Especially since the monster’s appearance gave people an extremely unsettling feeling. Additionally, the official statement clarified that this monster, like resentful spirits, was inherently harmful to humans, urging the public not to sympathize with such creatures.
With this explanation, the public’s hatred for the monster deepened.
Xu Dongyou’s rival fanbase turned pale when they saw the official statement. Their idol had already lost when Xu Dongyou became an official spokesperson, but now it wasn’t just a loss—it was a complete and utter defeat!
They didn’t even dare to insult him anymore. After all, Xu Dongyou wasn’t just an idol, but also a handler, a figure surrounded by mystery and authority that commanded the respect of ordinary people.
The authorities didn’t release Xu Dongyou’s identity hastily. They had consulted with him beforehand to seek his approval.
After all, the public needed an explanation.
Xu Dongyou thought about it and decided that there was no need to continue hiding his identity. Keeping it a secret would only increase the Anomaly Handling Bureau’s burden.
Another reason was that Xu Dongyou needed power. The stronger he became, the less likely he would be injured, and the dragon bone within him would not activate.
Moreover, with increased strength, he could better protect those who needed it.
So, when the Anomaly Handling Bureau asked for permission to reveal his identity, Xu Dongyou nodded in agreement, leading to the official announcement.
Currently, Xu Dongyou was at the Anomaly Handling Bureau, where the branch director had just sealed the monster properly for the research department’s use.
Afterward, the branch director brought Xu Dongyou back to the office, admiration evident in his eyes. He said, “You handled this matter very well. The higher-ups will reward you for this, and also…”
The branch director sighed before continuing, “You’ll receive compensation for your identity being exposed.”
Xu Dongyou’s sudden exposure had disrupted the Anomaly Handling Bureau’s plans, but even so, they couldn’t just stand by and watch so many civilians get killed by the monster.
Xu Dongyou quickly shook his head and softly said, “It’s okay. Revealing my identity was inevitable. We couldn’t have kept this hidden for long.”
After all, as a popular idol, he was constantly under the public eye.
The branch director couldn’t help but chuckle, “Regardless, compensation will be provided. As for your family, do you need me to ask the chief to help?”
Xu Dongyou thought it was better not to. His parents were probably already in shock, and if the chief showed up at their door, it would only scare them even more. “I’ll go back and explain everything to my parents myself.”
The branch director nodded and added, “Given your unique status, the Anomaly Handling Bureau has a special residential area for handlers. It would be best for you to move there. Not only does it offer high confidentiality, but it’s also very secure, especially for your parents.”
Xu Dongyou was stunned. He hadn’t even thought of this until the branch director mentioned it. He then asked, “How much would it cost to live in this community?”
The branch director smiled and replied, “This community is only available to those with special contributions or specific roles, such as researchers. It’s free to live there since you’re working for the government.”
Although Xu Dongyou felt a bit awkward about living there for free, he couldn’t ignore his parents’ safety. If something happened to them while he wasn’t home, he knew he’d regret it for the rest of his life.
Coming to his senses, Xu Dongyou nodded. “I’ll talk to my parents about this when I get home.”
After discussing a few other matters, the director allowed Xu Dongyou to head home. On the way, he naturally made a stop by the sealing array.
Even Zhulong had learned about Xu Dongyou’s actions today through the internet. It sized him up carefully from head to toe. Only after confirming he was unharmed did the crazed look in its eyes subside.
Xu Dongyou softly reassured Zhulong, “I’m fine. Look, haven’t I become much stronger now?”
Zhulong, of course, noticed this. It was also the reason for its increasing agitation and desire to leave the sealing array. Whether by intuition or some deeper instinct, it felt as if a hidden crisis was lurking in the shadows.
It couldn’t understand why.
It could only warn Xu Dongyou, “Be careful during this time.”
Xu Dongyou nodded, spending more time with Zhulong before leaving. He could sense that Zhulong was different from the last time they met. The madness in its eyes was almost gone, and though its aura was fully restrained, there was still an indescribable, vast, and profound pressure radiating from it.
Thankfully, this pressure wasn’t directed at Xu Dongyou. It might have been because of the piece of dragon bone from Zhulong inside him. After a little while, he adapted to it.
After Xu Dongyou left, Zhulong once again turned its attention to the virtual screen, starting to search for rumors and information related to ancient times.
Xu Dongyou deliberately stayed with Zhulong until past 10 p.m., only leaving after that. By the time he arrived home, it was already 11 p.m. He asked Zhang Feng’s assistant to find a nearby hotel to rest and transferred some money to them.
As the car slowly drove away, the neighborhood was mostly quiet, allowing Xu Dongyou to return home smoothly. When he knocked on the door, it immediately swung open. Upon seeing him, his mother quickly pulled him inside and shut the door.
The noise from the door caused the neighbors to stir.
“Isn’t that the Xu family kid who just came back? I heard footsteps and the door opening.”
“I heard it too.”
“Should we go over and ask?”
“Come on now, didn’t you see the expression on the Xu couple’s faces when the news broke earlier today? They probably didn’t even know their kid had become, what’s it called?”
“A handler.”
“Yes! Let their family have a good talk. What business do we have going over there? Let’s wait until tomorrow.”
Most of the neighbors realized this and chose not to disturb them. However, a few couldn’t resist and got up to knock on the Xu family’s door. One of them, Aunt Zhang, the most gossip-prone in the community, knocked and called out, “Old Xu, is your boy back?”
Hearing the commotion, the neighbor across the hall opened their door and said to Aunt Zhang, “Sister-in-law, stop knocking. The boy must be exhausted from coming home late. Why disturb them?”
Aunt Zhang responded, “I’m just concerned about him. Besides, it’s only a little after 11, which young person is asleep by now? They’re all night owls.”
The neighbors were exasperated by Aunt Zhang but knew better than to provoke her. If they were rude to her, she would certainly cause a scene, disturbing the whole community. One neighbor softened their tone, “But the kid was just fighting a monster today. He must be exhausted. Other kids spend all day lying around playing on their phones; he’s different.”
Aunt Zhang rolled her eyes. “I’m just knocking to chat and show some concern for Xu Dongyou. Why are you meddling?!”
The neighbor became agitated, and others realized they could no longer pretend to ignore the situation. They all opened their doors to persuade Aunt Zhang to leave, but her pride was wounded, and she became even more stubborn. Inside, Xu Dongyou’s mother, who had planned to talk to him calmly, overheard the commotion outside. Her anger flared and she was ready to storm out.
Xu Dongyou immediately recognized that his mother was likely about to argue with Aunt Zhang, and quickly stopped her. “Mom, sit down. I’ll go.”
Mother Xu, seeing her obedient and attractive son, even imagined scenes of Aunt Zhang bullying him. Instinctively, she said, “It’s fine. I’ll handle it. I promise not to get angry and will just send Aunt Zhang back.”
Xu Dongyou believed her. He was indeed exhausted and knew that Aunt Zhang was difficult to deal with. The more you tried to be polite, the more she would push her luck. Only someone like Mother Xu could handle her effectively.
Father Xu remained as quiet as a chicken throughout. Over the years, he had learned that the best way to survive during Mother Xu’s angry moments was to stay silent and minimize his presence.
Mother Xu stormed to the door with an air of authority, flinging it open to reveal a forced smile. “It’s late at night. What brings you here, Aunt Zhang?”
Aunt Zhang, already fuming and seeing Mother Xu’s expression, became even more agitated. She sarcastically said, “Oh, taking your time to open the door? Surely you don’t think that just because your child has become a handler, you’re too good to see other people?”
The other neighbors, familiar with Mother Xu’s nature, knew she wasn’t easy to provoke but generally kept to herself unless someone really pushed her buttons. They quickly rallied to support Mother Xu.
Aunt Zhang, infuriated, accused everyone of being opportunistic, claiming that they were only supporting Mother Xu because her child had become successful.
This accusation made everyone’s expressions turn sour.
“That’s a bit too harsh, don’t you think?”
“Yeah, you’re the one causing trouble by disturbing people at night and then blaming others?”
The neighbors’ tones grew more severe. Aunt Zhang began to lash out at everyone, making them all furious.
Mother Xu sneered, “Just because I’ve been patient all these years doesn’t mean you can push me around!”
Aunt Zhang suddenly recalled the incident from years ago when Mother Xu had chased and nearly injured a muscular man who had tried to hit her. The memory made Aunt Zhang feel suddenly deflated. “What do you want to do? I haven’t done anything.”
Xu Dongyou felt he couldn’t stay in the house any longer and wanted to come out to help Mother Xu. However, Aunt Zhang was indeed difficult to deal with. Since Mother Xu was quickly resolving the issue, he decided to remain as quiet as Father Xu.
“Then hurry up and go,” Mother Xu said.
Aunt Zhang retreated a few steps, muttering some final words of dissatisfaction before hurrying away. Mother Xu’s expression relaxed, and she smiled at the remaining neighbors. “Go back to bed. We’ll talk more tomorrow.”
The neighbors all nodded and dispersed.
When Mother Xu returned, Father Xu immediately praised her, and Xu Dongyou joined in the compliments. Mother Xu sat down and said, “Don’t try that with me now. It’s not going to work.”
Now that the immediate issue was resolved, Mother Xu finally had the chance to ask Xu Dongyou about why he joined the handling bureau. The images of Xu Dongyou fighting the monster had been too distressing for her to watch. She feared for his safety and could hardly bear the thought of him being injured—or worse.
Just thinking about such scenes made Mother Xu’s hands and feet go cold, her heart racing as if she might faint at any moment.
Xu Dongyou took his mother’s cold hand and spoke softly, “Mom, it’s a long story.”
