National Invitation (Revised Edition)

"It's been matched," a crisp, capable female voice announced.

"The system's facial recognition failed, but after cross-referencing all behavioral patterns and physical data, we've basically confirmed the target's true identity."

"Oh?" A steady male voice came from the back seat.

He Zhiwei quickly pulled up several files on her tablet. "Yesterday, Expert Lu from City Center Hospital reported an unusual case.

"A male citizen named Su Li had physical measurements far beyond the limits of human capability."

"Then, today at Jinzhan Shopping Mall, a mysterious woman not only drove an SUV registered to Su Li but also displayed extraordinary strength, killing a monster instantly and saving Su Li's younger sister, Su Lin Yue."

She pointed to the enlarged face on the tablet. "And as you can see, this mysterious woman's bone structure not only resembles Su Li's, but also bears a strong resemblance to Su Lin Yue."

"Based on intelligence about the recent global anomalies, we reasonably suspect that this remarkably powerful mysterious woman is Su Li."

At her words, Director Zhang, sitting rock-steady in the back seat, paused for a moment.

"Xiao He..." Director Zhang rubbed his brow, his tone complicated. "Even if something as ridiculous as slimes resurrecting with tentacles has happened across the ocean, a grown man turning into a woman... isn't that a bit of a stretch?"

He Zhiwei gave a helpless, wry smile. "Director, once you've ruled out everything impossible, whatever remains, however unbelievable, must be the truth."

Director Zhang sighed heavily, then quickly gathered himself and shifted into work mode. "Have we verified the family background?"

"Completely clean." He Zhiwei answered without hesitation. "Her parents died in a car accident. It's worth noting that her great-grandfather took part in the Long March and died honorably during a breakout battle."

"She's a true-bred descendant of a martyr!" Director Zhang's eyes lit up, and then he made his decision.

"When we go in, Xiao He, you'll lead the discussion. The other party is a woman now, so she may be more sensitive and guarded. Remember, we must show the utmost sincerity. Even if we fail to recruit her, we must not make an enemy of her!"

"Yes, sir!"

That afternoon, at Su Li's home.

Su Li sat cross-legged on the sofa with her eyes closed, resting and preparing herself to continue her conquests on the Aiseland Continent.

"Knock, knock, knock." A rhythmic knocking sounded at the door.

"Who is it?" Su Li opened her eyes, a flicker of wariness in them.

"Hello, comrade. This is a routine police investigation. Sorry for the trouble, but we'd appreciate your cooperation." A warm, capable female voice came from outside.

"Huh?" Su Li's heart gave a thump.

As expected, there was no way the government could have missed the commotion at the mall. Trying to escape on a shared bike had been a laughable attempt at self-deception—like covering one's ears while stealing a bell in the face of the modern surveillance network.

"Just a moment!" Su Li called out to the people outside.

"Brother, who is it?" Su Lin Yue, who had been doing her homework, poked her head out curiously.

"They say they're police. Lend me your Pepper Spray. Better safe than sorry." Su Li lowered her voice.

With her current attributes, she could take down even fully armed special police officers outside the door with her bare hands. Still, when it came to the authorities, it was better to keep things amicable if possible.

She casually slipped the pink spray into her pocket, her mind racing as she thought through how to handle this.

Creak—the security door opened. An older man and a younger woman stood outside.

The young woman looked sharp and spirited. Beside her stood an elderly man in a Zhongshan Suit, looking hale and hearty.

"Hello, comrade. We're from Bureau 749." He Zhiwei smiled and showed her badge.

Su Li glanced at the badge, then looked at the old man. Her pupils contracted.

Well, well—an old acquaintance from the Strategic Deception Bureau? Director Zhang was always on TV, fooling foreigners left and right!

Seeing Su Li's ghost-struck expression, Director Zhang smiled kindly. "Little comrade, it seems you know an old man like me."

Su Li forced herself to stay calm. "Didn't you say you were from the police?"

"Sorry. To avoid causing unnecessary alarm, we often borrow the police's name when working in the field." He Zhiwei's sharp gaze stayed fixed on Su Li.

"Let me introduce myself again. We're the State Administration for National Security and the Study of Abnormal Phenomena, commonly known as Bureau 749. We specialize in handling supernatural phenomena. Comrade—or should I say... Comrade Su Li?"

Su Li was startled. They had uncovered her identity even though she had changed genders. The government's intelligence network was truly terrifying.

Seeing Su Li react like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, He Zhiwei smiled slightly. "You don't need to be nervous. We mean you no harm. In fact, we've come with the utmost sincerity to invite you to join us."

"Join you?" Su Li frowned warily.

As if she had seen through Su Li's concerns, He Zhiwei laid her cards on the table.

"Please rest assured: if you join us, we won't restrict your personal freedom in any way. You'll be able to continue living your normal life, working, and looking after your younger sister."

"On top of that, you'll receive an official position within the bureau and enjoy top-tier benefits. Your family will be immediately enrolled in the highest level of security protection."

He Zhiwei paused, then offered her most enticing bargaining chip:

"We'll also provide you with the greatest logistical support possible."

"If you're a Metahuman, the bureau will connect you with the latest cultivation resources."

"And if you're a player..." He Zhiwei's tone took on a deeper meaning.

"Oh, and as a friendly tip, real-world enhancement resources don't conflict with in-game powers. We'll also provide you with the most cutting-edge intelligence."

Those words stirred a storm in Su Li's heart. As expected of the government!

She had thought the authorities knew nothing, or had only just begun to react.

But the government had not only already discovered the existence of the Eternal Realm, it had even established a mature response system!

Still, Su Li knew there was no such thing as a free lunch, so she asked, "If the benefits are so good, what will I have to give up in return?"

Hearing the question, Director Zhang nodded approvingly. He then pulled a letter of intent marked Top Secret from his bag and slid it over.

"Comrade Xiao Su, it's good to be cautious. It shows you're a smart person. Bureau 749 never forces people to join. We lay out all the rules up front. This is a preliminary Letter of Intent. I'll be completely frank with you."

Director Zhang held up three fingers. "First, your responsibilities. We don't need you to clock in from nine to five."

"Your job will be handling anomalous incidents."

"Routine units will take care of low-level incidents. We'll only ask you to step in if a high-risk anomaly is completely out of control."

"Whether you accept a mission is entirely up to you. But once you do, you'll have the highest level of authority, and every local agency will cooperate with you unconditionally!"

Supreme command authority during a crisis, no responsibilities when things were quiet.

Su Li was secretly astonished. The terms were undeniably generous.

"Second, restrictions." He Zhiwei picked up where he left off.

"The government's only Red Line is that you must never kill civilians indiscriminately. As for conflicts between players in the future, as long as they don't threaten social stability, the government's policy is to let players handle them themselves. The country will even gradually grant more privileges as players grow stronger."

"Third, Personal Property." Director Zhang pointed to the document. "You'll own all items you obtain in the game. If you want to sell them, the country only asks for the right of first refusal and promises to pay above market price. We'll never let you come out at a loss."

Director Zhang played his final trump card. "We'll also be launching a Contribution Points system soon."

"You can earn Contribution Points by handling anomalies or selling items. The bureau's cutting-edge weapons, special intelligence, and enhancement resources can all be exchanged for them—as long as you have enough points."

"Wait." Su Li caught the flaw. "How can you guarantee that the Treasure Trove has enough resources? Where does the government get its resources?"

Director Zhang and He Zhiwei exchanged a glance. The old man smiled mysteriously. "That's classified for now, but the depth of the country's reserves is far beyond your imagination."

Looking at the contract, Su Li didn't rush to sign.

"Please wait a moment." She turned and headed for the bedroom. "This is important. I need to discuss it with my younger sister."

Director Zhang gestured for her to go ahead, looking even more impressed.

Behind the bedroom door, Su Lin Yue looked worried. "Brother, what if they take you away and cut you open?"

Seeing her younger sister's worried expression softened Su Li's heart. "Yueyue, the world is changing. I can protect you without joining the government, but two fists can't beat four hands. If you run into danger in the future and I can't get to you in time..."

"The terms the government's offering are good, and I won't have to do odd jobs. Most importantly, they can provide you with the best possible security."

Su Li's gaze was clear. "Only if you're absolutely safe can I fight without holding back or worrying about you."

Su Lin Yue bit her lip, understandingly, and hugged Su Li's arm in return. "Brother, I'll do whatever you decide. As long as you don't take any suicide missions, I'll support you in signing whatever you need to! I'll work hard to grow stronger too. I absolutely won't hold you back!"

After comforting her younger sister, Su Li's last reservation disappeared.

Su Li stepped out and faced the two people waiting, but she still didn't pick up the pen.

"Director, Officer He, I see the government's sincerity. Honestly, I'm very tempted." Su Li looked Director Zhang straight in the eye. "But seeing is believing. Before I join, I need to visit your base."

"I need to find out what kind of organization I'd be joining."

Even faced with such a tempting offer, she could still stay rational? He Zhiwei was slightly taken aback.

After a brief silence,

"Good! Very good!" Director Zhang couldn't help clapping, looking at Su Li as if she were a priceless treasure. "Cautious and level-headed, planning before acting! Comrade Xiao Su, I admire you more and more!"

He rose abruptly and straightened his clothes. "You're welcome to come inspect us in person! But our country has never failed to treat its talent well. Even though you haven't signed yet, our sincerity won't be discounted!"

"Effective immediately, your younger sister will receive the highest level of security protection! Plainclothes officers will be deployed at once!"

Director Zhang waved his hand and smiled mysteriously. "As for your salary and benefits, you don't need to wait for the contract to be finalized. We'll start you at the highest level now. Xiao He, you'll arrange everything in a moment!"

"Yes, Director!" He Zhiwei answered crisply.

Su Li was a little surprised. She hadn't even signed, and they were already insisting she accept a salary and protection for her family?

The government's generosity was truly impossible to refuse!

###