Awakening Zhongli Template, Retiring on Terra

He flicked the cigarette butt to the ground and stomped it out, calling out:

"Hey, Officer Chen, hello there."

Seeing Texas beside her, Chen Hui Jie raised her hand and pointed to a corner of the plaza, asking:

"Can we talk over there? I have something to ask you."

"Sure, let's go."

She had spoken with Hoshiguma in the same spot last time. This area was enclosed by walls on both sides, offering a clear view.

"Mr. Shi, after 10 PM on the 27th, where were you?"

Shi Lei was taken aback, his mind racing. Only Rat Girl had seen him act in secret that night. She had sought him out specifically today, could it be about those Infected?

His current strength was limited; when encountering Infected, he could only resort to crude, explosive methods. Perhaps only after advancing to a higher rank could he gain better control over the precision of rock element manipulation.

"Mr. Shi, don't be nervous. I'm not here on official business. I just wanted to know if it was you who secretly intervened in District 25 that night. If it was, Nine and I would like to treat you to a meal as a token of our gratitude. Also, the Rat King has been targeting you recently, so be careful when you go out."

Shi Lei was slightly stunned. He recalled encountering a pink-haired Rat Girl in District 25 that night. But she was female, so why would she be called the Rat King? Shouldn't it be the Rat Queen?

"I'm sorry, Officer Chen. I don't know what you're talking about. If someone saved you in secret, it's a reward for the good deeds you've done. Perhaps the person who helped you doesn't need any tangible return."

Chen Hui Jie had already confirmed through surveillance footage that he was the kind stranger who had intervened that night. As for why he wanted to remain anonymous, that wasn't something she needed to investigate further.

"Mr. Shi, if you're not interested in joining us for a casual meal, we won't force you. On behalf of everyone in the Special Inspectorate, please accept our sincere thanks."

Her confident tone made Shi Lei realize his identity had been exposed. But his infiltration of District 25 that night was purely to repay a meal, and he had never sought any reward.

"Officer Chen, let bygones be bygones. There's no need to bring it up again. I'm doing well at Penguin Logistics now; you don't need to worry about my personal safety."

"Alright, my number is XXXXXXXX. If you encounter any problems in the future, feel free to contact me."

"Will do, will do."

Shi Lei agreed readily, but in reality, he hadn't memorized it at all. He couldn't afford a phone right now, so remembering it was useless. As for the Rat King, he could ask Texas about it later. That young lady from a gang background would likely know more about underground intelligence than a police officer.

"Yo, isn't that Officer Chen? Calling him over to the corner, are you planning some interrogation tactics?"

Hearing the barbed voice, Shi Lei peeked out. Hoshiguma, being tall and carrying a triangular shield, was blocking his view.

The pink-haired Rat Girl he had seen in District 25 that night was here, accompanied by four subordinates.

Although Chen Hui Jie and Lin Yuxia were old acquaintances, their relationship had become strained due to certain matters, and they found each other irritating.

Seeing that she immediately accused her of using excessive force, Chen Hui Jie retorted:

"The Lungmen Guard Department handles its own cases. I don't need to explain myself to you."

"Ah, yes, yes, yes. You certainly don't need to explain yourself to me. So, are you done asking your questions? If you're done, I have something I need to discuss with him."

As she spoke, Lin Yuxia walked over to Shi Lei's side, positioning herself in opposition to Chen Hui Jie. Her subordinates were blocked by Hoshiguma's shield.

Perhaps to deliberately provoke her, Lin Yuxia lowered her eyebrows and spoke with a sarcastic tone:

"Officer Chen, are you here to invite him to a meal today? You absolutely shouldn't agree. What good food could she possibly treat you to? It's nothing more than rice noodle rolls."

"Hmph, what's wrong with rice noodle rolls? At least the ingredients are clean and hygienic. Eating your food, aren't you afraid of getting diarrhea?"

Shi Lei was caught between the two women, feeling utterly conflicted. Seeing the tense atmosphere, he cast a pleading look at Texas. However, she remained calm, showing no inclination to intervene.

"My benefactor, you saved me first that night, and then you saved her. Even if we both invite you to a meal, according to the order, I came first."

Chen Hui Jie snorted, clearly annoyed by her:

"You're the Rat King's daughter. Who in the slums doesn't know you, Miss Lin Yuxia? Do you really need someone to save you? Mr. Shi, don't be deceived. Some women appear delicate on the outside but are rotten on the inside."

"Rotten? Chen Hui Jie, who are you calling rotten?"

At the entrance of the plaza, Croissant, who had snuck down stealthily, leaned against the wall, looking like she was enjoying the show.

She often delivered goods to the slums and naturally recognized this young lady from the Lin family.

She hadn't expected the Rat King's daughter, Lin Yuxia, and the Lungmen Governor Wei Yenwu's niece, Chen Hui Jie, to argue over a man.

But what was the point of just arguing? Hurry up and fight!

025 I'll Tell Mom

He finally understood. Chen Hui Jie and Lin Yuxia seemed to have some personal grudges. They ran into each other by chance and couldn't resist trading barbs.

Shi Lei didn't know the root of the conflict, but he wouldn't let the situation escalate into a full-blown fight.

"Stop, stop, stop! Everyone calm down! Can you stop arguing?"

Chen Hui Jie crossed her arms, glanced at Lin Yuxia with disdain, and quickly looked away, implying:

"I didn't want to argue. It's just that someone decided to pop out like a jumping bean. What can be done about it?"

"You!"

Shi Lei quickly stepped between the two women, acting as a buffer.

"Could everyone please give me some face? Let's just let this matter rest here, to avoid damaging our harmony?"

Lin Yuxia snorted, her delicate nose twitching slightly. She put one hand on her hip, unwilling to back down.

"Then promise to eat with me first."

"Uh, can I refuse both?"

"No!"

Receiving a negative answer, Shi Lei twitched the corner of his mouth and began to consider how to deal with the situation. He felt that if he didn't agree to either side today, it would be difficult to resolve peacefully.

"Then let's sit down and eat together."

Lin Yuxia expressed her objection to this plan:

"Impossible, I won't sit at the same table and eat with her."

Chen Hui Jie seized the opportunity and retorted:

"Hah, as if anyone cares."

The two bickered, and the conflict intensified again. Shi Lei felt a headache and raised his voice to interrupt:

"Stop! How about this, we pick a restaurant on the border between the upper and lower city, and the price shouldn't be too expensive. If you don't want to sit at the same table, that's fine. We'll have two tables of dishes. If I don't have enough people, I'll call my colleagues. This way, you can both express your gratitude, and you won't have to see each other. As for the cost, what do you think, split it fifty-fifty or what?"

Lin Yuxia and Chen Hui Jie, these two rivals, had to argue about the cost.

"Except for her expenses, I'll cover the rest."

"You don't need to treat me, we'll each pay for our own."

Seeing that they had reached a rare consensus, Shi Lei decided to wrap things up and set a rough time:

"Okay, then it's happily decided. Time is a bit tight today. Let's set it for tomorrow afternoon at 6 PM, and we'll meet at the company building. If you have no other questions, I'll be going now."

Confirming that both parties had no objections, he turned and left.

The work in the warehouse was finished, and he could slack off until noon without any problems. He shouldn't get involved in this vortex now; he should quickly slip away. It was their business how they wanted to argue.

As Shi Lei passed the entrance to the plaza, Croissant followed him. Only when they entered the elevator did she stop holding back her laughter and tease:

"You're something else, kid. You've only been here a few days, and you've already charmed two beautiful women."

He knew she was joking, but he still felt very awkward. He waved his hands repeatedly, explaining to her:

"Croissant, you've misunderstood. Rationally speaking, I have no such relationship with them."

"Hahaha, not that kind of relationship? Then why are they fighting to treat you to a meal for no reason?"

Hearing this, Shi Lei realized she didn't know the whole story, so he explained briefly:

"I saved them in the slums before, so they both want to treat me to a meal. There's really nothing else."

Croissant didn't believe him and offered her personal opinion:

"If you say you saved Lin Yuxia, that's barely acceptable. Although she inherited the Rat King's Originium Arts, she usually seems like a lady from a good family. She might not be able to bring herself to act ruthlessly when faced with a bloody scene. But saving Chen Hui Jie... honestly, I'm skeptical. With her skills and strength, she'd be the one to save you."

Shi Lei recalled the scene of Officer Chen leaping from the third floor carrying someone that night. Her physical fitness was terrifyingly strong. Her words did make sense:

"No, the person I saved that day was mainly her superior, Nine, so she wanted to treat me to a meal to thank me."

"Oh, I see."

"Hey, Croissant, don't just laugh. Are you free for dinner tomorrow night?"

"Haha, yes, I absolutely am. It's all thanks to your influence that they're treating us to a meal. I usually can't even get a chance to freeload."

She had no grievances with Chen Hui Jie or Lin Yuxia, so it was perfectly fine for her to freeload a meal. If there were many leftovers, she could eat her fill.

"Ding."

When the elevator doors opened, the two found Exusiai and asked for her opinion. She readily agreed:

"Heh heh, how could I miss a gathering with so many people? But I won't sit at Officer Chen's table then, I'll feel uncomfortable."

"Hmm, me too."

Croissant's troublemaking ability was definitely not as great as Exusiai's. However, she was often chased by the Lungmen Guard Department for offenses like illegal vending and operating without a license, so it was best to avoid her if possible.

With two colleagues confirmed to attend, Shi Lei glanced in the direction of the Emperor's office and asked:

"What about Sora, Texas, and the boss? I don't have a phone; can you send them a text message?"

Upon hearing this, Croissant eliminated two possibilities:

"Sora is currently recording songs in the music room, and the boss is responsible for the mixing and supervision. They worked until late last night, so they probably won't have time. Texas should be free."

Exusiai took out her phone and typed away:

"I'll send a message to ask. Just a moment."

Two minutes later, she looked up and made an OK gesture, indicating that Texas had agreed to attend.

With three Messengers accompanying him, Shi Lei felt confident. Even if something unexpected happened, he could handle it easily.

November 30th, 1:02 PM.

The autumn wind was bleak, and the autumn chill deepened, causing pedestrians on the street to tighten their clothing. In the slums, known for their poverty, stood the Lin family mansion, which was not dilapidated at all.

Lin Yuxia stormed into the hall, huffing, and plopped down on the sofa. The dry wood in the fireplace crackled, and the firelight illuminated her face, making it even more tender.

Lin Gerei leaned on his cane, a snow-white fur coat draped over him. His daughter was usually very calm, rarely showing such

outward negative emotion:

"What's wrong? Did someone bully you?"

Lin Yuxia didn't respond. The henchmen who returned with her gathered around the Rat King and whispered the details of what happened.

A short while later, he slowly stood up, leaning on his cane.

The Rat King rarely got angry, always presenting himself as a kind old man to the outside world. Only when his family was involved did he reveal the authority befitting his title.

Just being looked at by his red pupils sent shivers down one's spine:

"The younger generation of the Chen family is one thing, but why was that man so unappreciative?"

"Father, it's not his problem. Ah, this is too complicated to explain to you. In short, don't touch him."

"What if I want to try?"

Any normal person hearing this would surely weigh their options carefully before making a decision. But Lin Yuxia showed no fear, her eyes meeting the gaze of the slum emperor directly:

"I'll tell Mom you bullied me."

026 The Last Delivery

Shi Lei sat at his workstation until midnight, then joined everyone at Penguin Logistics' safe house for lunch.

Exusiai took the cheese and grilled meat she brought that day from the refrigerator, making a large portion of cheese, onion, and sausage grilled meat pizza. Croissant contributed half a bottle of their mother's hot sauce, said to be one of the best-selling condiments on Terra.

The fragrant aroma filled the room, whetting everyone's appetite. Those who could handle spice could add hot sauce themselves, while Texas, who didn't eat much spicy food, could simply avoid it.

This time there were no octopus balls, so he could eat normally. Overall, the taste was good, slightly salty.