Qin Shi shook his head and said softly:
"I’m no different from most of the workers’ children on Old Factory Street, at least not initially. I read in a book that a person’s character is shaped by the soil they grow in.
I think that’s not entirely true. The soil provides the foundation for life, but it is the strong desire driven by the environment that makes them grow upwards, silently take root, and absorb nutrients."
Kang Yun’Er stopped twirling her hair, deeply gazing at Qin Shi as if he were confiding.
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, but whether it’s due to the other person’s spiritual cultivation or something else,
the eyes of Mr. Qin give a feeling of both clarity and deep profundity, like a clear pool.
In short, it’s hard to see through!
"Old Factory Street is a fascinating place; it’s poor but not barren. Life there, like weeds, is strong and resilient. Every child from Old Factory Street tries various ways from childhood to become successful. However, due to limited understanding, everyone makes different choices."
Perhaps to repay Kang Yun’Er’s efforts these days, Qin Shi was willing to show a bit of emotion, to enrich the words beneath this beautiful editor’s pen.
"My classmates, friends, and acquaintances have different aspirations—some hope to get a job as miners, they’re willing to endure hardship as long as it’s stable; others think being a big shot is cool, so they’re content to be parking lot attendants or waiters, hoping to gain the boss’s recognition and promotion.
When we were young, we often harbored grand ideals to develop the country and revive Dongxia. As we grew up, we gradually discovered the vastness of the Star Sea and had to bow our heads, turning grand ideals into humble livelihoods.
I’m just one of the many workers’ children who want to leave Old Factory Street. I’m just lucky enough to fulfill my childhood grand ideals. I’m just a representation of countless individuals from the Border Administrative Region of Dongxia."
Qin Shi faced Kang Yun’Er calmly, letting her explore.
"Walking this path to today wasn’t entirely due to talent or ability, but because there were people behind me lifting and pushing.
Ms. Kang once wrote an article about me titled ’From Old Factory Street to Heng Province Top 100 Tournament’. Along the way, I often look back and see many figures similar to mine, all telling me the same thing, to keep going forward."
Qin Shi grinned and said:
"I think this might be where I differ from geniuses—I understand and accept that most things in this world aren’t meant for me.
While Ms. Kang focuses on me, she might also pay attention to where I come from. The story of the First Ten Greats has long told the world that a legendary figure like Qi Wuxiang can emerge from the manor of Hai Province, but a phenomenal talent like He Lanchan can also be nurtured at the garbage station of Yizhou."
Kang Yun’Er remained silent for a while, then tilted her head and said:
"Mr. Qin, it seems like you’re using my words. You’ve sublimated them all, making me seem useless."
Qin Shi shrugged and said plainly:
"Ms. Kang, you certainly know how to joke. You’re the professional in this field. I’m merely expressing my thoughts and speaking frankly. Many people say that the new generation of Dongxia is a battle between big companies and wealthy families. The era of the Nine Marshals’ rise from the grassroots is long gone; now, dragons and snakes must submit to the great waters.
I hope Ms. Kang can make the Four Alliances Region see Old Factory Street. I believe the Border Administrative Region has more than one Old Factory Street. If more people choose this upward path because of me, then my progress will have extraordinary significance.
The scorching sun of the new generation can rise not just from the Imperial Capital, but also from Hai Province, and from Heng Province."
Though Qin Shi’s voice wasn’t loud, it contained a certain strength. Even Kang Yun’Er, who had been a war correspondent and witnessed the gruesome hell of the grinder, couldn’t help but be moved by his last words.
Kang Yun’Er capped her pen, stood up, and extended her hand:
"Mr. Qin, the next time we meet might be at the Star Cup arena. I believe that by then, the martial arts sun of Heng Province’s Old Factory Street will shine just as brightly as the talents of the Imperial Capital and Hai Province."
Qin Shi stood up and shook her hand:
"I hope so. Thanks for your kind words, Ms. Kang."
The whistle blew, and thick smoke billowed.
The special train finally entered the platform, coming to a slow halt.
Qin Shi donned his crisp student uniform, buttoned the five copper buttons, then put on his hat and stepped off the train with Secretary Huo.
There weren’t the anticipated flashes of cameras, nor any bustling welcoming team; they left the station quite plainly.
Kang Yun’Er quietly departed without greeting Qin Shi; that’s always been the style of this editor—decisive and rarely dragging things out.
"Mr. Qin, you and the others should wait in the VIP room. I’ll go help them register their identities. Central City is managed by the large active consciousness Tai Monarch, which handles all public services. Everyone needs to register; otherwise, it greatly affects normal life, even making travel difficult."
Secretary Huo led the group to the VIP room and explained.
People like Xia Hong and Xia Ying and several accompanying members of the Tai’an Metropolitan Area had insufficient citizen levels. Without registration, they couldn’t freely enter and exit Central City.
Qin Shi and Yu Weiwei didn’t have this issue. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ n0velfire.net
"It’s like how workers in Old Factory Street find it hard to obtain residency in the Tai’an Metropolitan Area; barriers are everywhere."
Qin Shi sat in the VIP room, pouring a cup of hot water for Sister Yu, reflecting silently.
Through the one-way glass, he viewed the vast space beneath the iron dome, crowded with a dense flow of people.