Some time passed.
The crisp sound of chopsticks clinking against bowls gradually faded, replaced by the gentle tinkling of water washing dishes.
Tsubaki Kaga, wearing an apron, expertly washed the dishes, then meticulously wiped down the kitchen counter, walls, and floor.
Until everything was spotless.
Only after finishing all this did Tsubaki Kaga remove her apron, undo the elastic band holding her long hair, letting her silky tresses cascade over her shoulders.
"Alright, it's getting late, we should head back," she said.
Tsubaki Kaga walked into the living room, giving Gu Cheng a slight bow.
"Thank you so much for today, Mr. Gu Cheng," she said.
"No problem, it's the least I could do," replied Gu Cheng with a smile.
While Rikako Kaga was still a little reluctant to leave.
But she knew that it was indeed getting late.
So she stood up with her sister and bowed deeply to Gu Cheng:
"Master, thank you so much for today!"
"Can I come and play with you again?!"
"Of course, but remember to tell me in advance next time," said Gu Cheng, ruffling Rikako Kaga's head.
…
The two sisters followed Gu Cheng to the entrance.
Gu Cheng opened the door.
There, a brand-new black sedan caught their eye, parked quietly in front of the villa.
The car's sleek lines spoke volumes of its high price.
Standing beside the car was a woman in a black business suit, tall and slender with a sharp bob cut.
…
"Is that… Mr. Gu Cheng's family?" Rikako Kaga wondered aloud, her eyes fixated on the woman by the car.
"No, my parents passed away a long time ago," Gu Cheng said calmly.
Both before and after his arrival in this world.
He had always lived alone.
However, he was quite accustomed to this peaceful life.
But hearing Gu Cheng's words, both Tsubaki Kaga and Rikako Kaga were taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in their eyes.
They hadn't expected Gu Cheng to be an orphan.
"I apologize, it was presumptuous of me," Tsubaki Kaga said softly.
Her voice carried a tinge of apology.
Gu Cheng shook his head slightly, indicating that he didn't mind.
Just then, the woman by the car noticed Gu Cheng emerging from the villa.
She quickly walked towards him, giving a slight bow and speaking in a very respectful tone.
"Hello, are you Mr. Gu Cheng?"
"I'm a staff member of the Hero Association, my name is Mizuki Mai," she said.
"I apologize for the impromptu visit, but I have a very important matter that I need to discuss with you in person."
Seeing that she had revealed her identity, Gu Cheng nodded and asked nonchalantly, "What is it?"
"Well, Mr. Gu Cheng," she said.
"Regarding your extermination of the 'Black Rhinoceros Beetle' this afternoon, the Hero Association, after much deliberation, has decided to award you a generous reward as a token of our gratitude!"
"Furthermore, considering your young age and the considerable energy you expended eliminating the 'Black Rhinoceros Beetle',"
"The Hero Association has prepared a substantial gift for you as a reward, including a cash prize of one hundred million yen and a car equipped with the latest technology for your daily commute."
"In addition,"
"If you are willing to join the Hero Association,"
"Your ranking will be placed at S-Class, third place."
"Second only to 'Blast' and 'Tatsumaki'."
"The Hero Association will provide you with everything you desire."
As she spoke, Mizuki Mai retrieved a bank card, a car key, and a document from her briefcase and presented them to Gu Cheng.
After witnessing Gu Cheng's terrifying strength firsthand this afternoon.
Mizuki Mai could no longer describe Gu Cheng as simply "strong."
Remember, when the 'Black Rhinoceros Beetle' first appeared, the Hero Association had deployed nearly half of their S-Class heroes and even sacrificed several A-Class heroes before they could barely drive it back.
Yet, Gu Cheng single-handedly, swiftly killed the 'Black Rhinoceros Beetle'.
In Mizuki Mai's eyes, his strength was probably on par with 'Tatsumaki', who ranked second.
If Gu Cheng joined the Hero Association, it would be an absolute boon for the entire organization.
Hence, Mizuki Mai's words couldn't conceal her excitement.
"Join the Hero Association?"
"Not interested."
However, Gu Cheng didn't even consider joining the Hero Association.
He rejected the offer without hesitation.
This left Mizuki Mai momentarily stunned.
After all, joining the Hero Association would grant access to various benefits offered by the organization.
Money, status, and power would be readily available.
Yet, Gu Cheng rejected it outright without a second thought.
This left her baffled.
But being someone chosen by the upper echelon.
Mizuki Mai's mental fortitude was far from ordinary.
She didn't let Gu Cheng's rejection discourage her.
"Mr. Gu Cheng, please don't rush to refuse. You can take a look at this document first," she said.
As she spoke, she handed the document to Gu Cheng.
"This document contains a detailed introduction to the Hero Association and the various benefits you can enjoy after joining."
Mizuki Mai was still trying to persuade Gu Cheng with various lucrative offers.
But Gu Cheng still pushed the document back.
"I'm sorry," he said.
"Ms. Mizuki."
"You should know, what happened this afternoon will soon be splashed across the front pages of major newspapers worldwide."
Gu Cheng interrupted Mizuki Mai.
"You're right…" Mizuki Mai was taken aback, not understanding the meaning behind Gu Cheng's words.
"Ms. Mizuki, you need to think carefully,"
"When someone like me, a 'superpowered individual,' becomes public knowledge."
"Do you think those who hold power and resources will easily let me go?" Gu Cheng withdrew his gaze and spoke calmly.
His words sent a jolt through Mizuki Mai.
She seemed to understand Gu Cheng's intentions.
As he said,
A superpowered individual like Gu Cheng.
Once exposed to the world, he would inevitably become the target of various factions.
Those who wished to recruit him, exploit him, control him, or even eliminate him, would come knocking.
While the Hero Association held considerable power.
It was only one of many powerful forces.
Thinking about this, Mizuki Mai found herself speechless.
"So, rather than joining the Hero Association, it's better for me to retain control,"
"Besides, I don't necessarily need to join a particular organization or seek protection."
"What do you think, Ms. Mizuki?"
Gu Cheng calmly looked at Mizuki Mai.
"This…"
Mizuki Mai was even more at a loss for words, unsure how to respond.
"I appreciate the Hero Association's kindness,"
"I'll take this one hundred million yen and the car as a token of friendship between myself and the Hero Association."
"As for everything else, let those big shots figure out how to please me."
"Then, they can come and talk to me about it."
After saying this, Gu Cheng ignored Mizuki Mai.