Chapter 697: Family Reflections and Uncertain Futures
by xennovel“Hmm?”
When his sister summoned her courage to whisper those words, Lu Xin was momentarily taken aback.
In that instant, a peculiar feeling surged within him.
It was a blend of warmth from his sister’s compassionate glance and the intrigue her words sparked.
There was even a slight chill as she cast a strange look toward the top of his head…
…Then, an interesting thought suddenly struck him.
His family, as he saw them, remained unseen by others yet existed in living, breathing reality.
So, what does he look like through their eyes?
Troubled by the question, Lu Xin chose not to respond to his sister.
He stayed silent, even subconsciously reaching up to his head—only to find nothing there.
When he looked up again, he saw his sister, head bowed in fear but still clutching his hand.
Meanwhile, Mom and Father exchanged looks that carried both a hint of reproach and subtle threat.
A vague confusion suddenly took root in Lu Xin’s heart…
………
………
“Don’t ever say things like that again.”
The atmosphere in the room once more grew heavy and oppressive.
A gentle smile spread across Mom’s face as she took Lu Xin’s other hand and softly said, “Some things remain unknowable to others, but family understands. We know you’ve been striving so hard every day…”
“Carrying such a heavy burden.”
As she spoke, she looked deeply into his eyes, her gaze drifting to the top of his head. With a soft sigh and a glimmer of sorrow, she whispered, “In this world, some shout about chasing dreams, justice, or ideals—and they are truly remarkable. Yet there are those for whom simply living a healthy life is an achievement in itself.”
“That doesn’t make life any easier, but it is something to be proud of.”
“……”
Lu Xin’s hand was held between his sister and Mom, while Father sat a little apart.
Glancing around, he downed a sip of alcohol and murmured, “I must admit, you’re pretty impressive.”
After a while, Lu Xin slowly lifted his head.
Looking at his sister, he noticed her furtive glances, filled with worry and a hint of fear.
His eyes then landed on Mom, whose face radiated true warmth and understanding.
He glanced at Father, who was covering his face, leaving his expression unreadable…
A complex array of emotions welled up inside him.
He didn’t know how his family saw him, or what they observed in that odd spot above his head.
Yet at times he could clearly sense an invisible, but unbearably heavy pressure upon him.
It was as if the weight of the entire world rested on his shoulders…
This feeling was ineffable, relieved only during rare, special moments.
It was like a monkey pinned under a mountain—occasionally able to push it aside, only for the pressure to return as soon as it relaxed.
Though lately, things had been much better.
“Phew…”
At least in that moment, looking at his family, Lu Xin felt considerably lighter.
“Perhaps this is a form of perseverance after all…”
He smiled and remarked, “But no matter what, there’s always room to try a little harder, isn’t there?”
“I’ve been thinking—maybe I could take some initiative to ease the burden a bit…”
“……”
“A little more effort…”
Seeing the smile on Lu Xin’s face, his family visibly relaxed.
Lost in thought, Mom suddenly looked at him and said, “Why don’t you hurry up and get married and have kids?”
“Pfft…”
Lu Xin quickly covered his mouth, trying to shield his sister.
With wide, alarmed eyes, he looked at Mom and asked, “What on earth?”
“Why the big reaction?”
Mom gave him a reproachful look and replied, “It’s a sound piece of advice. Once you’re married with kids, you’ll start to understand the world better, appreciate life, and have a stronger foothold for change…”
“Besides, you’re not getting any younger…”
“……”
The more she talked, the merrier she became, lightly covering her mouth with a laugh, “And as for a partner, we do have options, don’t we?”
“They might be a bit naive, but their status fits, and the betrothal gift is negotiable…”
Lu Xin, almost on autopilot, followed the thought for a moment before suddenly shaking his head in alarm.
“This doesn’t add up—my career isn’t stable yet. How am I supposed to support a family?”
His eyes subtly reproached Mom for casually dragging matchmaking into a serious discussion.
Meanwhile, his sister and Father, seated to the side, remained silent and astonished.
“Sigh, what a pity…”
Noticing Lu Xin’s firm stance, Mom shook her head regretfully, “If you don’t agree…”
She furrowed her brow slightly and softly suggested, “Then perhaps you should look for someone more professional to help you out?”
“Someone more professional?”
Lu Xin listened, a touch of surprise in his voice.
“Yes.”
Mom smiled and said softly, “Aren’t you employed at the Qinggang Special Pollution Cleanup Department?”
“After all, you’re classified as a Level Six Special Talent in Qinggang. When you signed your contract, it clearly stated that you have a duty to help Qinggang resolve special pollution incidents—and in return, Qinggang pays you and does everything it can to guide and elevate you, right?”
“So why not let them lend you a hand?”
“……”
“Well…”
Lu Xin was momentarily stunned.
He had never even considered this possibility…
………
………
The next day, Lu Xin slept in, staying in bed until exactly eight in the morning.
He even lingered for an extra thirty seconds before finally getting up.
After first going to the company to cancel his leave and then chatting with Han Bing over the phone about other issues, he paused to think.
Honestly, he used to head straight to the company.
But now, with a hundred million yet to be recovered from the Research Institute and a mountain of debt weighing him down…
The small business he worked for, earning just a few thousand a month, hardly made an impression…
…Better postpone it until tomorrow.
Coincidentally, Han Bing called just as it was nearly time for work, inquiring about the disappearance of the old building.
Earlier, Lu Xin had promised Chen Jing he would explain the details to Han Bing over the phone.
“The disappearance of the old building is linked to the ‘Pale Hand’ in the Thirteen Ultimates.”
Lu Xin carefully explained the matter to Han Bing.
On the other end, Han Bing picked up her pen, ready to take notes. After a long pause, the silence was finally broken.
Curiously, she asked, “And then?”
“That’s all I know…”
Lu Xin continued, “I only know it’s connected to the Pale Hand. I don’t have much more information…”
“That’s it?”
Han Bing stared blankly at the four words ‘Pale Hand’ scrawled on her paper, clearly flummoxed.
“It almost seems like he should have written a full report instead.”
“But these days, I have some other matters that need your help.”
Lu Xin said earnestly.
Han Bing quickly refocused, “Mr. Single Soldier, go ahead.”
“First, it’s about a payment from the Research Institute.”
Lu Xin hurriedly explained, “This reward is tied to a mission issued by the Research Institute for the Hell-Making Project in the Flame City of the Chaos Zone. Normally, not everyone at the Research Institute can take on such tasks, but after I encountered Investigator Xia Chong and her team, and learned they needed help, I participated at their request and resolved it.”
“Theoretically, this mission—worth a hundred million—is mine. So the reward rightfully belongs to me.”
“Investigator Xia Chong and even Scalpels have agreed. When needed, please keep an eye out for me…”
“……”
“That’s so detailed…”
Han Bing listened intently as Lu Xin spoke, jotting down key phrases—especially that ‘hundred million’ figure. After a few seconds of silent contemplation, she quickly began planning in her mind…
If memory served correctly, the previous pollution incident in Heichao City only netted a few million.
So, a hundred million for Flame City…
She shivered slightly, determined to report to Team Leader Chen Jing immediately and urge further investigation.
Does Flame City still exist?
………
“I’ve taken note. Anything else?”
Han Bing’s tone grew serious, laden with gravity.
“Yes, what about the two million from when we helped Investigator Xia Chong capture the Hell’s Messenger—shouldn’t we follow up on that too?”
Lu Xin replied, “Forget the interest—we’re friends.”
“……”
Han Bing agreed, “Noted.”
Lu Xin continued, “And what about the funds for renovations? How much is still owed, and how should we settle it…”
“Sigh, please calculate it for me and let me know.”
“……”
“Alright.”
Han Bing agreed, noting to herself, “Speaking of which, Mr. Single Soldier’s mood seems rather down.”
“Besides, it appears he not only owes money to the Special Cleaning Department, but also three million to Doll…”
For some reason, she hesitated to mention that detail.
“Finally…”
After some thought, Lu Xin concluded, “Just one more small matter.”
Han Bing, as always, responded seriously, “Mr. Single Soldier, please go ahead.”
Lu Xin continued, “I’d like to arrange a comprehensive checkup at the Qinggang Special Pollution Cleanup Department. Can you find out how much it would cost?”
“Certainly…”
Han Bing jotted down the details, then paused in confusion, “A checkup?”
“Yes.”
“What kind of checkup are we talking about?”
“I mean a full-body one—checking blood pressure, heart and lung, and ideally also a bit of brain and mental assessment…”
“……”
Han Bing was momentarily stunned, hardly believing her ears.
When she spoke again, her voice trembled slightly, “Mr. Single Soldier, are you really willing to have the Special Cleaning Department examine you?”
“Yes.”
Lu Xin said, “As a Level Six Special Talent in Qinggang, shouldn’t I be entitled to a complimentary checkup?”
“Yes, absolutely…”
Normally, as the Information and Liaison Specialist, Han Bing didn’t have the authority to promise anything on his behalf.
But at that moment, she couldn’t help nodding repeatedly.
She quickly reconfirmed whether Lu Xin definitely wanted the Special Cleaning Department to conduct a thorough physical and mental assessment, and after receiving his confirmation, she immediately ended the call and dialed another number.
Moments later, telephones across the Qinggang Special Cleaning Department began ringing in unison, like an alarm.
Clattering…
Soon, the sound of numerous experts and researchers hurrying to the rooftop meeting room filled the air.
Followed by the whir of spiraling rotors as leaders from other departments rushed over.
………
………
“Were we once saved by someone who rescued the galaxy in a past life?”
Professor Bai, moderating the meeting, even wore an unusually animated expression as he declared, “For us, the secret behind Mr. Single Soldier far surpasses all the mysterious cases and research puzzles our Cleanup Department has accumulated over the past three years. But out of respect for his wishes and Qinggang City’s risk mitigation policies, we dare not investigate him…”
“We have even completely ceased monitoring him.”
“Yet now, he’s actually asked us for a full checkup?”
“………”
“So then…”
Someone trembled as they asked, “Should we examine him or not?”
“Examine him!”
Professor Bai, his excitement bordering on intensity, declared, “Conduct a thorough examination. Count every hair on his head, and even determine the odds of him having a son or a daughter in the future…”