I’m Really Scared
Chapter 65: The Three-Year Period Has Arrived

Guan Shan felt that at this moment, only two words could perfectly express his feelings.

"Damn!"

Twenty thousand a month, and you call that a welfare subsidy?! How much would those receiving official salaries get?! This number was unimaginable...

And this twenty thousand was given to him for doing nothing.

Emotionally, this made Guan Shan think once again, "Could Xia Lei be a colossal scam artist?"

But rationally, that was impossible.

Guan Shan calmed down, thinking, "At this point, only the term 'huge hush money' can explain it."

It seemed that the "Special Security Group" often did this to ensure that witnesses to supernatural events wouldn't reveal the truth.

Who would refuse twenty thousand a month for nothing?

The contract even had a clause stating that if any information about the Special Security Group was leaked, the subsidy would be stopped.

For money, no one would be stupid enough to spill the beans.

However, this also meant that the Special Security Group had ample funding, which could mean two things: either the higher-ups really valued this department, or this department was a high-risk job...

Guan Shan thought it was probably a bit of both, with the former being more significant.

Preventing widespread panic was extremely important.

For instance, the famous Water Monkey rumor caused social unrest and even led to the suspension of production and operations in some areas in the last century.

Although it was unclear if this incident had any relation to the Special Security Group, this department probably existed to prevent similar occurrences.

With that in mind, Guan Shan felt at ease.

Xia Lei observed the changing expressions on Guan Shan's face and wasn't surprised.

A penny can stymie a hero, and the same goes for a hero Esper.

Xia Lei was confident in the welfare for Espers, but beneath this welfare were the countless sacrifices of Special Security Group members.

Every year, at least 30 new Espers above D-level were registered, but even with such high salaries, very few were willing to join the Special Security Group.

If five out of thirty joined, it was a miracle.

Most people, even with supernatural abilities, preferred to continue living their ordinary lives among the masses.

They would rather join private organizations than the official Special Security Group.

And to make matters worse, the five who joined might not have combat-suitable abilities...

This was the current dilemma of the Special Security Group.

The You Squad, responsible for the Hangzhou area, had only fifty Espers, with only three above C-level: Xia Lei, team leader Gao Ye, and a former criminal from the fourth squad.

In contrast, the "Death Hive," with its top ten Worker Bee operatives, all C-level and combat-capable, posed a significant threat.

Although "Death Hive" operated nationwide, when they concentrated their forces here, the You Squad struggled to cope.

Even if they requested assistance from other regions or higher-ups, responses were slow because other areas were also dealing with Esper criminals.

For example, the barrier master "Screen" was brought in from another location to help, thanks to a prior partnership with Xia Lei.

The unfortunate truth was that powerful Espers often preferred to be criminals rather than heroes.

So, whenever they encountered a promising candidate, they would take risks and use any means necessary to recruit them into the Special Security Group.

They desperately needed more combat-ready Espers!

Xia Lei held up two fingers and solemnly repeated, "Twenty thousand a month. If you doubt it, you can come with me to the branch now to sign in and get the subsidy."

"It's not far, just a half-hour drive."

Guan Shan hesitated for a moment and then agreed, "Alright."

He asked Shen Dinghua to wait at the newspaper office, informed Chief Li, and then left with Xia Lei and his team to the Hangzhou branch of the Special Security Group.

Interestingly, at the elevator, they ran into Liu Ping, who was going to the bathroom—a young colleague with a knack for gossip.

Liu Ping's eyes widened at the sight of the burly men and Xia Lei, whose shoulder insignia clearly indicated his rank. His face showed a mix of confusion and astonishment.

The group quickly took the elevator and left.

In the bathroom, Liu Ping pondered, recalling the incident with Jiang Siyuan, who was still hospitalized after a dispute with Guan Shan. Suddenly, he was struck by realization: "So that's it! Oh, damn, I spilled it..."

That day, everyone at "Hangzhou Evening News" heard the rumor that "Guan Shan's three-year period is up, the Dragon King returns, and he's about to take over a big family."

No one cared that Guan Shan had only been at the newspaper for half a year...

---

Guan Shan returned from the Special Security Group branch an hour later.

The branch was next to a police station, bearing the Special Security Group's emblem, with "Serve the People" written prominently. The facilities were similar to other government institutions, but the area was smaller, resembling a small office. There were no other Special Security Group personnel in sight.

The place was deserted under the hot sun, with only an old gatekeeper listening to the radio.

Guan Shan felt reassured upon arrival, only puzzled about why he had never heard of this department before.

The registration process was complicated, but the transfer was quick...

Xia Lei personally drove Guan Shan back to the newspaper office, leaving his phone number and reminding him, "If you encounter any life or work issues, call this number. Don't keep it to yourself or face it alone. The Special Security Group is like a family, so speak up about any problems."

He was like a worried mother, nagging endlessly.

Guan Shan, with a strange expression, felt a bit overwhelmed by the concern but still thanked him, "I will, thank you."

Xia Lei nodded, seemingly relieved, but his heart tightened again when he saw Shen Dinghua standing at the entrance.

This was far from over... it was just beginning!

Sighing, Xia Lei drove off.

Guan Shan took the umbrella from Shen Dinghua, opened it to shield them from the sun, and checked his phone's navigation, "Did Chief Li say anything about my fire prevention project? Any revisions needed?"

Shen Dinghua blinked and smiled, "No, she seemed satisfied. Just finalize the text, and it's ready for layout."

"That's good. With Peng helping, it should be fine."

Guan Shan nodded and showed Shen Dinghua the navigation screen, "Next, let's visit the nail house owner's wife's family."

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