Starting to Gain Experience from Push-Ups Chapter 996 - 498: Five-Star Reviews, Worth Every Penny (Part 2)

"At that time, who would dare to issue tasks at Naihe Bridge? Who would dare to trade through our platform? That would be truly destroying the Great Wall!"

The young man called "Shuhuan" was sweating profusely and quickly lowered his head:

"Great-grandfather’s teachings are correct, your grandson has learned his lesson."

The elder saw his respectful attitude and did not reproach him further, his gaze sweeping lightly over him before turning away.

"As for the ’Ideal Land’..."

He paused, a look of disdain flashing in his eyes, as he turned to look once again at the mist-covered night sky outside the window:

"A bunch of lunatics hiding in the gutters dreaming of becoming gods. If they dare to make noise again, let them come directly to Night City to find me, Shen Wanshan!"

"Although my spiritual body won’t last many years, before this old skeleton collapses, I can still break a few of their teeth."

Saying this, the elder’s tone softened a bit, revealing a sense of a hero in twilight:

"Shuhuan, after this year you will be forty, already quite mature, and my line has few descendants, supporting you to sit in this position wasn’t easy."

"Whether it’s taking control of the Shen Family in the future or inheriting the chief position of the Naihe Bridge Elder Council, you must stand firm yourself."

"Naihe Bridge has existed in this dimension of the consciousness world for thousands of years, remaining unshaken through dynastic changes, relying not only on force but also on the credibility of that golden signboard."

"We can be greedy secretly, we can be ruthless, we can be meticulous, but when it comes to this kind of principle issue, we must uphold our bottom line, never yielding an inch."

"This is called ’A gentleman loves money and acquires it in a proper way,’ as a merchant, one must adhere to the rules of commerce."

Shen Shuhuan took a deep breath and nodded solemnly, the confusion in his eyes dissipating, replaced by firmness.

"I understand, great-grandfather. I will directly refuse them and strengthen security at the real-world stronghold."

After dealing with this thorny issue, Shen Shuhuan’s thoughts returned to the mysterious tasker, and he couldn’t help but ask:

"That person... should we pay special attention in the future?"

"Of course."

The elder stroked his beard, his eyes sparkling:

"Able to single-handedly disrupt the plans of Ideal Land and make that group of lunatics suffer a setback, this person is definitely a top-tier expert, possibly even a core figure in a major faction."

"This is exactly the kind of ’quality client’ we prefer."

The elder pondered for a moment, smiling as he instructed:

"Next time when he logs on again, to take or publish tasks with us, arrange for someone to make appropriate contact, within the authority scope, providing some convenience and attention."

"By the way, you can directly upgrade his client rating to S-Class, grant him senior membership, and henceforth he can enjoy a 20% discount on tasks and intelligence inquiries at Naihe Bridge."

Shen Shuhuan nodded repeatedly, taking note inwardly.

Granting S-Class privileges is a highly favorable spec, sufficient to show Naihe Bridge’s goodwill.

He thought for a moment and naturally asked:

"Then regarding this task’s remuneration? According to the rules, we must deduct a substantial intermediary fee and service charge."

"Since we wish to show goodwill, should we reduce the deduction proportion, or... simply disburse the full amount to him?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the elder who had been maintaining a grandmaster demeanor, suddenly widened his eyes, as if hearing something utterly outrageous.

"Why reduce the deductions?!"

The elder glared, his voice abruptly rising eight degrees:

"Are you an idiot? We shielded him from the Ideal Land’s pursuit, under what immense risk and pressure?"

"Is this not a service? Does this not require costs?"

He once again extended his bony fingers, tapping his great-grandson’s forehead, as if hating iron for not becoming steel:

"I didn’t charge him additional protection fees, already taking into account his decent abilities!"

"Still want to reduce the cut? Dream on! Not a penny less, deduct according to the rules!"

"..."

Shen Shuhuan couldn’t help but break into a cold sweat on his forehead again.

Watching the ancestor’s face change faster than flipping a book, he couldn’t help but twitch his mouth corners twice.

Indeed, this is the familiar recipe, the familiar taste.

"Yes, I understand."

Shen Shuhuan dared not refute, only nodding repeatedly in agreement.

But inwardly he was secretly complaining:

No wonder great-grandfather was able to stand out among the candidates from various world families back then, becoming the helm of Naihe Bridge.

With this "stingy" character of only entering and never exiting, he indeed is a person destined for this kind of side business.

"Alright, go handle your tasks."

The elder waved his hand, his figure becoming more transparent, seemingly consuming quite a bit of soul power from the emotional fluctuations just now.

"I shall take my leave for now, and not disturb your meditation."

Shen Shuhuan respectfully bowed, turned, and left quietly.

As the heavy wooden door slowly closed, the light "click" sound isolated the two worlds inside and outside the study.

Shen Shuhuan stood in the corridor, looking outside through the carved window pane.

The neon lights of Night City were still dazzling, with countless bizarre shadows shuttling through the mist.

This sleepless city was like a greedy beast, devouring countless secrets, while also revealing surging desires, operating incessantly.

Perhaps it would continue to operate like this until the end of the world, becoming the only spiritual haven on the wasteland.

Shen Shuhuan shook his head slightly, a cold smile curling up at the corner of his mouth.

No matter how strong the Ideal Land was, in facing the rules of the entire Night City, it was merely a slightly stronger river dragon among them.

He adjusted his collar, walking steadily towards the trading hall downstairs.

.........

Four o’clock in the morning.

The entire city remained immersed in the deepest quiet before dawn.

Fang Cheng carefully sat up from the bed, barefoot on the slightly cool wooden floor.

He walked to the window, gently pushing it open.

"Squeak—"

A very light pivoting sound echoed in the silence.

Fresh air instantly poured into the room, and the scent of soil and vegetables from the garden downstairs drifted in with the wind, dispelling the remaining drowsiness.

Outside the window, Wanghu Town was in the darkest and most peaceful moment of the day.

In the dim glow of the street lamps, the white walls and gray tiles appeared scattered.

As the view passed over the rooftops and road, there lay the vast expanse of Yulong Lake.

Layers of mist rose from the water surface, enveloping the distant mountains and nearby waters in a poetic mist.

Unlike the Cuihai in Tian Nan Province, this place evidently had a more ordinary and simple feeling.

Fang Cheng took a deep breath, then stretched his arms and lazily stretched.

His joints crackled crisply.

The current tranquility contrasted sharply with the noise upon first entering the house yesterday afternoon.

Recalling that scene, Fang Cheng couldn’t help but smile slightly at the corner of his mouth.

When he and his uncle pushed open the courtyard gate, his mother’s tears flowed like beads from a broken string.

As she held Fang Cheng tightly, scrutinizing him worriedly, afraid he was missing a strand of hair, she turned to scold Li Dingjian.

His grandfather didn’t speak, but the cane tapping loudly on the ground and his gaze of disappointment towards his uncle expressed it all.

Luckily, Fang Cheng was there to joke around, shifting the topic to dinner, rescuing his uncle from the awkward "trial."

To soothe the family’s emotions and celebrate the safe return from the thrilling journey, Fang Cheng personally prepared the dust-cleansing feast last night.

The table full of delicious dishes not only made the child next door drool, but also earned praise from his mother and grandfather.

The initially tense atmosphere melted in the turn of cups and exchange of conversation into deep familial affection.

That night, Fang Cheng didn’t return to the Old Factory Street in the city, nor did he go to the new house in Sea Sky Garden, instead choosing to stay overnight here.

During those days in Tian Nan Province, constantly worrying about his uncle’s safety while being cautious of unknown enemies hiding in the darkness, his nerves were always strung tight.

It wasn’t until last night, lying on this familiar bed, smelling the sunshine on the blankets, that Fang Cheng truly let down all defenses.

This sleep was especially sweet and deep.

Originally planning to indulge in sleeping in longer, his biological clock still woke him promptly at four in the morning.

Fang Cheng leaned against the window frame, his gaze crossing over layer upon layer of rooftops, towards the track that stretched along the lakeshore.

A few sparse streetlights flickered in the night, seemingly issuing a silent invitation.

"It’s been a long time since having a normal training and full-body exercise..."

He whispered quietly, his thoughts stirring slightly.