She wiped her face and regained her composure.
"It's like this," she said.
"Regarding the gate that Old Zhang used to guard, a new guardian has been dispatched from the capital region."
Duan Chen showed little emotional reaction to this news. He understood it as a normal progression. It wasn't a case of "out of sight, out of mind," especially since Old Zhang had heroically sacrificed himself. It was only natural that someone would replace him. He didn't feel it was something he needed to voice any opinion on.
However, Ming Yan bringing it up now seemed unusual. Duan Chen remained silent, studying Ming Yan with a probing gaze.
Ming Yan smiled somewhat helplessly.
"After the current matters are mostly resolved, you two should make time to meet. Her name is Ming Luanfeng, and she's my elder sister. You can call her 'jie' too."
A glint of understanding flashed in Duan Chen's eyes. So that's how it was. But it didn't matter much. He nodded indifferently.
In his life, there were a few important people: his brother, Gao Tiankai. Old Zhang, who taught him how to conduct himself, helped him reintegrate into society after leaving the hospital, and helped him rebuild all his memories after the age of twelve. And Ming Yan, who, when not busy, would have drinks and chat with Old Zhang and Gao Tiankai. Although Ming Yan appeared stern, one would discover a gentle heart beneath her serious demeanor if they interacted closely. Every year, Duan Chen received a scarf knitted by Ming Yan. It was one of the few times he experienced something akin to maternal warmth in his life.
Seeing Duan Chen nod in agreement, Ming Yan quietly let out a sigh of relief and brought up another matter. This was the true reason she had called Duan Chen into her office this time.
"Furthermore, I have a mission I want to assign to you. It will serve as your initial trial leading these new agents."
When discussing work, Ming Yan's demeanor became very serious. She adopted a completely business-like attitude. Duan Chen naturally knew when to adopt a certain attitude.
However… asking him to lead these new agents in a trial? He sat in the leather chair, spinning it slowly, his knees slightly ajar, his hands clasped in front of him, his expression somewhat inscrutable.
"It's possible, but it's the usual rule, you know." Duan Chen's eyebrows subtly lifted, projecting a "you know me" air.
Seeing his expression, Ming Yan let out a helpless laugh. "You really are greedy for money."
Duan Chen, facing this accusation, seemed rather righteous. "What else would I be greedy for?"
His response left Ming Yan speechless. After a long pause, she rubbed her forehead in annoyance, looked at Duan Chen, and pointed a finger at him. "You, you..."
Although not explicitly stated, her attitude clearly indicated agreement. Duan Chen's mood immediately brightened. His car had been totaled during the recent crisis. His newly bought house had also become rubble and was currently under reconstruction. He wondered what it would look like after rebuilding. As for the car, he would likely be reimbursed for two-thirds of its value. It was unlikely to be fully compensated. However, if his salary increased this time, combined with the two-thirds compensation he would receive, he might be able to afford a better car.
Duan Chen's mood suddenly improved significantly. He wasn't inherently fond of money; it was just that in this world, one couldn't get by without it. Moreover, the salary he mentioned wasn't just currency, but also included points circulating within the guild. For every mission he completed, he received corresponding points, which he hadn't touched so far, all accumulating in his account. These points could be exchanged for things money couldn't buy. Although he didn't know what he wanted to exchange them for yet to enhance his strength, it was always good to have them saved.
Ming Yan, aware of his personality, didn't argue with him on this matter. She waved her hand, shifting the topic.
"Alright, enough of these trivialities. You should have a psychological preparation now." She gave Duan Chen a hint about certain aspects of the mission.
"The reason I'm assigning this mission to you isn't because no one else can do it, nor is it because of extreme difficulty. It's because I hope you can mentor the newcomers and guide these recently arrived agents."
Duan Chen listened and nodded. He understood that the situation in Su City was currently quite precarious. There weren't many usable agents available. Two pillars had already fallen. While one had been transferred, Old Zhang's position couldn't easily be left vacant. Gu Sang, though not an internal member, was close to it, yet he had defected. Su City was left feeling rather empty. It was time for some fresh blood to be injected. The guild's assessments hadn't even begun. Truly fresh blood wouldn't be limited to just these few. As previously mentioned, this fresh blood was directly transferred from the capital. They were expected to stay here.
Duan Chen's mind wandered as he mused. But at that moment, he suddenly heard Ming Yan, seated directly opposite him, say with a sigh, "Duan Chen, we don't have much time."
Duan Chen was taken aback. He looked at Ming Yan's face opposite him but couldn't discern anything.
"..."
He was silent for a moment, then nodded. "I understand." He didn't specify what he understood.
Ming Yan looked at Duan Chen's face intently, then pursed her lips. "Then I'll trouble you for now." Her expression conveyed exhaustion, a weariness that even her exquisite makeup couldn't conceal.
"If anything comes up, you can call my private number. After I've dealt with matters here for now, I have some things I need to attend to back in the capital." Ming Yan's tone was rushed.
Duan Chen couldn't help but ask, "Are the matters there very urgent?"
However, upon asking, Ming Yan paused hesitantly, then shook her head with a troubled look. "...I can't tell you."
Another instance of a secrecy clause. Duan Chen understood. He had no intention of adding more clauses to the non-disclosure agreements he had already signed, so he chose to remain silent, asking no further questions, and stood up to leave.
"I understand," Duan Chen said.
Ming Yan's expression softened considerably. She finally cautioned Duan Chen, "After I leave, you will be in charge of matters here."