Dawn of a New Era

Chapter 772 - 745: Crowds

Zhonghai Second Martial Arts Academy meeting room.

"The director of the Zhonghai Third Category Affairs Investigation Bureau personally called, hoping to get one hundred spots." reported a high-ranking academy official.

"We don’t have a hundred, seats are limited, how can we give so many? Just before the meeting, the military called requesting fifteen hundred spots, and with the Public Security Department’s request, twenty-five hundred spots are already reserved, ten at most for him."

Chen Xingyue, dressed in formal office attire, sat in the main seat, waved her hand, making a swift decision.

"Additionally, it’s the same for other units that call, ten at most."

If Chen Shouyi were here, he probably wouldn’t recognize his sister.

"Yes, Director."

"How many legendary strongmen have confirmed their attendance so far?"

"Four have confirmed so far," said a deputy director responsible for this task promptly.

"Follow up swiftly, if there are no calls, go to the city government to ask, arrange a special person for one-on-one reception!" Chen Xingyue thought for a moment, then changed her mind, "No, better two-on-one. One Martial Arts Teacher from our academy, and an outstanding student selected for this purpose. Train them urgently these days, they must not be treated lightly."

Could they dare to treat them lightly?

Legendary strongmen, each of them a big shot, not just anyone can be so bold-faced.

"What about the security measures?"

"I’ve contacted the public security bureau, they will allocate an elite force responsible for security."

"Very well, everyone think about what other issues we haven’t considered?" Chen Xingyue nodded approvingly.

"Perhaps only the reception process for General Manager Chen. How should we arrange it at that time?" a high-ranking academy member asked.

"There’s no need for discussion, my brother... General Manager Chen doesn’t like being disturbed much, I’ll handle the reception personally." Chen Xingyue said, didn’t she understand her brother? He least liked being disturbed by strangers.

Everyone watched their noses and focused their minds.

Suddenly feeling inexplicably that having such a powerful director with such extensive connections seemed rather nice.

"This is a pivotal moment for our Second Martial Arts Academy to shine, every task must be carefully arranged, ensure the security measures are foolproof, no oversight can occur."

"Yes, Director."

...

Two days before the speech, in Xingqing Town, where the Zhonghai Second Martial Arts Academy is located, the crowds started growing visibly with the naked eye.

All hotels within twenty kilometers were already fully booked.

The nearby parks were also packed, resembling grave mounds with dense tent arrangements, and those who couldn’t buy tents simply camped on the streets, looking like refugees at a glance.

By late October, temperatures often dropped below zero, with bone-chilling cold winds.

Yet, no cold could quench the heat in these people’s hearts.

To avoid any emergencies, large numbers of military and police were patrolling the streets, displaying a highly vigilant scene.

In the city government offices, an official reported:

"This week, more than 2.5 million people have swarmed into Zhonghai, and the numbers are expected to rise today and tomorrow."

"Why are there so many people this time? The last two times..." The city official paused realizing now was different from before. Back then, the entire society was still under wartime status, with migratory restrictions and passage required introductory letters.

This year, however, as conditions improved, the restriction had been lifted.

In fact, not only did the city government not expect so many people, but Chen Shouyi also didn’t foresee the number of his fanatics.

Most of these people weren’t even Martial Artists, not even Martial Artist Apprentices, but rather ordinary people, heading here like on a pilgrimage, hoping to witness the miracle of humanity first-hand.

Since General Manager Chen was involved, handling it poorly was problematic. Driving them away wasn’t an option, but letting them in posed a severe security challenge. The city official rubbed his brows, feeling a headache.

Luckily, Zhonghai wasn’t a small city, otherwise, transportation would be paralyzed in another city.

"Count the nearby residences willing to rent and vacant houses, organize accommodations as much as possible. It’s freezing outside, and someone might risk freezing to death. Additionally, try to persuade those who can leave to do so."

...

Zhu Xueqing and her husband Li Wei were rather fortunate, securing a hotel through a friend early on.

Newlywed, Zhu Xueqing had shed some of her former immaturity, gaining a touch of young lady charisma.

"There’re really so many people here. I’ve heard you know General Manager Chen?" Li Wei asked with a smile, hauling luggage amidst the dense crowd.

Zhu Xueqing paused, glanced at him, "Yes, I do. Why bring it up all of a sudden?"

"You really know him!" Li Wei said with surprise and delight. "A friend mentioned it, and I thought it was fake. You have such connections, why didn’t you say so earlier."

"What’s there to say? I worked with him a few times on missions before, just ordinary friends." Zhu Xueqing replied calmly.

She once had a crush on Chen Shouyi, with his handsome looks and formidable prowess, who wouldn’t admire him? But as their gap widened, and his status rose to the extraordinary and unreachable, she gradually cut off those thoughts.

"Are you still in contact?" Li Wei asked.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Xueqing felt slightly annoyed: "What do you mean by that?"

"Xueqing, don’t misunderstand. I didn’t mean it that way." Li Wei quickly lowered his voice admitting fault, "Look at my foolish mouth, since you have such connections, you should maintain contact.

You know, being a folk Martial Artist isn’t a great career, the risks are really high. It’s fine when we’re young and adventurous, but now we’re married, we should plan for the future, can’t remain folk Martial Artists forever."

Zhu Xueqing’s anger dissipated.

Despite the current social peace, it exists only in densely populated urban areas, while unseen places and remote areas remain highly dangerous, with casualties among folk Martial Artists frequently high.

You could hear news of a martial artist’s sacrifice almost every month.

"That seems a bit difficult." Zhu Xueqing said reluctantly, her straightforward nature found it challenging to seek others’ help, especially asking for favors from someone like General Manager Chen.

"Why should it be difficult? We have the capabilities too, you’re a peak Martial Artist, I am a senior Martial Artist. We qualify for any department, just lack the connections. To someone like General Manager Chen, it’s just a word’s matter." Li Wei persuaded urgently.

Regardless if it’s the Third Category Investigation Bureau, or the Martial Arts Verification and Monitoring Office, or any other Martial Arts department, they all prioritize military martial artists, leaving folk martial artists without connections out entirely.

"Why not forget about it! How could I bring myself to ask?" Zhu Xueqing hesitated for a long while, still hesitant to leave.

She already owed General Manager Chen too much, how would she repay such a favor?