INHA Chapter 87

Moonlit: Hi~ Sorry for the late update. I forgot to schedule the upload last night and got busy with schoolwork this morning.

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The wooden boat had already set sail. What Xu Dongyou could do at this point was to ensure that he wouldn’t get hurt and also find a way to compensate Zhulong, using his own strength to make up for it.

Although it was Zhulong who had taken the initiative to form a pact with Xu Dongyou, in the end, Xu Dongyou was the one who benefited the most.

In the following two days, Xu Dongyou spent time with Zhulong and promised to visit him within seven days. However, he also mentioned that unforeseen circumstances might cause a delay, and he hoped Zhulong wouldn’t lose control because of it.

Zhulong nodded in agreement with Xu Dongyou’s concerns and even added, “I’m not worried about you getting hurt; I won’t get angry anymore.”

Xu Dongyou was taken aback once again. It turned out that Zhulong’s outbursts weren’t just because Xu Dongyou hadn’t kept his promise to visit, but also because he was worried that Xu Dongyou might get hurt.

Xu Dongyou couldn’t describe how he felt. There was a mix of being touched and a deep respect for Zhulong reaching a level higher than ever before.

Besides keeping Zhulong company, Xu Dongyou also played educational videos meant for ten-year-old children to help Zhulong gradually learn to think more deeply.

The two days passed quickly, and Xu Dongyou had to leave the sealing array. After watching the videos, Zhulong seemed to have become smarter and more thoughtful. It didn’t cling to Xu Dongyou but stayed there obediently, just like before, watching him leave.

Xu Dongyou felt a pang of reluctance. He couldn’t help but think that this place felt so lonely. Even the most resolute person would likely break down if trapped in a place with no entertainment.

Once outside, Xu Dongyou considered applying for a device that could connect to the internet for Zhulong. Although, he wasn’t sure if Zhulong could use it. Since the sealing array had no signal, the only way to connect would be through spiritual energy.

Upon leaving, Xu Dongyou was immediately greeted by Elder Chen, along with another unfamiliar demon and some other strangers.

The branch director introduced them one by one, “This is the General Director of the headquarters, who came specifically after hearing that Zhulong could speak and about the pact. This is Elder Zhao, another elder of the demon clan.”

This demon looked very different from Elder Chen—extremely aloof and unapproachable.

Xu Dongyou couldn’t help but feel intimidated.

After all, forming a pact might be something that could deeply anger the demon clan.

However, to his surprise, the elder, who seemed so aloof on the surface, spoke very kindly and even explained why he appeared so distant. “My true form is a peacock, so I might come across as difficult to approach.”

Xu Dongyou quickly nodded, politely greeting the elder like a well-behaved child, and then greeted the General Director as well.

The General Director, much like Elder Chen, seemed very approachable, nodding with a smile and even praising Xu Dongyou for his recent excellent performance.

Although the human race was initially shocked to discover that this world was not purely a technological one, the overall impact on their fate was only a slight disturbance. Given some time, it was believed that humanity would smoothly adapt to this new reality.

Moreover, it wasn’t appropriate to mention Xu Dongyou’s true achievements in front of the demon clan just yet.

“In a little while, the headquarters will tally everything up and deposit your points into your account. Besides that, do you have any other requests? This is your reward for successfully calming Zhulong and for your potential in gradually awakening its consciousness.”

The General Director’s words made Xu Dongyou stop refusing and, after some thought, he said, “I have a small request, but it might be a bit difficult to fulfill.”

The General Director, curious, asked, “Oh? What is it? Speak up, you’ve earned it.”

Xu Dongyou replied, “Could the department possibly create a special internet-connected tablet for Zhulong? It has already learned to read and think, so perhaps it could slowly become familiar with human society.”

The General Director nodded internally, thinking this was a great idea.

Not only would it help Zhulong pass the time, but it could also allow it to understand the current state of humanity, potentially deepening its goodwill toward humans.

“That won’t be a problem. I’ll have the research department look into it.” The General Director immediately agreed and then added, “But this shouldn’t come at the cost of your reward. Think of something else you’d like.”

Xu Dongyou didn’t really have any other wishes. If he had to express one, it would be that he wanted a reasonable explanation for his parents to know that he had come into some money.

Thinking of this, Xu Dongyou made this request, asking the department to come up with a solution.

The General Director quickly came up with an idea, “I can arrange for the department to issue you a research assistant’s ID. You can tell your parents that you have some intuitive abilities that help the department with research and that the pay is quite high.”

However, Xu Dongyou shook his head, “If my mom finds out, she’ll definitely worry. I want a job that won’t make her anxious.”

The General Director then had another idea, “How about this? Since you’re studying at an art academy, why not debut as an idol singer? With our bureau backing you, you can gain some fame through a talent show, and later become our bureau’s spokesperson. We’re about to launch a new research product soon, so it would be perfect timing.”

This would reasonably explain why Xu Dongyou suddenly had money.

Xu Dongyou hesitated, wondering if this was really the right thing to do. After all, he wanted to make progress on his own merits, step by step.

The General Director added, “Besides, very few handlers are involved in the entertainment industry. Once you’re famous, it will be easier to investigate any sinister occurrences within that circle.”

Apart from the handler who had already become a manager, it would be extremely difficult to conduct covert investigations if something like the Tian Haomiao incident happened again.

Hearing this, Xu Dongyou could only nod in agreement.

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