Chapter 13: Implementing the Work

The gap between a first-tier mercenary group and a second-tier one is actually quite significant, especially when it comes to various privileges. For example, the discounted quantity of gene serums: a first-tier mercenary group only gets 50 bottles per week at a discounted price. If you buy more, the price jumps back to 300 points per bottle. But a second-tier mercenary group enjoys discounts on 200 bottles every week. The difference between the two is far from trivial. And that’s just one privilege. Overall, the resource discounts for a second-tier group are at least five times greater than those of a first-tier group. This is precisely why Roger had the confidence to speak so boldly.

“Is that really true?” Lin Xinghai’s face lit up with joy.

“Of course! If we reach second-tier status, although our overall resources won’t match those of the third-tier mercenary groups, the seed members they cultivate aren’t just a few, either,” Roger said sincerely. “All in all, our Rift Sky Mercenary Group can offer you better development opportunities than the third-tier groups.”

Seeing the expression on Roger’s face, Lin Xinghai couldn’t help but laugh. “Don’t worry, I’m not one of those ungrateful types. As long as the Rift Sky Mercenary Group doesn’t wrong me, I won’t leave.”

“Besides, you really aren’t cut out for winning people over. Your facial expressions are all wrong—you’d be better off giving me a few more bottles of gene serum,” Lin Xinghai teased.

Roger’s expression stiffened instantly. Flushed with embarrassment and anger, he stood up and said, “You brat, fine then, meet at the Mercenary Plaza at 8 tomorrow morning.”

After saying that, he was about to leave, but Lin Xinghai called out to him, “Old Roger, wait a moment. There’s something I want to ask you for help with.”

“You really have no sense of propriety. Well, go ahead, what is it?” Roger replied gruffly, but there was a smile on his face.

Because Lin Xinghai’s way of addressing him had changed—from Captain Roger to Old Roger—which was a bit informal but clearly more intimate.

“You’ve met my roommates, right? I want to help them find good jobs, preferably in official institutions. That way, the Axe Gang would hesitate before messing with them,” Lin Xinghai said straightforwardly.

Upon hearing about Lin Xinghai’s roommates, even Roger felt a twinge of envy.

He had found out from the administrator that Lin Xinghai lived in Room 301 and had gone there directly. But when the door opened, he honestly thought he had the wrong room.

He just couldn’t understand how Lin Xinghai had been so lucky to have five beautiful women willing to live with him.

“What’s your relationship with them?” Roger asked after pondering for a moment.

Lin Xinghai understood perfectly what he meant. His relationship with Liu Miaomiao would determine how much effort Roger would put into helping.

After a brief pause, he answered cautiously, “Liu Miaomiao and I were university classmates, and we get along well. As long as it doesn’t involve life-threatening danger, I’ll help with whatever I can.”

Roger nodded, now he had a clear idea. “The supervisor at the Administration Office owes me a favor. Placing all five of them there won’t be a problem. But don’t expect good positions—they’ll likely be at the front desk or reception.”

“Ha, thanks a lot,” Lin Xinghai said happily.

“I’ll go talk to that supervisor now. If all goes well, they’ll officially start tomorrow morning,” Roger said before hurrying off.

He was in such a rush not only to arrange the jobs but also to report Lin Xinghai’s situation to the mercenary group leader.

After all, people with special physiological traits were extremely rare.

From what he knew, among the more than a hundred thousand people in the Star Shield Refuge, only the director had such a trait.

If Lin Xinghai was properly trained, he could definitely become the pillar of their mercenary group, possibly even leading the Rift Sky Mercenary Group to its peak.

Seeing Roger leave so hastily, Lin Xinghai wanted to say, “You haven’t paid me yet.”

But compared to the matter of Liu Miaomiao and the others’ jobs, the cost of two cups of coffee was nothing.

After paying six points, Lin Xinghai left with a smile.

...

Back at the dorm, the five women were still discussing job hunting.

“Ah! You’re back. Are you going on a mission outside tomorrow?” Liu Miaomiao asked as soon as she saw Lin Xinghai return.

“Yeah! First thing in the morning,” Lin Xinghai smiled and nodded.

Wang Yao asked, “Where exactly are you going for the mission?”

Shen Yimei added, “Was that Captain Luo just now arranging your specific work?”

Liu Miaomiao asked, “Is this mission dangerous?”

They all chattered, curious but mostly worried. After all, being a mercenary is an extremely risky profession.

They still needed Lin Xinghai’s protection, so whether out of affection or self-interest, none of them wanted anything to happen to him.

“This mission is just to broaden my horizons. Don’t worry about safety. As for other details, I have to keep them secret until the mission is complete,” Lin Xinghai reassured them with a smile.

Hearing this, the women wisely didn’t press further.

“So, how’s the job search going for you all?” Lin Xinghai asked, stepping closer to Liu Miaomiao’s bed.

There lay a floor plan of the lower district, with many buildings, facilities, and factories circled and annotated.

Just by looking at this map, it was clear what kinds of jobs were available in which places.

“Not great. Only these seven spots are left to try. If nothing works out, we’ll have to take factory jobs. The garment factory has relatively lighter physical work,” Liu Miaomiao said, her eyes dimming.

“Have you thought about this place?” Lin Xinghai pointed to a large, elegant building in the center of the map.

Liu Miaomiao and the others looked where he indicated, but they barely noticed it. It wasn’t even noted on the map.

“It’s not that we haven’t considered it. It’s that we don’t dare. Even if the Administration Office is short-staffed, they never recruit outsiders,” Liu Miaomiao shook her head.

“Would you want to work there? I mean as front desk or reception staff,” Lin Xinghai asked.

“Any position in the Administration Office is fiercely competed for. I heard even the lowest paid jobs earn 80 points a week. That’s almost double other jobs. Do you think I wouldn’t want that?” Liu Miaomiao rolled her eyes.

But after speaking, her expression gradually changed.

“Xing, what exactly did you mean by your question just now?” Liu Miaomiao’s voice trembled slightly.

The others also realized something. They all looked at Lin Xinghai with eyes full of hope and disbelief.

Under their expectant gaze, Lin Xinghai nodded. “I asked Captain Roger to help find you jobs. He said he’s on friendly terms with a supervisor in the Administration Office. If nothing goes wrong, you should all get in.”

“Ah!”

A scream so loud it made Lin Xinghai’s ears ache.

The next moment, Wang Yao hugged him tightly, jumping up and down.

The others, including Liu Miaomiao, seemed to forget all restraint and joined in embracing him.

At that moment, Lin Xinghai felt both happiness and torment—the happiness of having scored such a great deal, and the torment of the restless fire burning deep within.

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Is anyone reading this book? If you are, please cast a recommendation vote. I feel like I’m playing a single-player game, writing just for myself...