Ma Ran was unemployed. He had a house and a car, and while he wasn't a second-generation rich kid, his parents' accumulated wealth meant he could live comfortably as a freeloader for his entire life.
His greatest hobbies were novels, anime, and games.
There was only one thing Ma Ran did every day without fail: catching up on novels on Green River Literature Network.
Opening the Green River official website, Ma Ran skillfully navigated to his favorites.
The pet-raising novel he loved the most still hadn't been updated…
Glancing at his Alipay balance, he gritted his teeth and left a comment: "Madam Xiaoyue, you haven't updated in seven days, please resume posting! As soon as you update, I'll immediately gift you a small 'Little Lord'!"
The author who so arbitrarily stopped updating was named "Zhang Xiaoyue." As for why he called her "Madam," Ma Ran didn't understand.
In the reader community, male authors were called "Great God" and female authors were called "Madam," with just those two additional terms.
Since his friends all called her that, he didn't bother to inquire further, just following the crowd.
Not long after his review was posted, a large group of reader little angels swarmed in, discussing amongst themselves.
"Madam's hiatus started right after the second day of the Crimson Moon, didn't it?"
"Wow! What a malicious guess! Please ask the administrator to delete the post!"
"Are you guys implying that Madam Xiaoyue became a golden-eyed individual?"
"Hmph, hmph, hmph… This Meow will tell you all that This Meow is a golden-eyed individual! By the way, Madam Xiaoyue, hurry up and update! Once This Meow evolves into an Essence Devouring Beast, I'll make you my personal poop scooper. If you don't write, I'll spank your bottom!"
"Waaah! Since you've become a superpowered individual, hurry back and update ten thousand words a day! Why are you so silly? Do you know you'll be investigated for checking the water meter if you keep this up!"
Seeing the replies from his fellow readers, Ma Ran nervously wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
He opened his phone's camera, switched to selfie mode, and examined his eyes.
Black.
These contact lenses were really good; he'd definitely remember to leave a positive review later.
Knock, knock, knock!
Someone suddenly knocked on his door.
Ma Ran leaped up from his gaming chair, quietly turned his computer volume to the lowest setting, and pretended he wasn't home.
The ticking of the second hand made him feel like time was passing at a snail's pace.
His phone suddenly rang.
"Beacon Fire Rises, searching for love like sand washed by waves, encountering her, like spring water reflecting pear blossoms."
"Drawing my sword to sever the horizon, letting go of longing with ease…"
It was an unfamiliar number, displayed as: 01234567890.
A gentle male voice sounded from outside the door: "Open the door, we're here to check the water meter."
Ma Ran let out a wry smile, hung up the phone, and unceremoniously opened the door.
The person who arrived was exceptionally good-looking.
His skin was as fair as jade, his eyebrows were sharp, his eyes like stars, and his black hair was like silk. He had an outstanding aura, giving the impression of a celebrity trainee who had just debuted and wasn't yet famous.
"Who are you looking for?"
Ma Ran felt his throat go dry and forced a smile onto his face.
"You're a golden-eyed individual, aren't you."
Although it was a question, the handsome man spoke with the tone of a statement.
At the same time, he produced a personal identification card that looked incredibly impressive.
[Yaoguang Section—Action Team Special Duty—Yan Anqing—Serial Number 19S0A25.]
"His voice is really good; it's a shame he didn't become a singer…"
Ma Ran's thoughts drifted, his mind racing as he quickly concocted several lies and excuses.
But when his eyes met those of the man named Yan Anqing, the lies couldn't be spoken.
He sighed, unsure whether it was sadness or relief, "You guys found me even though I'm such a shut-in?"
Amazing, my country!
Yan Anqing smiled, his tone gentle as he said, "Our staff noticed that you recently purchased a pair of black cosmetic lenses from Taobao."
"Generally speaking, gold cosmetic lenses are the current best-sellers."
"Based on intelligence from Tmall staff, the Information Section used the 'XieZhi System' to access your laptop's webcam."
Hearing Yan Anqing's explanation, Ma Ran felt the urge to kill Tmall for the first time.
He spread his hands and said frankly, "Alright, I'm a golden-eyed individual."
As he spoke, Ma Ran removed the props covering his pupils. His dazzling golden eyes shone brightly, appearing somewhat otherworldly, and his entire demeanor changed.
"What will you do with me? Section me? Live experiment on me?"
Ma Ran blinked and asked in a pitiful tone.
Yan Anqing, however, pouted. "The higher-ups mean as long as you don't disrupt public order. After all, among the golden-eyed individuals, there are a few who are heinous criminals, sentenced to death and stripped of their political rights for life."
"I don't know about other countries, but at least in China, we don't lack experimental subjects."
"You don't need to contribute anything. Once you're at the base, you'll have internet, good food, games to play, novels to read, and even special government subsidies for the golden-eyed individuals."
Hearing this, Ma Ran understood what the other party meant.
It was similar to the policies historical monarchs had towards their feudal lords. China planned to support them for now. As long as they didn't constantly try to stir up trouble, there wouldn't be any danger.
For some workaholics, this might be equivalent to restricting personal freedom.
But who was Ma Ran?
As long as he had a balance in his Alipay, takeout food, and novels to read, he was someone who could stay at home for a whole year without stepping out half a step!
Yan Anqing could read Ma Ran's thoughts. "Now, I'll explain in detail the welfare the country provides for the golden-eyed individuals..."
Before long, the two reached a consensus.
Ma Ran decided to cooperate with Yan Anqing's work, constantly saying things like, "I'll definitely perform well and never drag China down."
Making a statement was important.
Not everyone possessed the wisdom to see through people's hearts or the accumulation of knowledge and experience.
Yan Anqing could completely understand Ma Ran's thoughts.
Before leaving, Yan Anqing inadvertently glanced at Ma Ran's computer screen.
He said softly, "Before we return to the base, let's go find two more people... Hmm, thank you for your trouble."
Ma Ran was flattered and quickly replied, "No trouble! No trouble! This brother is truly understanding... Just notify my parents later so they don't worry."
Ma Ran wasn't worried about his personal safety. He was only concerned that if he suddenly disappeared, his parents might overthink things, get stuck in a rut, and develop high blood pressure or a stroke...
Older people couldn't handle too many intense emotional fluctuations.
"Don't worry, just be mindful that secret information about the golden-eyed individuals cannot be disclosed externally. Your concerns will be properly handled by the Xuanhe Section."
Thirteen hours later.
Yan Anqing returned to the secret base of the Yaoguang Section beneath Zhaofu Well with three young men and women.
Among Ma Ran's golden-eyed companions, there were now two more girls.
They were: Zhang Xiaoyue, an irresponsible webnovel writer who often stopped updating; and a silly girl who called herself "This Meow" in Zhang Xiaoyue's comment section and revealed her identity.
Perhaps others would think the latter was bragging, and the silly girl probably thought so herself.
It was like being blinded by the light right under the lamp!
However, Yan Anqing was the mastermind behind the "Blood Moon Incident" and "Huaxia Golden Pupil Syndrome."
Who was golden-eyed and who wasn't, wouldn't he have some idea?
If she hadn't spoken up, Yan Anqing would have pretended not to see. Since he saw it, he might as well have caught her.
After handing over the three golden-eyed individuals to the head of the Archives Section, Yan Anqing's vision was once again filled with that fat panda that panted even when walking.
"Congratulations, player, on obtaining the achievement [Capable Official]."
"This achievement belongs to the Internal Affairs Department and is only awarded to those who listen to the people's voices and are skilled in practical public service."
"Main Quest second stage completion progress: 4/10."
Yan Anqing's lips curved slightly, his eyes forming a crescent moon.
An Internal Affairs Department achievement.
This trip not only yielded an achievement but also uncovered an entire clue for obtaining achievements.
Since there was [Capable Official], wouldn't there also be titles like [Strict Official], [Pure Stream], [Diligent Official]?
It was all just role-playing, doing things that met the required conditions.
Suddenly, a voice, old yet full of vigor, interrupted Yan Anqing's thoughts.
"Young man... quite lucky."
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