Chapter 86: Shi Ji Is a Hero

Shi Ji was someone who never played by the rules, and Jing Xin understood this well by now. She knew she wasn’t a match for him in a verbal sparring match.

Finally, she unclenched her fists and sat down, looking somewhat resigned.

“Forget it, arguing with you is a waste of time. Let’s talk business. This afternoon, I need to go back to Xiyu for a bit. Earlier, I mentioned something to you. The day after tomorrow, the Yinshuang Star Alliance branch will hold a hero meeting, and all the heroes in Yinshuang are required to attend.”

Shi Ji interrupted her impolitely, “This doesn’t concern me, does it? I’m not a hero. Shouldn’t you be talking to Xinyan?”

Speak of the devil. Just then, a female voice came from the doorway. It was Lin Xinyan.

“Instructor Jing Xin, I’m here.”

Shi Ji slowly turned his head to see Lin Xinyan standing at the door, smiling at him.

Seeing Lin Xinyan, Jing Xin looked like she had seen her savior and immediately stood up excitedly.

“Xinyan, don’t just stand there. Come in. You’re just in time. I can’t communicate with this guy. You talk to him.”

Shi Ji frowned. He felt that Jing Xin might have some scheme in mind.

Lin Xinyan walked into the office and casually sat down next to Shi Ji.

Shi Ji stared at Lin Xinyan blankly, wondering what was going on.

Jing Xin, seeing this, left her seat and the office, almost as if she were giving the two some space.

“Xinyan, talk to him properly. I’ll be back later.”

After Jing Xin left, Lin Xinyan’s smiling face turned serious.

Shi Ji was usually carefree, but in front of Lin Xinyan, he always became more serious, which wasn’t like him at all.

“Xinyan, go ahead, I’m listening.”

One could see that his attitude towards Lin Xinyan was completely different from how he treated Jing Xin.

Lin Xinyan didn’t waste any time. After all, there was a class soon, and they couldn’t afford to waste time.

“Jingxin mentioned the hero meeting. You should attend.”

“Why should I? I’m not a hero,” Shi Ji said, puzzled.

“But you have the potential to be one. This meeting is crucial. You’ll meet influential people and learn important things about our work as heroes,” Lin Xinyan explained patiently.

Shi Ji sighed, “I’ll think about it.”

“You should definitely go. It’s not just about being a hero in name. It’s about making a difference,” Lin Xinyan insisted.

Seeing her determination, Shi Ji finally nodded, “Alright, for you, I’ll go.”

Lin Xinyan’s face brightened with a smile, “Thank you, Shi Ji. You won’t regret it.”

Shi Ji grinned, feeling a little better, “I hope not.”

With that, their conversation ended, and they prepared to head back to their classes.

“After the incident with Tisila, the Star Alliance and the Anomaly Detection Center conducted an in-depth survey of the Yinshuang area. They found that the reaction to strange energy is increasing rapidly. In the near future, the frequency of Anomaly appearances may increase significantly. The Star Alliance has issued a notice that all heroes will be summoned for a meeting the day after tomorrow to discuss countermeasures.”

Lin Xinyan’s explanation only detailed what Jing Xin had mentioned. Shi Ji still didn’t understand the underlying meaning.

“So?” he asked.

Lin Xinyan continued, “Yinshuang is a big city, but it doesn’t have as many heroes as Xiyu. The number of heroes in Yinshuang is limited, and their levels are average. Dealing with the Anomaly threats will come at a great cost. The Star Alliance urgently needs fresh blood. The Yinshuang Star Alliance branch has opened registration for new heroes. If it’s you, there will be no problem. Shi Ji, you should become a professional hero. I know you don’t want to, but please consider the bigger picture.”

Lin Xinyan spoke sincerely. Shi Ji could see that she genuinely wanted him to join the Star Alliance. However…

“I’m really sorry, Xinyan. I have an absolute reason for not becoming a hero. Even though you say this, I still stick to my view. Thank you for thinking so highly of me, but I’m very sorry,” Shi Ji said, his tone somewhat heavy.

As he spoke, he stood up and turned to leave the office.

Lin Xinyan watched him, her face showing clear disappointment. She wanted to persuade him further, but the words wouldn’t come out because she knew Shi Ji wouldn’t change so easily.

However, just as Shi Ji reached the office door, Lin Xinyan heard his voice.

“But… although I don’t want to be a hero, I will still do what a hero should do. I can accompany you there. See you the day after tomorrow.”

Then, Shi Ji left.

The previously disappointed Lin Xinyan smiled again.

Later, Jing Xin returned to the office and saw only Lin Xinyan there. She asked, “Xinyan, where’s that rascal? How did the conversation go?”

“Shi Ji went back to the classroom… he refused. I overlooked his perspective. He once said that helping others is what makes a hero, and being a professional hero is just a title. Shi Ji… he is already a hero.”