Ethan was equally perplexed. Ever since his 'Visionary Eye' had transformed into the 'Barrier-Breaking Eye,' he had never forgotten a face, yet he had no recollection of ever meeting this chief of the District Security Bureau. When asked, he replied succinctly out of politeness, "Visiting."
Visiting? Chen Kang'an's gaze shifted to Cedricl, and he quickly grasped the situation. He waved the security officers away and then turned to Cedricl with a smile, "Could you tell me why you resorted to violence?"
Cedricl snorted and recounted how Chen Xinhou had been arrogant and insulting. Chen Xinhou, growing impatient, interrupted, "Uncle, why waste words with him? Just cuff him already."
Before he could finish, his vision darkened as a crisp slap resonated. Chen Xinhou was stunned, expecting Cedricl but saw it was his uncle, Chen Kang'an, who had struck him.
"Uncle, what are you—"
"Shut up!" Chen Kang'an cut him off. He first praised Cedricl, "Well done," then turned to his nephew, "Chen Xinhou, you are a lost cause. I brought you into the bureau hoping to discipline you, but you've been using my name to bully others. If Cedricl hadn't hit you today, I would have."
After another slap that left Chen Xinhou's face swollen like a pig's head, Chen Kang'an pointed at his nose, "You're going back to the factory. No more work for you at the bureau. You're just embarrassing me!"
Chen Xinhou wanted to protest but was silenced by Chen Kang'an's glare. He left with his tail between his legs. Before leaving, he glanced at Ethan, sensing that his uncle's sudden change of attitude had something to do with this student. He couldn't help but wonder who Ethan was to warrant such a reaction from his uncle.
The Zeng family was stunned, especially Cedricl's parents. Just moments ago, the District Security Bureau was ready to take their son away, and now the chief was being understanding and even benevolent?
Chen Kang'an then turned to Cedricl's father with an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry for the trouble my nephew has caused you."
Mr. Zeng hurriedly replied, "You're too kind, Chief."
Chen Kang'an's eyes shifted as he inquired about Mr. Zeng's health, then offered, "Don't go back to the factory. We need a gatekeeper at the bureau. If you don't mind, you could work for us. It's a steady job, you can get medical expenses reimbursed, and the work points are 1,500—better than the factory. What do you think?"
Mr. Zeng was overjoyed. The gatekeeper job was easy, with medical reimbursements and more work points than the factory offered. He gratefully accepted.
Chen Kang'an gave Ethan another look before leaving with a smile, "We have work to do, so we won't disturb you any longer. Goodbye."
Cedricl's parents escorted Chen Kang'an out to his car. Once inside, his aide asked, "Chief, who is that Ethan?"
Chen Kang'an replied with a smile, "A person of importance."
He had done all this for Ethan's sake, hoping to leave a good impression. But he had never directly expressed this to Ethan, a subtle move on his part. He didn't want Ethan to feel like he was currying favor. Even if Ethan saw through it, it didn't matter. Some things are better left unsaid, leaving room for maneuvering and potential for development. Besides, this favor was nothing compared to the Luo family's loss of a son.
Today's incident was merely an introduction. When Ethan's potential began to soar, that would be the time for him to truly exert his influence. Chen Kang'an might not excel in handling affairs, but he prided himself on his ability to judge character.
Back at the Zeng household, what seemed to be a disaster turned into a blessing, and Mr. Zeng even landed a cushy job, something they never imagined possible. Mrs. Zeng was still coming to terms with the turn of events when Aunt Wang approached Ethan, "Oh, young man, I knew you were someone special the moment I saw you. Do you have a significant other? Would you like me to set you up with someone?"
Ethan squinted, slightly annoyed, and his gaze naturally swept over the woman's neck. His thumb gently pushed the sword's edge, the blade sliding out and back into the sheath, mirroring Ethan's current mood.
Cedricl, seeing this, quickly shooed Aunt Wang away to prevent Ethan from becoming upset. He then said, "Mom, Dad, we've turned misfortune into fortune today, all thanks to Ethan. Mom, please make some of your delicious pancake rolls for him. I've promised Ethan on the way here that they're the best."
Cedricl wasn't foolish. He understood why Chen Kang'an's attitude had suddenly changed. Although he didn't know why Chen Kang'an was so courteous to Ethan, he knew that today's events, including his father's new job, were all Ethan's doing.
Mr. Zeng suggested, "We can't just have pancakes when we're this happy; let's go out to eat." But knowing Ethan's temperament, Cedricl shook his head, "Ethan doesn't like crowded places. It's better to stay home. Mom, you cook."
Ethan nodded in agreement, and Mrs. Zeng happily agreed to make the pancakes. Abao, her daughter, offered to help.
In the living room, Ethan sat down, and Cedricl sincerely said, "Ethan, thank you for today. Including today, you've helped me three times. I won't say much, but if there's ever anything you need, just ask. If I hesitate, I'm not a man."
Ethan looked at him and simply hummed in acknowledgment. Soon, the pancake rolls were served. Ethan, not minding the heat, took a bite. The taste of the fatty but not greasy meat filling, combined with the sweet and sour apple dices, made the pancake rolls rich in flavor. Closing his eyes, Ethan felt as if he had returned to the days before the 'Behemoth Catastrophe.' It had been three years since he had tasted anything like it.
"How is it?" Cedricl asked.
Ethan opened his eyes and looked at Mrs. Zeng, "Auntie, it's delicious."
Mrs. Zeng beamed with joy, stuffing several more pancake rolls onto Ethan's plate, "You like it? Eat as much as you want. Come back with Cedricl during the holidays. I'll cook for you."
In a daze, Ethan seemed to see a blurry figure. "Come home during the holidays, and I'll cook something delicious for you."
His vision blurred, Ethan lowered his head and silently ate the pancake rolls. As he ate, he noticed the pancakes tasted a bit salty.