Chapter 202: Unexpected Turns at the Ceremony

Old Chen really has a keen eye for talent…

Happiness always comes unexpectedly.

As Chen Kailai lost himself in his wandering thoughts, a hearty laugh rang in his ear.

He turned to see Military Department Vice Chairman Fang Hao, grinning warmly, approaching with a group of high-ranking officials. The space on the dais, once not so prominent, was suddenly flooded with senior figures, leaving no room at all.

The gathered Third-Stage mid-level fighters were immediately taken aback.

None of them knew Chen Kailai, but every one of them recognized Fang Hao. How could such an influential figure be among them?

Contrary to their assumptions.

Chen Kailai stared blankly at Fang Hao before him, his heart tightening suddenly. Realizing what was happening, he quickly extended his hand, determined not to show any disrespect.

My dear boy—he had only ever dreamed of being at Commander Chen’s level. He never imagined that someone like Fang Hao would come seeking him out.

This big shot was supposed to be his superior’s superior, after all…

A keen eye, huh?

It seemed he had come because of Yenir.

“Oh, no, you flatter me…”

“It’s all thanks to that remarkably gifted child Yenir. The moment I saw him, I knew he was destined for greatness!”

Chen Kailai replied with a touch of humility, though a cold sweat broke out on his back.

He knew that these people were only initiating conversation because, according to intelligence, he was the first to discover Yenir!

But only he knew the truth.

He wasn’t blessed with any discerning insight at all—his own son had simply gotten lucky and caught Yenir’s attention. All talk of deliberate nurturing was pure nonsense.

“Chen, you’re being too modest.”

“Had it not been for your recommendation and protection of Yenir, China might have lost a future commander!”

Fang Hao said with a gentle smile, clearly aiming to strengthen his connections with Yenir’s inner circle. Although his status didn’t require such gestures, he genuinely admired Yenir and secretly intended to back him.

As for Chen Kailai, Fang Hao had also reviewed his background.

Though Chen was not particularly strong or high-ranking—worthy of recognition in a small region but nearly insignificant in the Capital—

his long military career and the contributions he made to the nation had not gone unnoticed. Helping him get a little boost would also lend Yenir some credibility.

Chen Kailai’s heart pounded as he listened to the hints Fang Hao casually dropped, leaving him dizzy with confusion.

A future commander!?

They had speculated that the First Sequence might be China’s reserve pool for the next top general. But that was only a guess! Becoming one of the Four Commanders was a long, arduous path—a feat not achieved without remarkable merit and extensive support!

In short, the First Sequence had that potential, but…

He never imagined that, judging by Fang Hao’s words, Yenir—who had just arrived in the Capital a few days ago—would receive such high praise from the top brass!

What on earth was going on here? In a haze, Chen Kailai felt like an onlooker left out of the feast.

His lips trembled. Overwhelmed by the shock of the breaking news, he felt momentarily lost.

No wonder today’s ceremony was such a grand affair—it seemed the Authorities were about to drop a bombshell!

Bitter and envious.

The Third-Stage mid-level fighters, crowded to the side, watched Chen Kailai with envious eyes, wishing they could take his place.

They had heard that before joining the Capital, Yenir’s resources were provided by Chen Kailai. But how many Second-Stage fighters could such resources support? If they truly knew the terrifying potential Yenir possessed, they’d even sacrifice their dignity to serve him!

“Someone, bring Commander Chen’s seat forward!”

“Who arranged this? It’s unacceptable to treat him this way!”

………

As the twenty-one ceremonial cannon shots rang out, the event officially began.

Silence fell over the hall.

On the dais, accompanied by several top officials, Li Xuanguo slowly stepped onto the podium.

The atmosphere was solemn and dignified. Many senior officials who understood the significance of the cannon shots had a glimmer of something unusual in their eyes.

Twenty-one shots—that’s a state honor.

At the same time, Chen Kailai, Xiao Hai, Wang Tian, and others—now moved to the front row—exchanged excited glances and felt immensely relieved. Looking at the young man standing at the head of the sequence, they shared a silent sigh.

They had always believed Yenir would shine brightly and eventually repay them abundantly.

But they never expected the rewards to arrive so quickly—it almost felt like a dream…

If before, being one of Yenir’s ‘supporters’ had been acceptable, the three of them were now utterly committed to following him to the end.

“Bzzzz…”

After the booming broadcast system was fine-tuned, Li Xuanguo, his expression grave, began to speak from the dais.

“Fellow citizens, comrades, and representatives from afar…”

“After half a century since the apocalypse, I speak today on behalf of our people, the Central Authority… the Political Department…”

…..

“I hereby announce that the Fire Seed Plan Award Ceremony is now in session!”

Thunderous applause erupted.

After Li Xuanguo stepped down from the podium, the official in charge of the Fire Seed Plan took over the proceedings.

“First, please welcome the forty-nine Sequence Awakeners to the stage for their awards!”

“Sequence 49 – Lin Nianrou, please step forward!”

Awards were presented beginning with the last recipient in the sequence.

From the lineup, a girl, about the same age as Yenir, stepped forward in excitement.

Originally a reserve of the Fire Seed Plan with strength equivalent to a high-level Second-Stage fighter,

strictly speaking, she wasn’t among the chosen ones.

But thanks to Yenir eliminating many in the sequence, she, who was once a substitute, was miraculously selected. Perhaps all the prodigies in the Fire Seed Plan now feared Yenir, even feeling jealousy and resentment.

Yet, as a substitute, she could only steal a glance at the young man at the front of the queue, her eyes filled with gratitude.

Her family elders had told her that their fortune this time was entirely thanks to Yenir’s influence. Especially for her…

She dared only one quick look, not enough to linger.

The girl secretly eyed Yenir, and an odd thought crept into her mind.

He was quite handsome—definitely not as terrifying as the rumors suggested…

No one paid much attention to Lin Nianrou, who was the first to step up. Meanwhile, the thousands of high-ranking officials and Third-Stage mid-level fighters watching from the dais were lost in their own thoughts.

All eyes instinctively turned toward the sequence formation, toward Yenir standing at the very front.

They knew that a simple ranking release for the Fire Seed Plan didn’t warrant such a grand display. Once the rankings were announced, the Military would likely have even bigger news to share.

All they wanted to know now was what reward the Military had in store.

“Lin Nianrou, Sequence 49! You are granted B-Level access! Enjoy a monthly allowance of 60,000 Credit Points, along with a B-Level resource allocation and battalion-level treatment…”

…

“Sequence 37… Zhao Zheng, please step forward!”

…