Chapter 80: You Are a Promising Talent

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At six in the morning, the Thunder Runner arrived at the gates of the small town right on time.

Sitting in the passenger seat, Han Yu Chen finally put down her book. She could no longer calm her heart. She hugged the chip storage box tightly, her fingers trembling with excitement. Inside were three flawless level-three chips, six level-two chips—some perfect, some damaged—and a large number of level-one chips. The other chips and remains from level-one and level-two Ruins Beasts had nothing to do with her. What concerned her were the level-three chips and remains.

Since one of them happened to be a relatively rare and highly valuable Bloodthirsty Giant Mosquito, she would receive 38 points—10% of 380 points. In just one hour, she had earned what an ordinary team might not achieve after a whole day of hard work. This was what it felt like to be carried by a powerful teammate—like a dream.

Though she possessed the skills of a level-four Disassembler, she had always hidden her identity to avoid old enemies and had never worked with higher-level teams. For the first time, Han Yu Chen experienced the overwhelming impact of absolute strength.

She now understood the existence of hierarchy. Though they all bore the same profession title, what Mr. Ren had achieved in one night rivaled what the other five team members could accomplish in half a month. His rate of progress was truly terrifying. Was this the world of the strong—so longed for yet unattainable by the town’s outcasts? How lucky they had been to stumble upon him!

Upon reaching the parking lot, Ren Zhong wheeled out his motorcycle. “Ride back to the compound. I’ll transfer your share in advance. Remember, if anyone asks, answer as I taught you. For now, this stays between us. The time isn’t right to tell the others.”

“Alright. Thank you, Mr. Ren.”

He chuckled, “No need to thank me. You’ve earned it. Without you, I’d have destroyed at least two chips today—losing eighty or ninety points wouldn’t be surprising.”

“Even so, if I accepted it without any qualms, that’d mean I don’t know what’s good for me.”

Ren Zhong gently patted Han Yu Chen on the shoulder. “I’m inviting you to join me, just as you once invited me. I’m entirely sincere. This isn’t charity. Your abilities deserve this commission. We complement each other. Go on now, don’t waste time.”

“Alright.” Han Yu Chen drove off, a bit clumsy but careful enough not to crash into the walls.

Watching her awkward departure, Ren Zhong mused, Could she be the most unfortunate level-four Disassembler on Origin Star? What a waste of talent by fate. Fortunately, I’m here now.

There was still an hour before work at Spark Resources. Ren Zhong used the time to nap in the car, slipping into deep sleep and entering the dreamspace. He bought two stocks online, spending 1,579 points. He could have set up an automated purchase, but that felt too deliberate. He even considered intentionally losing money on a trade soon, just for show.

At 6:50, the alarm on his wristwatch woke him. He washed his face with bottled water, turned on the tiny microwave to heat his milk tea, and headed straight to Spark Resources.

After selling his gains and deducting Han Yu Chen’s share, he netted 502 points, bringing his balance back to 707.59. If there were a daily cash flow ranking among the town’s outcasts, Ren Zhong was confident that, aside from the professional teams, no one could catch up to even a fraction of his turnover.

He met up with the others at 7:15. Because of his preferences, the team had changed their dining arrangements. Wen Lei now handled all meal procurement from the cafeteria, bringing food back to the compound.

Having struck it rich the previous day, Zheng Tian was feeling bold. She even had Wen Lei buy a good amount of natural food, including pure white steamed buns made from genuine wheat flour—a luxury item.

Still sporting his ever-present dark circles, Ren Zhong squinted, enjoying the delicious meal. He noticed Han Yu Chen’s furtive glances, darting away every time he looked her way. He knew what was on her mind, but it didn’t matter.

Ou You Ning, ever the sharp-tongued one, couldn’t resist asking where Ren Zhong had slept last night. The look in his eyes was all excitement and mischief. Ren Zhong shot him a glance, “I once heard of an illness.”

Ou You Ning: “What illness, bro?”

“Verbal cancer. For every extra word you speak, you lose a second of your life.”

Ren Zhong thought this would shut him up. Unexpectedly, Ou You Ning pointed at Bai Feng, “Then Bai Feng, the man of few words, will probably live to forty! Anyway, bro, where did you actually…”

“Ou You Ning, can you just eat in silence? What does it matter to you where Mr. Ren went? Do you think everyone loafs around brothels like you, instead of working hard?” To everyone’s surprise, Han Yu Chen—who usually ignored Ou You Ning’s jibes—chided him with a hint of annoyance. It was as rare as the sun rising in the west.

Ou You Ning was stunned into silence, though inwardly he thought, As expected of Ren bro—he’s already conquered even the difficult Manager Ju and Captain Ma, so how could he pass up Han Yu Chen right beside us? But it’s odd; I’ve never seen him flirt with her. How did she fall for him? Was it his looks? His presence? Intelligence? Power? Maybe all of the above.

Zheng Tian changed the topic, “Mr. Ren, I have a suggestion.”

“Go ahead.”

“After today’s hunt, I’d like to buy a proper watch and a good gun. Everyone should upgrade a bit. Even if we’re wary of the professional teams, hiding forever isn’t a solution. What do you think?”

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Ren Zhong nodded, “After what happened yesterday, our situation is a little more relaxed. I don’t oppose it.”

Zheng Tian: “But you don’t support it?”

“I support it.”

Zheng Tian cheered, “It’s settled then! Woohoo!”

Since Ren Zhong joined, the team’s finances had improved significantly, and yesterday’s windfall was a rare bonus. Zheng Tian had given up hope on her long-desired Thunder Runner—such rare vehicles rarely appear on the market twice in a row, so there was little point continuing to save up with nothing to spend on.

As Ren Zhong grew stronger, the others’ presence in battle seemed to diminish. Though he never minded, the experienced Zheng Tian couldn’t ignore the issue. If they kept holding him back, it might not matter for a day or two, but over time, resentment could grow. That’s why she raised the question.

Hearing Ren Zhong’s support, the others breathed a collective sigh of relief, anticipation lighting up their faces—except for Han Yu Chen, who still looked preoccupied.

Zheng Tian nudged her, “Han Yu, why don’t I use public funds to buy you a pair of level-two gloves? You’re disassembling higher-level Ruins Beasts these days. If you slip up, it’d be a big loss.”

Han Yu Chen grew uneasy, unsure of what to say. She already had a pair of level-two gloves worth four hundred points in her pocket, but their origins were less than clear. She shot a pleading look at Ren Zhong.

He stepped in, “No need. I gave her a pair last night, as thanks for all the free lessons she’s given me.”

Ou You Ning: “Oooh~~”

Zheng Tian: “Ren bro, you’re so generous!”

She eyed Han Yu Chen with a twitching eyebrow, five twitches per second.

Han Yu Chen ignored her. Fortunately, her cool, aloof image kept others from teasing her further.

After breakfast, Zheng Tian shouted, “Let’s go! A new day—charge!”

A rare smile appeared on Ren Zhong’s face. His gaze drifted to the pocket watch hanging from Wen Lei’s neck. Yes, it was a new day. In the previous timeline, today was their death anniversary. By the time he heard the news, they’d already been buried in the wilderness. This time, he would fight at their side. The same tragedy would not repeat.

Ou You Ning: “Bro, what’s with that fatherly, kindly smile on your face?”

“Get lost.”

…

By the time the group reached the parking lot, it was already a bit empty. They’d arrived later than usual; others weren’t as “leisurely.” To their surprise, Lin Wang’s team—a group of high-level workers who normally set out early—were still there. Six jet bikes were parked neatly by Zheng Tian’s van. Led by Lin Wang, the six sat atop their bikes. Bei Lihui, impatient, picked at his nails as if digging out grime.

Lin Wang, dressed in a tailored blue suit, held an old-fashioned printed book, reading intently. He was about twenty-seven or eight, with neatly parted hair, fair skin, thin lips, and a gentle manner—more like a scholar than a professional scavenger. To a stranger, he might seem refined and modest. Of course, Ren Zhong—who had seen his frenzied, bloodthirsty side—knew it was all an act.

Anyone with eyes and sense could tell Lin Wang was waiting for them. Even though they’d met the night before when he’d personally delivered money, Ren Zhong clearly sensed that the steps of those behind him grew lighter. They were nervous. This kind of fear didn’t just reside in the heart; it was etched into their bones.

Hadn’t yesterday’s matter already been settled? Why were they wasting prime hunting time here, waiting for them?

Everyone, including Ren Zhong, was confused. He felt a deeper, unspoken emotion—fear. Not of Lin Wang, but of his own murderous intent.

Today, he had killed Zheng Tian’s team of five. Tonight, he had killed Bei Lihui. Tomorrow, Lin Wang would try to give him the most miserable, humiliating death in front of a crowd. He was forced to use death to escape death. These memories burned like fire, carved into his soul.

Usually, Ren Zhong could control his killing urge, but today was different. In this place, on this day, confronted with Lin Wang’s unusual actions, it was difficult to maintain control.

He quietly drew a deep breath. His heart grew colder, but his smile became all the warmer.

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Sensing the attention on them, Lin Wang and Bei Lihui looked up simultaneously. Bei Lihui maintained his look of disdain, but Lin Wang’s face blossomed into a genial, springlike smile. He jumped off his jet bike and walked over. “Ren Zhong, we meet again.”

Ren Zhong nodded, “Captain Lin, hello.”

Lin Wang gestured, “Shall we talk over there?”

“Of course.”

The two exchanged pleasantries for nearly fifteen minutes. Lin Wang first apologized on Bei Lihui’s behalf, admitting that Bei had been too forceful demanding a share from Zheng Tian, but that it was the town’s unwritten rule. Ren Zhong said he understood and praised Lin Wang’s kindness as a leader.

Then, Lin Wang bluntly asked about Ren Zhong’s relationship with Ju Qingmeng. Ren Zhong “frankly” admitted to being her lover. Lin Wang then casually asked about his connection to Ma Da Fu. Ren Zhong explained that when he was a citizen, he’d taken an interest in tea, and when registering in town, he’d chatted with Ma Da Fu—a fellow tea enthusiast. They sometimes drank tea together; they were acquaintances at best. When Ren Zhong killed a man in public, it was Ma Da Fu who let him off the hook.

He also made it clear that last night, Ma Da Fu had invited him to the town hall to inquire about the Fallen Demon Infant. He’d told Ma Da Fu everything he had seen and experienced.

Toward the end, Lin Wang pointed out that Ren Zhong’s armor had been modified many times and was no longer ordinary level-one gear. “You already have level-two strength. I’ve noticed the changes in Zheng Tian’s team as well. I think you have potential. Are you interested in joining my team as a reserve member? Or, I can help you leave Zheng Tian’s team and form your own semi-professional squad.”

To an outsider, Lin Wang’s offer might seem abrupt, but it was actually quite reasonable. Ren Zhong’s face lit up with a smile of honored gratitude. He was genuinely happy. This time, with more meticulous maneuvering behind the scenes, a new situation had opened up.

He thought, My micromanagement is truly extraordinary. To grow stronger, one cannot just lock oneself away and train—real progress comes through battle, honing the body and skills, increasing one’s load capacity, and displaying some strength in the open. Even if he kept all his fighting to nighttime, that would be self-deception. He needed to frequent the arms market, and his equipment was always changing. Such things could only be hidden for so long.

Even showing just a hint of his power was enough to make him stand out among ordinary scavengers. Meanwhile, Zheng Tian’s team couldn’t keep being suppressed indefinitely; press them too hard, and there would be backlash, as happened now. From the start, it was inevitable that Lin Wang would notice him sooner or later.

But this time was different from before. He now had plenty of social connections—each a layer of protection. When Lin Wang looked at him, his first thought was no longer to erase him. Especially because of Ju Qingmeng, Lin Wang would weigh the pros and cons. Once that happened, wooing Ren Zhong became the best choice. After all, in Lin Wang’s eyes, they had no real enmity. Their first real encounter was yesterday, when Lin Wang generously let Zheng Tian’s team follow along and later delivered a condolence payment.

So while they weren’t friends, they were at least decent acquaintances.

Ren Zhong wanted to laugh. You think you have everything under control, yet your fate and thoughts are still being manipulated by me. You weren’t always like this. Your acting is even clumsier than Zheng Tian’s.

“Thank you, Captain Lin, for your offer. Since I’m already working with Zheng Tian, I’m already your subordinate in a sense. As for leading a team, I’m afraid I’m not up to the task—I’m lazy by nature and never get enough sleep. Being a captain would harm both myself and others.”

Lin Wang nodded, “True enough. Yesterday I noticed you spent all morning dozing in your car.”

Ren Zhong scratched his head, embarrassed. “Haha, sorry about that, Captain Lin. Your observation is truly sharp.”

Lin Wang smiled, “Well, we’ll leave it at that. I won’t push you.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“Work hard. There’s a place for you in Spark Town’s future.”

“Thank you for your kind words, Captain.”

“One last piece of advice.”

“Yes?”

“Manager Ju is indeed beautiful, but as a professional, you should focus on honing your skills. Your dark circles are getting awfully deep.”

“Thank you for the reminder, Captain Lin!”

Once the jinxes had left, a flash of disdain crossed Ren Zhong’s face. Disgusting. What an act. Even if you manage to fool me, can you deceive time itself?

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