Above Destiny

Chapter 671 Not enough work? Make do with part-time jobs.
Ji Jue: "..."

Lou Feng: "..."

Jiang Tongguang: "..."

In the quiet office, the three people looked at each other, and no one spoke.

Director Jiang has arrived. Director Jiang, please have a seat! Director Jiang, please have some tea.

After the three polite exchanges, the tea leaves rose, steam rose, and in the afternoon office, the first rays of yellowish twilight spilled through the window. In the silence, only the ticking of the clock could be heard.

Silence, silence, and silence.

Jiang Tongguang remained silent, Ji Jue remained silent, and Lou Feng... Lou Feng didn't know what to say either.

The atmosphere felt so eerie that I couldn't figure it out.

Staring blankly at the two of them, I couldn't tell if it was deliberate resistance, some kind of tacit understanding, or if they had simply forgotten their lines.

I can't speak at all!
Silence, silence, and more silence... until Lou Feng could no longer hold back, took a deep breath, and sighed.

Before he could even speak, he heard Ji Jue sigh beside him.

So heartbreaking.

Why couldn't you hold it in?
"what!"

Jiang Tongguang burst into laughter for no apparent reason, his eyebrows dancing with joy, as if he had finally won. He picked up his teacup and sipped it, not caring how bitter Ji Jue's lousy tea was.

It is extremely sweet.

"..."

Lou Feng was dumbfounded. He turned around and saw Ji Jue's disappointed look: "Director Jiang is just joking with us. Why can't you keep your temper in check!"

"……what?"

Lou Feng was completely dumbfounded. Wait, when did this game start? How childish are you guys?!
Am I also part of your PLAY?

Seeing the two exchanging glances, Lou Feng couldn't help but roll his eyes. However, since they were still directors in front of him, he didn't dare to be too presumptuous.

If the two of them were alone, they would have to start with zero frames.

"Hahaha, just kidding, let's get down to business—"

After finishing his tea, Jiang Tongguang slammed the teacup on the table, no longer bothering with formalities, and said directly, "At this critical juncture, there's no point in pretending when I step forward; it's mainly about the inquiry meeting."

"Questioning session?"

Ji Jue seemed puzzled and sighed, "What could possibly happen at a questioning meeting? It's just a small misunderstanding and a minor conflict. How could it alarm the council members to travel all this way to help me? I, a mere craftsman, am deeply grateful and moved to tears."

However, his eyes were filled with deep resentment.

Our friendship was so strong, our teamwork so seamless, and our performance so brilliant during the craftsmen's exam. You've come all this way, you'd better step in and help me out...

"Hey, look what this mess has become!"

Jiang Tongguang slapped his knee, as if he hadn't understood, and got straight to the point: "Then I'm really sorry."

"Oh~"

Ji Jue drew out a long tone, then suddenly realized, "You're here to mediate? Oh, what a big deal! It's nothing, all trivial! Don't mention it! I'll sign the notice right away, and this matter will be over!"

Jiang Tongguang smiled enigmatically: "And then you little brat will hold a grudge and wait for a big opportunity to settle it?"

"How could that be!" Ji Jue was immediately shocked: "How could I be such a scoundrel! How could you think that?"

"Because that's what I thought back then."

Jiang Tongguang grinned: "And, I actually did it..."

"..."

Ji Jue remained silent, having nothing to say.

You've really killed the conversation, Teacher Jiang!

"So don't worry, I'm only stepping in because of our past relationship. I won't force you to make any decisions. I'm not that shameless."

Jiang Tongguang pursed his lips, glanced at the empty teacup, and after it was refilled, gulped down another cup: "I really don't want to get involved in the affairs of your Fluid Mechanics and Alterations factions. I don't need to pretend with you. You understand that, right?"
If you really can't stand it, let's have a fair fight. If you can take down the Transformation faction, I'll personally bring your Fluidity faction into the fray, no questions asked!

Lou Feng was shocked: "When did I say I belonged to the fluid dynamics system?"

"Yeah yeah!"

Ji Jue nodded and pressed on, "When did I say I belonged to the fluid dynamics system?"

The two of them had the exact same problem, but their focus was completely different.

"..."

Jiang Tongguang looked at Lou Feng with a complicated expression—Ji Jue's faction can be called whatever it wants, but aren't you also part of Ji Jue's faction?
You've already sworn an oath of brotherhood with blood and burned incense, and now you're saying you're going to pack your bags and head back to your hometown? Do you think anyone will believe you, kid?

Lou Feng's face fell, and he didn't want to say anything.

"Let's get back to business—"

Jiang Tongguang said calmly, "Before I came here, when Hu Jian was asking people to burn incense everywhere, he said that as long as you are willing to make an exception, he would be willing to vote for you in the master evaluation at the beginning of next year."

Ji Jue was taken aback, then his eyes lit up with excitement: "So, if I don't make an exception, he won't vote, is that what you mean?"

What else is there to say? If they're so tough, let's just kill them outright and leave no future trouble.

Let's all roll up our sleeves and work like crazy!

Life and death.

the easiest.

"..."

Even Lou Feng was shocked. He finally realized the bloodthirsty nature of Ye Xian's lineage. They were practically battle maniacs. Everyone else was begging for mercy, and you still thought they were being provoked?!
But for Ji Jue, let alone begging for mercy, even if the way you kneel when you kowtow is not standard, he will think you are treacherous!

Will you give me a chance and vote for me?
You fucking want to negotiate with me, huh?
This proves they haven't been completely discredited yet!
Then keep hammering!
"You decide what to do yourself, don't tell me."

Jiang Tongguang waved his hand and continued, "I've come all the way to the Federation, so why don't you give me face and let me finish what I have to say?"

Ji Jue sat up straight and said, "Please speak."

"From the association's perspective, there is still a use for transforming a faction, and there is still room for it to play a role."

Jiang Tongguang said, "Hu Jian is indeed petty and narrow-minded, but he is very generous to his own people. Over the years, countless people have benefited from his kindness."

You can beat him up, no problem, because the guys in the association love to watch the show, and it doesn't matter how badly you beat him. But if you really go after him and things get really bad, and it becomes a fight to the death... I'm afraid it won't just be the alteration faction, but many people in the association will start to take sides.

Of course, I know you don't care.

Jiang Tongguang finished spouting this nonsense, pinching his nose, then took a deep breath and, with the dignity of a director, solemnly addressed a mere gold-sashed craftsman: "I just want to understand one thing, Ji Jue..."

he asks:

"—Do you really want him to 'die'?"

"..."

For a moment, Lou Feng hesitated, thinking, "Is Director Jiang a little bit off-track on his mind? A golden ribbon to kill a master? Are you kidding me?"
The fact that Jiang Tongguang was able to travel all the way here and sit in Ji Jue's office to ask this question shows that... he genuinely believes it's possible.

For him, this marked the beginning of a war between the fluid and altered systems.

Moreover, it's highly likely that the two sides will engage in a bloody, life-or-death struggle, drawing others into the fray and leading to a massive internal conflict...

Even if it's just a possibility, who knows how big Ji Jue's appetite really is?

He really knows how to do a good job!

Ji Jue did not mince words and answered the same question directly.

“It’s not that bad.” Jiang Tongguang then laughed.

"Okay, so there's room for discussion?"

Ji Jue didn't speak. He picked up his teacup, sipped it for a long time, and then put it down and let out a long sigh.

"Director Jiang, I have a question I don't understand."

"But there's no harm in talking."

"Just one thing: even if this kind of ridiculous matter involves internal disputes, and even if it might escalate into a big mess, it shouldn't warrant you, an old man, condescending to act as a peacemaker, right?"

Ji Jue asked, "Does he really have that much influence?"

"He's nothing."

Jiang Tongguang shook his head decisively and said bluntly, "It's like if you created a group chat and two people in the group started arguing, shouldn't you resolve the conflict before the storm escalates?"

Ji Jue's brows furrowed even more deeply: "When did the association become so responsible?"

"This is just one of my personal reasons."

Jiang Tongguang sighed and suddenly asked, "Have you read the 'Complete Collection of Basic Explorations in the Four Books of Alchemy' published by the association? It's a 24-volume set, progressing from basic to advanced. Have you read it?"

"I've seen it and memorized it."

Ji Jue nodded. He had a deep impression of this set of theories because it was one of the few basic theories that Professor Ye had given him that he found relatively easy to learn and organized. Although it did not involve any profound knowledge, it really broke down and explained each part in detail.

"This was promoted after Hu Jian took office."

Jiang Tongguang said, "A total of seven editions have been compiled, and it is still being revised... I have also read the eighth edition, which has been supplemented quite a bit. Of course, there must be his own selfish motives involved, but to be able to do this much while being selfish is truly remarkable."

You can call him a hypocrite or an apologist, it doesn't matter.

Even though things have become increasingly outrageous over the years, there's still a shred of public-spiritedness at least...

Therefore, I only had one purpose in stepping forward—to see if I could use my seniority to persuade you to finish the project with some dignity.

Let him give full play to his remaining abilities, teach some practical skills, and give him a proper ending to all his hard work over the years.

As a craftsman, it would be strange if Jiang Tongguang cared whether Hu Jian lived or died.

As a director, however, he had no choice but to intervene. Whether it was to give Hu Jian some face because of his contributions and hard work over the years, or for the sake of the association's internal stability, he had to grit his teeth and step in to clean up the mess.

Ji Jue fell into thought. Jiang Tongguang had already gone this far, so it was really not appropriate for him to refuse. Besides, it was just a matter of him not pursuing the matter any further.

This battle is long over, and he will get exactly what he deserves. All the other side wants is to save face.

Who told him to casually kick the biggest breakthrough in spiritual creation theory in the last fifty or sixty years?

We deserved to lose.

They deserve it.

Ji Jue pondered for a long time before asking, "But, what if he again..."

"Then you'll die."

Jiang Tongguang laughed, "No need for you. I'll pick up the pieces myself. I'll just twist his head off, how about that?"

"Oh dear, you're too temperamental, Director!"

Ji Jue grinned and said, "What else is there to say? Let's just leave it at that!"

Hey, you guys are all fucking buddies!

Jiang Tongguang waved his hand and pulled out a list: "Here's the assets of the Alteration Faction. Pick whatever you like. Oh, by the way, this is for you. Consider it a small gift within my authority. No need for formalities, it's right there."

Three boxes were placed in front of Ji Jue and the others.

Two were given to Ji Jue, and one to Lou Feng.

The box was opened, revealing three pure gold ribbons, antique in style and exquisitely crafted, which instantly captivated the two people.

The honor of a craftsman is bestowed with a golden ribbon!

Both of them beamed with joy; they had it!

Immediately, Ji Jue realized something was wrong...

"Why do I only have two?"

Ji Juezhen exclaimed, "Shouldn't there be three?"

I have two papers with A+ and A- grades, and I'm also the corresponding author of one A+ paper published by Lou Feng. There should be three entries!
That's enough!

Jiang Tongguang sighed: "The difference between A+ and A- is huge. If you weren't the corresponding author of that paper, you would have to wait until the New Year to get the second one!"
Two gold ribbons in a year is already astonishing! Besides, where else can you get two gold ribbons for a single research paper?
You really think it's S+?

"Alright, alright, let's take the loss, two it is."

Ji Jue shook his head and sighed, "Who told me to consider the bigger picture? I guess I'll just have to put up with it. It's inevitable that an honest person like me will often suffer losses."

With a flick of his sleeve, he snatched the list Jiang Tongguang had given him into his pocket. A quick glance revealed that this was indeed the "Transformation Faction," a large and powerful organization with a considerable amount of valuable stuff…

If you get paid to do something, you'll naturally be more lenient once you've received the benefits.

Seeing that the scoundrel had eaten and taken everything and was acting like he'd been ripped off, Jiang Tongguang couldn't help but sigh—what would become of our association if this continued?
However, it seems like it will only get more and more fun!

As for headaches... that's Gustav's job, what does it have to do with a nobody like me?
But at that moment, when Ji Jue's large, expectant, and hesitant eyes looked over again, as if trying to plead for more, Jiang Tongguang suddenly understood Gustav's pain...

"Gone."

He clapped his hands and flicked his sleeves: "Among all these directors, I am the poorest. I have neither a faction nor a business. If it weren't for my brewing skills, I'd probably be broke and still not have as much money as you have in your account."

"It's alright, Director. Whether you play more or less is fate, I don't mind."

Ji Jue, still harboring wicked intentions, gave a simple, honest smile, and his not-so-clean little hands once again tried to reach out and grope, only to be slapped away without hesitation.

"There are no benefits, but there is one tough job."

Jiang Tongguang glanced at him, then suddenly looked at him strangely: "I see you've been pretty free lately. Stop thinking about causing trouble. How about you come work part-time here with me?"
I have a way out at the association. It's risky, but the profits are high. As the saying goes, fortune favors the bold. It all depends on whether you, Factory Director Ji, have the guts!

Ji Jue instinctively became wary and asked curiously, "Director, is this part-time job you mentioned... legitimate?"

"It's not about being formal or informal; it's about being very special."

Jiang Tongguang's expression grew increasingly solemn, but he couldn't help but smile more and more, unable to suppress the thought of what he was about to do: "It's complicated in some ways, and simple in others, it all depends on how you interpret it."

"Then..." Ji Jue became increasingly suspicious: "Could you briefly explain?"

"The Punishment Team".

Jiang Tongguang smiled, his expression sunny and cheerful.

"What?!"

Before Ji Jue could react, Lou Feng gasped in shock, his expression terrified, as if he had seen someone complaining that the internal ecosystem of the association wasn't chaotic enough, and starting to throw biological weapons into the cesspool...

Why let that bastard Ji Jue join the Punishment Team?

What's the difference between this and a weasel entering a chicken coop?!

Disregarding seniority and hierarchy, Lou Feng, heartbroken and indignant, bluntly advised, "Director, you're foolish!"

There was a snap.

Ji Jue grabbed Jiang Tongguang's hand and shook it violently!
"Done!"

Happiness is contagious.

Just by shaking hands, Ji Jue's face already showed the same smile as Jiang Tongguang's, radiating an indescribable brightness and sunshine.

Is there really such a good thing in the world?

Kids, this is me, I've joined the Punishment Team!
(End of this chapter)