The two arrived by car.

It was an ugly steam-powered van.

The group got into the car, and Chen Shouyi looked outside the window. The Capital City no longer seemed as prosperous as before. Even though it was noon, the streets were sparse and desolate.

There were military and police everywhere on the road. On top of every skyscraper, there were rapid-fire cannons installed, all with calibers above 50mm, giving the entire city a solemn appearance.

Chen Shouyi occasionally saw a few dilapidated buildings, and even collapsed ruins, clearly showing that this place had also undergone many hardships.

However, this area was undoubtedly much better than Hedong District, where there had been hardly any significant destruction!

"The population density in the Capital is too high. Over the past year, several migrations have been organized, with most people moving to the newly built industrial zones on the outskirts, so it appears somewhat deserted," Sun Jianhua explained with a smile. "Mr. Chen, how is it on your side in Hedong?"

Chen Shouyi replied, "Hedong is similar to here. The new zones are a bit more prosperous, but the old zones are rather dilapidated."

...

After half an hour, the van stopped at a luxurious guesthouse.

This place was located in the city center, not far from Tiananmen and the Great Hall. The guesthouse was splendid and luxurious, with artificial lakes inside, rock gardens, small bridges, and a lush artificial forest on a tiny island in the middle.

"It's very close to the Martial Arts Bureau. Mr. Chen, when you have time, you should come and visit," Sun Jianhua said, personally leading Chen Shouyi to the room. "I hope Mr. Chen finds this satisfactory?"

"You're too kind, it's quite nice," Chen Shouyi said, glancing around.

The room was a large suite, very spacious, with luxurious decor and all kinds of appliances.

Of course, these were all just for show now.

"Mr. Chen is a pillar of the nation. The director instructed me to ensure you are well taken care of. If you have any requests or find anything unsatisfactory, just let the manager here know; I've specifically briefed them!"

Chen Shouyi smiled.

So now he's qualified to be called a pillar of the nation!

Sun Jianhua and Qian Feiyan accompanied the group to a meal, chatting about some amusing anecdotes from the martial artist circle in the Capital, but without any obvious attempts to win them over, and soon took their leave.

This made Zhang Miaomiao relax her tense nerves.

Chen Shouyi returned to his room, put away his luggage, took a shower, dressed in silk pajamas, and lay on the soft rocking chair, feeling totally at ease. He checked his attribute panel.

The training on the train these past two days was not completely fruitless; his strength rose to 17.3 points, almost reaching two tons of strength.

He clenched his fist tightly, producing a crackle in the air.

Then he spread out his hand, with fingers pristine, slender, and fair, showing no trace of the terrifying power contained within.

With a thought, the briefcase on the coffee table flew straight up into the air, landing on his lap.

He unzipped it, and the Shell Lady jumped out impatiently. She didn't bother with Chen Shouyi, observed the surroundings, leapt onto the carpet, ran a bit, and then jumped like a flea to the one-meter-high windowsill.

She squatted on the ledge, pulled open a gap in the curtains with her small hands, and carefully peered outside.

After a while, she ran over quickly, about to cry: "Why isn't it the big train here!"

"The train arrived, so we got off!" Chen Shouyi said casually, leisurely rocking the chair.

He planned to get a rocking chair in his room once he returned to Hedong City.

"Boohoo, give me back my big train, I want the big train!"

Chen Shouyi was speechless.

What's so great about the train? Even though he had a private luxury sleeper cabin, after two days, he felt like he was in a prison, feeling confined and irritable, while she, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy it endlessly.

"Don't worry, we'll be riding it again soon enough!" Chen Shouyi quickly reassured her.

"One sunrise and sunset, or one, one sunrise and sunset, or one, one, one sunrise and sunset..." the Shell Lady whimpered.

"Three!" Chen Shouyi replied.

"Promise you didn't lie to the little one?" The Shell Lady wiped away her tears, which magically retracted.

As if implying he had tricked her on purpose.

"I promise!" Chen Shouyi said crossly.

In three days, they'd definitely be going back!

At that moment, there was a knock on the door.

The Shell Lady was startled, scampered to the sofa base, and squirmed in like a worm.

Such a scaredy-cat!

Chen Shouyi chuckled, glanced at her, and got up to answer the door.

At the door stood Zhang Miaomiao, dressed in a cotton T-shirt and short skirt, exuding a gentle air. Her gray pencil skirt perfectly accentuated her curvaceous figure and presence. She smiled and said, "Chief Consultant, want to go shopping? Xiaoling and I are going!"

"You guys go ahead; I'll pass," Chen Shouyi replied.

What's fun about shopping? He's hated it ever since he was little.

Zhang Miaomiao felt disappointed. Without a handsome guy accompanying them, the thrill of shopping dissipated significantly. "Then, Chief Consultant, is there anything you want us to buy for you?"

Chen Shouyi thought for a moment and said, "Nothing comes to mind!"

"Alright then!"

...

After Zhang Miaomiao left, Chen Shouyi smacked his forehead.

Almost forgot.

The Shell Lady's clothes were almost gone, having worn and torn through them over the past half-year.

Especially since she often crawls under the bed or the sofa, burrowing into every nook and cranny, and sometimes even digs in the soil, her clothes get ruined easily.

Now she had very few left, and most were shabby or stained with stubborn stains.

It's high time to buy some.

It's just that it's been very hard to find in Hedong City recently, so I don't know if there are any in the Capital?

Of course, buying this kind of thing can't be delegated to anyone else; I have to do it myself!

Otherwise, if a distinguished Martial Artist like me got found out, it'd be embarrassing.

After waiting for about ten minutes, he changed his clothes, tucked the Shell Lady into the briefcase, and walked out the door.

However, upon stepping out of the guesthouse, he saw Zhang Miaomiao, Bai Xiaoling, and Zhao Ding.

Darn it, still dawdling here and haven't left yet?

Chen Shouyi hesitated for a moment; there were people all around, and there were young and attractive receptionists just next to him. Going back now would be too obvious and suspicious.

"Chief Consultant, you're coming out?" Bai Xiaoling asked, surprised to see Chen Shouyi first.

Chen Shouyi nodded, carrying his briefcase, and walking steadily, he said, "You all go about your shopping. I'll just wander around nearby."

"How about we accompany you?" Zhang Miaomiao suggested.

"No need, no need, I just want some peace and quiet by myself!" Chen Shouyi quickly said.

Feigning departure until they left, he then returned to the guesthouse, motioning to a service attendant with a wave of his hand.

A young service attendant hurried over with a blush in front of envious looks from the crowd. Gazing at the handsome Chen Shouyi, she shyly smiled and asked, "Hello, what services do you need?"

"Do you know where I can buy Barbie dolls nearby?" Chen Shouyi asked softly.

The young service attendant was slightly stunned for a moment.

Reading her expression, Chen Shouyi quickly explained, "Uh, it's for a relative's daughter. Her birthday is coming up soon, so... you understand."

"No need to explain. The manager instructed that you are a distinguished guest of the guesthouse, and all expenses during your stay will be covered by us. If you need Barbie dolls, please wait a moment, and we'll have them brought to you. No need for you to make a trip!"

But I don't just need one!

"That's too kind, but there's no need. I prefer buying it myself; that makes it more heartfelt," Chen Shouyi said with an awkward smile.

"You truly are compassionate!"

...

After finally getting the address, Chen Shouyi stepped out onto the street, breathing a long sigh of relief.

He felt that was more exhausting than a battle.

ps: Computer crash, and issues with the input method, hence...

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