Cedricl's face changed instantly at the mention of his sister's betrothal. He rushed into the house like a gust of wind. Ethan could soon hear Cedricl's loud protest from inside, "Dad, Mom, what's going on? Why are you marrying off Abao?"
Moments later, as Ethan entered the house, he saw a middle-aged couple. The man was squatting in a corner, incessantly smoking, while the woman sighed, "Ashan, your father has been sick lately. He can't work, and medicine and treatment cost money. We really had no choice."
"Fortunately, Aunt Wang introduced a young man. He's decent, and his uncle is the chief of our local District Security Bureau. Aunt Wang says his uncle is close to the Minister of Education. Maybe he can even arrange for Xiaoshuang and Xiaoxi to go to school."
Cedricl shook his head, "Can you really sacrifice Abao's happiness for that? Mom, I'll figure out the money. I'm a reserve mech pilot now, and I get a 1,000-work-point subsidy every month. That should be enough for Dad's treatment. And I'll find a way for the twins' schooling."
Just then, a woman's voice called out from outside, "Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Zeng!" Mrs. Zeng quickly pulled her son aside, "Aunt Wang is here."
Ethan frowned. He disliked such situations, but it was his first visit to Cedricl's home, and leaving now would be disrespectful. He quietly moved to a corner to observe.
A flamboyantly dressed woman in her forties entered, followed by several young men. The one leading the group was dressed extravagantly, with a gold watch that stood out starkly against the modest Zeng household. He seemed to epitomize ostentation. The others carried large and small bags, placing them on the table.
The middle-aged woman pulled Mrs. Zeng aside, "Mrs. Zeng, look, this is a token of Chen's sincerity. Please accept it."
Cedricl intervened, "My sister is not getting married. Take your things and leave; we're not interested."
Mrs. Zeng hurriedly blocked her son, apologizing to the middle-aged woman, "I'm sorry, Aunt Wang. This is my eldest son, just back from the academy. He can't accept this so suddenly; he's being impulsive."
Aunt Wang 'oh'ed and said with a smile, "So this is the son you mentioned, the one who got into the Hundred Battles Academy and became a reserve mech pilot. He's quite impressive. But young man, don't think you're above everyone just because you're a reserve mech pilot. Do you know how many students graduate from the academy each year? Do all of them become mech pilots?"
She turned to the young man named Chen, "Chen here is different. With an uncle who's a bureau chief, he's already been placed in the District Security Bureau. He's already enjoying fifth-tier treatment, and it's only a matter of time before he takes over as chief. His future is bright."
"If I were you, I'd marry off my sister quickly. Maybe Chen, out of family loyalty, might even arrange a position for you in the bureau."
The young man, full name Chen Xinhou, shook his head modestly, "Aunt Wang, don't flatter me. I don't know when I'll be able to sit in that chief's position. It's too early to talk about this."
His words were humble, but his arrogance was palpable, as if the position was already his for the taking. He then scrutinized Cedricl, "Moreover, the District Security Bureau isn't a place you can just enter through connections. Even relatives can't get in if they're not qualified."
Cedricl sneered, "Who wants to be your relative? Don't flatter yourself."
Aunt Wang pointed at Cedricl, "How dare you speak like that? Chen is interested in your sister, and your family should be grateful. If it weren't for my family's lack of daughters, you wouldn't even have this chance. Now that Chen's betrothal gifts have arrived, the girl should come with us. Tomorrow, Chen will transfer the promised work points."
As Aunt Wang reached out to grab Cedricl's sister, Cedricl grabbed her wrist, "Let's see who dares to take Abao away today!"
Chen Xinhou laughed coldly, "A bunch of paupers thinking they're something? At first, I thought it'd be nice to spend some money on a pretty little thing. Now you're acting all high and mighty. Is it because the money's not enough? I'll add another 1,000 work points, or 2,000? Name your price. It's just a woman; can't I afford to play?"
That was the last straw for Cedricl. With a roar, he lunged forward and sent Chen Xinhou flying out the door with a punch.
"Oh my, someone's been hit! What shall we do?" Aunt Wang hurried outside, shouting, "Someone's been hit! Call the District Security Bureau!"
Chen Xinhou, dazed from the blow, finally came to his senses and found one of his front teeth missing. Pointing at Cedricl, he vowed, "You'll regret this."
Then he heard the sound of police sirens approaching. Overjoyed, he instructed someone to stop the car. It was the District Security Bureau's vehicle.
Soon, a group of security officers arrived, led by a man with a balding crown and thick lips. Chen Xinhou was overjoyed to see his uncle, Chen Kang'an, the bureau chief.
Chen Kang'an had received a tip-off that the Behemoth smuggling ring that had escaped was hiding in his jurisdiction. He personally led the team to patrol the area. When his car was stopped with news of a student from the Hundred Battles Academy assaulting someone, he came over, only to find his nephew.
Seeing Chen Xinhou's swollen face and missing tooth, Chen Kang'an was furious. "Who did this?"
"I did it," Cedricl stepped forward, admitting his actions.
Chen Kang'an nodded and ordered, "Take him to the bureau."
The security officers moved to apprehend Cedricl, causing panic among the Zeng parents, who were simple workers unaccustomed to such turmoil.
Ethan, carrying 'Star Splitter,' stepped out, contemplating whether to call the Exploration Corps' Liang for help. To his surprise, Chen Kang'an's eyes lit up upon seeing Ethan.
The previous day's deathmatch at the Hundred Battles Academy had made Ethan stand out, and Chen Kang'an had also heard that the Luo family, after collecting the body, had not only refrained from making things difficult for Ethan but had also told him to recover well. Combined with Colonel Liang Jian's public claim on Ethan, Chen Kang'an sensed something extraordinary about him—the scent of a person of importance.
Immediately, Chen Kang'an pushed through the security officers and approached Ethan. "Ethan, what are you doing here?" he asked, his voice filled with a mix of surprise and opportunity.