Old Liu also narrowed his eyes slightly and turned his head directly toward Qin Erlong. "Old Qin, what do you think? Is Old Zhao also trying to poach someone?"
Qin Erlong silently rolled his eyes at his old mate. Damn it, this old coot has developed a persecution complex. Does everyone look like a poacher to him?
However, Qin Erlong also looked at Zhao Deguang with some suspicion. "Indeed, something’s not right. By the way, you’ve been to Old Zhao’s place before. Does he have a daughter, granddaughter, or great-niece or something?"
Liu Fuhai, in turn, gave this old fellow an eye-roll. You’re not much better yourself, old coot. But there was definitely something fishy about this matter! Fresh chapters posted on 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡~𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚~𝙣𝙚𝙩
The two old foxes exchanged a glance, sensing there was more to it.
As a matter of fact, the two old men weren’t wrong.
While everyone was still astonished, shocked, and slow to react, Zhao Deguang pinned the first-class military medal on Su Ping and officially conferred upon him the rank of Honorary Major. Then, straightening Su Ping’s collar, he whispered, "Stop by my office before you leave later. I have something to discuss with you."
Discuss what? Su Ping wondered. Liu Fuhai and Qin Erlong were even more curious.
So, the three of them went to the office together.
Zhao Deguang was rendered speechless seeing the two glare at him like predators, protectively shielding Su Ping behind him as if Su Ping were a little chick. "What’s this about, you two?"
"Old Zhao, you don’t have any unmarried granddaughters or great-nieces, do you?"
"Old Zhao, it isn’t easy for Jianghai to produce a Breeder. You can’t add insult to injury!"
"..." Old Zhao’s brow furrowed slightly. Looking at these two old coots, he thought, What on earth is all this nonsense?
"I have genuine business with Su Ping, unlike your petty speculations. Scram, scram, scram! I need to talk to Su Ping alone."
After getting Old Zhao’s assurance, although Liu Fuhai and Qin Erlong were still not quite at ease, they eventually left the office. Whose fault was it but their own for being on his turf?
With the door closed, Zhao Deguang then turned to look at the somewhat constrained Su Ping.
He couldn’t help but feel constrained! This was a General, after all! The Beast Tamer Corps under his command was one of the primary forces in the East, making him a true big shot. Moreover, this big shot was from the Legion. Su Ping’s own father had mentioned serving in the armed forces, so Su Ping held him in considerable awe.
However, Su Ping was also curious. What kind of official business could this Legion Commander, with whom he’d never had any prior contact, possibly have with a mere Breeder like himself? Even if it was official business, they shouldn’t need to seek him out personally, right?
"Su Ping, relax." Noticing Su Ping’s slight nervousness, Zhao Deguang consciously softened his stern expression and said with a smile, "I know you’re a bit puzzled. According to regulations, even for Legion competitions, a first-class merit award wouldn’t typically be issued unless under special circumstances. It certainly wouldn’t be given to an outsider who isn’t even an official member of the Legion!"
He paused, then continued, "Therefore, I also have a favor to ask of you."
Su Ping raised an eyebrow, but before he could speak, Zhao Deguang continued with a smile, "Of course, don’t misunderstand. Whether you agree to my request or not, this first-class merit award is yours. No one can take it away, and no one will question it.
"However, I genuinely believe this matter could also benefit you. If you are selected, it would be a great help to your development."
Hearing Zhao Deguang put it that way, Su Ping’s interest was piqued. "What exactly is it?"
Zhao Deguang smiled slightly. "Recently, the higher-ups intend to establish a new Special Beast Taming Forces. For this, they need to select a group of Breeders to dedicate themselves to researching the cultivation and evolution methods of specific Pet Beasts. This is to meet the Pet Beast requirements for the Special Beast Taming Forces. Each provincial Legion Commander has one nomination slot..."