"?"
A massive question mark materialized above Fu Xuan's small head.
What just happened? Why did Ron just sleep for one night and then come straight to the Divination Commission to report for duty?
Fu Xuan couldn't help but fall into deep thought, and an extremely absurd idea popped into her mind—
Could Ron have come to trust the Luofu this quickly?
But that was fundamentally unreasonable.
She quickly dismissed the possibility with a simple thought.
After all, the arrival of the Xianzhou [Luofu] was undoubtedly a massive shock to Ron. Fu Xuan was also well aware of how much vigilance her sudden appearance would have caused him. It was impossible for Ron to trust the Luofu so quickly.
Theoretically, Fu Xuan knew there were many gentler methods to bring Ron to the Xianzhou [Luofu], but she was simply too afraid of him going astray.
Ron's performance in the previous simulations made him seem like a box containing a super-bomb. Before you open it, you can never know how powerful the bomb inside truly is.
Will it obliterate a single river of stars, or will it annihilate the entire sea of stars?
You cannot predict it... you only know one thing: the yield of this bomb is enough to, at the very least, obliterate a river of stars.
Therefore, Fu Xuan could absolutely not allow Ron to continue growing unchecked for even a second.
This box containing a bomb absolutely could not be opened. The sooner it was locked away, the sooner it would be safe.
But the consequence of this was Ron's distrust of the Xianzhou [Luofu]. Fu Xuan had actually been prepared for a long and drawn-out process. In her predictions, it would take a very long time before Ron would be willing to truly join the Divination Commission and become a member of the Luofu.
Reality wasn't much different from her predictions. The moment Ron saw her, he was cold and distant. He didn't look like someone who would be willing to dedicate himself to the cause of the Xianzhou [Luofu].
He shouldn't be willing to contribute his power for the Xianzhou [Luofu]... He had just arrived. How could he possibly have any sense of belonging?
Fu Xuan's original plan was to cultivate a sufficient sense of belonging in Ron, to let him experience the beauty of the Luofu while touring its sights, and to try and retain him with its lifestyle and culture, making him slowly grow dependent on life here.
But now, the Life Simulation Game was telling her that all her prior preparations, the vacation and the expense account she had set up for Ron, were all for naught. On the second day, Ron was willing to join the Divination Commission and work for the Luofu, willing to become a tiny, insignificant cog in the massive vessel of Xianzhou society.
Had she gone mad, or had the Life Simulation Game bugged out?
Countless question marks popped up over Fu Xuan's little head. She was utterly baffled and, for a moment, couldn't come up with a perfect reason. She could only force a possible explanation together.
...Could this be the relentless spirit of someone destined to become an Aeon, one who is never willing to stop striving?
If that were the case, it would be somewhat understandable. Although Ron didn't trust the Luofu and was extremely wary of it, that didn't prevent him from joining the Divination Commission to diligently study as a diviner.
He may not trust the Xianzhou [Luofu], but this distrust doesn't impede the flow of knowledge. Perhaps he feared the Luofu had some ill intentions for him, and it was precisely because of this, because of his unyielding will, that he chose to improve himself and gather every bit of strength for his own sake.
As someone with a high probability of becoming an Aeon, someone capable of destroying an entire observable universe, Ron's outstanding abilities were a given. It was only natural for a quality like diligence to appear in him.
After all, someone who could become an Aeon and destroy the entire observable universe couldn't possibly be a slacker like Qingque in real life.
Having gradually rationalized Ron's behavior, Fu Xuan looked at the solemn face on the light screen. His eyes, which seemed to be prepared for work, flickered with an expectant light. A trace of respect for Ron couldn't help but well up in her heart.
However, despite this, Fu Xuan didn't believe her idea was necessarily the reasonable and true one.
This was just a guess. Ron's true objective remained to be investigated.
As Fu Xuan thought this, the scene on the screen paused, and a new option appeared:
[Ron, whom you brought from the final stronghold of Belobog on the frozen planet of Jarilo-VI, has come before you. He is filled with enthusiasm for work, looking forward to truly joining the Luofu's Divination Commission and accepting the tasks you assign him.]
[But you know this is absolutely not normal—why would the previously cold and aloof Ron suddenly become so enthusiastic?]
[You feel that there is definitely something fishy going on... But Ron is already in front of you. Faced with his request, you must now make a choice.]
[Please choose—]
[1. "The Divination Commission's roster is full, and we are temporarily unable to make room for you. Although I have recruited you into the Divination Commission, you will have to wait some time for an opening."
[As the Master Diviner of the Luofu, although you utterly detest the buck-passing and delaying tactics of some of the Xianzhou's internal affairs departments, you, as one of the Luofu's Six Charioteers, are perfectly clear on how it's done.]
[Ron's intentions have yet to be ascertained. Considering his dangerous nature, this matter may be feasible, but it still requires careful investigation before a decision can be made.]
[You decide to discuss this matter later. You will observe Ron's situation for a period of time, analyze his thoughts, and gradually make your decision. After a certain period, you will trigger this choice again and make a final decision on whether Ron can truly join the Divination Commission.]
[2. "Although you are now an unofficial member of the Divination Commission, you are too inexperienced. I cannot, in good conscience, promote you into the commission and take a diviner's position... Go have fun on the Luofu and build up some seniority."
[You don't know why Ron has chosen to truly join the Luofu Divination Commission now, but you feel that this may not be a good thing...]
[Ron has a hidden agenda, but this agenda might not make him safe enough—you are not prepared to go along with Ron's wishes.]
[You brought Ron to the Luofu to put a lock on this super-bomb. If everything truly goes according to his wishes, then he clearly hasn't been locked down...]
[You decide to refuse Ron's request for an official position in the Divination Commission. You decide to proceed with your original plan and lock Ron down completely within your framework.]
[3. "I am in need of a proactive person like you—Tell me, what role within the Divination Commission would you like to take on?"]
[You don't know why Ron has chosen to truly join the Luofu Divination Commission now, but you feel this may not be a bad opportunity.]
[If Ron truly gets used to the work within the Divination Commission, then it might be a good chance for him to get accustomed to the Luofu and truly join it.]
[You decide to trust Ron and let him officially join the Divination Commission, obtaining an official position with actual authority.]
---o---
Looking at the options on the screen, Fu Xuan felt no hesitation whatsoever.
Although she had just spent a long time pondering Ron's actions in the simulation, that didn't mean she was hesitant about the next step.
Options one and two would both obstruct Ron's objective—but this wasn't reality. Fu Xuan didn't need to rely on these obstructions to twist Ron's development path towards her desired outcome.
A simulation is the best tool for trial and error. If she wanted to know what Ron was truly after, she just needed to give him enough autonomy.
With this thought, Fu Xuan clicked on the third option on the screen. The option faded, and the scene on the screen continued to play—
"I am in need of a proactive person like you—Tell me, what role within the Divination Commission would you like to take on?"
The Fu Xuan in the scene did not look nearly as cold as she did in reality. She looked at Ron with an appreciative nod and said:
"Most diviners in the commission provide divination assistance to the various commissions of the Luofu. There are also diviners who specialize in clerical work, recording daily trigrams and organizing the Divination Commission's divination materials. Diviners have their respective duties, and there are plenty of positions."
"Of course, for a diviner like you who has just joined the Divination Commission, I will not assign you any official duties until you are proficient in using the Jade Abacus Matrix within the commission for divination—"
"Feel free to choose. Take the position first, and then study the commission's texts. After I have tested you, you may then take on official duties. The diviners are responsible for many areas. Is there one that suits your interests?"
Looking at the Fu Xuan before him, who seemed to admire him greatly, Ron's face was stern, like the perfect subordinate, his face etched with loyalty.
"I have no personal preferences. I will follow the Master Diviner's arrangements for everything…"
As he spoke, his tone shifted, and he continued:
"However, when I was in Belobog, I worked in sales for a short time. Although I ended up destitute, I have some familiarity with business."
"Master Diviner, could you arrange for me to handle divination matters such as purchasing and bidding for the Sky-Faring Commission? When I have mastered the skills, I will surely help the Sky-Faring Commission avoid misfortune and gain the upper hand in business negotiations."
"It is good that you have this ambition, but I will not deceive you. The Sky-Faring Commission operates by its own rules. Although the Divination Commission's divinations can always calculate the best choice, the Sky-Faring Commission does not always choose the divination's result. Many deals always end up going another way…"
"You cannot see the hidden bargaining chips, and thus the Divination Commission's Jade Abacus Matrix is unable to deduce the true outcome—but if you naturally wish to fill this gap, I have no reason to stop you."
Fu Xuan bluntly told Ron about the dilemma faced by the Divination Commission's diviners. Then, with a light wave of her hand, she gestured for Qingque to lead Ron away:
"The Matrix of Divination needs to be activated several more times today, and time is tight. Let Qingque handle the onboarding process… Qingque!"
Her voice grew a few decibels louder, waking up the dazed Qingque who was still lost in thought about her fully-reimbursed vacation.
"Yes, Master Diviner!"
Although Fu Xuan's tone was only slightly heavier, it was as if Qingque recalled the days of being punished with writing reports. Like waking from a nightmare, she instantly straightened up.
She nervously pulled Ron and quickly left, taking him to complete the Divination Commission's onboarding procedures.
Looking at the scene on the light screen, the corner of Ron's mouth couldn't help but curve slightly, revealing a smile that said, "all according to plan."
Success… As expected, Fu Xuan doesn't really care that much about her. The coldness before was probably due to a special situation. The Fu Xuan in the simulation is much more in line with my impression of her. Although she holds the reins of wisdom and is quite strict, she is also willing to be peaceful and is not an overly harsh superior. She's a good boss to get along with.
Look at her now. With a wave of her hand, she directly issued me a Divination Commission work pass. She even encouraged me to study well before taking on tasks, and during this period, she wouldn't assign me any official duties. But since I'm officially a part of the Divination Commission, my salary will naturally be paid as usual…
So friendly and so generous. This is the normal Fu Xuan.
As Ron thought this, a hint of apology arose in his heart.
Although the Fu Xuan in the simulation was treating him well, he obviously wasn't just trying to join the Divination Commission to realize his self-worth.
All he wanted was the identity of a Divination Commission diviner—preferably one with official ties to the Sky-Faring Commission, and that was all.
And now… he had that identity.
"I probably don't need to build up any more of a resume… This identity is enough. No need to waste time."
Ron muttered to himself, thinking as he operated the screen before him, letting the simulation proceed according to his plan.
The scene on the screen faded, and new text appeared:
[Fu Xuan is quite appreciative of your performance. As the most dedicated workaholic in the Divination Commission, people who are as passionate about work as you are her favorite kind of subordinate.]
[She has promised you the most basic diviner position within the Divination Commission. Although she has no intention of granting you any higher-level positions, just being a diviner is enough.]
[After pretending to study divination techniques for half a day, you have finally reached the end of the workday.]
[You calmly walk out of the Divination Commission with your work pass, then turn and head into the Starskiff Haven Central Hub, looking for the headquarters of Heron Express.]
[After a round of negotiations, you walk out of Heron Express satisfied. You then hurry through the streets of the Exalting Sanctum and enter Aurum Alley—]
[After navigating the twisting alleys lined with shops, and with the help of a kind person's directions, you find the young master of the Synchrony Guild, Xiaohan.]
The text on the screen faded, and a new scene appeared:
"I don't believe I know you, sir. May I ask what business you have with me?"
A neatly dressed and capable-looking Xiaohan walked out from the deserted Synchrony Guild. This commercial representative from the company greeted with a smile that seemed approachable, but his eyes, as he looked at Ron, held a hint of suspicion.
"It's nothing major."
Ron looked at Xiaohan and gave a slight smile, his tone inscrutable.
"I just have a big business proposition I'd like to discuss with you…"
Xiaohan was slightly taken aback. As the company's commercial representative on the Luofu, he had just returned. There were still very few people on the Luofu who knew of his existence. How on earth did Ron find him so quickly and want to do a big business deal with him?
But although he was suspicious, as a competent commercial representative, Xiaohan was naturally not a bumpkin who wore his thoughts on his sleeve.
He looked at Ron, and though he was curious and wary, his expression remained unchanged as he replied warmly:
"I didn't expect that I had just returned to the Luofu, and you, sir, have already found me. I am impressed by your ability. But business deals must be discussed in detail… I wonder what kind of big business you are referring to?"
Ron chuckled softly, pointed to the ground beneath his feet, and said in a low voice:
"Naturally… it's a big deal concerning Aurum Alley."