Chapter 348 Xia Xinyan’s Ambition

Before this, Xia Xinyan didn’t have a deep impression of Morning Light.

Even in her past life, her interactions with this individual were almost painfully scarce, at most limited to some basic understanding since they were both top contenders on the leaderboard. Any additional knowledge about Morning Light primarily came from various online news sources.

Much like how the clueless bystanders from a while ago had come to learn about Ling Mo.

So Xia Xinyan had no clue how much of that was true or false, and at least prior to this, she didn’t really care—if she couldn’t reach out, there was no need to concern herself with understanding.

The only things she could confirm as real were that this guy was a second-generation official and had a tigerish demeanor.

Thus, now seeing Morning Light suddenly become one of the high-ups in the Ability Bureau, even appearing to hold a higher position than Lin Nan, was naturally a surprise for Xia Xinyan.

But then again, thinking it over, it made sense.

After all, he was a second-generation official.

She didn’t know if in her previous life Morning Light had also risen to a high rank in the Ability Bureau, but the preemptive effects of the Cataclysm were becoming more apparent, and the divergence from the path in this world compared to her past was growing more pronounced. Xia Xinyan’s “prophetic” memories were gradually becoming unreliable; all she could do now was rely on the general trajectory of her memories and experience to determine her next steps.

For instance, this collaboration with the Ability Bureau.

Upon hearing Morning Light agree to their requests, Lin Nan hesitated for a moment and then asked, “Why don’t we first hear your understanding of the resource network? Or what do you hope to achieve with the resource network?”

“It’s not confirmed yet,” Xia Xinyan shook her head, “But don’t worry, what we want to do will definitely not impact the Ability Bureau in the slightest—put simply, it’s just that Chicks currently lack the capability, which is why we want to leverage the Ability Bureau, similar to how you’re asking us to help maintain city stability.”

Lin Nan fell silent for a few seconds.

He wanted to say that their nature was worlds apart, almost as if the Ability Bureau just wanted a free dinner while they were hoping to snag a nuclear bomb instead.

However, saying that wouldn’t be appropriate, since Morning Light had already agreed to them. While it was quite hasty, there was no need for him to refuse the cooperation on Morning Light’s behalf.

Morning Light looked quite cordial, still wearing that polite smile: “It seems Chicks have lofty ambitions, so I wish you all success in advance.”

Saying that, he extended his hand to Ling Mo: “And here’s to a pleasant cooperation.”

Ling Mo glanced at him for a couple of seconds, then tilted his head towards Xia Xinyan: “Aren’t we signing an agreement with them?”

Morning Light’s smile stiffened.

Looks like this guy is pretty cautious.

Which is a good thing.

Xia Xinyan didn’t plan to fuss over it: “No need, since it’s the Ability Bureau that approached us, we trust the integrity of the Ability Bureau, and anytime we need to utilize your resource network, we will hold you fully accountable.”

On one hand, she did genuinely trust the Ability Bureau to a certain extent; on the other, this also served as a form of flattery.

Thus, the cooperation terms were considered concluded, and Xia Xinyan would compile information regarding the previously mentioned “prophecy” to send to them soon. The task of protecting the city would begin immediately, with the Ability Bureau sending people to assist—so now, Chicks’ status was roughly equivalent to that of auxiliary police.

Both sides were quite satisfied with this outcome. As they were preparing to take their leave, Ling Mo called out, “Aren’t you staying for lunch?”

Morning Light’s gaze unintentionally flicked towards Xia Xinyan, who was sitting on the sofa munching on small bread, and he smiled: “No need, we still have other matters to attend to.”

Ling Mo didn’t have any intention of keeping them either: “Then take care.”

After sending the two off, he returned to the living room: “Xinyan, are you hungry? Some dishes are already ready; you can eat now.”

Xia Xinyan finished the last bite of her small bread, stood up, and went to the kitchen with him: “Actually, you don’t need to make so many dishes…”

This guy’s current hobby, aside from managing Chicks, seemed to revolve around experimenting with various dishes, and the results were quite good. Every meal he made could fill up an entire table, all of which suited Xia Xinyan’s taste… even she had to admit, she seemed to be getting spoiled.

Ling Mo paused, and his mood appeared to drop a bit: “Does Xinyan not like it?”

Xia Xinyan: “…”

She really couldn’t stand this guy’s demeanor.

After a few seconds of silence, she sighed: “I like it… it’s just that making so many dishes every time is tiring.”

“It’s not tiring; as long as Xinyan likes it, I won’t feel tired.” Ling Mo smiled.

He had once stated that he would find a way to win over Xinyan’s appetite, and this was part of his plan to make her dependent on him, and now, that goal seemed to be nearing fulfillment.

So naturally, he didn’t find it tiring; instead, he was enjoying it.

Xia Xinyan was too lazy to bother with him: “Don’t make so much; come eat with me, the dishes are getting cold.”

Ling Mo wasn’t being fussy at all, smiling and nodding. After serving her some rice, he sat down next to her: “Does Xinyan want to cooperate long-term with the Ability Bureau?”

“Whether it’s a long-term partnership depends on the Ability Bureau’s intentions,” Xia Xinyan replied noncommittally, “But there’s no harm in collaborating with the Ability Bureau now; it’s like elevating Chicks to a semi-official status, which will provide a lot of convenience for what we want to do.”

“Then… what if the Ability Bureau later turns against us?” Ling Mo continued asking, “And what does Xinyan plan to do with that resource network?”

“The Ability Bureau won’t do that,” Xia Xinyan confidently shook her head, “Otherwise, it would be self-destructive.”

Once the state’s controlling powers began to decline, any factions backed by the state wishing to stand out among equally powerful entities needed to maintain their credibility. If the Ability Bureau were to destroy its reputation, that department might end up being less influential than even ordinary major forces.

She understood this point, and the Ability Bureau understood it too, so there was no need to sign any agreements; anyone with a functioning brain wouldn’t default.

To take a step back, even if they did default, Chicks wouldn’t walk away empty-handed; rather, they could leverage that to seize the initiative. Some actions they’d need to undertake might appear rebellious in peacetime.

Regardless of how they proceeded, they wouldn’t incur losses, especially in this era where the saying “the timid starve while the bold feast” was more pronounced.

As for what she planned to do with the resource network…

“Mo Mo, what do you think Chicks should do to grow rapidly?” she asked.

Ling Mo paused.

After contemplating for a moment, he turned the question back at Xia Xinyan: “What does Xinyan think?”

“Unite all the middle and small-sized forces to form an alliance led by Chicks.” Xia Xinyan smiled softly, “Quantity can lead to qualitative change.”