"We've made a match," a crisp, capable female voice announced.
"Facial recognition failed, but cross-referencing all behavioral logic and physical data has essentially locked onto 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 anomaly. A male citizen named Su Li, whose vital signs far exceed human limits."
"Then, at Jinzhan Shopping Mall today, a mysterious woman not only drove a SUV registered under Su Li's name but also displayed extraordinary combat power, instantly killing monsters and saving Su Li's younger sister, Su Lin Yue."
She pointed to a magnified facial image on the tablet. "And you see, this mysterious woman's bone structure not only has Su Li's foundation but also bears a striking resemblance to Su Lin Yue."
"Combining this with recent global mutation intelligence, we reasonably suspect that this incredibly powerful mysterious woman is Su Li himself."
Director Zhang, who had been sitting steadily in the back seat, paused slightly at this.
"Xiao He..." Director Zhang rubbed his temples, his tone complex. "Even with the absurd news of slimes growing tentacles back to life across the ocean, a grown man turning into a woman... isn't that a bit too big a leap?"
He Zhiwei gave a wry smile. "Director, when you eliminate all impossibilities, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."
Director Zhang sighed and quickly regained his composure, shifting into work mode. "Have the family background checks been completed?"
"Absolutely clean," He Zhiwei replied without hesitation. "Parents died in a car accident. It's worth mentioning that her great-grandfather participated in the Long March and died heroically during a breakout battle."
"A descendant of revolutionary martyrs, with impeccable credentials!" Director Zhang's eyes lit up, and he made a decision.
"Alright, when we go up there later, Xiao He, you will lead the negotiations. After all, the other party is currently female, and her emotions might be more sensitive and guarded. Remember, you must show the highest level of sincerity. Even if we fail to recruit her, we absolutely cannot make an enemy of her!"
"Yes!"
In the afternoon, at Su Li's home.
Su Li was sitting cross-legged on the sofa, eyes closed, meditating and adjusting her state to continue her conquest of the Aiseland Continent.
"Knock, knock, knock." A rhythmic knocking sounded.
"Who is it?" Su Li opened her eyes, a hint of wariness flashing within them.
"Hello, comrade. This is a routine police investigation. Please cooperate," a gentle, capable female voice came from outside the door.
"Ah?" Su Li's heart skipped a beat.
So, the commotion at the mall couldn't be hidden from the state apparatus after all. Fleeing on a shared bicycle was a self-deceiving trick, practically covering one's ears while stealing a bell in the face of modern surveillance.
"Please wait a moment!" Su Li called out to the door.
"Brother, who is it?" Su Lin Yue, who was doing her homework, poked her head out curiously.
"They say they're the police. Lend me your pepper spray. Better safe than sorry," Su Li whispered.
Although with her current stats, she could dismantle a fully armed SWAT team with her bare hands, it was better to maintain a harmonious relationship with the authorities.
She casually slipped the pink spray into her pocket, her mind racing with strategies.
"Creak—" The anti-theft door opened, revealing an older and a younger person.
The young woman was sharp and heroic, accompanied by an old man in a Zhongshan suit who looked spirited and vigorous.
"Hello, comrade. We are from Bureau 749," He Zhiwei said with a smile, flashing her ID.
Su Li's gaze swept over the ID, then landed on the old man's face, her pupils contracting.
Good heavens, an old acquaintance from the War Propaganda Bureau? This was Director Zhang, who often fooled foreigners on television!
Seeing Su Li's shocked expression, Director Zhang smiled kindly. "Little comrade, it seems you recognize this old man."
Su Li forced herself to remain calm. "Didn't you say you were from the police station?"
"Apologies, to avoid unnecessary panic, we often use the police's name when on external assignments," He Zhiwei said, her gaze sharp and fixed on Su Li.
"Allow me to reintroduce ourselves. We are from the Headquarters for the Research of National Security and Anomalous Phenomena, commonly known as Bureau 749, specializing in dealing with supernatural phenomena. Comrade, or should I say... Comrade Su Li?"
Su Li was startled. Even after changing her gender, they could still uncover her identity. The state'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 have no ill intentions. On the contrary, we come with great sincerity to invite you to join us."
"Join you?" Su Li frowned warily.
Seemingly sensing Su Li's concerns, He Zhiwei revealed her trump card.
"Please rest assured, once you join us, your personal freedom will not be restricted. You can still live your life, work, and take care of your younger sister as usual."
"Not only that, but you will also receive formal employment within the bureau, enjoy top-tier benefits, and your family will be immediately integrated into the highest level of the security system."
He Zhiwei paused, then threw out the most tempting offer:
"Furthermore, we will provide you with maximum logistical support."
"If you are a metahuman, the bureau will connect you with the latest cultivation resources."
"And if you are a player..." He Zhiwei's tone became meaningful.
"Oh, and a friendly reminder, reality enhancement resources and game power do not conflict. Additionally, we will provide you with cutting-edge intelligence support."
Hearing this, Su Li's heart churned. "As expected of the state apparatus!"
She had originally thought the officials knew nothing, or had only just reacted.
But the officials not only foresaw the existence of the Eternal Realm long ago, but had even established a mature response system!
However, Su Li knew that there was no such thing as a free lunch, so she retorted, "Since the treatment is so top-notch, what price do I need to pay?"
Hearing this question, Director Zhang nodded appreciatively, then pulled out a letter of intent marked Top Secret from his bag and pushed it over.
"Comrade Xiao Su, being vigilant is a good thing. It shows you're a smart person. Our Bureau 749 doesn't force people to join. All our rules are out in the open. This is a preliminary letter of intent for cooperation. I'll be upfront with you."
Director Zhang held up three fingers: "First, regarding your duties, we don't expect you to clock in from nine to five."
"You'll be responsible for handling abnormal events."
"And low-level abnormal events will be handled by regular troops. We'll only request your assistance when a high-risk anomaly is completely out of control."
"Furthermore, whether you take a mission is entirely voluntary. But once you accept a mission, your clearance will be infinitely high, and all local units will cooperate with you unconditionally!"
Maximum wartime command authority, zero burden during peacetime.
Su Li was secretly shocked. These conditions were undeniably generous.
"Second, regarding restrictions," He Zhiwei interjected.
"The only red line for the officials is: you absolutely cannot arbitrarily kill civilians. As for future conflicts between players, as long as they don't affect social stability, the officials' stance is to let players handle them themselves. Moreover, the country will even gradually release more privileges as players' strength grows."
"Third, personal property," Director Zhang pointed to the document. "All items you obtain within the game belong to you. If you wish to sell them, the country only asks for the right of first refusal and promises to purchase them at a price higher than market value, ensuring you never lose out."
Director Zhang then played his trump card: "At the same time, we are about to launch a Contribution Points system."
"Handling anomalies and selling items can earn you Contribution Points. Top-tier weapons, special intelligence, and enhancement resources from the bureau can all be obtained with enough contribution."
"Wait a minute," Su Li keenly caught a blind spot. "How do you guarantee there are enough resources in the treasure trove? Where do the official resources come from?"
Director Zhang and He Zhiwei exchanged a look. The old man's smile was profound: "That's classified for now, but the country's deep reserves are absolutely beyond your imagination."
Looking at the contract, Su Li didn't rush to sign.
"Please wait a moment," she said, turning towards the bedroom. "This is very important. I need to discuss it with my younger sister."
Director Zhang made a "please" gesture, his gaze growing more appreciative.
Behind the bedroom door, Su Lin Yue looked worried. "Brother, will they dissect you?"
Su Li looked at her younger sister's worried eyes and her heart softened. "Yueyue, times are changing. Although I can protect you even if I don't join the officials, one person can't fight many. If you encounter danger in the future and I can't get there in time..."
"The conditions offered by the officials are very good, and I won't have to do menial tasks. Most importantly, they can provide you with top-tier security."
Su Li's eyes were clear: "Only when you are absolutely safe can I truly act without reservation, without any worries."
Su Lin Yue sensibly bit her lip and hugged Su Li's arm. "Brother, I'll listen to you. As long as you don't take those suicide missions, I'll support whatever you sign! And I'll work hard to become stronger, I definitely won't be a burden to you!"
After comforting her younger sister, Su Li's last lingering doubt vanished.
Su Li pushed the door open. Facing the two waiting people, she still didn't pick up the pen.
"Director, Cadre He, I've seen the officials' sincerity, and honestly, I'm very tempted," Su Li looked directly at Director Zhang. "But seeing is believing. Before I join, I need to visit your base."
"I need to understand what kind of organization I'm joining."
Faced with such temptation, she could still maintain her composure? He Zhiwei was slightly taken aback.
After a moment of silence.
"Good! Very good!" Director Zhang couldn't help but clap his hands and laugh. He looked at Su Li as if she were a rare treasure. "Cautious and calm, planning before acting! Comrade Xiao Su, I admire you more and more!"
He suddenly stood up and tidied his clothes. "You're welcome to conduct an on-site inspection! However, our country never mistreats talent. Even though the contract isn't signed yet, our sincerity won't be discounted!"
"From now on, your younger sister's highest level of security takes effect immediately! Plainclothes officers will be deployed at once!"
Director Zhang waved his hand and smiled mysteriously. "As for your salary and benefits, you don't have to wait for the contract to be finalized. Starting now, you'll be compensated at the highest standard! Xiao He, you'll be responsible for the arrangements later!"
"Yes! Director!" He Zhiwei responded loudly.
Su Li was somewhat surprised. Without even signing the contract, she was being handed a base salary and family protection?
The officials' magnanimity was truly too great to refuse!
If you can't find the book by its title, try searching for the author. Maybe the name has just been changed!
Due to the requests of many readers, the VIP Member ad-free feature is now available.
Click to view.
Before you continue
Like what you read?
Request the full translation to continue reading beyond the preview chapters.
Explore the wiki