actually went through several stages of change.
When Cheng Xu first joined the Anomaly Management Bureau, they were filled with trepidation, fear, and wariness about unknown terminal anomalies.
As time went by, most of the anxiety and fear were worn away in the daily interactions with him, but the necessary precautions were not reduced at all.
It wasn't until the candid conversation following the Ge Lunxing incident that most of the invisible barriers between the two sides were dissolved, and a relationship of mutual trust began to be built.
Furthermore, Cheng Xu's actions at the Yuanguang Star branch during the incident of the loss of the "Crack" further increased the recognition of Cheng Xu among Ke Bo and others.
Now, Cheng Xu accepted the suggestion of the Bureau of Abnormalities and decided to go to the Bureau's headquarters, but their emotions were somewhat complicated.
It felt as if a familiar and reliable old friend was about to embark on a long journey, and I wondered when I would see him again.
Throughout Cheng Xu's six months at the Chengmingxing branch, this "most dangerous" anomaly repeatedly reached out to the administration for help.
It was precisely because of everything Cheng Xu had done that Ke Bo, Hu Zhou, and Xue Zijing believed in the ideas he had just expressed.
Because in their eyes, Cheng Xu had always presented himself as a kind, upright, and righteous young man who hated evil.
"————Then it's settled."
Suppressing the reluctance in his heart, Kober was well aware of what a final anomaly willing to maintain interstellar order truly meant.
Just as Director Luo had just told him, in this situation, the vast universe should be the real stage for this young man, rather than staying at the Chengming Star Branch.
"You don't need to worry about the various procedures and matters at the branch office. Director Hu and Director Xue will help you to perfect the relevant processes."
Regarding the handover of work, you may need to set aside some time to coordinate with other colleagues who are taking over the shift.
"As for the specific departure time, it mainly depends on your needs. The branch office will prepare a spaceship that is on standby 24 hours a day for you."
"The headquarters of the Administration Bureau is located nearly a month away from the Chengyu Galaxy. My personal suggestion is to treat this trip as a vacation."
"You can make a brief stop on the planets along the way and experience the unique features of different cosmic civilizations."
"I think this will also be very beneficial for you to achieve your vision and hopes in the future."
Kober's expression could be described as earnest and persuasive, like an elder nagging a younger person before their departure.
Cheng Xu was also touched by his attitude and nodded slightly: "Okay, then I'll trouble the director and the two directors."
He had lived on Chengming Star for over twenty years; it would be a lie to say he had no feelings for it. Now, as he embarks on a new journey, he feels a deep sense of reluctance.
The Anomaly Management Bureau gave him plenty of time, and he planned to say goodbye properly to his acquaintances on Chengming Star.
Inside the office of the Abnormal Control Section 1.
"Huh? Xiao Cheng is being transferred?"
When Hu Zhou and Cheng Xu returned to the office and announced the news, everyone present was somewhat stunned.
"That's right. Xiao Cheng plans to go to the Administration's headquarters first, and then decide on his specific role within the Administration. I can't go into more detail."
Hu Zhou explained to his teammates.
Now, Cheng Xu also knows that these "colleagues" are all members of the Worker Bee Action Team.
But in reality, the people in the office didn't really feel that "Cheng Xu is a terminal-level anomaly".
More than half a year ago, they accepted the mission and came to Chengming Star.
More than half a year later, when they looked back, they realized that they had been working as ordinary clerks in the branch office for several months without much fanfare.
Although the psychological pressure was considerable, in reality, this was almost the most peaceful and tranquil time the worker bee team members had experienced since joining the Anomaly Management Bureau.
She routinely went to and from get off work every day, handled various unusual matters, and secretly observed Cheng Xu's behavior and actions—that was all.
As a result, many people have developed a misconception, forgetting that they were originally among those who were constantly facing danger and fighting on the front lines against the anomaly.
"I won't say anything more, Xiao Cheng. I've had a very pleasant time talking with you these past few days."
Yu Xiang, the senior colleague in the office, walked up to Cheng Xu and patted him hard on the shoulder.
Putting everything else aside, in terms of work ability and attitude alone, you are among the most outstanding people I have ever met. Best of luck on your journey.
Xiang Sicun raised his hand and said, "If you need any help in the future, just contact me!"
I will definitely do my best to help.
Others then offered their blessings to Cheng Xu.
Everyone deliberately ignored Cheng Xu's terminal anomaly and their identity as worker bee team members, bidding him farewell as if they were close colleagues.
Thank you everyone.
Cheng Xu looked around the office, feeling a mix of emotions as he gazed at the familiar surroundings and friendly faces.
"Thank you all for your help during our work. It's been a pleasure working with you all, and I hope to see you again in the future."
Hu Zhou laughed and said, "Oh, there's no need to be so sentimental. We're all still working in the Bureau, and we'll definitely have a chance to meet again in the future."
He waved his hand and pointed to the two people at the front: "Old Yu, Si Cun, you two take over with Xiao Cheng in the next couple of days. Take over the work he has on hand, and prepare a handover list for me to sign."
"I'm treating everyone to dinner tonight at Wanghailou Restaurant, as a farewell to Xiao Cheng."
Everyone's eyes lit up. Wanghailou was the most upscale restaurant in Chengming Star, and its price was among the highest in the entire Chengyu Galaxy.
"Yay!"
"Good morning, Master! I'd like a bowl of braised and grilled venison with a double topping of pork bone broth noodles, please make the noodles a bit chewy, and also a glass of Kara juice."
"No need to pack it up! We'll eat in the cafeteria today."
Cheng Xu walked to the familiar window and greeted the chefs inside.
"Huh? Xiao Cheng's here? We haven't seen you for so many days, we've missed you terribly."
"That's right, Cheng. With you on vacation and not coming to the cafeteria, we're not motivated to cook and prepare meals."
"Why did you only eat so little this morning? Is something on your mind?"
2
Cheng Xu's arrival was immediately met with a warm welcome from the cafeteria chefs.
Due to the need for confidentiality, the chefs who had little contact with Cheng Xu and whose information was not crucial were not informed of Cheng Xu's true identity.
But in their eyes, Cheng Xu was different from the others in the branch office.
This is mainly due to Cheng Xu's large appetite and the way he devours food as if he wants to sweep it all away in one gust of wind.
An anonymous chef commented during an internal chat: "You didn't see him tearing apart and eating the bone-in frozen tuna steak I made. He was like a wild animal. At that moment, I really felt that learning to cook was worth it."
Every chef who witnesses Cheng Xu dining will have their most genuine love for cooking awakened, and a sense of accomplishment will almost overflow from their hearts.
Over time, Cheng Xu became the most popular person among the chefs in the Chengmingxing Branch canteen.
Cheng Xu picked up his plate and shook his head at the uncles and aunts inside the window.
"It's not that I have something on my mind. It's just that yesterday, Director Hu treated me to a farewell dinner at Wanghailou Restaurant, and I ate quite a lot, so I was thinking of eating less this morning."
The chefs took a few seconds to react before exclaiming in surprise.
"Xiao Cheng, are you leaving?"
"You're no longer working at the Chengmingxing Police Station?"
"Is it a promotion? Congratulations!"
After some explanation, the chefs finally realized that Cheng Xu was about to go to the headquarters.
At their insistence, Cheng Xu could not refuse their hospitality, and the cafeteria chefs each used their best skills to prepare a farewell meal for Cheng Xu.
The meal lasted from morning until nearly noon before everyone reluctantly said goodbye to Cheng Xu.
"Xiao Cheng, come back and visit more often when you have time. The canteen doors of Chengmingxing Branch are always open for you."
"no problem!"
"Dean Yu, this is a root carving souvenir I brought you from Fenglinxing."
"Wow! Xiao Cheng, long time no see! Have you been traveling to Fenglin Star lately?"
"Yes, I went there about a week ago."
"Huh? What a coincidence, I just came back from Fenglin Star too."
Inside the new teaching building of the School of Life Sciences at Chengxing University's Jiangyue Campus, Chengxing City.
In the dean's office, Yu Kai looked at Cheng Xu with a smile.
Just now, Cheng Xu took the initiative to come and say goodbye. Only then did Yu Kai learn that Cheng Xu had been transferred to the headquarters by the Bureau of Abnormal Affairs and would probably set off in the next day or two.
Yu Kai was naturally extremely satisfied with Cheng Xu, an outstanding graduate of Chengxing University.
The fungal anomaly that previously appeared in the old teaching building of the School of Life Sciences was resolved under Cheng Xu's leadership.
Following that incident, the School of Life Sciences obtained a batch of fungal samples of considerable research value, much to the delight of everyone in the school.
Now, this outstanding student has been appreciated by the Administration Bureau and is about to be transferred to headquarters, which makes Yu Kai feel extremely gratified.
These are the talented people who have graduated from our Chengxing University!
"Hmm? Dean Yu, you also went to the Far Light Galaxy before?" Cheng Xu was slightly surprised.
Yu Kai nodded: "Yes, something happened on Fenglin Star before, it was about ancient species research and the recovery of an out-of-control ecosystem, so they called me over to help and give some suggestions."
Cheng Xu suddenly realized that it must be the series of events caused by the Kannpoli worm. The Luling Clan of Fenglin Star had invited many well-known scholars to provide assistance in order to restore the planet's ecology to its original state as soon as possible.
As the two chatted, Yu Kai's face suddenly flushed slightly, and he tentatively asked, "Ahem, Xiao Cheng—about what happened with the suggestion I made earlier about lending us that fungal anomaly for our research?"
Cheng Xu spread his hands: "Dean Yu, even a security-level anomaly is still an anomaly. The Administration has regulations governing it. Why don't you talk to Director Ke Bo about it, Dean Yu?"
"Uh... Chief Kopper?"
Yu Kai waved his hand: "Then forget it. I've dealt with him before. He's a bit old-fashioned and not easy to talk to."
Cheng Xu didn't speak. Based on his own experience, he felt that Director Ke Bo had always been quite easy to talk to.
"Xiao Cheng, your Director Hu and I have discussed this privately a few times, and we'd like to ask for your opinion on a suggestion."
In the office of the Chengmingxing Branch Chief, Cheng Xu and Ke Bo sat facing each other. This conversation was initiated by Ke Bo at Cheng Xu's invitation.
"This trip is a long journey, and Xiao Cheng, you haven't left the Chengyu Star System much, so I thought I'd find someone to accompany you, which will also help you get familiar with interstellar society more quickly."
"Of course, it's just a suggestion. If you, Xiao Cheng, feel it's inappropriate, then just pretend I didn't say anything."
"Director, the person you're talking about is—" Cheng Xu hesitated slightly.
Kober reached out and swiped on the control panel of his desk, and a blond-haired, white-eyed young man quickly entered the office; he was an acquaintance of Cheng Xu.
"Fields?"
Cheng Xu was somewhat surprised.
The person standing before him was Fields, the young master of the Interstellar Explorers Association.
Back on Golun Star, he and Fields had a wonderful underground adventure. Fields followed him around, calling him "Brother Cheng" all the time.
Later, when Gray Harbor caused a disaster, Fields was sent to another planet for treatment. They never saw each other again until the events on Golun Star were resolved and Cheng Xu went to the Far Light System.
Cheng Xu thought Fields had already left the Chengyu Galaxy with his bodyguards, but he never expected to meet him here again.
Fields acted as if he had seen a long-lost brother, and immediately rushed to Cheng Xu's side.
"Brother Cheng, please, take me with you! I promise I'll be obedient!"
Cheng Xu looked at Ke Bo with a puzzled expression.
Only after Kopper's explanation did he finally understand the reason.
It turns out that after the Golun Star incident, Fields took a break and completed all the necessary checkups yesterday before deciding to return to the Explorers Guild headquarters.
When he went to say goodbye to Kopper, Kopper realized that the Explorers' Guild was not far from the Authority headquarters, so he had the idea of having Fields accompany him.
Just as Kopper said, Cheng Xu's understanding of interstellar society is limited, but with Fields, a knowledgeable person, by his side, many problems can be avoided.
On the other hand, Kober also considered the good relationship between Cheng Xu and Fields during the Golun Star incident. Having this kid travel with Cheng Xu might be beneficial in stabilizing Cheng Xu's character.
As for Fields, his thinking was actually much simpler—
What? Brother Cheng is being transferred to the Administration Bureau headquarters? And they want me to be his mentor?
No problem at all, I'll take the job!
Fields believes that following Cheng Xu, a mysterious bigwig in the management bureau, will likely lead to many exciting experiences along the way.
"Sure, I'm fine with it. Fields can come with me then." After a brief moment of surprise, Cheng Xu nodded.
Kopper's considerations were not without merit; a mentor familiar with interstellar society was indeed something he needed.
"Great!" Fields' cheers echoed throughout the room.
Inside the helipad of Chengmingxing Branch.
An unremarkable-looking starship was docked in the harbor.
In the past few days, Cheng Xu has packed his luggage and moved all the items he needed to take from his dormitory to the starship.
The Chengming Star Bureau prepared this starship for him, which is feature-rich and can be regarded as a mobile villa that travels in space, somewhat similar to the RVs that Cheng Xu was familiar with in his previous life.
A group of mid- to high-level personnel from the branch office were gathered around the corresponding boarding gate.
Director Ke Bo, Director of Anomaly Control Section 1 Hu Zhou, Xue Zijing and Fu Chen from the Special Operations Division, Director of the Anomaly Research Center Wen Mu, Head of the Anomaly Containment Zone Fan Qingniao, and Director of the Logistics Support Section Tang Shutong —
Before his departure, all personnel from the Chengmingxing Branch with the authority to know the details were present to see Cheng Xu off.
Cheng Xu stood at the boarding gate, with Fields beside him carrying large and small bags. His gaze swept over familiar faces, and he bowed slightly to these people who had once cared for him.
"Then let's set off."
A bewildered look appeared on everyone's faces. Cheng Xu had already turned around and walked into the passage.
Only then did everyone realize what was happening, waving their arms behind Cheng Xu and shouting, "Have a safe trip!"
"Chengmingxing Police Station welcomes you back anytime!"
As Kober and the others watched, Cheng Xu and Fields disappeared at the end of the boarding gate.
(End of Volume 1)