Chapter 36: International Special Security Bureau
Ji Chuxing fixed her gaze on him, demanding an explanation.
Bo Yanchen could turn down anyone—except this little girl.
With a sigh, he smiled gently and said, "A Beijing hukou will make it easier for you to get into a good university."
It was one of the reasons. Her grades were far from stellar; he'd seen her report card from last semester. She ranked below 500th out of 800 students in Nan High School's senior class. Based on previous years' admission rates, she might not even qualify for a third-tier university.
But with a Beijing hukou, things would change. Even if Xingbao scored only 300 points, there would still be decent universities in Beijing willing to accept her.
Bo Yanchen didn't necessarily expect Ji Chuxing to attend a prestigious university. However, with a Beijing hukou, her current scores could secure her a spot at a relatively respectable institution. After all, Beijing boasted China's best educational resources. Even its lowest-ranked universities surpassed those elsewhere.
Ji Chuxing: "…."
To spare her pride, Bo Yanchen spoke tactfully. He casually asked, "The college entrance exam is less than a year away. Have you thought about where you want to apply?"
Ji Chuxing asked, "Is the best university in China located in Beijing?"
Bo Yanchen nodded. "North City University."
North City—the capital of China—was home to the nation's finest resources. Whether in education, technology, medicine, or any other field, it stood at the forefront. Most people referred to it as Beijing, especially locals.
Ji Chuxing nodded. "Alright, then North City University."
Bo Yanchen paused, careful not to dampen her spirits. "Sure, Xingbao has ambition."
To show his support, he added, "If your next test shows improvement, I'll reward you."
Ji Chuxing perked up. "What kind of reward?"
Bo Yanchen gave a mysterious smile. "How about I give you a candy company, Xingbao? What do you think?"
Ji Chuxing's eyes lit up. "You mean it?"
"Yes, I mean it."
After a brief pause, Bo Yanchen extended his hand. "Want to pinky swear?"
Ji Chuxing scoffed. "Childish."
Without another word, she turned and walked away.
Bo Yanchen chuckled softly. Kids her age often tried so hard to act grown-up.
They soon reached the school gate.
Zhou Ru hadn't left yet. She watched as Ji Chuxing and Bo Yanchen emerged from the school, her expression a mix of emotions—but anger dominated.
Where did Ji Chuxing get the audacity?
How much longer did Bo Yanchen have to live? If she wanted to latch onto someone powerful, she should choose someone more substantial. Who would she rely on after he was gone?
And that Beijing hukou—it was all because Bo Yanchen backed her. How long would others tolerate someone like her who refused to study?
As if sensing something, Bo Yanchen shot Zhou Ru a cold glance. She shivered and quickly climbed into her car, speeding off.
Ji Chuxing was scrolling through food reviews on her phone when she suddenly held it up in front of Bo Yanchen. "Let's eat this!"
The table was laden with desserts. Bo Yanchen smiled. "Let's go."
Ji Chuxing enjoyed a hearty meal. Just as she finished, she received a call from Qin Taizhang.
"Alright, I'll head over now."
Bo Yanchen had already finished eating. "What's going on?"
"The International Security Agency (ISA) is investigating Zhang Bao's case. Director Qin asked me to come take notes."
She already knew that Boss Leopard's full name was Zhang Bao.
Bo Yanchen nodded. "I'll come with you."
When they arrived, Qin Taizhang greeted them personally. He respectfully addressed Bo Yanchen before turning to Ji Chuxing with slight embarrassment. "Miss Ji, thank you for coming. The ISA agents are quite meticulous."
Ji Chuxing nodded, unfazed.
Director Qin felt puzzled. While Zhang Bao's case had indeed drawn ISA attention, it was ultimately just a local power struggle. With his involvement, everything should have been under control. Yet, the ISA had sent someone in person.
The International Security Agency (ISA), independent of any government body, traced its origins back a century—or perhaps even further, though no one knew exactly when it began. Officially, it claimed 30,000 members, but the true number remained unknown. It gathered top military strategists, economists, scientists, and medical experts worldwide, operating independently of any single nation.
Dedicated to global security, peace, and stability, the ISA held authority to judge presidents and monarchs for violating international safety protocols. It was an unchallenged organization wielding unparalleled decision-making power—the king of nations.
When necessary, the world's leading laboratories served them. No one knew the identity of its highest leader, nor had it ever been revealed. Rumors suggested that four years ago, the leadership changed hands, and the new figurehead remained shrouded in mystery.
Public jokes circulated: since the organization's inception, world leaders had attempted to assassinate its leader, but even the world's top assassins never discovered their target.
This time, the visitor was Edward, a special executive officer from the ISA's internal economic security division. Despite his English name, he was Chinese.
Director Qin, facing such a figure for the first time, felt understandably nervous. He even warned Ji Chuxing, fearing the young girl might be intimidated by a legendary figure usually found only in history books.
Ji Chuxing, however, wasn't fazed. In fact, she was curious. This was her first time hearing about such an organization—it intrigued her.
It reminded her of the laboratory in her other world, bearing the responsibility of advancing civilization.
So, when Director Qin saw Ji Chuxing and Edward sizing each other up, both seemingly curious, his worries vanished completely.
In fact, he even admired Ji Chuxing a bit. Not bad for a girl by Second Master Bo's side. She had quite the nerve.
But ten minutes later, Ji Chuxing emerged from the small meeting room with a look of mixed emotions.
Bo Yanchen waited outside. He noticed the little tuft of hair on her head drooping, as if she'd just experienced something absurd.
Bo Yanchen handed her a freshly opened milk tea. "How was it?"
Ji Chuxing took a big sip and finally felt alive again. "A… big oaf."
Bo Yanchen: "…."
Indeed, it was an absurd event. Ji Chuxing herself couldn't understand why a high-ranking official from the ISA, after asking a few serious questions, became curious about her life as a high school student.
Was he underworked? Or were games not fun enough?
In fact, he was more interested in the milk candies in her hand, saying that Zhang Bao owned several confectionery companies, but none of their products tasted as good as hers.
Later, he started discussing the flavors of the milk candies with her—and ended up eating them all!
Ji Chuxing spread her empty hands. "Gone, all eaten."
Bo Yanchen pinched the bridge of his nose, seeming a bit helpless, and then gently squeezed her soft hand. "We'll buy more later."
After a pause, he asked, "He didn't pay, did he?"
Ji Chuxing's eyes widened, as if she'd just remembered, and she turned around to find Edward.
Just then, Edward came out of the small meeting room. Seeing Ji Chuxing, he seemed quite happy. "Let's keep in touch."
Ji Chuxing spread her hands. "The milk candies cost 1,000 yuan!"
Edward's expression faltered for a moment. He glanced at Bo Yanchen, who was quietly sitting in his wheelchair, and hesitantly pulled out his wallet, counting out ten bills with a pained expression.
His miserly behavior made Director Qin wince. He wanted to grab the money for Edward but didn't dare.
This… this? The ISA people were so stingy? They're the king of nations!
Ji Chuxing didn't care. She reached out and grabbed the money, but it wouldn't budge.
Edward was reluctant to let go. "Can we negotiate? Maybe a discount?"
Ji Chuxing: "No discount. Let go, or I'll charge more."
Her milk candies were precious—they were given to her by Bo Yanchen.
Edward reluctantly let go, and Ji Chuxing, satisfied, returned to Bo Yanchen's side, sipping her milk tea.
Director Qin was dumbfounded, but Edward quickly resumed his cool, professional demeanor, telling Director Qin, "The investigation is complete. The relevant evidence is with you. The black goods will be confiscated by the ISA. You can handle the rest as you see fit, but resolve it quickly."
With that, he strode away, and Director Qin inexplicably breathed a sigh of relief.
But Zhang Bao's illegal activities left behind no simple matter. The ISA said they had left key evidence, but it was actually a list of evidence and a mechanical box. They were currently at a loss on how to open the box.
"Director Qin, should we hire a mechanism expert from the Resource Network?"
Mechanisms were an ancient art, and without expertise, they couldn't be solved. Forcibly breaking it would only destroy the contents.
Ji Chuxing finished her last sip of milk tea, and Bo Yanchen took the bottle, tossing it into a nearby trash bin.
She looked at the object in Director Qin's hand and suddenly exclaimed, "Spring and Autumn Lock?"