Chapter 150: A Special Reward

"You bet. My network is vast, and once you've worn the military uniform, all brothers-in-arms are within the four seas. Director Chen of the Culture Office is my bonafide brother-in-arms, my absolute best buddy!" Just as Situ Zhennan was boasting, the door creaked open again, and a middle-aged man in a neat suit walked in. The middle-aged man stepped inside, took a glance, and smiled warmly, "So you were here."

Could this be Director Chen? Judging by this spring-breeze demeanor, it really looked like he had a good relationship with the old bald-head. Moreover, he extended his hand from afar, ready for a handshake, showing an immense amount of respect.

This time, the old bald-head wasn't actually bragging? Shi Tiexin couldn't help but slightly alter his view of the bald Situ.

"Old comrade-in-arms!" Situ Zhennan stood up in a flash, excitedly greeted him, and similarly extended his hand from afar, "I never expected you would come to pick me up in person. You're far too polite!"

Whoosh. Director Chen sidestepped, raised his hand in a flash, and brushed right past the old bald-head. Situ Zhennan stumbled, almost twisting his waist from the dodge. Without even glancing at Situ Zhennan's wrinkled face, Director Chen walked straight toward Shi Tiexin with a smile, "Master Shi, it truly is a grievance to have kept you here."

Who? Me?

Master Shi?!

Shi Tiexin stood up in astonishment, instinctively shook hands with Director Chen, and still found it hard to believe, "Are you talking about me?"

"Of course it's you, Master Shi."

"I don't deserve such a title, I really don't!" Instead of feeling like he was floating on air from the praise, Shi Tiexin found it rather unsettling, breaking out in a cold sweat. "Director Chen, you jest. Just call me Shi Tiexin."

Over there, Situ Zhennan shamelessly squeezed back in without a trace of awkwardness, "Right, right, old comrade-in-arms, why stand on ceremony with this little brat? Just call him little Stone."

Director Chen still didn't give Situ Zhennan a single glance, only pulling Shi Tiexin affectionately as he walked outside, "Then I shall call you little brother Shi."

Shi Tiexin humbly said, "Director Chen, you flatter me too much."

Stepping out of the small dark room, the view suddenly broadened. Director Chen led Shi Tiexin walking in front, with Situ Zhennan trailing closely behind step by step, completely lacking any room to chime in. Looking at Shi Tiexin with a gentle expression, Director Chen said, "Little brother Shi, truly a hero emerges from youth. You should know that because of you this time, City Lord Shen has gained quite a bit of face."

Situ Zhennan pricked up his ears and hurriedly asked, "What is it? How did he gain face?"

Gaining face for the City Lord... This means applying for funds will be much easier! It was worth it, even without the photo it was totally worth it!

Ignoring him, Director Chen continued to explain, "Lord Wang, the libationer of the Student Union, and Lord Zhou, the Scholar of the Dragon Diagram, both heaped praise on your calligraphy. Lord Wang is a renowned calligraphy master in the Inner Solar System, and the Wang style regular script is prestigious even among the libationers of the Student Union, holding considerable influence in the cultural circle. To win his praise is a resounding and wonderful start to the city's Cultural Year events. City Lord Shen is extremely pleased."

So that was how it was.

Shi Tiexin was both enlightened and surprised. He hadn't expected that a piece of his calligraphy would catch the eye of the chief judge and libationer. Moreover, the libationer had even specially added a "Most Potential Award" just for him, which could definitely be considered the grace of a discerning mentor.

Thinking of the minor imperial examination, Shi Tiexin asked, "Does this award come with prize money? Though I hate to sound so mercenary, I really do..."

"No need to say more. We have looked into little brother Shi's situation and understand your circumstances. With the minor imperial examination imminent, little brother Shi will need to make some preparations. Therefore, the normal reward we have prepared for you is ten thousand value points." Director Chen looked at Shi Tiexin, "The amount is the same as the third prize. Is little brother Shi dissatisfied in any way?"

"You are too generous." Shi Tiexin was quite content, "My actual skill level is pretty much that of a third prize."

With the same prize money, the title of the "Most Potential Award" sounded much better than a plain "Third Prize," making it easier to brag in the future. The crucial part was that he had also independently gained a share of heavenly bestowed golden light, leaving Shi Tiexin with absolutely nothing to be dissatisfied about.

Director Chen nodded in satisfaction at Shi Tiexin's sensible and measured response.

However, a certain someone nearby brazenly edged closer, "Director Chen, our little Stone has built an image and won a reputation for our Tumubao in the Student Union and the Inner Solar System's cultural circle. In the future, when City Lord Shen receives cultural figures, he can stand tall, and when you dine with them, Director Chen, you can brag—uh, I mean, it's also a matter of honor! Are you only giving this little reward? It chills the heart!"

Director Chen couldn't help but roll his eyes at the bald Situ, then said to Shi Tiexin, "Little brother, what I just mentioned was the normal reward. Our Culture Office has also prepared a special reward for you. However, you must note that you can only choose one of the two rewards and cannot have both."

"What special reward?"

"This." Director Chen pulled an envelope from his inner breast pocket. "Inside here is not money, but an opportunity."

"An opportunity?"

"Yes, the opportunity to join a top-tier gang in this city." Director Chen's expression was solemn. "I know your minor imperial examination is imminent and you need cash to prepare, so the normal reward is the 'present' choice that can help you the most. But this opportunity might not immediately help you with the minor imperial examination, yet it is a choice that can help your 'future.' Think it over."

Present? Future?

Shi Tiexin frowned, "May I ask which gang it is?"

"No, but I guarantee it is one of the best gangs in Tumubao. That said, for an orphan who has struggled this far, this might be a life-altering choice, so you can go back and think about it. However, my personal advice is that you should consider this," Director Chen shook the envelope in his hand. "After all, I believe you won't hole up in Muyuan District forever, and the minor imperial examination will not be your endpoint."

Hearing this, Shi Tiexin's breath hitched for a moment, then he nodded, "Alright, I will consider it carefully before contacting you."

"No problem." Director Chen put away the envelope and smiled, "It's getting late. I'll see you out."

"Wait, wait, Director Chen, do us a favor and take a picture!" The big bald-head crawled up pitifully. "You know how hard it is for my orphanage, with thousands of people waiting to eat, not to mention education, medical care, employment... I couldn't even bear to use my own office, I..."

"Alright, stop talking nonsense! Breaking into the venue and finally making me step out to beg Lord Zhao for mercy—aren't you ashamed?" Director Chen rebuked the bald Situ, "Go to the exhibition hall yourself tomorrow, buy a ticket, and go in to take pictures! All the award-winning works will be rearranged and highlighted, and the awards won will also be clearly marked. Stop trying to bluff me!"