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Chapter164
Sitting and unwrapping a gift box, Shao Qi remarked, "What Dragon Gan sent over is quite valuable – rare mutated creature materials and priceless antiques. He really went all out."
"Antiques are hit or miss in value, but these mutant creature materials are truly precious. If you want them, take them. The classes you've taught for them are worth this," Shao Qi told Zhou You.
"I teach everyone equally, ten points per lesson. The money can be donated, but should I really accept these gifts?" Zhou You took out a jade pendant from the gift box. Even to his untrained eye, it looked to be a rare old mine type, valuable even a decade ago.
Dragon Gan suggested he keep it, "They'll assume I accepted it. The favor won't fall on you, so don't feel burdened."
"You're paying it forward?" Zhou You looked at him incredulously, knowing the weight of debts of gratitude.
"Not at all. These gifts are given out of respect for you. Those who provided the materials have been noted. They'll likely seek your assistance soon. Whether or not you entertain their requests is up to you. In other sects, such gifts are merely a starting point," Dragon Gan explained. As a seasoned hunter, he often held onto prized materials, gifting them to win favors. Yet, merely a gift was no guarantee of success.
Staring at the gift boxes, Zhou You sighed, "I don't even like these things. Money would be more practical."
Closing the box, Shao Qi said, "That's an easy fix. I'll sell them for you. In fact, I'll buy some of them."
Zhou You figured he wanted the materials, likely for one of his subordinates.
Indeed, Shao Qi was a considerate boss, always looking out for his employees.
As Zhou You was about to agree, he realized: isn't he one of Shao Qi's employees too? Yet, all his gear came courtesy of Shao Qi. It seemed Shao Qi treated everyone around him with equal respect and consideration.
"Alright, you've got more connections than I do. But won't it look bad if we're discovered reselling the gifts?"
Shao Qi snorted, "Once it's in your hands, it's yours to do as you please. What can they do to you if they find out?"
"Fair enough," said Zhou You, who had recently seen a surge in his earnings and wasn’t particularly intrigued by these items. To Long Gan, he added, "Since you're here, let's continue the training. Today's second lesson is crucial. If you don’t understand something, ask me."
Class was about to begin, and Long Gan nodded with glee, realizing he made the right choice coming here today.
A few minutes later, Cheng Yuran arrived, not even bothering with an excuse. He openly claimed he was here to learn and even brought a gift.
When Cheng Zi'ang learned that he had gone to Zhongjian Mountain Villa to help Zhou You with a trial lesson, he immediately said to Cheng Yuran, "It seems Mr. Zhou holds you in high regard. Seize this chance to learn as much as you can. The skills you've acquired at your sect won't disappear; you can always delve into them later. But opportunities here are rare."
Cheng Zi'ang not only prepared a gift for his nephew's visit but also relayed a message to the duo.
"The commander has been quite busy lately. The orphanage has been neglected for years and is in chaos. I'd advise you both to steer clear of that area." After speaking, Cheng Yuran wondered, was there something special about that statement?
Zhou You joked, "Are you hinting, Deputy Cheng, that we shouldn't go there? What are you afraid of? Afraid that we might uncover evidence against the military district?"
Shao Qi pondered. He had another mission at the Jiangnan base. But this mission was confidential. It was just a tip, possibly untrue, but he couldn't risk offending Ren Zhiyuan over a baseless accusation.
"Mark the location of the orphanage. Since Deputy Cheng mentioned it, it'd be rude of us not to take a peek. As for what happens next, don't concern yourself. I know what to do."
Seeing Shao Qi's seriousness, Cheng Yuran grew perplexed. Was there truly something there? Why did Cheng Zi'ang inform these two?
Considering Shao Qi's high rank in the central army, Cheng Yuran wondered if he was investigating a confidential case or perhaps Commander Ren had some issues. Could he possibly be a reactionary?
In recent years, many have been delusional, thinking they could overthrow the central government with just a small group, especially those who established sects and religions. They didn't teach much, but their brainwashing was top-notch, deceiving many.
But Commander Ren was also dispatched by the central authorities. Would he really stray from his path? And what resources could the Jiangnan base offer him?
Zhou You began his class. Apart from Shao Qi, everyone else gathered around Zhou You to meditate and practice.
Shao Qi slipped out while everyone was engrossed in their training, finding a white tiger napping in the snow. He asked with a grin, "Little White, haven't had fun outside in a while, have you? Wanna join me?"
Seeing Shao Qi pointing outside, Little White quickly stood up, rubbing its head against Shao Qi's waist, signaling its agreement.
The little creature was growing rapidly. It was now waist-high to Shao Qi. In another month, it might grow as tall as an adult.
Shao Qi drove an inconspicuous sedan out. Though snow was falling, there were plenty of snowplows on the road. In the rearview mirror, he saw Little White resting on the back seat, reminding himself of the unique joy of having a pet.
Shao Qi didn't return that night. Thankfully, he had informed Zhou You and the others, so they didn’t treat it as a missing person's case.
Seeing the dedication of the attendees, Zhou You decided to let Long Gan and the others stay overnight, not wanting to interrupt their practice.