Full-Time Public Enemy

On the way, Mao Yisheng avoided Gong Shuxu and discreetly came to Chen Gu's side, whispering, "Brother Chen, when we go back this time… I'm afraid I won't remember what happened, right?"

Chen Gu didn't want to lie to him and remained silent, not denying it.

No one was a fool. Mao Yisheng might not have realized it at first, but as they traveled, he gradually understood.

Mao Yisheng seemed restless. "Brother Chen… If I could join you and become a Professional, wouldn't I be spared from having my memory erased?"

Chen Gu couldn't help but look at him. "You want to become a Professional?"

Obviously, Mao Yisheng's desire to avoid memory deletion was just a pretext; his stronger purpose was to become a Professional.

A flame lit up in Mao Yisheng's eyes. "Brother Chen, if you were me, having witnessed the power of Professionals with your own eyes, would you be able to resist?"

Chen Gu sighed softly. He had saved Mao Yisheng this time. Suddenly, in a moment of peril, a powerful force had been revealed before his eyes—one that didn't require giant beasts, where one's own body could exert equally formidable strength!

Indeed, it was difficult to resist such "temptation."

But he calmly said to Mao Yisheng, "You've only seen the power of Professionals, but do you know what they have to give up?"

Mao Yisheng, seeing Chen Gu's solemn expression, suddenly asked in astonishment, "Brother Chen, you're not… incapacitated, are you?"

Chen Gu was taken aback. "What are you talking about?"

Mao Yisheng said, "I've read countless ancient martial arts stories. I know many peerless martial arts require a great sacrifice, such as the well-known phrase, 'To practice this divine skill, one must first…'"

In this era, ancient martial arts stories were still in high demand. This was due to the battles with the Alien Insect Race, as warriors needed strong physical abilities. Consequently, various physical training methods became very marketable—one could tell just by looking at all the dojos on the streets.

As a result, martial arts stories not only survived but even experienced a revival.

Chen Gu was shocked for a moment, then gave Mao Yisheng a heavy thump on the head. "Nonsense!"

Mao Yisheng cried out in pain, rubbing his forehead and complaining, "I don't understand these things. Besides, you were so popular at school but still haven't found a girlfriend. And back then, Big Sis Liu Shichan was clearly interested in you, all that back-and-forth flirting, but you didn't pursue her. Everyone was guessing behind your back that you either have issues or you don't like women…"

"Bullshit!" Chen Gu erupted in anger, then suddenly realized there was another issue. "Since when were Liu Shichan and I ever flirting back and forth?"

He waved his hand dismissively. "Don't talk about all this nonsense. You've got me completely confused."

He grasped Mao Yisheng by the shoulders. "To become a Professional, you have to risk your life. One single slip could turn you into a horrific monster. Even if you die, your family won't even get a body back!"

"Moreover, even as a Professional, the resources needed for every promotion are terrifyingly expensive. I'm only at the Third Energy Level, but the resources spent on promotions have already cost tens of billions."

Mao Yisheng gasped. His family was merely comfortably off. Just to scrape together eight million for those reagents before, they would have had to sell everything they owned. Tens of billions… where could one find so much money?

"Furthermore, after becoming a Professional, you either become a freelancer—constantly monitored by the authorities with very limited promotion prospects—or you join the government. If you become an operative for the Bureau of Mystic Security, you'll have to undertake all sorts of dangerous missions. The slightest misstep could lead to a 'heroic' end."

"Maozi, you're an only child. Are you really willing to take that risk?"

Mao Yisheng hesitated. He thought of his parents.

Chen Gu smiled. "Don't overthink it. Why do you think there are so few Professionals in this world? It's because this path is not only incredibly difficult but also extremely dangerous. You've already been selected by the Alliance; you have a great future ahead of you. Why would you want to force your way onto this single-plank bridge?"

Chen Gu had said all he could to advise and dissuade him. Besides, it wasn't as if one could become a Professional just by wanting to.

Mao Yisheng then tried a different approach. "Then… Brother Chen, could you please put in a good word for me? Ask them not to wipe my memory. I can sign the strictest confidentiality agreement. You know we're good brothers. If something similar happens in the future, and I see you use your abilities again, the Bureau of Mystic Security will just erase my memory once more. I'm worried that if this happens a few times, my brain will start having problems."

The general public still held somewhat "conservative" views regarding memory. Unless absolutely necessary, Mao Yisheng didn't want anyone tampering with his mind.

Chen Gu looked troubled but could only say, "I'll do my best to make a case for you."

The group arrived in a large procession outside the Huai Shan Branch School, where Wang Chengqian was already waiting with a large contingent of Bureau of Mystic Security operatives and action team members.

Every student within the school had received a notification on the internal channel: No unauthorized departures.

But these students were Professionals, each with their own methods. They spied from the shadows, most out of curiosity. However, one individual lurked hidden, revealing only a pair of sinister eyes, fixated on Chen Gu outside the school.

It's him again!

The Bureau of Mystic Security team was led by Qing Ruyan. She still harbored a grudge against Chen Gu for splashing her face with filthy blood. However, with official business at hand, she merely shot Chen Gu a fierce glare before taking custody of the mercenaries and new recruits.

Chen Gu quietly pulled Qing Ruyan aside and explained Mao Yisheng's situation. Qing Ruyan said, "I'm just the Director's assistant; I can't make decisions on such matters. However, I can give you an idea: the Bureau also needs informants from various social circles. You understand?"

Chen Gu's eyes lit up with understanding. "Got it! Thanks!" He patted Qing Ruyan's shoulder. "Who's in charge of this kind of thing?"

"Director Yan of the Special Development Department."

Their hushed conversation, witnessed by Andreyao from the shadows within the school, appeared "intimate and ambiguous" to him. This stoked Andreyao's jealousy, causing him to grind his teeth. Qing Ziyan's daughter!

Why does *he* get to be so close with the daughter of the Son of the Stars, while my pursuit of Ye Feileng is always futile? Even with my family's help, I can't win her favor?

What's so great about Chen Gu? His background, strength, talent, looks, brilliance—can any of it compare to mine?

Andreyao had been severely beaten by Zhong Yuanbei earlier. Although the school had state-of-the-art medical facilities, and Zhong Yuanbei, while furious, hadn't delivered a fatal blow, Andreyao had fully recovered after two days in a healing pod. But the pain of his injuries had been very real.

Hatred festered, and his rage intensified. Finally, it completely overwhelmed Andreyao's judgment. He silently retreated into the darkness, having decided to do "something."