When Xu Feng got home, he told his family about the job opportunities in S City. After discussing it briefly, Xu Shan and Yang Lingxia readily agreed.
To them, their son's having better prospects mattered more than anything else.
After hearing the news, his second uncle's family also said they were willing to go to S City and try their luck.
Xu Feng then contacted Piao Zhi Yong to discuss work arrangements for his father and second uncle.
When the Wanbao Auction House heard that Xu Feng would be bringing his family and assistant, they weren't displeased at all. On the contrary, they were even more enthusiastic, offering Xu Shan and his second uncle management positions in the auction house's support department, with salaries far higher than what they'd earned in Z City.
The move was quickly arranged.
They shipped the bulky luggage ahead and traveled light.
The next day, at Z City Railway Station.
Xu Feng's family met up with his second uncle's family in the waiting room.
Before long, Mai Xiao Wen came over, pulling a modest-sized suitcase and walking briskly.
She'd changed into a goose-yellow dress that made her look youthful and lovely.
"Hello, Uncle! Hello, Auntie! Hello, Second Uncle! Hello, Second Aunt!"
Mai Xiao Wen greeted the elders with easy poise and a sweet smile.
Yang Lingxia had long been fond of this girl, who often appeared by her son's side and seemed both pleasant-looking and good-natured. Seeing that she was going to S City with them made her even more welcoming. She took Mai Xiao Wen's hand and peppered her with questions:
"You're coming along too, Xiao Wen? That's wonderful! You'll have company on the trip! Have you had breakfast? Are you thirsty?"
Xu Feng briefly explained their working relationship.
Though Xu Feng had been vague, Yang Lingxia was no fool. The moment she heard him say they were just assistant and employer, she shot her son a look.
Then, after Xu Feng told her about Mai Xiao Wen's background, Yang Lingxia felt even more sorry for her. She wouldn't let go of Mai Xiao Wen's hand, fussing over her with questions and looking at her with affection.
"Xiao Wen, from now on, think of my home as your own. Don't stand on ceremony!
"If that brat Xu Feng ever bullies you, tell me. I'll deal with him!"
They traveled in a premium train car. It was spacious and comfortable, and the entire carriage was reserved for their families.
Yang Lingxia spent nearly the whole trip sitting with Mai Xiao Wen, chatting about everything from S City's local customs to everyday matters, from Xu Feng's childhood mishaps to their hopes for the future.
Mai Xiao Wen responded sweetly, often making Yang Lingxia burst into laughter.
Xu Feng, Xu Shan, and his second uncle were left completely on the sidelines. They could only watch the scenery rushing past the window and occasionally exchange wry smiles.
By the time the train arrived in S City, Yang Lingxia was holding Mai Xiao Wen's hand, as close to her as if they were mother and daughter.
Mai Xiao Wen had even started calling her "Mom," each time in a voice so sweet and natural that it made Yang Lingxia beam.
"Aw! Such a good girl!"
Yang Lingxia was grinning from ear to ear.
Standing nearby, Xu Feng watched them, feeling both warm and amused.
Just then, he quietly turned his gaze toward an inconspicuous shadow in the distance on the platform.
A blurry black shape flickered there and gave him a slight nod. Then, as if blending into the background, it kept a discreet distance and followed them.
It was, of course, Little Black.
For the past month, Xu Feng had constantly fed it high-level monster meat. Combined with its seemingly remarkable potential and the long-term infusion of Xu Feng's vital energy, its strength had advanced by leaps and bounds. It was now no weaker than an ordinary high-level C-rank monster.
With his whole family moving to S City, Xu Feng naturally wouldn't leave it behind.
With it secretly protecting his family, Xu Feng could pursue greater heights with peace of mind.
They left the station.
The car sent by Wanbao Auction House had been waiting for them for some time.
The person who came to pick them up was a middle-aged manager surnamed Wang, whose manner was respectful and attentive.
Wanbao Auction House truly was the leading large auction house in S City's eastern district, and the terms it offered Xu Feng were exceptionally generous.
Not only had they prepared three adjoining detached villas in an upscale neighborhood near the auction house,
one each for Xu Feng's family, his second uncle's family, and Mai Xiao Wen,
but they'd also furnished them with basic furniture and household necessities. Their sincerity was unmistakable.
After getting his family settled, Xu Feng went with Mai Xiao Wen to tour Wanbao Auction House's headquarters and familiarize themselves with the place.
The auction house occupied a vast area. Its buildings were grand, the interior decor luxurious yet tasteful, and the staff moving about were well-trained.
Manager Wang personally showed them around, explaining the auction house's procedures in detail as well as the responsibilities Xu Feng would need to understand and might be called on to handle as a supervisor.
In practice, the job was quite relaxed. He mainly had to be on hand for high-value lots or major auctions, and handle special situations that ordinary security couldn't manage.
That was the kind of treatment high-ranking hunters received.
As long as you had the strength, you'd never be short of money.
After the tour, Xu Feng took the opportunity to sell the auction house, all at once, the various precious monster materials he'd accumulated over the past month but hadn't been able to sell in Z City.
After a professional appraiser assessed them, the materials were found to be worth more than a hundred million yuan!
The auction house handled the massive payment just as efficiently, transferring the money into Xu Feng's account soon afterward.
Once he'd familiarized himself with the auction house's operations, Xu Feng went alone to the S City Hunter Association headquarters.
Compared with the Z City branch, it was more than ten times larger, and the hunters coming and going were generally much stronger.
He went straight to the mission posting area and began looking for a suitable dungeon.
Improving his strength would always be his top priority.
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