Chapter 51: The Star Alliance

Today, Shi Ji was supposed to man the bun shop with the boss during the midday shift. It was his last day at the shop, and he wanted to finish his work. But with Lin Xinyan coming over to take him to the Star Alliance, it was hard for him to refuse. Shi Ji found himself in a dilemma, torn between his responsibilities and his friend.

The boss, being an understanding man, already knew Lin Xinyan and now recognized Shi Ji as well. Seeing the two sitting together and chatting happily, he quickly figured out what was happening. He decided to let it slide, thinking that business was usually slow at noon anyway.

“Shi Ji, come here for a moment,” the boss called out.

Shi Ji looked back, feeling a bit awkward, but he didn’t hesitate and went over to him right away.

“Boss, you need something?” Shi Ji asked.

The boss gave Shi Ji a knowing smile, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“Come with me to the back room.”

Once they reached the back room, the boss wasted no time, handing Shi Ji the money and a certificate of employment he had prepared in advance.

“Here, take this.”

Seeing the money, Shi Ji felt an immediate sense of relief. He was pleased but kept a calm demeanor.

Holding the money tightly, Shi Ji looked at the boss and asked, “What’s this for?”

The boss chuckled, “You know exactly what I mean. You get paid a hundred a day, and the extra hundred is my personal bonus for you. Lin Xinyan came to see you because she needs something. She’s a great girl, beautiful and accomplished. You’d better seize the opportunity and win her over. I can tell there’s something between you two. You can finish your work here for today. Even though you won’t be working for me anymore, come by and visit often.”

Shi Ji hadn’t expected the boss to be so generous, giving him an extra hundred. When the boss mentioned Lin Xinyan, Shi Ji felt a bit awkward, knowing there was a misunderstanding. Still, he was grateful.

Nodding, Shi Ji smiled and said, “Thanks, boss!”

The boss gave him a hearty pat on the shoulder, “Go on, then!”

***

In her free time, Lin Xinyan liked to come here for breakfast. After staying for a few days, Shi Ji had grown fond of the place too. The char siu buns were delicious, and the boss and other staff were kind.

After saying their goodbyes, Shi Ji followed Lin Xinyan out of the shop, with the boss and other employees seeing them off.

They hailed a cab and headed straight to the Star Alliance.

About half an hour later, they arrived.

The Anomaly Monitoring Center was in the city center, and the Star Alliance’s branch in Yinshuang was also located there. Two of the tallest buildings were those of the Star Alliance and the Anomaly Monitoring Center, standing about two to three kilometers apart.

After getting out of the car, they stood in the vast square, looking up at the towering building ahead. Shi Ji glanced at it but didn’t feel much awe. Since he wasn’t interested, it didn’t impress him.

“Let’s go,” Lin Xinyan said.

They walked towards the imposing building.

On the way, Shi Ji couldn’t help but ask Lin Xinyan a question.

“Why did you want me to come with you for your hero promotion?” 

It was a blunt question, and not very polite. Shi Ji had considered phrasing it more tactfully but decided to be direct.

Lin Xinyan smiled, “I wanted to show you around. Maybe you’ll change your mind and want to become a professional hero.”

So that was it.

Shi Ji smiled faintly, not saying anything.

Once, there was someone else who wanted him to become a hero too.