Codename 'Yellow Springs', The Official Cheat

"Is the salary good? Do they provide meals? Is there social security and housing fund?"

As the words fell, the entire room fell into an eerie silence once more.

A young Special Cases Department agent couldn't help but let out a giggle, but under Shen Bingyue's icy gaze, he immediately covered his mouth and lowered his head.

A subtle crack finally appeared on Shen Bingyue's frosty face.

She had encountered all sorts of anomalous humans, some arrogant, others trying to extort her.

But someone like Qin Feng, who so casually inquired about salary and benefits, was definitely the first.

This man's thought process seemed to be different from ordinary people.

"Yes."

Shen Bingyue took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the absurdity churning within her, and regained her professionalism and composure.

"Once you pass the assessment and become a Probationary Agent, your base salary will be fifteen thousand per month, with social security and housing fund contributions at the highest standard. There are also high subsidies and Merit Points rewards for fieldwork missions."

Qin Feng's eyes lit up instantly, his breathing quickening slightly. Fifteen thousand!

"Then... what about food, clothing, housing, and transportation?" he asked tentatively, like a cautious job applicant.

"The organization covers everything."

Shen Bingyue answered concisely, then threw out a more tempting offer.

"More importantly, you will gain access to resources unimaginable to ordinary people.

This includes systematic combat skill training, metaphysics knowledge instruction, and permission to use equipment far beyond the current technological level of the outside world.

With each promotion, you can exchange for more powerful abilities and items, giving you the capital to survive in this increasingly dangerous world."

Qin Feng's heart pounded uncontrollably a few times.

These words were like heavenly music to a poor student who had to deliver food in haunted houses just to pay rent.

The temptation of money was so naked, so effective.

A sincere, irrepressible longing appeared on his face, which was etched with "poverty" and "social anxiety."

Seeing Qin Feng's "I'm willing" expression, Shen Bingyue felt a little more at ease.

But her next words were like a basin of ice water, dousing Qin Feng's enthusiasm.

"However," her tone suddenly became serious.

"Rights and obligations go hand in hand. Becoming a member of the Special Cases Department means you must dedicate your life and loyalty to this country.

When anomalous events occur, you must unconditionally obey the command center's orders and rush to the most dangerous front lines."

Her sharp gaze swept over Qin Feng, and she emphasized each word.

"The most important rule is that to maximize agent survival rates, all fieldwork missions must be carried out in teams of two or more.

Individual heroism and solo actions are absolutely forbidden!"

Shen Bingyue pointed to the mess on the ground, her voice carrying an undeniable assertiveness. "You survived this time because you were lucky and only encountered two E-Class anomalous events, the lowest level.

Your unconventional methods would only lead to a faster death against higher-level threats. Having a partner to support each other is the key to survival."

"Two-person team mode..."

These words were like a rusty iron lock, "clunking" shut Qin Feng's restless heart.

A scene instantly flashed in his mind: him struggling hard with a ferocious, green-faced demon, about to deliver the final blow, when the "noob teammate" next to him shouts, "Let me help you!" and snatches the kill with a Psionic Bullet.

And then what? Then his system panel's [Cleansing Points] would remain stagnant, and [Legendary Armament] would be nowhere in sight.

What was the point of playing then?!

Asking a player with wallhacks, aimbot, and infinite ammo to assist a newbie who couldn't even figure out WASD was not only frustrating but also risked exposing his "cheating" at any moment.

The longing and excitement on his face receded like a tide, returning to its previous hesitant awkwardness.

"Um... Director," Qin Feng rubbed his hands, his eyes darting away, "I... I might not be used to cooperating with people. I've always been a loner since I was a kid, and I'm afraid... afraid I'll drag my teammates down."

"Just not used to it?"

Shen Bingyue's gaze became scrutinizing. She took a half-step forward, her aura pressing.

"Qin Feng, I need the truth. Is it because you're not used to it, or because you have secrets that make it inconvenient to travel with others?"

Qin Feng's heart tightened. This woman's intuition was too sharp.

He could only brace himself and continue his "socially anxious" persona. "I... I'm just a student, I haven't seen much of the world, and my studies are quite demanding... This kind of deadly work, I'm afraid I'll be too stressed and break down, and then I won't be able to help and will end up harming others."

These words were spoken with such "sincerity" and "cowardice" that several Special Cases Department agents looked on with pity. Such a wild talent, yet such poor psychological resilience, what a waste of his uncanny abilities.

Shen Bingyue looked at him quietly for a full ten seconds, seemingly judging the truthfulness of his words.

"I understand."

Finally, she nodded, not pressing further, which made Qin Feng breathe a sigh of relief.

But she changed the subject. "The country will not force any citizen. However, your abilities have awakened, and operating outside the organization poses a potential risk to both you and society.

Therefore, we have another form of cooperation, specifically for those like you who are unwilling or unable to join. We call it – 'Collaborator'."

"Collaborator?" Qin Feng tilted his head curiously.

"We've set up an independent cooperation and incentive mechanism for collaborators."

As she spoke, Shen Bingyue took out a uniquely shaped black phone from her tactical vest pocket. The screen displayed no common apps, only a dark gold, ancient totem-like software icon.

"This is an internal application developed by the Special Cases Department specifically for all registered Anomalous Humans, codenamed 'Yellow Springs'."

She handed the phone to Qin Feng, bringing up an interface similar to a bounty board.

[Urgent Event: D-Class Anomalous Event 'Faceless Man' sighting report in the chemical industrial park on the western outskirts of Donghai City. Suspected personnel disappearances. Recruiting official agents to handle. Reward: 80 Merit Points.]

[Cooperation Mission: Search for the latest clues about the 'Little Girl in Red'. Reward for submitting valid intelligence: 15 Contribution Points.]

[Resource Request: Shen Family of Ice City is seeking a ten-year-old Heart of Lightning-Struck Wood. Price negotiable.]

Shen Bingyue operated the phone while explaining in her clear, cool voice, "You can think of it as an official 'Anomalous Human Community'. You can selectively accept non-mandatory missions or report Anomalous Events you discover to earn 'Contribution Points'. Contribution Points can be exchanged for anything you desire in the internal mall."

As she spoke, she tapped on another section of the app – [Exchange Mall].

A dazzling list instantly popped up, shimmering with a faint glow that made Qin Feng's eyes widen.

[Exorcism Talisman (Finished Product) - 10 Contribution Points] [Heart-Cleansing Jade Pendant (Mortal Grade) - 30 Contribution Points] [Psionic Bullet (Standard Type) x10 - 50 Contribution Points] [Golden Light Incantation (Beginner's Chapter) - 200 Contribution Points] [Portable Grievance Detector (3rd Gen) - 500 Contribution Points] ...

Qin Feng's Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily. Wasn't this just an official PLUS version of his own [Sin Cleansing Mall]?!

"Your situation is special. After handling two E-Class events consecutively, I will apply for a special approval for you to skip the lowest-level 'Ghost Soldier' observation period and be directly certified as a 'Soul Reaper' level collaborator."

Shen Bingyue finished installing the "Yellow Springs" app on Qin Feng's phone and completed the initial registration.

"Your initial Contribution Points are 0, but I will report your meritorious service in dealing with 'The Thing Under the Bed'. After approval, you should receive about 15 points. As for the 'Slit-Mouthed Woman'... because you were passively defending yourself and did not report it immediately, it cannot be recognized."

Qin Feng inwardly lamented the missed points but felt he was already making a killing by getting 15 points for free.

"Remember, the existence of the 'Yellow Springs' app is a top secret. You absolutely cannot reveal it to any ordinary person," Shen Bingyue warned sternly. "Take care of yourself."

With that, she didn't linger. She turned and decisively waved to her team, "Disband."

The group that arrived quickly also left quickly. A specialized logistics department would handle the aftermath here. The entire world seemed to have returned to peace.

Qin Feng stood frozen in place, looking down at the dark gold "Yellow Springs" icon on his phone screen, feeling as if he were dreaming. He tapped to open the app, gazed at the dazzling exchange list, then brought up his own system panel, looking at the newly acquired 30 points and his total of 50 [Cleansing Points].

One path was the official "broad road," stable and safe, exchanging contribution for vast resources and intelligence. The other path was his own "single-plank bridge," high risk, high reward, growing uniquely through hunting and plundering.

Dual systems?

Qin Feng grinned. Poor students make choices; he wanted it all!