21 Chapter 21

Lin Yuan turned his head and saw a tall and sturdy guy running towards him.

It was none other than Lin Yuan's desk mate and good friend, Du Quan.

Du Quan jogged over and hugged Lin Yuan's shoulders. "Where have you been for the past half month? I asked Auntie Lu, and she said you were busy."

Lin Yuan smiled and didn't say anything.

Du Quan didn't pay much attention either. Suddenly, he looked surprised and touched Lin Yuan's shoulders and chest with his hand.

"Haven't seen you for half a month, brother, you've become quite strong!"

Du Quan marveled.

"Really?"

Lin Yuan wasn't surprised.

After all, not long ago, Lin Yuan had just refined twenty-one bottles of 'advanced nutrient solution.'

Energy conservation principle aside, even though the majority of the energy from the twenty-one bottles of 'advanced nutrient solution' had been transformed into 'vitality' and spirit, the physical body had still been affected to some extent.

This was because Lin Yuan's martial path emphasized discreet and restrained absorption. If it were another evolver from a different evolutionary path who rashly absorbed so much energy, it wouldn't be surprising if their height drastically increased, and their body became as strong as an ox. Yet, Lin Yuan only appeared to be somewhat stronger.

Du Quan marveled for a moment and then pointed to a few people approaching from a distance.

"Look who's coming."

Lin Yuan glanced over and immediately recognized these people as classmates from his class.

"Just graduated, perfect time to hang out." Du Quan explained.

He originally wanted to invite Lin Yuan too, but since Lin Yuan wasn't home, he had to give up.

At this moment, those people also approached.

"Lin Yuan, why are you here? Waiting for someone?"

A bespectacled and scholarly-looking young man casually asked.

"Are you Lin Yuan? Haven't seen you in a few days; you seem to have changed a lot," a girl said, slightly surprised, eyeing Lin Yuan up and down.

"Hello, everyone." Lin Yuan greeted as everyone gathered.

In fact, the original owner of this body was a very silent person. If it weren't for Du Quan, he wouldn't have played with these people at all.

Among these people, there were mainly two groups.

One was led by Chu Shi Yu, a scholarly young man with glasses.

Chu Shi Yu came from a wealthy family, excelled in academics, and many students were willing to get close to him.

The other group was led by Huo Qingyao, an extraordinary figure with military connections. He was fearless both in school and outside.

Du Quan, good at socializing and mediating, played well with both sides. Due to his righteous character, both Chu Shi Yu and Huo Qingyao gave him face.

In addition, there were several girls present.

"Lin Yuan, look who's here. Our class flower, who has already been admitted to a prestigious university. I invited her to join us this time. Brother has some face, right?"

Du Quan pointed to a tall girl and said proudly.

This girl had well-defined features, wearing simple jeans that outlined her curvy hips and legs.

It was Zhao Qiwen.

"Lin Yuan?"

Zhao Qiwen's mind was extremely unsettled.

Ever since she saw the seemingly ordinary Lin Yuan at the Water Moon Residential Area sales office, being respectfully welcomed into the VIP room, and directly buying a standalone residence worth over ten million, with even Manager Wang showing utmost respect,

Zhao Qiwen realized that Lin Yuan's identity was not simple.

The entire class, and even the entire school faculty and students, were deceived by Lin Yuan.

She agreed to Du Quan's invitation this time because Du Quan usually had the best relationship with Lin Yuan.

Maybe Lin Yuan would also come. Otherwise, with her personality, how could she participate in such a meaningless gathering?

But after arriving and finding that Lin Yuan wasn't there, she felt a bit disappointed. However, seeing Lin Yuan now, her emotions were in turmoil.

"Hello, classmate Lin Yuan."

Zhao Qiwen collected herself and proactively extended her right hand towards Lin Yuan.

This surprised Du Quan nearby. Zhao Qiwen had always been aloof, not showing any special attention even to second-generation individuals like Huo Qingyao and Chu Shi Yu. How could she take the initiative to shake hands with Lin Yuan?

"Hello."

Lin Yuan courteously shook hands.

After some small talk, they found seats and Chu Shi Yu called the staff to order the signature coffee for everyone at the café.

"Still the generous Brother Yu."

Du Quan praised beside them.

The signature coffee in this café was not cheap, almost thirty per cup. With a total of over two hundred for a few people, it was equivalent to half a month's living expenses back in school.

Once seated, they began chatting.

"This college entrance exam didn't go well. I chose a third-rate university. I don't know what to do in the future."

A girl sighed.

"That's easy. You have a good relationship with Brother Yu, right? After graduation, just work at Brother Yu's place."

Du Quan joked beside her.

"Me?"

The girl pretended to be angry, but she was secretly delighted, stealing glances at Chu Shi Yu from time to time.

"Du Quan is right. In the future, come to work at my company, and the treatment will definitely be good." Chu Shi Yu waved his hand generously.

In front of classmates, how could he miss such a high-profile opportunity? Besides, graduation was still far away, and future matters could be discussed later.

"Then, thank you, Brother Yu."

The girl hurriedly expressed her gratitude.

As they chatted over coffee, the conversation naturally turned to Lin Yuan.

"Speaking of which, Lin Yuan, did you make it onto the conscription list?"

Huo Qingyao seemed to remember something and asked.

As soon as this was mentioned, the surroundings fell into silence.

Everyone's gaze focused on Lin Yuan.

In ordinary times, conscription wasn't a bad thing; it could even lead to job arrangements after service. For normal people, that was considered a good outcome.

However, this time's conscription was targeted against the alien race. Due to security concerns, those on the conscription list would probably not return. Even if they didn't die in battle, it would be challenging to see them again in their lifetime.

"It's all hearsay. Whether it's about the alien race or not, it's just some small talk."

Du Quan immediately spoke up.

"Right."

"The government hasn't mentioned anything publicly; it might just be a routine conscription."

"Yes, Lin Yuan, don't worry too much. After retiring, you might be reassigned back to work in the military district."

Several people reassured Lin Yuan.

Of course, it was just comforting words.

In reality, everyone was not optimistic about this conscription.

Although the government hadn't clearly stated the purpose of this conscription, all those on the conscription list had already received substantial compensation.

This wasn't a secret; anyone with a little curiosity could find out.

If it were just a regular conscription, why provide so much compensation?

"In fact, there might be a turning point. My uncle works in the military district. When I go back tonight, I'll ask my uncle to see if we can make some flexible arrangements."

Huo Qingyao spoke up at this moment.

He was the only one with a military background, and he was the one with the most 'confidence' to say such things.

"That would trouble Brother Yao."

Du Quan immediately said, not as a compliment but a heartfelt gratitude.

As a classmate and friend for so many years, he didn't want Lin Yuan to go down an irreversible path.

Hearing these words, especially the several girls, their eyes lit up.

Huo Qingyao's statement hinted at many possibilities, most notably the potential influence on the conscription list. This was a tremendous networking advantage.

Compared to that, Chu Shi Yu, who had just promised to help arrange a job, seemed insignificant.

Just a job. How could it compare to Huo Qingyao, who could potentially influence the conscription process in the military district?

For a moment, all the girls on the scene, except for Zhao Qiwen, including the girl who wanted Chu Shi Yuto arrange a job for her, approached Huo Qingyao.

Lin Yuan sat on the side, and instead of feeling offended by Huo Qingyao's boasting, he found it somewhat amusing.

After all, the conscription list was reviewed by the Goddess of Wisdom. It wasn't something that could be changed just like that.

Nevertheless, Huo Qingyao was, in the end, trying to help him. Even if the nature of this help was to compete with "Chu Shi Yu" the rivalry between Huo Qingyao and Chu Shi Yu at Lin Yuan's level was as laughable as children playing house.

"It's about time. I should go now."

"Somebody is waiting for me."

Lin Yuan glanced at the time, stood up, and bid farewell.

Immediately, without waiting for everyone's agreement, he left the coffee shop and walked towards the roadside.

"Huh?"

Seeing this, everyone in the cafe frowned.

Especially Huo Qingyao. He had promised to go back and ask his uncle. Although there was no guarantee of anything, at least you could say a word of thanks.

However, Lin Yuan didn't say anything. He just sat there the whole time and now left with a casual excuse?

This impolite behavior made Huo Qingyao feel somewhat annoyed.

"This person..."

Huo Qingyao, looking through the cafe's window, watched Lin Yuan's back and was about to say something when, at that moment, a sleek black hovercar stopped by the roadside.

To be precise, it stopped in front of Lin Yuan.

"The license plate of that hovercar?"

Chu Shi Yu also noticed it and instantly focused on the license plate.

Although Chu Shi Yu's family didn't have a military background, they often dealt with the government. He immediately recognized the license plate of this black hovercar as government-exclusive.

Having such a license plate allowed access to special roads, avoiding potential traffic jams.

Just that this kind of specially provided hovercar was usually used only when escorting important figures. Now, why was it parked in front of Lin Yuan?

"A coincidence. It must be a coincidence."

Chu Shi Yu couldn't help but think.

However, the next moment, in the gaze of everyone, a tall man came down from the black hovercar and respectfully ushered Lin Yuan into the vehicle.

The crowd fell silent again.

Originally, they thought Lin Yuan's statement about "someone waiting for him" was just a casual excuse.

However, they didn't expect it to be true, and the person waiting for him came in a government-provided vehicle.

"This license plate belongs to the Evolvers Association. I followed my cousin to the association before and saw similar license plates."

Chu Shi Yu seemed to recall something and spoke again.

The Evolvers Association.

Huo Qingyao's face changed slightly.

Among many government departments, the Evolvers Association was undoubtedly the most challenging to deal with.

They managed the Evolver community, were extremely powerful, and had a significant influence.

However, the formidable Evolvers Association sending a specially provided vehicle to pick up a student like Lin Yuan?

Everyone was puzzled.

It was entirely illogical.

"Hahaha, it might be a coincidence. Perhaps there's some cooperation between the military district and the Evolvers Association."

Huo Qingyao racked his brains and gave this reason.

"That makes sense."

"That's the only possibility."

The others nodded slightly.

Although this explanation was extremely absurd—after all, the Evolvers Association and the military district were two different systems— it was the only way to make sense of the scene in front of them.

After all, Lin Yuan had been on the conscription list, and the only relationship he could have with the Evolvers Association was through the various military districts behind the conscription.

"The other day, I checked the conscription notice again and found that Lin Yuan's name is no longer on the conscription list."

At this moment, Zhao Qiwen, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke.

With this statement, the entire atmosphere froze.

Everyone was instantly stunned.

Especially Huo Qingyao, his expression froze on the spot.

He wasn't a fool. He knew how difficult it was to be removed from the conscription list, especially in the case of forced conscription.

Although he had confidently claimed he would inquire with his uncle, it was more of a routine question. He doubted his uncle had any solution. Even if there was a way, the cost would be terrifying, and it was impossible to do it for an outsider.

But now, Lin Yuan's name had truly been removed from the list?

"It's impossible."

"I need to consult the Goddess of Wisdom."

Huo Qingyao immediately connected to the network. Upon finding Lin Yuan's name missing from the list, he started applying for access to the Goddess of Wisdom to inquire about why Lin Yuan was exempted from conscription.

The next moment, a solemn and majestic female voice echoed directly in Huo Qingyao's ears.

"Warning, First-tier citizen Huo Qingyao, you are accessing content beyond your authorization, suspected of violating Article 560 of the Constitution."

"Now initiating the first warning. If you continue to access, you will be brought to trial at the Supreme Court."

Hearing the cold warning from the Goddess of Wisdom, Huo Qingyao turned pale and was so frightened that he sat down on the ground.

The Supreme Court of the Cosmic Human Alliance had always been reserved for judging heinous felons who had committed severe crimes with extremely detrimental impacts.

How could someone like Huo Qingyao, who was nothing special, be worthy of the Supreme Court taking the time to judge him?

Huo Qingyao's teeth chattered, and his legs couldn't help but tremble.

...

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