"Thank you, Director Ma," Xu Que said, as if something suddenly came to mind. He continued, "Director Ma, as an authority in this field, if you ever encounter, or hear of anyone similar to my teammate here, could you let me know?"
Director Ma hesitated, "What exactly do you mean?"
Xu Que paused, then replied thoughtfully, "These patients are not beyond help. If they're merely speaking incoherently without any violent tendencies, I may be able to treat them."
Xu Que chose not to share the specifics of the "soul body" concept with Director Ma. These individuals were rare enough, and he preferred to keep certain secrets to himself.
Given Director Ma's expertise in neurology, Xu Que reasoned that he and his colleagues might encounter similar cases in the future.
"Understood. I'll keep an eye out for you," Director Ma agreed.
Xu Que smiled, shook hands with Director Ma again, and carefully helped his disoriented teammate leave the hospital.
As for the young doctor's earlier behavior, Xu Que didn't mention it. He knew well the thought process behind such actions. Had he not been reborn, he might have followed the same strict, procedural path.
In under half an hour, Xu Que returned to the Progress International Building.
"So, you're planning to keep him under supervision in the lounge?" Shen Mengchu asked, standing at the door.
"Yes," Xu Que replied. "His case is unique; just have a couple of clerks watch over him. He should recover soon, and when he does, please notify me."
"He won't get violent, will he?" she asked, a hint of worry in her voice.
"Don't worry. Aside from some incoherent rambling, he poses no harm," Xu Que reassured her with a smile.
"Alright, I understand," she nodded, then added, "There are over sixty hours left until the first wave of dimensional rifts erupts. What's your plan?"
"I'm going into a rift again, but I'll be back soon," Xu Que replied, handing her some supplies. "Here, take these—don't push yourself too hard."
She smiled playfully, "If you really didn't want me to work hard, you shouldn't have made me the chairman."
Amused by her teasing, Xu Que gently brushed the tip of her nose and pressed a light kiss to her lips.
"Are you crazy? We're still at the office!" Shen Mengchu chided, playfully pushing him.
"No worries. This is our company, and you're my girlfriend. A kiss isn't against the law," Xu Que replied with a mischievous grin.
After chatting with her a while longer, Xu Que finally departed, though a heavy weight seemed to linger on him.
The peace he currently enjoyed was precious, yet memories of his previous life haunted him. The changes his rebirth was bound to trigger filled him with a quiet dread. If his presence could steer events in a favorable direction, he would be thrilled. But if things took a darker turn… he dared not imagine it.
Though he now had the support of the nation, Xu Que knew this power would ultimately be limited. To become truly formidable, he had to rely on himself.
He was not one to be complacent. After all he had endured, he was keenly aware of his ambitions. The road ahead seemed bright, yet who could say what trials lay in wait?
Over an hour later, Xu Que finally arrived in Linan City.
He surveyed his surroundings—a densely packed cluster of old apartments, narrow alleys, and busy streets—then moved toward the crowded area.
"Hey! Watch it! Be mindful of people behind you!"
"Has your company even been vetted? They're letting just anyone show up here."
"What? We've already cleared two D-level rifts, and we still can't get in?"
"Are there any C-level experts willing to join the Mingxuan Hunter Company?"
…
Hearing the noisy chatter around him, Xu Que frowned slightly.
In hindsight, he should have checked in with Mayor Tang first. But time was short, and he couldn't afford the delay.
As he entered the assessment area, someone loudly recruiting for "Shenyin Company" caught his attention.
"Shenyin's leading B-level expert will guide you. All qualified applicants will receive high-level resource placements!"
Noticing the crowd gathered around the recruiter, Xu Que grew curious. Just as he was about to observe the supposed B-level expert more closely, a soldier handed him a form.
"Fill this out and await testing."
Xu Que accepted the form, noting that in addition to his own input, other sections needed official completion.
"How does this assessment work?" Xu Que asked, indicating the blank sections.
The soldier pointed toward an area with armored vehicles. "That's for the test administrators to fill out based on your evaluation. Just enter your name, code name, and company, if you're with one. We'll verify your information."
Nodding, Xu Que refrained from correcting the setup; it was similar to how things were in his past life. Right now, all he wanted was swift access to the rift.
After completing the form, a soldier escorted him to the testing area. Seeing the array of strength-testing equipment, Xu Que immediately understood.
"Are you Xu Que?" a test officer asked, reviewing the form with a surprised look.
"Yes, from the Bombastic Hunters Company," Xu Que replied.
"A B-level expert, and you're here solo for a B-level rift?" The officer sounded intrigued.
"Our company originally intended to partner with Linan's officials, but due to a lack of personnel, I was sent alone," Xu Que explained.
The officer nodded, then, after a moment's thought, said, "You've listed yourself as B-level, but protocol requires a test. However, your solo application isn't allowed. You've seen how many are here; if we let you go alone, we'd face serious questions. Without company support, I hope you understand?"
Xu Que's expression tightened slightly. His own suggestion was now blocking him.
"Fine. I'll follow your arrangements, but please hurry," Xu Que replied.
"Alright. Start with this test, and I'll assign you to a squad afterward," the officer said, gesturing to a massive iron block nearby.
Seeing the ten-ton iron slab, Xu Que wasted no time and lifted it effortlessly.
The officer and several soldiers stood dumbstruck. They had only expected him to push it, yet he'd hoisted it with ease.
"Is this enough?" Xu Que asked, gently placing the slab down.
"Y-yes, more than enough," the officer stammered, stamping Xu Que's form with a blue "qualified" mark.
As Xu Que left, a data officer murmured, "Sir, his details check out. It's flagged as confidential by the capital."
Without replying, the officer sent a message on his phone.
Xu Que handed his form to another soldier and entered the tent, waiting for his assigned teammates.
"Wow, this guy's handsome," a teenage girl commented upon entering.
She was followed by seven C-level hunters.
"Is this guy reliable?" one of the C-level men asked, sizing Xu Que up.
"I don't know what the officials were thinking, but if he's here, he's probably capable," the girl shrugged indifferently.
Just then, another young man pulled back the tent flap, followed by a group of ten C-level hunters.
"Wei Yanqing! What are you doing here?" the girl exclaimed.
"Han Xiaoyu! Fancy meeting you here!" the young man replied with a grin.