A little over ten minutes earlier,
Xue Churan's departing figure gradually faded from view. Meanwhile, Xixi and Long Ma also rose in turn, said their polite goodbyes, and headed into the Guest Courtyard.
Chen Xiaojun let out a soft breath and remarked, half joking and half sighing, "That formidable lady has finally left."
Chen Hong burst out laughing at that. Patting Chen Xiaojun on the shoulder, he teased, "Formidable lady? She was quite the firecracker back in the day. Still, that description fits her perfectly. What do you think, you old bookworm?"
Chen Cong rolled his eyes, then changed the subject and said seriously, "Enough. Back to business."
"What do you think of Churan's earlier proposal? Xiaojun, let's hear your thoughts first."
Chen Xiaojun's smile faded. He nodded slightly and considered the matter before asking, "You mean the invitation for you to join Chang'an Academy, Second Granduncle?"
"City Lord Xue was right about all those benefits. If you take a position at Chang'an Academy, it will not only lay a solid foundation for the Chen Clan's emergence into the wider world, but working in education will also suit your own wishes."
"At the same time, it could reduce some of the excessive attention and disturbances from the Soul Master World during the early stages of our emergence and the establishment of our own residence."
Chen Xiaojun continued, "There are also some less obvious benefits we shouldn't overlook."
"For instance, the Research Department we discussed before. If we can use the academy's personnel and resources for some preliminary research, it will greatly advance our progress."
With a teasing look, Chen Cong asked, "So you're planning to borrow a hen to lay your eggs?"
Chen Xiaojun corrected him with a perfectly straight face. "No. I prefer to call it sharing resources for