Life as a mercenary turned into a girl is a bit difficult

"Researcher Han Nianling, we haven't seen each other for a long time. It has been more than a year and almost two years since the last rating meeting." Naturally, the researchers from the Science Department also noticed Han Nianling, who was always approaching here. The middle-aged researcher led by Ling Hejing did not hesitate to put aside Cheng Fang, who was still talking to him just now, and began to communicate enthusiastically with Han Nianling.

"Nice to meet you, may I ask you..." The familiar tone of the other party made Han Nianling a little confused. She had no impression of the middle-aged man in front of her. Could it be that there was a flaw in her memory?

"Haha, it's normal for Researcher Han to have no impression of me. In fact, I once participated in the same rating meeting as you, but due to my poor academic skills at the time, I lost the selection in the second round, so I could only watch helplessly in the audience. "The middle-aged researcher shook his head cheerfully and laughed at his own past while introducing himself, "I'll tell you, I was lucky enough to be rated A-level last year because of my special contribution. I'm already 41 this year. I'm really not as young and talented as Researcher Han. Why."

Have you been to the same rating meeting as yourself?However, what concerns Han Nianling the most is the so-called special contribution. As a researcher, she naturally pays considerable attention to the rating conference, which is of great significance to the apocalyptic science community. However, last year's rating conference was very small and did not involve A grade rating.

So that means that the A-level rating of this researcher named 'Jie Wen' was an internal review by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Currently, the only research institution in the Southern Federation that is qualified to pass the A-level internal review is the Central Science Department. This measure was established to enable researchers who have made significant contributions but failed to catch up with the rating meetings.

Although it is the only qualified institution, the Central Ministry of Science has always been strict in the implementation of this measure. After all, even if a few more A-level researchers are nominated, it will only make its own A-level researchers overwhelm the institute on paper. Not only will it not be harmful to The improvement of its own research strength will completely collapse and lose its credibility as the most important rating support qualification of the central scientific research institution of the Southern Federation. This is definitely not the result that Changming City wants to see. Therefore, the internal review process of the Ministry of Science is compared with Rating meetings are also more stringent, and there are indeed many cases of "failed internal audits passed at the rating meeting".

Since this is the case, does it mean that the Jiwen researcher in front of me has made great academic contributions?Considering the purpose of the Science Department contacting her this time...could it be said that he had made progress in the Central Science Department's research on activation agents?If it was really him who gave the Ministry of Science the qualifications to communicate with the institute about activation potions, an A-level rating would be fair.

However, Han Nianling will not let down his guard against the Science Department. Unlike the Academy, the Central Science Department is an agency under the Changming City Coordination and Management Committee. There is no guarantee that there will be no one among them who would rather sacrifice the Science Department. There is also a plan to get important information about the activation potion.

"Senior, you are too polite. The energy you have invested in the research field for more than ten years cannot be matched by the younger generation. Without the foundation laid by the seniors, it would be difficult for our achievements to be as high as today."

"Haha, what Researcher Han said is too exaggerated, too exaggerated..." Jie Wen waved his hands one after another, but judging from his expression, he was very impressed by what Han Nianling said just now, "Let's stop talking here. Researcher Han should already know the purpose of our request for a meeting."

"Activation potion, right? With all due respect, this is an important secret of the institute, and it is definitely not something I am qualified to touch..."

"As a pioneer in the application of monster crystal nuclei, Researcher Han's words just now are too modest. Scientists in the wasteland all know that the invention of the activation potion is entirely based on your crystal nucleus refining technology. How could such an important link be excluded from the activation process? What about making potions?" Jie Wen didn't believe Han Nianling's words. This was Han Nianling's most dazzling achievement in obtaining an A-level researcher rating.

Han Nianling smiled softly and did not refute directly but asked Jiewen: "Senior Jiewen, since he knows me, does he still remember my research field?"

"Witch?"

"In the field of witches and dark energy research... I just happened to use bricks made of clay. How much does it matter to me what kind of magnificent building these bricks will be used to build in the future? I am obviously an A-level researcher, but in my own He has no achievements in the professional field, which is completely incomparable with his predecessors."

"I?"

Jie Wen pondered for a moment, reached out and picked up two glasses of champagne from the table next to him and handed one of them to Han Nianling: "We are too anxious here. I'm sorry to waste so much of Researcher Han's time. I will send it to Han Nianling." The conversation between us was conveyed and hopefully next time we can have a more formal conversation.”

Ok?

Taking the goblet handed by Jie Wen, Han Nianling was slightly startled by the other party's words. Although he knew that Jie Wen was just a test from the Ministry of Science, such a test was too meaningless. The basic bid and conditions were not mentioned, but it ended hastily because of his initial refusal. Didn't it mean that the Ministry of Science had made a breakthrough?Didn’t you say you wanted to exchange information?

This was completely different from the communication he had with the Science Department outside. Han Nianling couldn't figure out what the other party's purpose was for a while.

"Thank you, distinguished guests, for coming to this dinner venue..." Just as the conversation between the two parties reached a deadlock, the broadcast in the hall suddenly broke the silence, and the music stopped abruptly, "As Changming I am deeply honored to be a member of the City Coordination and Management Committee. You are the backbone of the construction of Changming City. The prosperity of Changming City cannot be separated from the joint efforts of everyone. I hope that we can continue to create a bright future for mankind in the wasteland world of this new era. Brilliant, may the light of humanity shine brightly..."

The guests at the dinner unanimously raised their wine glasses. This scene made Hieragi shrink unconsciously behind Han Nianling. There was no wine glass in her hand that could be used to raise it.

"In addition, Miss Ruoxiang will perform a song at this dinner to pay tribute to all guests..."

Ruoxiang?

The name that had been mentioned repeatedly since the trip to Changming City suddenly fell into her ears, which surprised her. What surprised her even more was that the curtain on the stage where the band was sitting was slowly raised, and that touch For the first time, a figure she had only seen on screens and posters came into her sight as a real person.

Chapter 23 Dinner Singer 2

The exquisitely crafted beauty had been standing quietly in the center of the stage with her eyes closed for some time. Several lights from different directions focused on her in unison.

The iconic long lavender hair is braided into several slender braids and gathered together into a complex hair ball at the back of the head. The clothes are also completely different from the brightly colored dresses with complex patterns on the promotional posters. Differently, the dress, which is only black and white and decorated with gold edges, exudes stability and luxury, which is completely different from the youthful and lively look on posters or screens. At this time, Ruoxiang holding the microphone with both hands shows elegance and dignity.

The tune played by the band had quietly changed when Ruoxiang came on the stage. The familiar intro seemed to be a song that had been heard on the radio. However, the melody of the song was slowed down a lot for the dinner occasion, just like Ruoxiang. The original cheerful frequency of Xiang himself became more gentle and calm.

Ruoxiang's eyes slowly opened as the music progressed. Under the light, the purple-gold pupils shone with faint spots of light. She opened her red lips lightly and a voice like silver bells gurgled from her throat. It flowed out and slowly occupied the entire hall. The singing voice conveyed by the radio equipment seemed to have no loss and was still so fascinating.

Good... good to hear.

At this moment, it was as if the whole person's body and mind had been baptized by a wave of warmth. Even using the word "natural sound" to describe Ruoxiang's singing is not an exaggeration. It seems like what Lingjiu said: Listening to Ruoxiang's singing live and myself There is indeed a different feeling compared to the record broadcast I listened to. Although it is subtle, the difference between the two does exist.

I can finally understand why Ruoxiang is so famous in the Southern Federation. The news of her concert has caused many outsiders to flock to Changming City in the past few days. Even in human settlements far away from Changming City, there is no shortage of fans of her. The existence of such a singing voice cannot help but impress people, especially when people face the pressure of survival in this wasteland world every day, this singing voice is enough to soothe their tired body and mind and gain a short period of peace.

After the first song was completed, Ruoxiang's second song started immediately. The natural change of the music almost silently transitioned into the prelude of the second song. It was also a song that I had heard through the record before, but after the change of key, there was no lack of new ideas. Even if I’ve heard it before, I still don’t feel tired of it…

Ruoxiang sang a total of three songs at the opening of the dinner. Until Ruoxiang bowed to everyone and the curtain covering the stage was slowly lowered, the hall was still immersed in silence. Everyone here was still unfinished. Still enjoying the lingering lingering sound.The quiet atmosphere lasted until applause came from nowhere, and people came back to their senses. The sparse applause gradually became dense and enthusiastic, expressing their affirmation of Ruoxiang's singing.

"Interesting, no wonder she is so favored by Changming City..." Han Nianling was naturally surprised by Ruoxiang's outstanding singing just now. When she was still in the Newborn City, she often sent songs back from the various offices of the Firstborn City. She learned about this character from the information. Originally, in her opinion, although Ruoxiang had a good appearance and singing voice, her exaggerated reputation was basically established with the strong support of government agencies such as the Propaganda Department of Changming City, but now it seems Lai Ruoxiang herself does have a talent in singing that ordinary people cannot have.

However, no matter how outstanding Ruoxiang's singing talent is, she herself is only used as a publicity tool for the Changming City government. She only admires Ruoxiang's singing voice, but she doesn't want to pay much attention to him.

After Ruoxiang's singing ended, there was a short speech by the host, and after that, the dinner officially began.

"The invitation from the Science Department is a little different from what I expected, but there should be nothing more. You can move around freely from now on, but don't get lost."

"Huh? What about you?" Han Nianling was relieved of the guard duty not long after it started. However, what worried Hiiragi even more was that Han Nianling still seemed to have a lot to do during this dinner.

"It's not just the people from the Science Department who have to meet. A dinner like this is an important occasion for Newborn City to promote commercial orders for various pharmaceuticals." Han Nianling gestured to the side, and Hieragi Jing noticed how many people there were. Already coming towards this area. "Although I am not from the Ministry of Commerce, with appropriate cooperation I can obtain a lot of funds for the institute's research."

"Not just business orders, from political cooperation to family marriages, and even a night of fun for upper-class young people, the essence of this kind of dinner is just a platform for communication."

Now that she has said that, Hiiragi doesn't dwell on it too much. What she is most concerned about now is Lingjiu's affairs. Although Lingjiu's appearance as a handsome young man makes people no longer associate her with the image of a girl with messy hair when they first met. , but Hiiragi Jing was still worried.

I just looked around the hall and didn't see Lingjiu, let alone Lingjiu. Even Luo Shi, who was responsible for looking after her, didn't know where he went. It was probably the people from the Science Department who hid in other places when they left the hall just now. Let's go. It seems that Luo Shi has strictly carried out the tasks that Han Nianling gave him just now.

How about waiting here for a while.

Thinking this way, Hiiragi turned his attention to the dining table. When the host was delivering his speech, rows of dining cars had already served the main meals for the dinner. Obviously these exquisite dishes looked very good, and there was even a whole roasted one. The suckling pig was made with a caramel-colored skin that shone alluringly, making people secrete saliva at a faster rate. However, the people around them didn't seem to be very interested. They were just looking for people to chat with with their wine glasses. In this case, she was not polite. , She didn’t eat dinner.

Just as Hiei Jing picked up the table knife on the shelf and was about to cut off a piece to enjoy, a voice from behind stopped her: "Miss over there, are you free?"

At first, Hiiragi didn't pay attention and continued to strike. It wasn't until the man repeated it a second time that she looked back and saw a young man in formal clothes standing in front of him. He was about the same age as her. , her face is also quite handsome, much prettier than when she was a man. Even though Hiiragi didn't care much about appearance, she unconsciously felt a little jealous in her heart.

Hiiragi looked around for a while before confirming that the person he was talking to was not wrong, but she didn't know the young man in front of her and had no interaction with him: "Um, what's the matter?"

"It's nothing, I just want to get to know you. My name is Guan Yan, and I am the eldest son of Guan Hu, the head of the Yiguan Chamber of Commerce. May I ask who the lady is..." The young man introduced himself and took a step closer. This action attracted the attention of the two people. The distance between them is reduced to less than half a step.

"Ugh?"

"Guan Yan, why did you beat me to it again?" Before Hiei Jing could figure out the situation, another young man came over with a smile, "Madam, if you are interested in communicating with Jinhai Group, the dance floor over there is still open. It’s very empty.”

"You are so beautiful. What is your name?"

Have you been accosted?Hiiragi Jing didn't quite understand what the other party meant, but from these direct introductions to his family background and his actions just now, it was obvious that his purpose was not simply to get to know each other.

trouble……

The identity of the researcher's personal operator is difficult to disclose publicly, and the impure motives of the other party make people have to be on guard. Hiiragi Jing, who is not sociable, does not know how to respond. Faced with this pile of troubles, she also We had to adopt the most direct way to deal with it.

"Sorry, I have something else to do." Hiiragi didn't even have time to enjoy the food on the table. Hiiragi quickened his pace and quickly escaped from the crowd of chatters. Fortunately, these people were not too persistent. After seeing Hiiragi's back disappear, Then he turned elsewhere to look for the next target.

Continuing to stay in the hall cannot guarantee whether the next person to strike up a conversation will come. Hiiragi Jing is not sure whether her refusal will make the other party unhappy. She doesn't care, but it will inevitably bring unnecessary trouble to Han Nianling. This behavior of hers Employers have been quite busy during this time...

After thinking about it, she could only pick up a snack and avoid the crowds and go to an outdoor balcony to stay. Wait here for a while and wait for Lingjiu to come back before joining her. She has Perception can at least be avoided in advance.

Chapter 24 Dinner Singer 3

The regret of not having a big meal to avoid trouble could only be temporarily compensated by the desserts in his hands. The exquisite taste made Hiiragi realize the food standard of a banquet of this size. The food in the hotel brought The impression he made on her was once again raised to a higher level.

But desserts are just desserts after all, and they were all eaten up after two or three simple bites... Really, it was obviously a very high-end dinner, but the portion of one dessert was surprisingly small, and it had no satiating effect at all. I don’t know what Ling Jiu is. Where did he go, and what was Han Nianling talking about with those people?

Although I know that one of the purposes of Han Nianling bringing me here is to broaden my horizons, starting from becoming Han Nianling's personal operator, I will inevitably come into contact with such characters in many future tasks. Perhaps adapting in advance is It's a necessary part, but Hiei Jing still feels that she can't deal with it as calmly as Han Nianling, and the two are incompatible and reject each other.

Apart from Ruoxiang's opening concert and delicious food, there was nothing else about this dinner that interested her.

When will this dinner end?

Her teeth unconsciously chewed the steel dessert spoon to taste the remaining sweetness on it. She was bored and leaned on the marble railing of the balcony to watch the night view of Changming City.

The curfew system in Changming City has been abolished for a long time, but there are still many restrictions at night in Changming City. In addition to the height limit of lights, the sound is also stipulated to be controlled within a certain decibel range. After all, both light and sound are harmful to monsters. Yandu is quite tempting, especially for monsters with more sensitive senses that come out at night.

Even from the direction of Epoch Square, there was no noise or noise. This scene was completely different from that in the daytime. It was more like a city base in a wasteland world. Although it was more realistic, it also made Hiiragi feel a little disappointed. The prosperity of this city made her unconsciously forget this: to this day, even the most powerful city base in the Southern Federation is still unable to completely eliminate the threat of monsters.

However, it cannot be denied that the development of Changming City to this point is already a very remarkable achievement. Just like its name, it represents the light of hope for mankind on the land of the Southern Federation.

"Oh, I'm sorry, so there's someone here already?"

Just as Hiiragi was looking at the night view of Changming City and diverging her thoughts to spend this boring time, a greeting from behind broke into her thoughts.

I thought it was those young men who came over again, but Hiiragi quickly noticed that it was the voice of a young woman.

"Who are you?" Hiiragi looked back after hearing the sound, and saw a girl dressed as a dinner maid standing on the balcony like her. Her long black hair that fell past her shoulders was left plain and simple without any decoration. A black mask covered most of this girl's appearance.

Although he didn't see any familiar features in the girl, Hiiragi always felt that she seemed familiar.

"Ahem, I'm sorry to bother you. I just came out for some air. Don't worry about me." The girl coughed a few times and lowered her voice. When she spoke again, her voice was slightly lower than before.Then she walked towards the railing beside Hiiragi, as if she wanted to lean against the railing and rest for a while like Hiiragi.

Hiiragi felt a little strange but didn't think about it too much. It looked like the service staff at this dinner party probably wanted to take a break to adjust after working for a long time.

Thinking like this, Hiiragi was about to look away, but the moment she turned away, she suddenly noticed that the other person's pupils reflected a faint purple halo under the moonlight.

It is not uncommon for people in the wasteland world to have strange eye colors, whether due to genetic inheritance or acquired effects of pollution. However, such a unique and charming purple-gold color makes people have to compare it with the one they just saw. The two beings were connected together. After being stunned for a moment, Hiei Jing subconsciously blurted out: "Could it be that you are..."

Before she had time to say the complete name, the girl dressed as a maid had quickly turned around and blocked Hiiragi's mouth.

"Shh——!" The girl raised an index finger to her mouth as a silent gesture. Her purple-gold eyes looked around nervously for a while. Fortunately, there was no other person on the balcony except the two of them. Hiiragi's voice of inquiry was not loud, and no one in the hall noticed what happened on the balcony.

The girl who confirmed that her identity had not been exposed breathed a sigh of relief, while Hiiragi Jing on the other side was even more surprised. The girl's reaction just now clearly confirmed her thoughts. It was obviously just a random guess, but it happened so coincidentally!But if the other party is really Ruoxiang who sang just now, then what does she want to do here?

"Huh... no matter what you want, please don't reveal my identity. Judging from the fact that you are hiding here alone, you probably don't want to be found by trouble, right?" Ruoxiang, who confirmed her identity, kept covering Hiiragi Jing. The posture of his mouth and his narrowed eyes looked at Hiiragi Jing in a warning manner.

Hiiragi Jing, who had no such intention in the first place, naturally nodded in response, but until now, she still feels incredible about Ruoxiang's appearance and the other person's contact with her: "Are you...really Ruoxiang?"

"Of course, it's fake." The girl puffed out her chest and pulled down her mask so Hiiragi could see her face clearly. After putting aside the need to hide her identity, she generously showed her pride in her identity, " I obviously changed my clothes and put on a wig, how did you find out my identity?"

In fact, I didn’t guess it, so the only thing I had to say was: “My eyes…”

"Tsk, I really shouldn't take any chances, but my eyes have been inflamed recently and I really don't want to wear that kind of thing anymore. I finally took a break from the arrangements of those old men." After learning the basis for Hiiragi's derivation, After that, Ruoxiang smacked her lips impatiently and complained, but she quickly took it off, "Now that I have discovered my identity, there is nothing we can do. Let's be honest, it is not impossible to ask for my signature, but let me state it in advance: Bring your own pen and paper, I didn’t bring those things.”

Is this person really the Ruoxiang I saw on the stage just now?

The girl who called herself Ruoxiang in front of her was completely different from the elegant being on the stage. If she hadn't confirmed the other person's true appearance, Hiei Jing would have thought she had mistaken the person. However, the stage was full of the nature of a performance. It’s not surprising that there is a difference between the person you are on stage and your true self.

In fact, she didn't bring anything like paper and pen... Just when Hiiragi was about to politely refuse, the other party seemed to suddenly think of something: "Wait, I seem to remember you, are you one of those guests in the Newborn City? The information registered on the list seems to be for guards? Are the institute's guard selection conditions very loose? Oh! Sorry... I didn't mean anything else..."

"Um... I don't belong to the official establishment of the institute. I'm just a mercenary who fulfills the employer's entrustment." I didn't expect that the other party knew my information. I didn't care about the straightforward Hiiragi Jing like Ruoxiang. , the simple and clear explanation made Ruoxiang full of interest in her identity.

"Mercenaries? Are they the kind who can do anything as long as they're paid?"

"It's not like I can do everything... at least I have to understand the content of the task entrustment in advance." For some reason, the other party suddenly became excited, and before Hiiragi Jing could finish speaking, Ruoxiang had already approached her, "Then can you Consider accepting one of my commissions? The mission is very simple. I just want to hire you as my bodyguard for a period of time, okay?"

"Uh...this..."

It's not that Hiiragi has never seen such a situation like "suddenly proposing a commission after knowing his identity", but it usually only happens to children who are still young and not very sensible. This kind of situation is just for fun. Hiiragi has always ignored and perfunctory requests. The Ruoxiang suddenly made it verbally and clearly did not understand the procedures for commissioning mercenaries and the process of signing a contract. Moreover, he was still in the process of being admitted to a research institute. It is also impossible to introduce such unwarranted additional commissions in the case of employment.

However, when Hiiragi originally planned to politely refuse, she found that it was difficult for her to speak. A kind of intoxicating sleepiness made her independent consciousness seem to be separated from the body. Even she herself did not realize that the shape of her mouth was about to change. Blurt out a 'good' response...

"Hiiragi Jing! Be careful!"

In the next second, a force from behind suddenly pulled her away and widened the distance between her and Ruoxiang. Hiiragi's eyes suddenly found a familiar figure standing in front of her as if she had just woken up from a dream.

Chapter 25 Purpose of Contact

What happened?

Ling Jiu's sudden appearance at this moment surprised Hiiragi. What surprised her even more was Ling Jiu's attitude when facing Ruoxiang. He slightly bowed his body in a fighting posture because he was attending a dinner party. Without carrying a weapon, Lingjiu held a table knife that he had taken from nowhere in his hand. The sharp blade was pointed straight at Ruoxiang, as if he was facing a formidable enemy, as if he had returned to the sinkhole.

"Wait a minute, Lingjiu, she is Ruoxiang, don't be nervous, don't you like the song she sings very much?"

After reacting quickly, Hiiragi hurriedly explained. However, Hiiragi's words did not make Lingjiu put down her guard. Facing this Ruoxiang who sang a song that made her addicted, she still held the knife in her hand tightly and said to Hiiragi just now As if the words were ignored, he asked the other party: "Who are you?"

Ugh?

What happened to Lingjiu?

I originally thought that Ling Jiu might have just had a misunderstanding because she was standing too close to this strange girl, which led her to take such drastic actions, but now it seems that it may not be that simple. Hiiragi asked herself that she also had a certain understanding of Ling Jiu. , she is not someone who makes trouble unreasonably. Is there really something wrong with this Ruoxiang Sun?Did Zero Nine discover something?

"That...who are you? Why are you pointing the knife at me, Hiiragi Jing! Save me..."

Ruoxiang seemed to be frightened by Lingjiu's actions. She kept retreating and looked at Hiiragi for help. Judging from her expression and movements alone, Hiiragi could not find any suspicious flaws, but there was one thing that made her Hiiragi was particularly concerned: Lingjiu's intention to attack was very obvious, but this Ruoxiang had no intention of calling for help. Even if he wanted to conceal his identity, he would not risk his life.

Either she believes that she can stop Ling Jiu's behavior, or she has the strength to deal with Ling Jiu.

Although she felt uneasy, if something hurtful happened to Lingjiu in such an occasion, it would be more than just a trouble. However, Hiiragi finally chose to believe Lingjiu's judgment. This was tempered after many experiences together. Out of trust, the hand that wanted to stop Lingjiu hesitated in mid-air.

"Who the hell are you?"

Lingjiu also issued a second question at the same time and took a step forward. Ruoxiang, who was leaning against the railing, had reached the point of no return.

Seeing that Hiiragi Jing did not intervene in Lingjiu's threat to her, all her performances were no longer meaningful. Her panicked expression turned into a frivolous and cunning smile in the blink of an eye. The change was as fast as As if they were two completely different people from Ruoxiang just now, her flawless acting skills also made Hiiragi feel scared because she was unaware of the other person's close communication with her just now.

"Tsk, should I say that she really deserves to be a mercenary? She really can't be treated like a simple little girl."