Lin Su never expected that his only wish to quietly submit an evolutionary path, to earn some short-term training resources for himself and Qiuqiu, would end up with him being hired as an assistant researcher by a big shot.
If it had been before, Lin Su would have agreed without hesitation. For someone who hoped to enter Beast Tamer University, a top institution, the experience of becoming an assistant researcher at a research institute would have been an important bonus point during the entrance assessment, helping him to get into Beast Tamer University more easily.
But now, Lin Su didn't want to agree.
Becoming Qin Nan's assistant researcher meant that he would often meet with Qin Nan, and to be honest, this big shot, who differed greatly from the image of researchers he had in mind, gave him a strong sense of crisis. If he met with her often, the things that set him apart from normal beast tamers would definitely be noticed by her.
"Um, may I ask why?" Lin Su's face twisted with conflict, and he couldn't resist asking, "With my level of theoretical knowledge, I don't seem to be qualified for such a job."
Qin Nan nodded, "Your self-awareness is quite precise."
Lin Su: "???"
After seeing Lin Su's confused look, Qin Nan laughed, "The question I just asked is actually related to the research project I'm currently working on. Your answer has given me quite a bit of inspiration and has been very helpful to the project."
"I don't like taking advantage of others. Since you've contributed to the project, naturally you deserve credit for the final research outcome. However, as you are currently just an ordinary student, I plan to have you work as an assistant researcher at the institute as an official appointment."
This...
Lin Su laughed bitterly. So, was his cleverness used against him?
He thought Qin Nan's question was deliberately testing him, so, to prove there was no flaw in the evolutionary path, he answered her question seriously. But it turned out Qin Nan didn't mean that at all...
The face-to-face talk was genuinely about discussing something with him.
So what should he do now?
Lin Su fell into deep thought.
Not long after, some noise came from outside the welfare center's door.
A robust man dressed in the Beast Tamer Association delivery uniform knocked on the door, "Is Mr. Lin Su here?"
Lin Su quickly realized it was the resources he had ordered that morning being delivered.
He looked back at Qin Nan with some difficulty.
Qin Nan nodded, gesturing for him to go ahead.
So Lin Su quickly stepped forward to negotiate with the delivery man.
After Lin Su left, Qin Nan leaned her elbows on the table, resting her chin in her palm, watching Lin Su who was not far away with interest.
If she wasn't mistaken, this kid seemed a bit reluctant?
Well, that won't do; I, Qin Nan, don't owe anyone any favors!
Watching the delivery man hand over a large box to Lin Su, Qin Nan pondered thoughtfully.
Training resources?
This kid must have received the contribution points from the evolutionary path reward this morning.
So, did he exchange them for resources as soon as they arrived?
Could it be that he shared his evolutionary path just to earn money to buy resources?
Looking at the somewhat dilapidated welfare center building, Qin Nan understood.
It probably was the case.
And he is a senior high school student, about to enter Beast Tamer University...
Hah, kid.
I, Qin Nan, have got you figured out today!
...
After signing for the resources, Lin Su entered his room gasping for air and carrying the box.
In the room, Qiuqiu was lying on the bed, earnestly using Lin Su's discarded communicator to learn characters. Hearing the noise, it turned its head to look.
"Mew?" (What's this?)
"The resources we bought this morning."
"Mew! (｡✪ω✪｡)" (The resources arrived!)
It hugged the communicator and hopped onto the box, its face full of anticipation.
"You continue learning for now, I need to go back downstairs." Lin Su shook his head; he hadn't forgotten there was still a big shot waiting for him below.
"Mew~" (Alright, alright~)
At those words, Qiuqiu lay on the box, hugging the communicator and continued its learning.
Lin Su went back downstairs, returning to the yard.
In just the short while before, he had thoroughly thought things through.
He decided to refuse.
Indeed, being an assistant researcher could make entering Beast Tamer University easier, but it came with the risk of exposing his anomalies.
Moreover, Lin Su believed that with Qiuqiu's potential and the advantage of traveling between two worlds, even if he relied solely on himself, getting into a good university wouldn't be a problem.
"Sorry, I probably can't take on the job as assistant researcher." Lin Su looked into Qin Nan's eyes and said without hesitation.
"That's a pity." Qin Nan stood up, a hint of amusement flickering in her eyes, "Once the project is successful, it can reward a hundred thousand contribution points, and with your contribution, a share of ten to twenty percent should be possible."
A hundred thousand contribution points...
Ten to twenty percent...
Lin Su, stay calm, you're a man who possesses a world, you can't just for a mere ten to twenty thousand contribution points...
Stay calm my ass!
Lin Su immediately stood up, clearing his throat, "Well, I think this matter deserves some more consideration..."
"Right, having participated in this research project, getting a recommendation for any domestic Beast Tamer University shouldn't be too difficult." Qin Nan added, her eyes brimming with laughter.
A recommendation for any university...
"No need to think it over." Lin Su's expression turned serious, "Making contributions to the alliance is an unshirkable duty for us."
"Hahaha." Qin Nan finally couldn't contain her laughter, laughing heartily.
She gave Lin Su a hearty pat on the shoulder and walked out of the welfare center with a swank wave of her hand.