Chen Mobai did not expose his daughterâs lie face-to-face; after all, he needed to consider her feelings. However, after hanging up the phone, he was already thinking about how to deal with Chen Xingxing.
While using his Divine Sense to keep an eye on the two of them, he made a call to his trusted subordinate Hua Zijing, who was responsible for matters at The Three Great Halls.
Probably because of Chen Mobaiâs previous phone call, after Chen Xiaohei returned, he said a couple of words to Chen Xingxing and then both of them separately left the coffee shop.
Since it was during working hours, they both returned to their respective workplaces.
Chen Mobai saw Chen Xingxing return to her desk at the Sky Curtain Ground Network Management Bureau and immediately called Yunyang Bing. The latter quickly brought Chen Xingxing to his office.
"Eh, why is the old principal here today?"
When Chen Xingxing entered and saw Chen Mobai sitting in the seat of Yunhai True Monarch, she was also full of confusion.
"I just came out of retreat and had some matters to discuss with Director Yunhai, but he went overseas to arrange the Spiritual Pivot of a Large Formation. I remembered you were here too; itâs been a long time since weâve met, so I wanted to chat a bit." Chen Mobai, thinking about how Qian Xing had taken care of him before, suppressed various emotions in his heart and spoke with a gentle smile.
"Thank you for your concern, old principal. This unit is alright; although busy times are hectic, when itâs quiet, I can slack off all day. The only issue is the salary is too low; it barely covers my gaming expenses and card draws." Chen Xingxing faced Chen Mobai with composure and a normal expression.
Itâs not that he didnât know Chen Mobaiâs identity as the leader of the Immortal Gate and Deity Transformation True Monarch; itâs just that during his time at the Daoist Academy, they were too familiar, and the atmosphere in the Immortal Gate was quite open, advocating for everyoneâs equality.
Also, as a student of the Dance Tool Dao Academy, Chen Xingxing had never faced setbacks or grievances in his life. Additionally, working at the Sky Curtain Ground Network Management Bureau, he had Yunyang Bing, the deputy director, looking after him, along with Yunhai True Monarchâs warmth and care, resulting in a very comfortable work environment that allowed him to maintain the innocence of a child.
"Low salary, that shouldnât be the case. Although the Sky Curtain Ground Network Management Bureau is ranked low, it has high authority, and with Yunhai as the leader, the benefits should be pretty good..."
Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai looked at Yunyang Bing with surprise, who immediately elaborated on how the bureauâs salary and benefits were structured.
"...Because many subsidies require going on field missions to obtain them, and Little Chen is currently single with not much financial pressure, sheâs never proactively applied for field missions. Thus, the monthly salary seems somewhat low."
Afraid Chen Mobai might misunderstand, Yunyang Bing pulled up Chen Xingxingâs monthly performance attendance report to let him understand why his monthly salary was so low.
"Ah Xing, I heard from Yunhai that you have great skills in Formation; why not apply for field missions?" Knowing the reason, Chen Mobai used this topic to probe further.
"Going on field missions would leave no time for gaming. Iâm a bit obsessed; if I start something, I have to do it to perfection, but doing so is too time-consuming..." Chen Xingxing explained his reasoning, which was typical of his character.
"Is that so, does your salary suffice?" Chen Mobai inquired with concern.
Yunyang Bing misunderstood and immediately answered on his behalf: "Thatâs how it is, the bureau provides accommodation and three meals; as long as Ah Xing doesnât spend lavishly, the basic salary is enough to get by at Wangwu Cave Heaven."
"I was asking Ah Xing directly." Chen Mobai felt Yunyang Bing was slightly lacking in perceptiveness.
Chen Xingxing nodded, indicating the situation was just as Yunyang Bing described, but added: "The basic salary suffices, and since I play games well, I occasionally take jobs as a gaming companion and trainer; lately, a wealthy lady has been consistently requesting me. These extra incomes already surpass what I earn from work..."
Listening to his words, Chen Mobaiâs eyes slightly brightened; he quickly asked, "Playing games can actually include companion services? Isnât overcoming challenges yourself more rewarding?"
"Thatâs our male perspective; girls are different from us..." Chen Xingxing had his unique understanding of the gaming world. Guided by Chen Mobai, he started speaking eloquently, "This wealthy ladyâs demands are unbelievably high. She not only requires the person to have exceptional gaming skills, but also a gentle, magnetic voice, good looks. Even after I sent photos and video calls, it wasnât enough; she wanted in-person verification..."
After a few conversations, Chen Mobai had already confirmed that this wealthy lady was his daughter.
This allowed his previously tense Heart and Mind to relax a little.
It turns out sheâs been addicted to gaming lately; from a parentâs perspective, this isnât a good phenomenon, and deserves criticism. No wonder she lied.
"Ah Xing, gaming companionship and training arenât sustainable long-term; although your skills wonât decline, the game could shut down at any time. You still need to focus on your job and cultivation."
"As it happens, your combined seniority from guarding the back mountain of the Daoist Academy and working at the Sky Curtain Ground Network Management Bureau is almost enough. Iâll have Yunhai True Monarch apply for a Golden Liquid Jade Pill for you; first, weâll complete the Core Formation."
"Post Core Formation, just the basic benefits from being a Kaiyuan Hall Councilor will far exceed your current salary and gaming income. Plus, youâre fond of leisure; Iâll arrange a Formation class teaching position for you at the Daoist Academy, teaching one day a week..."
Understanding the truth, Chen Mobai smoothly talked about his plans.