Duan Chen obviously had no idea what was happening in the capital region.
But he knew he bore an important mission: to break into the capital region's special training competition and be among the top three.
No, just the top three wasn't enough.
A sharp glint flashed in his eyes. He wanted to be number one. Only number one would grant him access to the best resources.
And only number one would secure a spot in the secret realm.
He had longed to enter that secret realm for a long time.
A secret realm that could grow, was immense, and had a danger level rated as safe.
Only within it could he obtain something he had always desired.
And only within it could he rapidly improve his own strength.
As early as when Old Zhang was still alive, he had discussed with Old Zhang about finding a way, one day, to get a spot in the capital region's special training.
Then, within that secret realm, he would obtain what he wanted.
Although Old Zhang had passed away, those who lived had to look forward.
Boarding the high-speed train to the capital region, Duan Chen placed his suitcase in the overhead compartment.
He yawned and sat in his seat, casually looking around.
As he looked, a shadow suddenly fell upon him.
He tilted his head slightly, his mind unable to resist wandering.
As the saying goes, whether on a high-speed train or a plane, it's often the easiest place for romantic encounters.
Many times, you can't guess if the person sitting next to you will be a beauty or a burly man, and it must be said that Duan Chen's luck was quite good.
Sitting next to him was a woman wearing a red cheongsam, sunglasses, and exuding an exceptionally classical style.
A pointed chin, fair skin; even the half-exposed face indicated this must be a very beautiful woman.
Especially after she removed her sunglasses, her entire face revealed a natural, exquisite beauty.
However, Duan Chen didn't have many thoughts about romantic encounters. He merely cast a man's appreciative gaze at another woman, looked once, and then no longer paid any further attention.
But his behavior seemed to have attracted the attention of the woman next to him.
With a smile on her lips, she leaned closer to Duan Chen.
"Handsome, are you alone too? Are you also going to the capital?"
Duan Chen frowned, looking at the woman who appeared before him with a look of utter bewilderment.
His tone carried a hint of confusion.
"I'm not going to the capital, am I supposed to get off halfway? This high-speed train goes directly to the capital."
"Pfft..."
A stifled laugh suddenly came from behind him.
Duan Chen turned his head to look.
A girl whose appearance could only be described as demure, somewhat embarrassed, covered her mouth, raised her hand, and waved.
She spoke awkwardly.
"Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop. Please continue, please continue."
The face of the woman in the red cheongsam sitting next to Duan Chen turned ashen.
Perhaps she thought, how could there be such an unromantic man in the world? Didn't he see that such a great beauty was trying to strike up a conversation with him?
Duan Chen's heart was as calm as still water.
This woman was far from capable of shattering his inner peace.
Whether it was because her pick-up attempt failed and she felt awkward, she fell silent for a while, saying nothing.
It was only after the high-speed train began to depart that she seemed to casually lean closer to Duan Chen, supporting her head slightly, and spoke in a weak voice.
"Excuse me, sir, I'm feeling a bit dizzy. Could I possibly switch seats with you to be by the window?"
Duan Chen glanced at her strangely and refused without a word.
"Sorry, I also don't like sitting by the aisle."
The red cheongsam woman's face instantly turned dark.
She had never experienced such a significant setback.
What an unromantic, straight man.
Meanwhile, Duan Chen had no intention of having any romantic encounters during his journey.
All that occupied his mind now was the special training in the capital region.
Besides matters concerning the capital, nothing else could divert his attention.
It was just women.
He knew too many beautiful women.
Su Baiyi, Lu Shuishui, Tian Ximeng. Although each one was a troublemaker, he had to admit they were all beautiful women.
And then there was Xi'er.
Ming Yan.
Michelle.
Even though Tianqi Dingding were sea monsters, the beauty of these two women was beyond that of ordinary women.
He had seen too many beautiful women and had long been unfazed.
Attempting to seduce him was entirely impossible.
After the woman beside him had been quiet for a while,
as if she didn't know what frustration was, she leaned in again.
She clung to Duan Chen's arm in a delicate, weak manner, her breath like an orchid.
"Handsome, don't be so cold. It's fate that we're sitting next to each other. Why deliberately maintain your distance?"
"Let me introduce myself. My name is Hongyi."
She smiled slightly, her expression revealing allure.
"What is your name?"
"Do I have the honor of knowing it?"
Duan Chen replied.
"Wang Dazhuang."
Hongyi: ...
Her lips twitched. As if trying to save face, she chuckled awkwardly.
"Sir, please don't tease me. How could anyone be named that?"
Duan Chen widened his eyes in disbelief.
He shot up and, in an indignant posture, pointed at Hongyi and said,
"What? I can't be called Wang Dazhuang? My name was given by my parents. What's wrong with me being called Wang Dazhuang?"
"I don't know you, why are you constantly trying to chat me up? I don't care if you're wearing red or white clothes."
"I stand by my name and deeds. I am called Wang Dazhuang. Can you please stop bothering me? Attendant, attendant, can you get this woman away?"
Instantly, all eyes in the carriage were drawn to them.
Hongyi's breathing hitched for a moment, wishing she could kill Duan Chen right there.
The attendant soon arrived.
She was a reasonably pretty woman.
Hongyi's expression was one of humiliation.
The attendant spoke politely, "Miss, please refrain from disturbing this gentleman any further. Let's maintain a pleasant environment for all passengers."
Hongyi's hands trembled with anger.
Duan Chen, however, had already closed his eyes, appearing indifferent, completely unbothered by what was happening.