Xue Dong finished assigning the groups in one breath, then asked, "Any objections to my arrangement?"
Gao Teng shrugged. "Does our opinion matter? You wouldn't change it anyway."
"Of course not," Xue Dong replied confidently. "Do you think I grouped you randomly? Wrong! I put a lot of thought into it. From personality to habits to strength, I've considered everything. Your questioning is foolish. My arrangement is the most suitable and correct one."
He looked around and asked again, "So, does anyone have any objections?"
Gao Teng and the others shook their heads.
"Good." Xue Dong nodded in satisfaction. "Since you're all inexperienced, the first mission has been arranged by the Security Bureau. It will be assigned tomorrow. It's an easy mission, and as long as you don't underestimate your opponents, you won't fail. After completing it, you'll be able to choose your own missions."
As the group prepared to leave, Xue Dong added, "Before you go, let me offer you one piece of advice, from my 40 years of life experience: always know your limits. Don't overreach."
He paused briefly before continuing, "Finally, for the non-staff members among you, report to the Security Bureau tomorrow. They will assign you tasks."
Xue Dong glanced at their expressions, amused. "Yes, I'm sending you off with just one sentence. After all, you're not full-fledged members yet. Remember what I said ten days ago? If you want to be valued, you must work hard to climb the ranks. The world is about layers of exploitation and pressure. It's tough at the bottom of the pyramid."
The group dispersed, but Gao Teng stayed behind, wanting to ask Xue Dong something.
"I know what you're going to say," Xue Dong smiled, patting Gao Teng on the shoulder. "You want to thank me for creating opportunities for you, right? No need to be so formal. We're brothers, aren't we?"
"Cut it out!" Gao Teng knocked his hand away in annoyance. "I've noticed that, despite seeming casual, you actually plan things very carefully. What's your real agenda?"
Xue Dong raised an eyebrow. "You're overthinking things. Brother, don't read too much into it."
Gao Teng narrowed his eyes, clearly unconvinced.
Xue Dong sighed, scratching his head. "As expected of my confidant. Since you've seen through it, I won't hide it. I have a good relationship with Fang Meng's parents, and I don't want to see her destroyed by revenge. People consumed by hatred either succeed in their revenge or die horribly. I'm hoping you can help her."
"Help her? How? I'm just a D-class nobody."
"You're D-class now, but that won't always be the case. Don't forget, you have S-class potential."
"Potential doesn't guarantee anything. Not everyone reaches their full potential."
"I trust my judgment," Xue Dong said, staring intensely at Gao Teng.
"Enough with the drama. I don't want to get involved in anything dangerous."
"Why do you always expect the worst?" Xue Dong replied. "Imagine this: you get stronger, defeat the person who sealed her powers, and you get the girl. How easy and romantic is that?"
Gao Teng considered this for a moment before asking, "What level are Fang Meng's parents?"
"Does that really matter?"
"What do you think?"
"Fine, they're both A-class."
"Great. You've really set me up for success."
"I'm not asking you to go after her enemy right away. Just stick around Fang Meng and try to help her see that revenge doesn't have to be rushed. Don't let her be consumed by hatred."
"Why don't you try talking to her?"
"She won't listen to me."
Gao Teng shook his head. "If she won't listen to you, why would she listen to me? Who am I?"
"You're her peer, someone who shares common ground with her. Over time, she might soften."
Gao Teng sighed internally. He cursed his own charm. If he were more average, Xue Dong wouldn't be pestering him like this. But, neither his outward appearance nor his internal potential would let him blend into obscurity.
"It's too much, Xue Dong."
"Come on, Gao Teng. We're good brothers, aren't we? I've done so much for you; it's not asking much for you to help me out. I wouldn't push you into danger."
"Whatever. After ten missions, I'm done with her."
"Deal," Xue Dong agreed easily, but there was a knowing smile on his face, as if he had already seen the future.
"What's with that look? You don't think I can do it?"
Xue Dong smiled. "Who knows?"
---
The next day, the mission came through on Gao Teng's phone. The objective was to protect an ordinary man named Zhang Jianming.
According to the Security Bureau's information, Zhang Jianming was a team leader at an electronics factory who frequently bullied new employees and ridiculed even the older ones. A few days ago, Zhang Jianming saw a news story that made him feel uneasy. The report was about a young man who had awakened his powers, murdered his landlord's family, and disappeared.
Zhang Jianming recognized the young man as Liu Zan, a former employee he had bullied relentlessly. He was convinced that Liu Zan would come after him next, so he called the Security Bureau for protection.
---
Gao Teng met Fang Meng at the designated spot. After waiting for about ten minutes, a car pulled up in front of him. Fang Meng greeted him with a neutral attitude—neither cold nor warm—and the two headed to Zhang Jianming's address.
"I've read Zhang Jianming's profile," Gao Teng said as they drove. "With his personality, he might not treat us kindly because of our age."
Fang Meng raised an eyebrow. "Really? He's that bold?"
"With his attitude, he's probably thinking, 'I pay taxes, so the Security Bureau has to protect me. But what's with sending two young people? This is irresponsible!'"
Fang Meng chuckled slightly but didn't say anything, her thoughts already focused on the mission ahead.