Chapter 1268 - Recognition For Jin's Efforts

“Hey, Jin. How are you feeling?” I heard from one of my agents that you had managed to dispose of one of those monsters that the Banned Emperor had summoned in my absence. You even made it into some promotional event for your store though I am receiving some intel that your accountant isn’t too happy about it..”

“Sadly, that’s the case. And yes to all accounts. Guess that you have eyes and ears both inside and outside the shop. Sometimes, I am  not too sure whether it was the best of choice to include you into my company.”

“Too bad, whether you like it or not, I am already part of your gang. Unless the System decides to brainwash me and I will be stuck with investigating the empty portion of my memory.”

“Sheesh, are you saying that no matter what, you will still come to me?”

“Be it a good thing or a bad thing, that’s for you to decide down the line.” Kong Rong said as his voice started to get serious. “What manner of monster did they summon?” Jin quickly summarised whatever information he had garnered from Farasha and it certainly gave the State Security Agent to furrow his eyebrows hard. (Jin could probably feel it from the tone of his voice too.)

“That is not a good sign. Well, I mean that’s great that you now possibly have a countermeasure against Void Beings, but that does not bore well for the rest of China. Much alone, the rest of the world. I am not entirely happy that they are only targeting us since the US and Europe be like ‘Good riddance, there is a pest in their backyard.’ And I am telling you, there are enough rumours going around that all these are backed by the CIA. Even more so with the appearance of the Void Beings. There is no way they are able to get something this sophisticated without having some wealthy and knowledgeable allies or sources.” Kong Rong said and Jin could know that he might had been in some hard hitting meetings which demanded him to resolve the matter as soon as possible.

“I am guessing they are going to pass that revised Internal Security Bill in the emergency cabinet meeting very soon?” Jin tried to console Kong Rong because he knew that would mean he would have less time for the Top State Agent to be at his behest and even less time for this man to enjoy the dungeons as the mysterious Mr Know It All. One could already reminiscent all the times he idled in Jin’s store just to make sure the last remaining Panda Clan member would not do anything to threaten public security.

“Heh. Speaking about that Internal Security Bill. I could say that all your contributions had not gone unrecognised.” Kong Rong’s tone suddenly changed for the better as if all that issues he had previously was gone with the wind and the perkiness in his voice felt ominous to Jin.

“What do you mean?” Now Jin was the one starting to feel some headaches rising up.

“The Minister of Defence would like to meet up with you physically to speak to you, the new rising Royal Zodiac Panda Lord. Your ruckus in the Tiger Estate, the killing of the Oompa whatever that monster name is, and now your assistance in breaking down the dimensional instance barrier which greatly moved the rescue timeline. One could say that you had been slogging out hard while the rest of the Veteran Zodiac Heads merely watched how the situations had unfolded.”

“In short, I earn some brownie points? But I thought every other Zodiac Heads would have hated me and did anything to stop me from growing bigger.” Jin replied having the impression that he would be ostracised. 

“Hence, the meeting with the Defence Minister would yield you the chance and opportunity to talk to the other Zodiac Heads. It’s a meeting to discuss the ongoing events and see how you had the fortune…or misfortune to interact with the Banned Emperors, they might see you in a different light.”

“You mean passing all the shit and responsibilities on me in case things go south because I am the youngest and ‘newest’ member of the Royal Zodiac Group.” Jin sighed but Kong Rong corrected him almost immediately.

“You might be right, they will throw you that shitty stuff to do, but that’s the whole point. Jin, you aren’t going to earn anyone’s trust and cooperation just by being the hero all day long. Sure, you can leave or not join the meeting, but that does not accomplish anything.” 

“Yes, I know that and I am not denying that becoming a new up and rising Lord would. I- I just have much on my plate too. ” Jin’s reply calmed Kong Rong down a little since it was relatable. 

“Hmm, still I will advise you to go. Vouching for your protection means that the Dragon Clan’s pride and face is on the line if you decide not to appear. Just take it as the perfect opportunity to meet with the other Zodiac Heads and gauge their interest in you. Needless to say, they would definitely be hiding knives behind their smiles but at least you get to see some of their motives…or maybe enjoy their ridicule towards the Tiger Head. He made your life a pain, at least get some laughs from it.” Kong Rong tried his best to convince Jin but it looks like he was trying way too hard.

“Don’t you worry. A meeting with the Defence Minister also meant a possible business opportunity. I would not pass such an opportunity to possibly get army contracts even if it is just a temporary one.” 

“Then you better strike a hard bargain, that guy is craftier than Kraft.” Just as his name was being mentioned, Kraft already bulged into the call even though it was just a one to one conversation. And how did he do that? By physically pushing Jin away from the phone aka snatching it and asking Kong Rong whether he could come along with his master for the meeting.

Although the Dragon State Agent would like to say no, he felt that bringing a veteran right hand man no matter how crazy he was might actually be a kind of insurance that Jin does not screw up badly. And even if Kraft did, Kong Rong knew that he did it for the benefit of Jin but at the same time for the death of him too.. It might be a show worthy to watch in such a dull serious meeting.