Chapter 56: Training and Perks

Before the training officially began Lu Xin knew about Special Pollution, he’d even personally experienced it three times, but he hadn’t yet formed a systematic understanding. Especially after the still unexplained 041 Special Pollution Incident, it made him feel that perhaps even the Special Pollution Cleanup Department’s research in this area wasn’t fully comprehensive.

The most terrifying aspect of mysterious incidents is their inexplicability.

Fortunately the charming thing about this group was their constant effort to find explanations.

During this training Lu Xin began to truly delve into and systematically understand the categories of these Special Pollutions. Although somewhat surprised by the vastness and complexity of the information, it at least provided a pathway into this mysterious world.

Though the presence of his family offered Lu Xin companionship, his own situation still troubled him. Several times he had tried to figure out what exactly happened to him, but each attempt yielded no answers, and he gradually grew accustomed to the uncertainty.

Now having the opportunity to systematically and deeply engage with this knowledge rekindled a faint glimmer of hope within him.

Perhaps one day he could figure out what happened to him on his own?

This gave him some motivation.

Of course besides this reason, being trained was something to be thankful for in itself.

If they were merely using him they probably wouldn’t bother teaching him so much.

Training him meant they valued him.

Compared to this the fact that the Security Hall’s dinner included chicken legs seemed rather trivial.

…

…

From that day on the training continued.

After that day Lu Xin would arrive punctually every day. Besides the three hours he spent listening attentively and asking Han Bing questions, he would use the remaining time to organize his thoughts and take notes. Sometimes he would even try discussing things with Han Bing, analyzing unresolved Special Pollution Incidents and speculating on certain aspects.

However Gecko hadn’t appeared again in the following days.

Lu Xin asked Han Bing and learned that Gecko was primarily responsible for familiarizing him with field missions. In other words he was also training Lu Xin but focused more on practical application while Han Bing focused more on theoretical knowledge.

It seemed meeting Gecko wasn’t so easy when there were no cleanup missions.

Lu Xin felt it was quite a shame.

He felt somewhat guilty towards Gecko for leaving without saying goodbye last time and thought about apologizing when they met again.

Hopefully he could forgive him.

…

…

By actively participating in the training Lu Xin naturally no longer had time for patrols.

Even at the company he couldn’t work overtime anymore, only ensuring he diligently handled his tasks during work hours.

Fortunately the company’s business was progressing quite smoothly.

As Lu Xin himself began conducting in-depth market research the materials Brother Zhang submitted quickly became much more detailed and authentic. The project soon got on the right track. One day as work was about to end Brother Zhang even came sneakily to Lu Xin’s cubicle, smiled, placed an envelope on his desk and said, “Little Lu, this is the uh… from the manufacturer…”

Lu Xin was a bit surprised he called him “Little Lu”. He hadn’t been promoted yet.

He picked up the envelope and looked inside; it contained about a month’s salary.

He understood this was a kickback from the manufacturer during procurement and it should be a carefully calculated portion allocated to him.

So he nodded and smiled, “Brother Zhang, you’ve worked hard!”

“Haha not at all, it’s much more satisfying working with Little Lu!”

Brother Zhang left smiling and suggested treating Lu Xin to dinner.

However Lu Xin declined saying he’d treat next time, then watched Brother Zhang leave.

Afterward he looked at the envelope on the desk and couldn’t help but sigh softly.

He was starting to get kickbacks too…

While feeling emotional he also felt a bit uneasy. Would this affect his candidacy for Model Employee?

This doubt quickly vanished the next day.

At noon the Director happily came over calling Lu Xin for a smoke, revealing yellowed teeth as he smiled, “Little Lu ah, you did very well on this project. I was initially worried since it’s your first time leading a project you might lack experience but you handled it very well! The client from the Main City has already sent an email expressing affirmation of our work and is prepared to continue cooperating.”

Lu Xin could only humbly reply, “It’s what I should do!”

“By the way for this month’s Model Employee, I reckon no one can compete with you!”

The Director seemed very pleased, and Lu Xin was somewhat overjoyed hearing this.

He used to work very hard staying late for overtime so getting Model Employee wasn’t surprising. But now even though he rarely worked overtime the company was still considering awarding it to him which was very gratifying.

It seemed hard work really did pay off eventually.

The Director seemed to strongly agree. As he was finishing his cigarette he asked casually:

“Also that… Little Lu, are you still bringing a gun to work lately?”

“Yes I am!”

Lu Xin nodded answering honestly, “And the bullets are all full, Director you don’t need to worry about me!”

“Heh heh no worries no worries…”

The Director’s expression clearly changed then he chuckled dryly, “Keep up the good work, next month I’ll apply to the company to promote you to department head!”

“Thank you Director!”

Lu Xin sincerely thanked the Director.

Not only considering him for Model Employee but even planning to promote him?

At this moment Lu Xin felt his years of diligent work attitude had finally paid off.

Grateful for his current life.

…

…

After finishing the training course Lu Xin took the last subway train home.

He went up the dark stairs. Apartment 401 felt very warm and quiet.

Seeing no lights on in the room Lu Xin knew Mom was out again.

In the silent room the light was dim only the glow from the neon lights outside shone through the glass casting blurry and shifting shadows on the floor. From the street below the sounds of drunken laughter or crying occasionally drifted into the room.

Passing the kitchen he could see a mountain-like dark figure through the translucent frosted glass.

It almost filled the kitchen rising and falling with slow heavy snores.

That was Father sleeping.

From the gap near the ceiling by the door Sister’s murmuring voice drifted down softly singing:

“Little doll is so scared,”

“Looking for mommy after dark, searching everywhere but can’t see,”

“Where did mommy go!”

“……”

“Little doll don’t be scared,”

“The crow on the tree told her, mommy is right beside you,”

“She’s smiling right at you!”

“……”

Lu Xin gently closed the door a faint smile appearing on his face.

Sister sang off-key.