Chapter 9: The Shifting World Line (12)
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The sight of a long line of high-end cars appearing at the central city hospital left the crowd of onlookers utterly stunned, their eyes nearly popping out of their heads.
Unfortunately, no matter how hard they tried to snap photos or record videos, within a second, their phones were wiped clean—nothing left to remember the moment by.
As the Deputy Bureau Director, Nie Zhengchu was initially taken by Bureau Director Lin’s dedication and formidable skills, but he never imagined she would be so low-profile. The power she had behind her could easily make her a household name in Ocean City, yet she chose to say nothing and rely on no one, using only her incredible abilities to establish her presence and earn the respect and affection of all her team members.
If it hadn’t been for Patient 233’s injury going unaddressed, Bureau Director Lin likely wouldn’t have revealed the terrifying background that even the leaders of Ocean City were unaware of.
No wonder she was firmly seated as the top honcho—she didn’t bother giving the early arrivals like Wang Shengli or the Dean any face; she was clearly waiting for someone far more important.
He had been hopping around on the hospital’s upper floors, trying to sweet-talk the folks about Patient 233’s bed situation, but those guys were still dragging their feet.
And now, look at them! Even the Dean was standing there like an obedient elementary school student. Do they realize they might just regret that soon?
“Beep beep beep…”
His phone buzzed incessantly, most calls and messages coming from the people he just spoke to.
Nie Zhengchu looked up, noticing many people in the office building had flung open their windows, craning their necks. The Dean’s figure had probably been spotted long ago.
No wonder the folks were in a hurry; they were likely afraid he might spill the beans about what had transpired. The Dean was already in a huff, and it wouldn’t take much for her to remove a few heads from their posts.
Hehe, if only they’d known this would happen, they wouldn’t have put on such a show.
Just then, those dozen high-end cars had parked nearby, and the SWAT team quickly cleared a path.
A group of well-dressed officials hustled through, flanked by bodyguards, and leading them was none other than Zhao Nanyang, the big cheese of Ocean City.
As Zhao stepped forward, Li Cheng raised a hand, and the guarding soldiers parted to form a clear path, but he didn’t approach to greet him.
After all, the military and local government weren’t directly related; there was no need for him to go and butter up.
Besides, Li Cheng had no fondness for Zhao Nanyang, to begin with.
Haha, you can’t strut around all high and mighty just because the big boss is low-key. Sure, they gave him some high-status treatment, but in reality, nothing substantial came from it.
Their Special Operations Bureau had sent personnel out for the city and got hurt, yet there was no acknowledgment?
There were no spare hospital rooms, no proper treatment, and even when Bureau Director Lin herself came to negotiate, she got slapped in the face and was almost labeled a madwoman for trying to help!
Who could possibly endure this?!
His expression turned as cold as ice.
Though Zhao Nanyang didn’t know Li Cheng personally, it was obvious that the presence of so many soldiers at the central city hospital was due to their support for Bureau Director Lin. It would be unwise to offend them.
He even nodded in Li Cheng’s direction, who was taken aback, managing a reluctant smile in response.
Li Cheng knew the key to this situation rested with Lin Nan. Whether the Ocean City officials were forgiven depended on if Zhao Nanyang’s sincerity could win her over.
Zhao Nanyang strolled over to the police car with a few lackeys behind him, but Lin Nan remained inside, making no signs of acknowledgment, as if she were a side-profile statue of perfection.
The secretary, Secretary Wang, couldn’t contain his internal grumbling; this Bureau Director Lin was terribly disrespectful to the top dog.
Not only was she not welcoming, but she was also ignoring the big boss standing right in front of her?
He noticed the police chief Wang Shengli and the Dean standing quietly nearby but thought nothing of it.
After all, with the big cheese’s rank, even a visitor from the capital wouldn’t be treated with such a frozen demeanor.
Suddenly, he stepped around Zhao Nanyang, keen on saying something, but Zhao promptly interrupted, “Xiao Wang, what are you trying to do?”
Secretary Wang quickly backpedaled, “Isn’t this Bureau Director being a bit too much? She knows you’re here in person, yet she’s acting all high and mighty…”
Zhao Nanyang frowned, “Let me ask you, did Lin Nan call you before?”
The secretary stammered, “I…”
“Back off!” Zhao sighed.
This kid had seemed clever before, but now he was screwing things up left and right. Time to cut him loose.
“Stay put! No one move!”
Secretary Wang shuffled back a few steps, suddenly feeling dizzy. He had clearly spotted a hint of disdain in Zhao Nanyang’s eyes…
He had thought that the big boss showing up was merely because of a call from above, intending to make a good impression.
In his mind, he figured that once Lin Nan realized the big boss was here, she would surely be overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement, smoothing everything over.
But instead, Lin Nan was behaving so unruly—she hadn’t even greeted him, and now she wouldn’t even look his way!
Frustrated, he decided to remind her, not expecting Zhao Nanyang to be so cautious around her, treating her as if she were a high-ranking official.
This…how is this possible? She’s just a girl in her twenties! What makes her deserving of such respect from the top dog?
He had failed to notice the shift in the top boss’s attitude on the way here.
Dear heavens, this might just be the biggest blunder a secretary could make.
At this moment, he realized that his career as a secretary had met a dead end—what could be more lethal than the disdain from your boss?
Secretary Wang staggered back a few steps.
Suddenly, he found himself witnessing the remarkable sight of Zhao Nanyang standing politely beside the police car, seemingly waiting for Lin Nan’s summons.
He knew right then that his career was officially over.
A deathly silence hung in the air.
At this moment, the onlookers had seemingly shut their mouths too.
There were just too many big figures present, and the unspoken tension felt like an anvil resting heavily on their hearts.
The atmosphere was terrifyingly still.
Everyone was waiting for the beautiful woman inside the car to make a move.
Lin Nan was dreaming.
In her dream, it felt as if she had returned to her gaming rental, where she was a regular player in the Asking Dao game, constantly going on adventures and battling monsters.
But suddenly, while playing, a male player transformed into a woman, and there was nothing below—
Startled, she abruptly opened her eyes, staring blankly at the not-so-spacious interior of the car.
Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing?
The three questions of life hit her hard.
After what felt like an eternity, she finally started to comprehend her surroundings before she passed out.
Oh man, how did I end up dozing off? And why is it so quiet around here?
As she glanced outside, she saw a sea of people standing completely still, like pillars set in concrete.
What’s going on here?
Li Cheng leaned against the car and flashed her a grin, discreetly pointing outside with his thumb.
“Bureau Director…or should I say big sis? Feels more friendly, haha… all the influential figures in Ocean City are out there. If you don’t come out soon, they might just stand there until dark.”
Lin Nan’s expression remained unchanged; she had grown accustomed to keeping a deadpan face, but her mind was rapidly sorting through the memories flooded back.
In just a second, she suddenly realized—
Wait a second, isn’t that the top dog of Ocean City, Zhao Nanyang, standing right in front?
When did these guys start treating her with such respect?
Could it be…?
In the former Bureau Director’s memories, these characters had always thought the Special Operations Bureau was optional.
If it weren’t for higher-ups insisting on its establishment, they might have considered relocating the Special Operations Bureau entirely to other units, thus freeing up many roles.
The previous owner was cold and not talkative; she only knew how to carry out her duties.
Plus, Ocean City had never pressured the Special Operations Bureau, so the status quo was maintained.
But now that she was in Ocean City as the head of the Special Operations Bureau, with her personality, she had never been one to shy away from challenges.
No matter what, the Special Operations Bureau risked life and limb for Ocean City. Even if there were no extra rewards, at the very least, the treatment should be warm to the troops—not just relying on her charm to motivate her subordinates.
This hospital incident clearly trampled on her last nerve.
She had always followed the principle of “an eye for an eye, and a hundredfold return!” Now that someone had taken advantage of her, she had to let everyone know—
The Special Operations Bureau was not to be trifled with!
Lin Nan, regardless of whether in the Asking Dao Continent or this damned small world, would never tolerate being wronged.
Why should she?!
Lin Nan slowly stood up and stepped out of the police car.
By now, Zhao Nanyang had been waiting in front of the car for a full thirty minutes.
Thirty minutes were precious for the big boss of Ocean City, yet he stood there for half an hour without moving.
The surrounding people were left agog.
Especially Wang Shengli and the Dean. They thought they had lowered their expectations enough, but here stood the illustrious head of Ocean City, acting even more humble than the two of them.
Although it wasn’t a hot day, standing under the sun for thirty minutes without budging had to be quite a favor he was doing for Lin Nan, considering he was over fifty!
Upon seeing Lin Nan rise, Zhao Nanyang smiled as if meeting her for the first time, “Good day, Bureau Director Lin.”
It is said that one can’t strike a smiling face; even though Lin Nan had a mountain of grievances against him, she had to return the greeting. “I’m terribly sorry for making you and the other leaders wait so long. If you guys had just woken me up, I might not have dozed off!”
Zhao Nanyang, “……”
Wang Shengli, “……”
The Dean, “……”
Li Cheng, “……”
Nie Zhengchu, “……”
If they could read her mind, they would all be thinking in unison: “I believe you, not!”
Zhao Nanyang continued, “While the Special Operations Bureau is temporarily under Ocean City’s umbrella, it is actually directly under the central authority. The contributions you’ve made to the stability and development of Ocean City have been enormous, and as the top dog, I truly appreciate the efforts of all the Special Operations Bureau personnel.
Before I arrived, I had a word with relevant leaders, and starting today, the treatment for the Special Operations Bureau will align with the highest standards.
Especially in terms of medical care; the central hospital will serve as a dedicated facility for the Special Operations Bureau’s injured personnel, with designated areas set aside for their treatment at the highest standards, and all costs will be fully reimbursed.
Bureau Director Lin, please let me know if there is anything else that needs addressing.”
Someone who could securely sit at the top of the ladder surely had their wits about them; Zhao Nanyang had clearly wrapped his head around the whole scenario.
The conditions he presented were quite generous, basically addressing everything Lin Nan sought in terms of improved treatment, leaving her with no room to nitpick.
This was not just answering to Lin Nan but also providing a nod of acknowledgment to the higher-ups.
But if Lin Nan still didn’t play along, then that wouldn’t be Zhao Nanyang’s problem anymore.
Lin Nan fixed Zhao Nanyang with a steady gaze, her expression warming slightly like spring thawing the frost.
Standing nearby, Li Cheng felt a chill run down his spine, looking incredulously at the big sis.
In his memory, the current organization head never displayed much warmth; she was frugal with her smiles, as if by simply smiling, she’d shorten her life.
It’s said that a furious emperor could take down millions, but when the big sis smiled, who knew what might happen?
Although Lin Nan didn’t understand why Zhao Nanyang personally came here, she noticed Li Cheng’s crafty grin earlier, indicating it was his doing.
Now that Zhao Nanyang had softened and presented a reconciliation proposal, she wasn’t unreasonable either.
However, just increasing the personnel’s benefits wouldn’t be enough.
“Thank you for offering such generous treatment to the Special Operations Bureau. On behalf of all the bureau’s personnel, I’d like to express gratitude to the Ocean City officials.”
Zhao Nanyang smiled warmly, “No need for thanks. We weren’t doing nearly enough before. You all deserve this.”
It seemed like the little lady had picked up on his sincerity, and matters would soon wrap up perfectly.
But just then, Lin Nan unexpectedly turned around to face the crowd outside, where a multitude of Special Operations Bureau personnel had appeared out of nowhere.
Upon hearing about their director being trapped in the central hospital, they’d rushed out from the bureau and mingled with the crowd, keeping their eyes glued to the police car. The moment anyone dared to threaten their director, they would leap forward, unconcerned about any regulations.
Even if it meant breaking every rule, even if it meant d*ath, they would not allow anyone to pose a threat to their leader.
At that moment, Lin Nan recalled her words during the funeral for the fallen Wolf Demons and the little demons in Cold Wind City before their burial.
She had stated that those brave souls who died for defending Cold Wind City deserved a grand burial so that the living would know their contributions, and recognize they had fought bravely for the safety of the city and the glory of the Monster Race.
What distinguished humans from monsters?
Humans have lineage.
They even know the sacrifices made by their heroes for the human race two thousand years ago.
Every child born has role models to look up to, a pillar of spirit.
But what about the monster race? They had nothing.
“Sir, I believe the Special Operations Bureau should become well-known among the public. The contributions made by our personnel ought to be reported and celebrated by the media.
They are heroes of humanity; they should not be deliberately concealed.
They need societal recognition, and society needs them as the backbone of humanity.
If humanity cannot reflect on the past, cannot acknowledge itself, how can it soar to greater heights?
Even a thousand or ten thousand years from now, future generations must know that there was once a group of people in this world who dedicated themselves to protecting their homeland.
We need heroes!
Only by remembering them will we not lose our way in times of hardship, and will not lose our minds in moments of victory.
Only then can Ocean City and the entire country unify hearts, making it clear to all that behind the peaceful existence lies the burden carried by those who stand tall—our military, our Special Operations Bureau!”
The audience was silent.
But in contrast, the members of the Special Operations Bureau hidden within the crowd were all teary-eyed.
The bureau director had voiced their sentiments, exposing what they had long wished to say but never dared to share to the higher-ups in Ocean City.
Lin Nan’s words, resonating with passion and conviction, stirred everyone present, leaving their hearts racing.
“What kind of unit is the Special Operations Bureau?”
“Never heard of it, is it newly established?”
People were murmuring among themselves.
Zhao Nanyang, who usually remained composed and unreadable, felt a tremor in his heart as he listened to Lin Nan’s powerful statement. His perspective on her shifted in an instant.
Previously, he had perhaps only been polite to her because of connections from above, even humbling himself to wait for her response.
But now, he had to see Lin Nan in a new light.
A woman adept at expressing such ideals couldn’t just be a mindless brawler!
The direct appointment of the Special Operations Bureau head from above was indeed unusual.
“Bureau Director Lin, have you considered that the policies regarding the Special Operations Bureau are determined by higher-ups? According to protocol, we cannot casually expose your existence, lest we incite panic among the general public,” Zhao Nanyang earnestly advised.
Lin Nan shook her head. “Just because it has always been that way, does it make it right?”
Zhao Nanyang replied, “Well… following protocol is usually not wrong.”
“Well then, today I’m going to change that protocol.”
As soon as Lin Nan finished speaking, she unexpectedly leapt into the air.
To everyone’s astonishment, she sat cross-legged and floated about five meters above the ground.
“Holy cow! This is movie-level special effects, right?!”
“Wake up! This is reality, where’s the ghost movie part?”
“Ahhh, is there something wrong with my eyes?”
“It’s not just you! Everyone’s eyes are clearly messed up!”
Li Cheng looked up at Lin Nan, murmuring, “Is she about to take that step?”
A fragrant breeze blew by, and to everyone’s surprise, petals began to dance through the air around her.
Just days ago, Ocean City had suffered heavy rains, causing all the flowers to wither, but now the petals that fell into the crowd’s hands felt freshly plucked—full and fragrant.
And within a few seconds, it would slowly dissipate, dispersing as an aroma.
Everyone was left dumbfounded.
Even Zhao Nanyang was witnessing Lin Nan exhibit such a miraculous ability for the first time.
In that moment, the few personnel among the Special Operations Bureau who could float jumped into the air, surrounding the bureau director to guard her against any sudden attacks.
Before anyone could gasp in shock again, Lin Nan merely snapped her fingers.
The crowd suddenly found that their phones were working again, and they could upload files to the internet.
“Ding! World line shift complete! β line officially activated!”
“Due to your outstanding performance, the future direction of the entire small world has been altered. Your boss identity has been stripped, and you will challenge this level as an adventurer.”
“Good luck!”
……
P.S.: Wishing all readers good luck!
