Starting as dockworkers, they swept through Chongqing.

Noon, canteen.

The air was filled with the rich aroma of beef stew with potatoes.

Xilun, carrying his tray, found a corner to sit down.

Large chunks of beef are stewed until tender and soaked in broth, served with soft white bread—a treat reserved for elite trainees.

Across from him, Kanavi was mechanically stuffing food into his mouth, his eyes glazed over, his brows furrowed, and he exuded an air of dejection.

"What's wrong?"

Xilun cut off a piece of beef and put it in his mouth, asking casually.

Kanavi snapped out of his daze, sighed deeply, and put down his fork.

"Something might be going to happen to my father."

He rubbed his messy hair, his eyes bloodshot, clearly indicating he hadn't slept well last night.

"He works as a store manager at Baisurun Supermarket, which you know is a respectable place in the downtown area."

Xilun nodded.

He remembered Bai Sulun Supermarket.

It was one of the few large supermarkets in the downtown area, belonging to a long-established chamber of commerce, and famous for selling a type of fresh milk with a rich and creamy taste.

In an era where all kinds of goods are adulterated and black bread is mixed with sawdust, being able to drink a sip of pure milk is a pursuit for many middle-class families.

"What's wrong with the supermarket?" Xilun asked.

"Channel crisis".

Kanavi lowered his voice, his tone revealing deep worry.

"I heard it's because of a problem with the upstream supplier. Apparently, other chambers of commerce have taken over the supply, or the price has gone up... Anyway, that signature milk brand has been out of stock in supermarkets for three days now."

"The boss got very angry and said he would lay off employees to cut costs."

"My father is in charge of warehouse management, so if there are layoffs, he will definitely be the first to be affected."

Kanavi gave a wry smile and took a big bite of bread.

"If I lose this job, my whole family will starve, and my tuition fees will probably be..."

Xilun seemed to be deep in thought.

"Take care of yourself first."

Kanavi paused for a moment, then nodded.

"You're right, Siron."

"Once you become extraordinary, everything will be alright."

……

After lunch, Xiren left the club.

He asked Ryan for half a day off.

Now that he has signed the contract, he has a lot more freedom in terms of time management and doesn't need to stick to the course schedule like ordinary students.

He has mastered all the current courses, and even exceeded the requirements; all that remains is to accumulate knowledge and skills through persistent effort.

But now, he has more important things to do.

Brotherhood.

Xilun tightened his collar and touched the cold bronze badge on his collar.

Stepping into the fraternity headquarters, that drab stone building, a cacophony of noise hits you.

Xilun did not linger on the first floor, but went straight to a reception room at the back.

This is the place Yuri had previously mentioned.

Pushing open the door, the interior furnishings were very simple.

A mahogany desk, a few chairs, and a yellowed map of Saint Laurent City hanging on the wall.

Not long after Xilun sat down, the rhythmic sound of high heels clicking on the floor came from the corridor.

"Da, da, da."

The voice was clear and steady, making one subconsciously glance around at the woman approaching step by step in her boots.

The door was pushed open.

A woman walked in.

Xilun stood up, his gaze quickly sweeping over the other person.

Around thirty years old is the age when a woman is at her most charming.

She wore a well-tailored white suit skirt, black thick knit tights, and brown calfskin boots.

Capable, mature, and intellectual.

"Is this Mr. Celen?"

The woman stopped three steps in front of Xilun and bowed slightly.

"I am the second-in-command assigned to you by Lord Yuri."

She looked up, revealing a meticulously made-up face with a gentle smile on her lips.

"We will be working together for the next period of time."

"My name is Hevy."

Xilun extended his hand.

"Silon".

They gently clasped hands briefly, then separated.

Haiwei'er's fingers were long and slender, with thin calluses on the pads.

"sit."

Haiweier took the initiative, pulling a document from her briefcase and spreading it out on the table.

"According to Lord Yuri's arrangement, we will be assigned to the command of Governor Losas."

"The area I'm responsible for is Group 3, Block B, White Crow Wharf."

Heviel drew a circle on the map with her finger.

"There are nineteen long-term laborers here, and countless short-term laborers."

"Our task is simple: assign work, monitor progress, collect fees, and... handle problems."

Xilun nodded slightly and began to ponder.

The docks were strictly hierarchical.

Yuri is the governor, and there are several high-ranking officials under him, known as "district governors".

Lothas is one of them, governing an area within White Raven Wharf.

Xilun's current status is equivalent to a minor leader, or a foreman, who is directly responsible to the district governor.

"It doesn't sound difficult," Siren said.

"The job itself isn't difficult."

Haiweier closed the file, leaned forward slightly, and lowered her voice.

"But there's one thing I need to remind you of."

"Losas District Governor is not Lord Yuri's subordinate."

"He and Lord Yuri have always had disagreements over the distribution of certain interests, and it is even rumored that he is very close to one of Lord Yuri's enemies."

"So..." Hevil looked into Celen's eyes, "his attitude towards us might not be very friendly."

Xilun raised an eyebrow.

"Then, let's talk about compensation."

Hevi took another piece of paper out of her bag.

"Your weekly wage is 30 shillings."

"This is just the base salary."

"In addition to that, there's a commission."

"If the monthly cargo throughput and fees of Group 3 in Zone B that we manage meet the targets, you can receive a certain percentage."

Xilun quickly did the mental calculation.

30 shillings, plus a certain commission.

This is already considered a high salary in the downtown area.

Ordinary laborers work themselves to the bone and can only earn 10 shillings a week, while better-off ones earn 20 shillings.

Plus commission...

If you do well, you might be able to earn around £8 a month.

This money was enough for him to buy a large amount of meat, and even some low-level auxiliary medicines.

"That's fair," Xilun nodded.

"There are also benefits."

Hevi continued, "After a year of employment, the base salary will increase by 5 shillings."

"There are also awards, attendance bonuses, paid leave..."

She spoke fluently and professionally about the fraternity's benefits program, just like a professional HR person.

"Oh, right."

Haivier suddenly stopped, tilted her head to look at Xilun, and blinked.

Where do you live now?

"The collective dormitory at the dock warehouse," Xilun answered truthfully.

Haiweier frowned slightly.

"That place... is dirty and chaotic, not only unsafe, but also unsuitable for your current status."

"Moreover, there is no privacy there."

She gave Xilun a meaningful look.

"As an extraordinary person, or one preparing to be extraordinary, you need a quiet, private space for practice."

Xilun's heart skipped a beat.

indeed.

As his skills improved, the large dormitory where dozens of people were crammed together was no longer suitable for him.

"What do you want to say?" Xilun asked.

"You can choose to move out."