Leon Chen sent a portion of the technical core data he had recorded to the confidential military email address Grace Wang had provided.
After sending it, he couldn't help but marvel.
She really did have the capability to get the central leadership to go online and interact with netizens. Thinking about how he was the instigator of this made him chuckle.
Leon had tried to decipher Grace Wang's identity ever since their challenge. He had scoured countless documents online, from the highest echelons of Red Country to the returnees. What baffled him was that Grace Wang wasn't listed anywhere.
By his understanding, anyone who could converse with the central leadership would have to hold a significant position. Ultimately, Leon concluded that Grace Wang might have some undisclosed secret identity, given that Red Country had many hidden secrets.
Barely two minutes after he sent the data, Princess replied.
"Hello, Mr. XO. The data you sent us a few days ago on precision machine tools has been verified. We are extremely grateful for your contributions to the country. You can't imagine how thrilled we are."
"The next set of data concerns aircraft carrier manufacturing. Try not to die of excitement," Leon joked.
"I am now completely in awe of you!"
"There's one more thing. After thorough discussions at the top, we can't let your efforts go unrewarded. The central leadership has decided to give you a reward. Although no amount of money can buy technology that is twenty years ahead of the world."
"Forget it. I'm not a businessman. It's just a small effort. Even if I don't give it to the country, it's meaningless rotting in my brain." Leon found the offer strange and declined it. It wasn't out of any lofty ideals; he had other considerations.
Accepting a reward from the country would inevitably require an account. Leon could do whatever he wanted online, but he wasn't naive enough to think the state wouldn't monitor any account receiving such a payment.
After all, it was American data, so Leon didn't feel any pain giving it away.
"Really? The initial estimate for your reward is ten billion dollars," Princess said with a smile.
Whoa, ten billion dollars!
Such a blatant temptation.
Leon gritted his teeth but ultimately decided against it. With his abilities, making money wasn't a problem, and linking patriotism with money didn't feel right.
After all, Leon was a college student, still full of youthful passion.
Seeing XO reject the offer again, Princess wasn't surprised.
She sent another message: "The central leadership anticipated your refusal. However, we can't let you go unrewarded for your contributions."
"Forget about money," Leon was about to reply when he saw Princess send another message.
"01******, this is a special number from the Security Department. It's specifically for you, XO. As long as you don't act against national interests, dialing this number will get you help from the Security Department, no matter where you are or what happens. Just in case you encounter any trouble."
"True," Leon agreed. "But what if someone else calls and pretends to be me?"
"You don't need to worry about that. If you give this number to someone you trust, they can call it. However, if it's not you calling, we hope to get your confirmation. When you call yourself, the Security Department will help you unlimited times. But if you give it to someone else, they can only use it once."
Quite cunning, Leon thought with a smile. Unlimited versus one-time use—clearly defining the difference.
"I'll accept the number, but I think I'll give it to someone I trust."
"No matter who you give it to, the country will honor its commitment."
...
Leon stepped out of the restroom and returned to the classroom.
Sitting at his desk, staring out the window at the drifting clouds, he felt a mix of emotions.
Ten billion dollars, a privileged phone number—he never imagined such luxurious things would come his way. Looking at his Z13 Power Watch, Leon wondered what the Heavenly Realm was.
As he was pondering, someone tapped on his desk.
Leon turned and was surprised to see Isabella Xiang.
"The Student Council wants to see you!"
Isabella said in her usual cold tone.
Leon felt awkward. Lately, the ice-cold beauty had almost become his messenger with the Student Council.
"Thanks, class rep," he felt it necessary to say.
Isabella's profile was stunningly captivating, but it was just a fleeting glance before she walked away.
"Leon, we've been waiting for you," Emma Su greeted him warmly. Every time he saw her, he felt a sense of oriental charm.
"Let me introduce you. This is Yvonne Shi from the Art Department, majoring in Broadcasting and Hosting."
"Hello, Yvonne," Leon nodded.
Yvonne seemed like an outgoing girl, with a friendly demeanor.
"Leon, I've heard so much about you," Yvonne laughed.
"Yvonne, don't joke around with our junior," Emma said softly.
Yvonne stuck out her tongue and said, "Leon, pleased to work with you."
Seeing her extended hand, Leon couldn't refuse.
"Now, let's start the rehearsal. Make sure you remember your lines."
Emma clapped her hands, calling everyone to start working.
Initially, the rehearsal didn't go well. It was Leon's first time doing something like this, and some of his expressions were a bit forced. Emma patiently corrected him on how to deliver his lines and improve his stage presence.
Despite her gentle demeanor, Emma was meticulous at work. Her attention to detail quickly helped Leon improve on some overlooked aspects.
Yvonne, being a professional in hosting, was also very engaging. With the conscious effort of the two beauties, Leon quickly got into the role, earning praise from Emma and Yvonne for his talent.
During the rehearsal, another pair of cold eyes was fixated on Leon, chatting and laughing on stage.
"This kid actually has some talent," William Jiang remarked. Initially, he had looked down on Leon's stage presence. But within ten minutes, Leon's transformation had surprised him.
That magnetic, penetrating voice was no wonder he was chosen as the host.
Surprised as he was, William's hatred remained.
He had already investigated and found out that Leon came from an ordinary family, which made his defeat to such a person even more intolerable.
"Second Brother, should we get some people to teach him a lesson and put him in the hospital?" William suggested.
Jason He, who appeared gentle and elegant, narrowed his eyes. "Don't do something so obvious. Unless you don't want to stay in Xijing."
"Then what? Seeing him steal the spotlight makes me really uncomfortable," especially seeing Emma Su's close and cheerful demeanor with Leon, William was on the verge of losing it.
Despite his attempts, Emma had always subtly rejected his advances.
"Steal the spotlight?" Jason's smile was tinged with sarcasm. "Let's see if he can actually steal it."
"What do you mean, Second Brother?" William knew his second brother well, outwardly refined but the most cunning of the four brothers.
"I have a good relationship with the Student Council's Entertainment Minister. The host has to demonstrate their impromptu skills. Just watch," Jason smiled.
"Good. As long as that kid makes a fool of himself in front of the whole school, I don't mind staying out of the spotlight," William laughed.