novelraw Chapter 80, Is He Worth So Much?!
Chapter 80, Is He Worth So Much?!
Chapter 80, Is He Worth So Much?!
April 1, 2025
The room was silent.
The owner here seemed too shocked to express himself in words.
However, his changing eyes and expressions conveyed intense emotional fluctuations.
Pei Jun, sitting not far away, was now troubled by his over-proficiency in reading expressions. He seemed to have deciphered from Wen Gu's face—
"What the heck," "Big brother, are you alright," "What kind of surprise attack is this," "You're being unfair," "How could you even ask me this," "Never have I met such a shameless person"...
Foreman Wen, who had always been gentle and amiable, seemed to be enraged.
But Pei Jun's intention to poach people was very firm.
The Patrol Division was established less than two years ago and was in dire need of talent. Especially someone like Little Liu, who possessed a specific skill, was particularly practical in the current climate.Young, skilled in archery, highly malleable, and having proven his self-preservation abilities and awareness of protection on his journey from the south to the north, he already surpassed many. And he could also train flying creatures!
Pei Jun had always been decisive. If he saw talented individuals, he would recruit them to the Patrol Division as soon as possible!
Yesterday, he simply went back to re-verify Little Liu's identity information, and there were no issues. Today, he came to Jingxing District to ask Wen Gu for the person.
After the silence, Wen Gu finally took action.
He raised his hand, gestured in the air around him, and said to Pei Jun:
"As you traveled here, you've seen what Jingxing District is like. It's all under construction, with a lot of things to do. Little Liu is responsible for important district fire prevention patrols and anomaly monitoring."
Pei Jun calmly replied, "We can find someone to take over."
Wen Gu sternly questioned, "I only have a few people I can use here. How can you have the nerve to poach people from us poor households?!"
The phrase "poor households" almost made Pei Jun's serious and steady facial expression crack.
He really wanted to retort, "How do you have the face to say that!"
No Foreman would dare to directly curse the Chief Officer of the Patrol Division, established by the Zhao family.
Even those with connections wouldn't dare.
But Wen Gu's status was too special, and he was still a capable individual with connections.
Pei Jun took a breath.
He calmed down.
He understood Wen Gu's main point.
He was short-handed.
Little Liu was also personally trained by Wen Gu, a close comrade through hardship, and a trusted person. Wen Gu didn't want to let him go.
Pei Jun's knuckles tapped on the table, his voice still calm, "But keeping him in this small Jingxing District is a waste of his talent. His abilities cannot be fully utilized. If you are doing this for his own good..."
Wen Gu interrupted, "I also hope he has a brighter future, but I am truly short of people here!"
"We can transfer two injured and retired personnel from the Patrol Division to your Jingxing District. Although they can no longer serve in the Patrol Division due to their injuries, they are unparalleled in defense and vigilance. They can handle affairs within the districts with ease. Other districts also have them, and if you don't believe me, you can ask."
When the Patrol Division was established, they selected elite soldiers from the border armies, either outstanding in combat or skilled in other areas.
Some of them had to leave due to injuries and disabilities that prevented them from continuing their duties in the Patrol Division.
The injured and retired personnel from the Patrol Division were originally assigned to various districts to assist with public security matters or were arranged by the Zhao family to serve as stewards in important workshops.
Having retired members enter the market districts also allowed the Patrol Division to grasp any anomalies in the districts immediately.
The newly established Jingxing District and Qingyun District should have also received personnel transfers, but these two districts were quite special and did not immediately receive them.
Now, it was a good opportunity.
Pei Jun thought so, but then he heard Wen Gu scoff:
"Two people are the basic allocation for each district. Moreover, what can two people do?"
"Little Liu is only one person."
"Did you forget there's also a bird in the sky?"
"...Then add one more person."
"Since there is no sincerity, please go back!"
Another back and forth ensued.
Pei Jun increased the number to five people.
But Wen Gu insisted that he had two districts, so it must be double!
Pei Jun: We don't have that many people.
Wen Gu: Please go back!
Finally, Pei Jun agreed to transfer ten people to Wen Gu. Among them were six injured and retired personnel from the Patrol Division, and four from the Xiànsòu Army and City Defense Army.
"Patrol Officer Pei, please go back first. I'll talk to him. Whether he goes to the Patrol Division depends on his own wishes," Wen Gu said.
Pei Jun glanced over.
Wen Gu, looking troubled, supported his forehead with his hand: "I know Patrol Officer Pei is a man of action, and he won't waste too much of your time. We will finalize this before the district gate closes this evening!"
Hearing this, Pei Jun didn't stay any longer. He had other affairs to attend to and left soon after.
Only Wen Gu remained in the room.
"Tsk."
Pei Jun was indeed efficient. He met yesterday and came to ask for people today.
Things were proceeding smoothly in the direction Wen Gu had envisioned.
Zhou Shan had served as a County Lieutenant, but due to a change in circumstances, he now valued his family more and desired a stable life, preferring to stay within the district.
As for Little Liu, he had come for his future prospects and still had ambitions; he couldn't be contained. However, neither the City Defense Army nor the Xiànsòu Army could fully utilize his strengths.
The Patrol Division was still the best option.
As for the injured and retired personnel Pei Jun was transferring.
Others might see them as spies or an intrusion, but Wen Gu didn't care. If they were used well, it could save a lot of trouble.
The retired personnel from the Patrol Division not only possessed strength but also retained their connections and networks. The influence of the elite soldiers from the founding period should not be underestimated!
Later, when Wanfu Garden was built and became bustling, those who relied on their status and tried to cause trouble would have to be more cautious.
At this time, at the entrance of Jingqing Alley.
Little Liu and the members responsible for maintaining public order in the district finished their patrol and gathered to chat.
"I heard a leader in the City Defense Army is on vacation recently and went to buy a jar of wine to enjoy at home!"
This made those who were craving alcohol extremely envious.
Currently, brewing wine with rice was prohibited. The wines available for purchase were either old stocks, fruit wines, or... illicit private goods. Regardless of the type of wine, the price was very high.
Ordinary soldiers couldn't afford it, and they could afford it even less.
"However, when Wanfu Garden is built and many distinguished guests come into the district, and we receive more rewards, maybe we'll have enough money to buy wine!" someone said.
"Hah, even if we have money by then, we'll build houses first. It's uncomfortable not to drink, but not having our own house is even more unsettling!"
Little Liu wasn't fixated on wine, he was just envious of the City Defense Army leader they mentioned.
That was also an official position, with a salary and status. It was his goal to strive for!
However, he was still young. As He Da had said, staying by Foreman Wen's side would always present opportunities.
Jingxing District was changing every day. If he could achieve some merit next year when the economy warmed up, perhaps Foreman Wen could find him an opportunity to join the City Defense Army as a minor leader...
Little Liu couldn't help but grin.
"What are you thinking about? Grinning like that?" someone beside him nudged him with their elbow.
"Hehe, dreaming, having sweet dreams!"
Just as Little Liu was about to continue, he heard someone call out, "Little Liu! The Foreman wants you!"
Little Liu didn't bother to chat anymore, greeted them, and ran towards the district.
Nobody paid much attention. The Foreman would often summon someone to give instructions.
Little Liu quickly ran to the office.
"Foreman, you called for me?"
"Yes, I have a question for you. How is your literacy progressing recently?" Wen Gu asked.
"I can recognize all the characters in the newspaper!" Little Liu replied cautiously.
With his foundation, his literacy progressed more easily than He Da's, but he could recognize many characters in the newspaper, but couldn't understand them when they were put together.
Wen Gu didn't press further. He directly said, "Patrol Officer Pei came by just now."
Little Liu knew about this. He had met him yesterday too. He looked like a very serious person.
Wen Gu looked at him, "Patrol Officer Pei intends to recruit you into the Patrol Division. What are your thoughts?"
Little Liu: "...Ah?!"
His eyes widened, and he looked stunned.
Wen Gu patiently repeated himself.
Little Liu shouted in shock, "Me? Worthy of that?!"
"..."
Wen Gu's train of thought was almost interrupted by this remark.
He looked at Little Liu speechlessly.
"What makes you think you're not worthy?" Wen Gu asked.
"This..."
Little Liu opened his mouth, not knowing what to say.
He had just been bragging to others, only daring to fantasize about the City Defense Army. How could he dare to dream of the Patrol Division!
What kind of place was the Patrol Division?
It was founded by the head of the Zhao family, and all personnel there were trusted confidants! They had special privileges when handling cases!
If Wen Gu hadn't told him, he would have thought others were playing a joke on him.
But Wen Gu wouldn't lie about such things, and that Patrol Officer Pei had indeed visited earlier...
Little Liu felt as if his blood was boiling, emitting steam.
If it weren't inappropriate, he would have run a few laps outside right now to calm down.
He stammered, seeking confirmation from Wen Gu: "So, I'm actually going to be an official?"
"Not an official position for now, you'll just be working under Patrol Officer Pei. But as long as you perform well, it's only a matter of time," Wen Gu said.
Little Liu was no longer ignorant. He understood what kind of position a Chief Officer of the Patrol Division held. Working under such a person was better than having a title.
He had heard from He Da that for people of their humble background with no connections, the most important thing when aiming to become an official was not how high the official position was, but who they worked for!
Wen Gu told him, "If you join now, you'll be an auxiliary staff member, not a formal employee. There's also an observation period..."
That is to say, an internship.
Wen Gu also explained the treatment and allowances of the Patrol Division. These were practical matters, and he had specifically asked Pei Jun.
After becoming a formal employee, two meals would be provided, the Patrol Division had its own dedicated canteen, and they would be equipped with clothing, armor, and a horse.
Accommodation was not included, but the salary was high. They could choose to rent lodgings at the guards' quarters, which was more convenient and cost-effective. If they didn't want to live in the guards' quarters, they could use their monthly salary to rent a place.
"Do you have such intentions?"
"Yes! I'm willing to go!" Little Liu was afraid of missing the opportunity by speaking too slowly.
However, he thought about the affairs of the district after he left.
"The patrols in the district..."
"I explained the difficulties here to Patrol Officer Pei. You and Ma Tuaner bear important responsibilities in our Jingqing Two Districts," Wen Gu said.
Little Liu lowered his head guiltily.
"Patrol Officer Pei highly values you as an excellent talent and believes that your abilities will have broader scope for development in their Patrol Division. I also think so."
Little Liu continued to lower his head, his ears turning red.
"But after recruiting you, considering the vacant positions here, Patrol Officer Pei will bring in ten people."
Little Liu abruptly looked up, his pupils wide with shock: "Ten people?!"
Am I worth this much?!!
"Among them are six injured and retired personnel from the Patrol Division, and four from the Xiànsòu Army and the City Defense Army."
Regardless of whether they were injured and retired, they were formerly formally employed!
They were all elite soldiers!
Waves of shock surged through Little Liu's mind: What virtue or merit do I have to be exchanged for ten elite soldiers!
"Even someone as capable as Patrol Officer Pei recognizes your skills," Wen Gu said, patting his shoulder seriously, "So, Little Liu, don't underestimate yourself!"
Little Liu was overcome with excitement and gratitude.
But as he thought about leaving here for the Patrol Division, he felt a sense of reluctance. Just as he was about to say something,
Wen Gu said, "But your home in Xin Prefecture is still here, and your house is being kept for you. You can come back during your leave."
Little Liu: Oh, right. It's not like moving.
"Jingxing District is still my home in Xin Prefecture!"
(End of this chapter)