FIMA Ch67: Temporary Worker

Gu Siyuan raised his hand to open the car window, preparing to cool down, but was suddenly hit squarely by a full bottle of drink.

He initially thought it was Han Mingye and his group, seeking revenge.

He poked his head out to take a closer look, only to see more things flying towards him—drinks, bread, cookies, milk, apples, and such.

“Thank you, thank you, police uncle!”

“Thank you, masters!”

The rescued tourists were throwing everything they could from their bags.

The special police officer driving the car quickly laughed and said, “Haha, it’s an old tradition of the people.”

He Pan and the others waved enthusiastically, “No need to be so polite!”

“No need to be so polite, go back home!”

Thinking he’d only be beaten in Beijing, Gu Siyuan now realized he was being hit ahead of schedule.

He raised his hand to rub his reddened face, looking at the enthusiastic rescued crowd outside, and his lips curled slightly.

Just then, that familiar malicious gaze came over again.

Gu Siyuan raised his eyes and glanced over. Not far away on the grass, a helicopter with spinning propellers was parked.

The main protagonist, Han Mingye, was sitting at the helicopter’s entrance, staring intently at him.

Gu Siyuan sneered and directly closed the window with a “bang.”

Does he think he’s his opponent? Not even close.

On the helicopter.

Han Mingye frowned in displeasure. He turned around and asked inside the cabin, “Han Mu, have you found out?”

The clan member named Han Mu immediately nodded, “Yes, that guy is called Gu Siyuan. He is… the younger brother of ‘Northern Sky Wolf’.”

Han Mingye’s eyes grew colder, “Gu Beilin’s brother?”

Hmph, really a mix of old and new grudges.

Han Mu advised in a low voice, “Young master, this matter needs to be carefully planned. Northern Sky Wolf is a complete madman who respects no one…”

As he spoke, his voice began to tremble.

He still remembered three years ago at the national competition how brutal and ruthless Gu Beilin was. Almost single-handedly, he faced off against all the young talents of the four major families, and he couldn’t last even a single move against him.

In the end, that guy even got more excited as he fought, wanting to take on multiple opponents at once. But it didn’t happen because it wasn’t allowed by the competition rules.

And the regretful look in that guy’s eyes at the end was chilling.

It was also because of Northern Sky Wolf’s overwhelming reputation that more and more independent cultivators joined the Special Bureau in recent years, reducing their dependence on the four major families.

Han Mingye’s face turned icy, and he scoffed, “Do you think I would be afraid of Gu Beilin? Hmph, it’s a pity I wasn’t old enough in the last competition. Otherwise, it’s uncertain if Northern Sky Wolf would have gained such fame!”

Upon hearing this, Xie Yuchen, who was sitting beside him, immediately responded softly, “Gu Beilin is two years older than you, and with two more years of cultivation, he would surely be no match for you if you were the same age.”

“Mm.” Han Mingye lazily nodded, then looked at Xie Yuchen with a warm smile, “This year’s competition is in three months. With your talisman skills, you will surely achieve a top rank.”

Xie Yuchen’s eyes curved with a smile.

Han Mingye continued, “The Special Bureau has indeed recruited many people in recent years, but most of them are unaffiliated cultivators without much heritage. They might be barely passable in magical battles, but in terms of talismans and elixirs, they are far inferior to our families. This year, without Gu Beilin, they will surely be completely outclassed.”

At this moment, Xie Yuchen suddenly said softly, “Actually, Xie Xuanxing and Xie Cang, the grandfather and grandson, have decent talent in making talismans. After they joined the Special Bureau, I estimate…”

Han Mingye squinted his eyes, “Hmph, what waves can two people make? But, since that’s the case, we can’t just sit and watch. When we get back, let’s discuss it with the other families. It’s time for the Special Bureau to recognize our families’ power again.”

Upon hearing this, not only Xie Yuchen but also everyone else in the helicopter couldn’t help but laugh softly, as if they could already see the Special Bureau members’ miserable faces.

…

The distance from H City to Beijing is not far, about four hours by train.

Gu Siyuan and the others were taken to the train station by the special police and had a casual lunch nearby before catching the next train.

By the time the group stood below the Special Bureau building, it was still daylight.

However, Xie Cang and Xie Xuanxing, the grandfather and grandson, hesitated for a long time while looking at the rusty iron gate in front of them.

This is the headquarters of the National Special Events Management Bureau?

Are these three people in front of them scammers, and inside is either an organ trafficking ring or a pyramid scheme hideout?

Gu Siyuan also glanced at He Pan and said lightly, “I remember it used to be in the suburbs.”

He Pan explained seriously, “We just moved here. Don’t be fooled by our front gate; it’s for disguise. The inside isn’t like this.”

Curly Hair also defended, “Do you think it was easy to move here? We collectively applied for it… Being in the middle of the city is great. We can order any food delivery, no matter how late we work overtime.”

Xie Cang hesitated even more. This unit still needs to work overtime?

He was already an old man…

Moments later, the group finally took the elevator upstairs.

Indeed, unlike the dilapidated exterior, the office area was clean, brightly lit, and everything was brand new. The floor was even paved with marble.

On a bench by the door, a long-haired young man was lazily sitting with his legs crossed, engrossed in something on his phone.

Curly Hair became quite excited upon seeing him.

“Luo Chuan, why are you here? Where’s your boss? Where’s my idol?”

“He went to the director’s office. I’m waiting for him here.” A pleasant and clear male voice sounded as the long-haired young man looked up, revealing a stunningly beautiful face.

His appearance was not inferior to Xie Xuanxing’s.

Curly Hair was very excited, rubbing his hands, “Wow, you guys must have cracked a big case this time!”

“Almost.” The long-haired young man nodded faintly. He ignored Curly Hair and instead supported his chin with his delicate hand, looking intently at Gu Siyuan, and said softly, “Long time no see.”

“Oh.” Gu Siyuan responded lightly, his expression unchanged, still cold and stern.

Luo Chuan wasn’t angry and continued to observe him closely.

His peach blossom eyes sparkled.

Xie Xuanxing frowned, took a step forward, and stood in front of Gu Siyuan.

Seeing the possessive look in Xie Xuanxing’s eyes, Luo Chuan squinted and was momentarily stunned.

Then he burst into laughter.

The next moment, Luo Chuan stood up from the chair, walked over to Xie Xuanxing in a few steps, and slightly tilted his head, almost touching his ear, and whispered in a tone only the two of them could hear, “Don’t worry, I won’t steal him from you. I only like silly guys who swing big swords.”

It was unclear whether it was due to the hot breath or because his thoughts were exposed, but Xie Xuanxing’s fair cheeks instantly turned bright red.

White jade with a rosy blush, extremely captivating.

Gu Siyuan narrowed his eyes and pulled Xie Xuanxing behind him, saying coldly, “Stay away from such overly familiar people.”

Originally, he didn’t intend to pay attention to this subordinate of his big brother, but seeing him so close to his little follower and making him blush, he inexplicably felt a trace of displeasure.

Xie Xuanxing glanced at the large hand on his wrist and the tall figure shielding him, a smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.

Luo Chuan helplessly spread his hands, feeling like he was being treated as an outsider despite his good intentions.

He rolled his eyes at Gu Siyuan, “Heh, if your big brother beats you up later, don’t ask me for help.”

Gu Siyuan snorted disdainfully.

Did he think he was the original foolish owner of this body? There was no way he would get beaten.

Just then, the sound of “click-clack” was heard, the sound of hard-soled boots stepping on a marble floor, each step rhythmic and pleasant to hear.

Suddenly, the previously orderly and busy hall became chaotic, everyone simultaneously looking toward the director’s office at the end, excitement showing on their faces.

Gu Siyuan squinted his eyes.

A tall figure wearing a black vest, gray-green camouflage pants, and brown boots quickly approached them.

Then, he stopped in front of Gu Siyuan.

Gu Siyuan felt as if a century-old sharpened cold ancient blade, full of killing intent, was standing before him.

Gu Beilin’s eyes were deep as he looked at Gu Siyuan, who immediately met his gaze, neither avoiding nor flinching.

Their eyes met as if countless swords and blades were clashing.

For a moment, everyone standing around felt oppressed by the overwhelming, self-centered aura of these two individuals.

After a long time, Gu Beilin withdrew his gaze, nodded, and said coldly, “Not bad, you’ve improved. Come to my office and explain this matter in detail.”

After speaking, he glanced at Luo Chuan, then continued walking forward without hesitation.

Luo Chuan blinked, glanced regretfully at Gu Siyuan, seemingly sorry he didn’t get beaten, then hurriedly followed Gu Beilin.

Gu Siyuan ignored Luo Chuan. After the two figures disappeared, he turned slightly to look at Xie Xuanxing, then stepped toward Gu Beilin’s office.

Xie Xuanxing smiled and followed.

That look just now, these two brothers were actually quite similar.

As the most renowned young member of the Special Bureau, Gu Beilin had his own large office.

The space is approximately thirty square meters. In one glance, you can see a soft beige sofa with three or four cute animal-shaped pillows on it. At the end of the sofa is a princess-style partition shelf and table, piled with snacks, drinks, various silly decorations, and love novels with absurd names.

Gu Siyuan lowered his head slightly and glanced at the floor, which was covered with a pink kawaii carpet.

Tsk…

He quickly walked to the farthest corner by the wall, where there was a cold black office desk and a few chairs. On the wall behind hung an old broadsword.

It was obvious that this place was nominally Gu Beilin’s office, but in reality, only this corner truly belonged to him; most of the other areas were occupied by Luo Chuan’s aesthetic.

He couldn’t help but look at Gu Beilin with sympathy and disdain, thinking that it was pathetic to be overshadowed by his subordinate.

Thinking of this, Gu Siyuan subconsciously glanced at Xie Xuanxing, secretly vowing to keep his underling in line and never let him get out of control.

However, he found that his underling was sitting on the beige sofa with Luo Chuan, sipping a bottle of yogurt and holding a silly animal pillow, looking quite content.

“…” Gu Siyuan.

Really… is it really that comfortable?

Should he decorate his office like this if he ever joins Special Division 2?

That’s too silly.

“Sit here,” Gu Beilin pointed to a black leather-backed chair beside him.

Gu Siyuan nodded.

Then, the two brothers entered a simple, cold Q&A session.

Gu Siyuan didn’t talk much, and Gu Beilin spoke even less. It only took a few minutes for them to cover everything.

Gu Beilin nodded and said coldly, “Although your spiritual power hasn’t improved, finding another path shows you’re not a complete waste.”

Hearing this.

Before Gu Siyuan could retort, Xie Xuanxing, sitting on the sofa, puffed up his cheeks in displeasure, his whole body exuding a cold aura, instantly turning from a sweet cake into a popsicle.

Even a big brother shouldn’t talk to Gu Siyuan like that.

Luo Chuan quickly patted his hand and smiled, “Calm down, calm down.”

The next moment, Gu Siyuan narrowed his eagle eyes, looked at his elder brother, and said in a calm voice, “You can be arrogant now, but once I join Special Division 2, the Bureau will know who the real big shot is. Then, I’ll make sure to teach you a lesson.”

Upon hearing this, Luo Chuan almost jumped up.

Do you even know how many injuries and how much blood Gu Beilin has shed for the Bureau? Do you know how much influence Gu Beilin has had on the Bureau’s current state?

Xie Xuanxing immediately pulled Luo Chuan back and stuffed a spoonful of ice cream into his mouth with a smile.

Hehe, Gu Siyuan sure knows how to provoke, his talent for irritating others is extraordinary.

Gu Beilin sneered at Gu Siyuan, “I’ll be waiting.”

Luo Chuan swallowed his ice cream, glared at Xie Xuanxing angrily, and then slowly said, “Don’t brag too early. Do you think joining the Bureau is that easy? First, you need to pass the annual national civil service exam.”

“…” Gu Siyuan and Xie Xuanxing were both stunned.

Luo Chuan kindly (schadenfreudely) explained, “Everyone in our Bureau has an official position. The current policy is that every position requires an exam. Understand?”

“Oh, you guys have already told him about it, that’s great, saves me from explaining again.” He Pan poked his bearded head into the office.

He looked at Gu Siyuan with a grin, “I was just coming to tell you about this. It’s August now, and there are three months left before the exam. You two have time to prepare.”

Alright.

Xie Xuanxing nodded.

He’s not afraid of exams. As cultivators, their senses are sharper, and their memory is better than ordinary people. He knows a bit about the civil service exam, and as long as he reviews and memorizes in advance, understands current affairs, he shouldn’t have a hard time passing.

Gu Siyuan glanced at He Pan and asked coldly, “Is everyone really recruited through exams?”

He Pan nodded firmly, “Of course.”

Their Bureau doesn’t allow backdoor entries or special treatment.

Gu Siyuan sneered and glanced at Gu Beilin, “Then how did my simple-minded, sword-wielding brother get in? I don’t believe he passed the written test.”

“…” He Pan.

Gu Siyuan, you’re really something.

Is this how you talk about your brother?

He Pan looked at Gu Beilin helplessly, “Your brother passed the exam too, but it took him three years. He was only a consultant with a temporary position before that.”

Gu Siyuan nodded, that sounded more believable.

He raised an eyebrow at He Pan, “I’ll take the exam in three months and I’ll enter as the top scorer.”

The implication was clear.

Gu Beilin stepped closer, lightly patted his shoulder, and said casually, “The Bureau requires more than just a written test, there’s also physical training. I see your physical fitness is average. I’ll take you to train and get used to it.”

After saying that, without waiting for Gu Siyuan’s reaction, he directly put his arm around his shoulder and took him away.

“…” Gu Siyuan.

This is what they call a scholar meeting a soldier.

Half an hour later, a crowd of employees had gathered around the ring in the Bureau’s basement, their faces full of excitement.

They cheered for “Gu Beilin” and “Gu Siyuan.”

Gu Beilin was the idol and role model for all young cultivators in the Bureau. Seeing him in the ring naturally garnered a lot of cheers, but it was rare for his opponent to receive such support.

Gu Beilin, in the ring, couldn’t help but squint his eyes.

When he fought Gu Siyuan, he naturally didn’t use spiritual power, otherwise, with just one move, his younger brother would be sent flying.

In fact, Gu Siyuan’s physical fitness was already much superior compared to ordinary people.

But even so, at the beginning of the fight, he was completely one-sidedly beaten, unable to even touch him.

However, Gu Siyuan was essentially a natural-born fighter.

No matter how many times he was knocked down, he would immediately get up and instantly improve, each time showing significant progress compared to the last.

In the short time on the field, this improvement wasn’t in physical fitness, but in combat awareness and skills.

After seven or eight rounds.

Now, Gu Siyuan could already exchange a few moves with Gu Beilin. Although he still lost, the implications were profound.

Gu Beilin was undoubtedly a combat genius, possessing unparalleled fighting abilities that few in the world could match.

Gu Siyuan was exceptionally intelligent but didn’t have as much talent in combat as Gu Beilin.

Yet he could, in just a few rounds, identify some of Gu Beilin’s characteristics and habits, using his extraordinary analytical ability and combat skills to counter them.

This was astonishing.

Gu Beilin also took advantage of Gu Siyuan’s keen observations to gradually improve his own moves.

Thus, the more they fought, the more addicted and intense they became.

One enjoyed the rare challenge, while the other was driven by a sense of unrivaled competitiveness.

Even with their bodies covered in injuries, they couldn’t stop.

The onlookers became increasingly excited. There weren’t many in the entire Bureau who could exchange blows with Gu Beilin, making this scene exceptionally rare.

However, Xie Xuanxing and Luo Chuan, who were clutching the netting on the side, felt entirely different.

Xie Xuanxing puffed his cheeks, thinking he hadn’t been this injured even when fighting the ghost king at Luojun Mountain.

Luo Chuan was even angrier. The injuries from Kunlun Mountain hadn’t healed yet, and now he was putting himself through this again!

The two exchanged glances, rare in agreement, and turned away in a huff, heading towards the training field’s exit, out of sight, out of mind.

So, when the Gu brothers finally jumped down from the ring, they only saw the backs of Xie Xuanxing and Luo Chuan walking away side by side.

“Is that pretty boy someone you brought?” Gu Beilin looked at Gu Siyuan, his gaze icy, dissatisfaction evident.

Gu Siyuan glanced at him, his gaze even colder: “Is he more of a pretty boy than that subordinate of yours named Luo?”

As soon as the words fell.

The others in the training field instantly felt a strong blade aura, making them very uncomfortable.

This Northern Heavenly Wolf, always showing off his high spiritual power, wasting it.

Elder Xie Cang, along with He Pan and Little Curly, came to the training field to watch the fun. He had no good feelings towards these brothers; one abducted his grandson, and the other called his grandson a pretty boy.

Seeing this, he snorted and said, “No matter how pretty those two are, they’re better than you two big fools. They’ve had enough of you and left early! No one can stand you two.”

Gu Siyuan: “…”

He was purely implicated by his foolish big brother.

And Gu Beilin, who had been called a madman by family cultivators since his debut, was used to such small taunts and could completely ignore them.

He merely said to Gu Siyuan, dissatisfied, “From now on, keep your little follower away from Luo Chuan.”

Gu Siyuan replied indifferently, “Xie Xuanxing is well-behaved and sensible. You should control that subordinate of yours who pounces on people whenever he sees them! Northern Heavenly Wolf!”

As he spoke, he couldn’t help but add, “What a childish nickname! So immature!”

The blade aura around Gu Beilin intensified as he coldly said, “Get back up and fight again!”

Gu Siyuan, feeling the pain all over his body, shook his head and walked out with a cold expression.

It seemed that, besides researching scientific methods to kill ghosts, cultivation was also necessary. Otherwise, in pure physical confrontations with combat maniacs like Gu Beilin, he was at a great disadvantage.

After the initial chaos, Gu Siyuan and Xie Xuanxing successfully joined the Bureau. Gu Siyuan joined Special Division 2, and Xie Xuanxing joined Special Division 1.

However, since they hadn’t passed the exam yet, they were still temporary employees.

Elder Xie Cang, on the other hand, was given a position as a senior consultant for talismans, which sounded much higher than their temporary positions.

The Bureau was indeed short of people, especially talents like Xie Xuanxing, who had a natural talent for talismans.

So, even though Xie Xuanxing was supposed to be Gu Siyuan’s follower, he was often out of sight most of the day.

One day, after finishing his research in Special Division 2, Gu Siyuan inadvertently wandered into Xie Xuanxing’s Special Division 1 talisman-making group.

Seeing him, Xie Xuanxing immediately ran over to him: “Why are you here?”

Gu Siyuan casually made up an excuse: “I have something to discuss with my big brother, and I happened to pass by, so I came to check on you.”

Xie Xuanxing tugged at his sleeve and smiled softly with his head down.

Gu Beilin’s office was on the other side; there was no way he would pass by here. Clearly, he came to see him but wouldn’t admit it.

Sure enough, just as Luo Chuan said, both brothers probably had a secretive nature.

It was summer, and Xie Xuanxing was only wearing a loose T-shirt. With his head lowered, the thin white skin of his neck and the distinct vertebrae were exposed, resembling the spine of a young dragon.

Gu Siyuan couldn’t help but reach out and touch it.

The sudden warmth of his palm made Xie Xuanxing instinctively let out a soft, thin moan, “Ah.”

It was tender and seductive.

Gu Siyuan, however, wasn’t paying attention to this. He reached out, pinched Xie Xuanxing’s chin, made him look up, scrutinized him, and his expression gradually turned cold: “What’s going on? How come you’ve lost so much weight in just a few days?”

Xie Xuanxing pouted.

Gu Siyuan’s thumb rubbed against his cheek, and indeed, the soft cheek wasn’t as plump as before.