novelraw Chapter 886 - 475: Life and Death, Father and Son
Chapter 886 - 475: Life and Death, Father and Son
"Any job that can make ends meet is fine. Although I don't want to brag, I still have confidence in the kids I've taught."
"Huh?"
Ji Jue was stunned.
He'd rolled up his sleeves, ready to head to Thousand Islands, but unexpectedly, the elder was here to arrange a job for his child... But, a child?
Are you sure?
This guy, with his scruffy beard and a face full of hardships, looks older than me, right?
How did I suddenly move up a generation?
Yu Shu lowered his gaze, humbly bowing his head, humble and calm, with not the slightest discontent or resistance, following the arrangement.
How to put it, some people just look competent, giving others a sense of reliability and trustworthiness. He's like that, not exactly handsome, but very approachable.
Just like a kindergarten uncle.
However, it seemed like something was missing.
The members of the Chongguang Sect all wore decorations, but the badge at his chest's neckline was missing, only a pinhole remained in its place.
Ji Jue vaguely guessed something, but he didn't ask more questions, just nodded.
"Alright, no problem!"
He decisively nodded, "Since the elder introduced him, there's no need to waste time on an interview. Is there anything you're good at?"
"Surgery, first aid, I have a doctorate from Nanlin University and a medical license. Besides that, I know a bit of the Empire's and Central Earth's languages, and I've done plenty of coordination and planning in the sect, so administrative work is no problem for me."
Yu Shu responded, "Additionally, not long ago, I participated in the Upper-level Summoning ceremony and, by luck, passed. It's the Vortex System, and the Matrix is Echo."
Wow—
What a talent!
Ji Jue's eyes lit up. Just like Tianmen, Nanlin is also one of the five major universities in the Empire, and its medical achievements are even better. Achieving a doctorate at this age, along with a medical license, clearly shows that he is at the top of his game in terms of intelligence and learning. Furthermore, working on coordination and planning in the Chongguang Sect is definitely on a hellish difficulty level... Despite the low pay and the many tasks, being able to maintain order and become the elder's assistant means he's got some serious management skills.
And he's even a healer!
This is not just any child; obviously, the elder is bringing out a well-raised Pokémon of his own.
Could it be time to kick that quack Xie Lan to the side and become self-sufficient?
"Then there's no problem. I'll get in touch with Yan Gong and Mr. Gou. For now, we'll avoid assigning a fixed position. You can check out Coastal Industry and Messenger Logistics, familiarize yourself with both, and we'll talk in detail once that's sorted."
Ji Jue nodded without hesitation, grabbing hold of the situation and quickly handling it.
Deal secured!
Once Yu Shu temporarily left, Ji Jue looked at the elder who had been silent for a long time.
"Can you tell me the reason?"
Such a good assistant and junior, anywhere else he'd be treasured. It can't be that abruptly, he'll just give back to society, contributing to the Federation, right?
"He committed the crime of murder, and is no longer tolerated by the Holy Spirit. The church cannot allow him to stay," the elder lowered his gaze. "I know this is cruel, harsh, and unfair, but that's the commandment."
Even though the situation demands it.
But aren't commandments meant to restrain oneself?
Once broken, they can never be renewed.
Lost once, lost forever.
"Moreover, he can't get over it himself."
The elder glanced at the place where Yu Shu had left, and sighed silently, "Once a person becomes doubtful within themselves, they can no longer find answers or direction. Instead of aimlessly wandering in confusion, it's better to quietly find a place to stay."
"He needs a bit of time, a safe harbor, a place where he can figure out what he really wants."
The elder earnestly said, "The Coast is a great place, so please be sure not to disdain it."
"What are you talking about? No talent will remain buried anywhere, and here, he is practically a Saint."
Ji Jue shook his head in appreciation, "You really are a good father, elder."
The elder was silent for a moment before finally giving a self-deprecating smile:
"I really wish I were."
.
.
By the time he left Coastal Industry, it was already afternoon.
Ji Jue invited the elder to have a meal together, right in Coastal Industry's own cafeteria, which wasn't extravagant but had enough dishes and soup, simple and sufficient.
The host and guest were both very happy.
"Alright, let's leave it here."
Just in front of the newly built station, in the chaos of the crowd and convoy, the elder turned around, taking one final look at his assistant, "Panpan is pregnant, so she can't travel with you. She's at Jici Hospital for now. With so many people in the sect taking care of her, there shouldn't be any oversight."
Once you stand on your own feet, when the child is born, whatever plans you and your wife make for the future is up to you.
Yu Shu gratefully nodded, "Thank you, father."
"I already said, don't thank me."
The elder sighed, turned back, and glanced at the construction site in the distance, shrouded in dust, towards the direction of Coastal Industry, and suddenly said, "I know you're confused and wavering inside, and also know you harbor hatred and resentment, but it's okay. You make mistakes when you strive for your best, that is inevitable. We are not Saints, we all have stray thoughts, though they can't be avoided, they must be controlled, and not let loose."
"I understand," Yu Shu nodded.
The elder continued, "Mr. Ji is a righteous man, you should learn from him. If you have anything you don't understand or find unclear, you can ask him."
"Father..." Yu Shu's expression was complex, wanting to say something but hesitated.
The elder's lips curled into a slight, knowing smile, like someone who can see through your heart, "…But does he capture slaves, press for debts, domineer in the wilderness, creating endless karma?"
Yu Shu was silent.
"That's why I say, he is a righteous man, Xiao Shu. Did he do these things for himself?"
The elder shook his head and sighed, "In this world, doing good and wielding a knife, people like me can only choose one.
No, I should say, out of fear of trouble, scared of others' scrutiny and consequences, we crave an honorable process for self-comfort, a way of surviving, even if hesitating in ambivalence, deceiving oneself."
"Unable to stand the thought of your child facing danger, yet unwilling to let go of a lifetime's work, torn between decisiveness and hesitation."
"I don't want you to thank me because I am very ashamed, I don't deserve it…
Otherwise, I should be the first to contact Chen Xingzhou, really act like a father, grab the knife and go out to sea, without hesitation, to save my child."
Yu Shu raised his head, about to argue, but was stopped by the elder's gaze.
Not allowed to interrupt him.
"—But, there are people who don't need any results.
They don't care about evaluations, need no gratitude, and aren't entangled by things that frighten you and me. They only care if their actions align with their own rules, even if the sky might fall."
Now, do you understand?"
Yu Shu was silent.
"Stay here, and when you have the courage to tell others about what happened, come see me again."
The elder finally instructed him, "You can continue doing good; whether to wield a knife is up to you."
"Yes," Yu Shu bowed his head.
The elder's expression was stern, as if he wanted to say more, but he stood there, opening his mouth but stopping, and after a while, just reached out to adjust Yu Shu's collar.
"Don't forget what the mammas taught you," he said softly, "Work hard."
"Mhm."
Yu Shu nodded again, his eyes red.
With that, the elder turned and left.
The slightly heavy robe fluttered in the wind, draping over his frame, faintly revealing a thin outline.
Going farther and farther, never to be seen again.
Yu Shu stood there for a long time, watching the cars come and go, people coming and going.
After a long time, he turned towards the scorching sun, moving against the crowd, towards the factories on the Coast.
The sun cast its light on him, stretching his shadow to point towards his father's direction.