Chapter 41

Zhuochuan detected a hint of dissatisfaction in the other party's tone. Although they were in a transactional relationship, he didn't need to deliberately flatter the other, but the other party had also shown some goodwill. Seeing that he had only booked ten minutes, the other party had gone to great lengths to try to give him a few more minutes of guidance, with the aim of giving him a better chance of survival in the duel.

Therefore, despite the other party's somewhat dissatisfied tone, Zhuochuan bowed respectfully to express his gratitude. Of course, more importantly, the other party had given him a real sense of confidence in winning the duel.

This small gesture made Fang Lao's expression much better, and it was somewhat unexpected. Intelligence and emotional intelligence are not the same thing. He had seen many people who were extremely smart and quick to understand in terms of soul comprehension, but their personalities were often not good, either arrogant or reclusive. This could only be changed through life experience, no matter how good the genetic adjustment or how powerful the enhancement, it could not be achieved.

And this B-level citizen soul successor, Zhuochuan, had grown to such a level in just a few months after being reborn, without the arrogance that most other soul successors had. This person seemed to have been through a lot in interpersonal relationships.

"You don't need to thank me," Fang Lao, of course, did not know how important his less than ten minutes of guidance was to Zhuochuan. He continued, "With such a good foundation, you must not辜负前辈留给你的遗产，要好好发扬光大，将来多为我们人类做出贡献。毕竟你能出生，还能有这样的表现，说到底也都是整个人类共同的积累，才能给你这样的机会。"

This was the first time Zhuochuan had heard such a positive lesson in this world. In the past, whether it was Lao Xu or Feng Lan, although they were teachers, they never said such things. Most of the time, they would occasionally encourage everyone to work hard for their future.

And none of the students were greedy for enjoyment; they all saw things clearly. Apart from necessary rest and entertainment, they focused their energy on training and studying.

Since the other party was older and more experienced, Zhuochuan listened to him. In the past, he had heard similar words from the old company's boss, about company culture and platform contributions, but they were just words, and the key was still personal effort and developing abilities to get promoted.

After Zhuochuan, Fang Lao's day of guidance finally ended, and the tall middle-aged man, the curator, politely saw him off.

He did not come out to greet Zhuochuan. It seemed that Fang Lao had mentioned the matter of a high-ranking figure from the surface citizens, and he was aware of it and did not want to get involved. On the contrary, the reserve citizens, who did not understand the complexities of the surface society, did not take it seriously and were very enthusiastic towards Zhuochuan.

Of course, they did not need to consider such distant matters. After all, a reserve citizen would never be able to make a high-ranking figure lower themselves to trouble them. And becoming a citizen was still a distant goal for them. Although the trainees who came here to train with soul crystals all said they were just one step away from becoming citizens, when that step would be taken was still unknown, and it might not happen until their souls began to age.

Among them, Xie Huitian was the most enthusiastic. He invited Zhuochuan and Lao Xu to his home for dinner and said he would share more information and data about the citizens' battles with Zhuochuan.

Zhuochuan knew that Xie Huitian was an H-level citizen soul successor, just like himself. Understanding the other's enthusiasm, he naturally did not refuse. Connections and relationships were important, and he would not act coldly towards someone who was friendly.

Xie Huitian's home was the same size as Zhuochuan's, about 100 square meters. He casually explained that this was the standard treatment for citizen soul successors, representing the Earth Mother's recognition of their past contributions.

The difference was that Xie Huitian had three robots working in his home, although they were just ordinary models, they required a significant monthly payment in the currency used by reserve citizens underground.

However, compared to the convenience they brought, it was worth it. The home was not only neatly organized but also filled with realistic female robots, which made the place more lively and spirited.

Soon, various delicious dishes were prepared. Zhuochuan, with just a glance and a sniff, felt that they were far superior to the dishes made by modern world chefs. Each dish was exquisitely prepared, with a fragrant aroma.

Fortunately, this was a new world body with extraordinary control. If it were a modern world body, Zhuochuan believed he would have drooled instinctively.

Zhuochuan naturally envied this, but he also knew that obtaining all this was not difficult. As long as he passed the duel and accumulated over time, he would have plenty of time for it.

"Come, come, try the dishes made by Xiaoli. This is a new style she learned from the internet. She has a specially designed smart program for cooking, which is much better than ordinary robots," Xie Huitian warmly invited the two.

Eating is a good way to build relationships, both in ancient and modern times. Zhuochuan thought this was probably because everyone has the common point of eating, and with a common point, there is something to talk about.

The two did not hesitate and started eating, each taking a bite and then praising the dishes greatly.

"Indeed, they are excellent. Xie brother, you are really thoughtful," Zhuochuan sincerely thanked him.

"Where, where. We have the same background, and Teacher Xu is your best friend. How could I not treat you well?" Xie Huitian waved his hand.

The three ate and drank, but mostly talked about trivial and interesting things, quickly building a rapport. The way they addressed each other changed, and Zhuochuan and Xie Huitian started calling each other by their first names, which is something only very close people do. Calling someone by their first name directly can be considered impolite.

Soon, Lao Xu said he had something to do and left early. He was not foolish; Xie Huitian had pointed out at the beginning that Zhuochuan and he had the same background, hinting that he wanted to have a private chat.

However, Lao Xu did not mind as long as it was beneficial to Zhuochuan.

After Lao Xu left, Xie Huitian and Zhuochuan talked a lot more, mainly about Zhuochuan's experiences after being reborn.

After listening, Xie Huitian sighed and said, "Zhuochuan, your friend Xu Mingzhi is really good to you. Not to mention what you mentioned earlier, just take the time in the fighting hall, for example."

Zhuochuan naturally nodded, of course, he understood how much Lao Xu had done for him.

"I saw the payment for the class earlier. He paid the soul crystals for you, and it was a considerable amount, about 200. I have never seen anyone pay soul crystals for someone else before. Although it is not a large amount for me, for ordinary reserve citizens, it might take a lifetime to save up. He is a teacher with teaching ability, and he must have taught citizen students before, playing a significant role in their growth to receive soul crystal rewards. Ordinary reserve citizens rarely have the opportunity to obtain soul crystals."

"Isn't there an official exchange opportunity?" Zhuochuan knew a common fact, that underground people could use their currency, which is money in the usual sense, to exchange for some low-grade soul crystals, as his classmates had mentioned.

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**Note:** The last part of the original text seems to be cut off, so the translation ends here.