51: Chapter 51 The State Issued Me a Certificate: Licensed to Show Off, Legal Self-Defense

In the study of Villa No. 1 at Yunding Villa, the scent of tea curled gracefully in the air.

General Qin Weiguo sat opposite that massive yellow pear wood desk, his back as straight as a ramrod.

The expression on his face was subtle, carrying both the solemnity of a soldier and a hint of the tenderness and anticipation an elder might show when giving pocket money to a child.

"Mr. Jiang, open it and take a look."

General Qin Weiguo pointed to the unassuming, yet solemn-looking red velvet box on the table. "This is the result of the meetings held by the higher-ups overnight. It is so you can 'conveniently' continue to contribute to the nation in the future."

Jiang Chen raised an eyebrow and set down his soda.

He reached out to take the box, his fingertips touching the delicate velvet surface, feeling its weight.

"Click."

The box popped open.

Inside, there were no medals, nor checks, only a small dark red booklet.

The cover was not the cheap, plastic-feeling material found on the market, but a special textured leather that felt warm and substantial to the touch. The gold-stamped national emblem in the center shimmered under the light, exuding a majesty that made one dare not look directly at it.

Jiang Chen picked up the booklet and flipped to the first page.

The photo of himself was beaming with a bright, sunny smile, but the official seal and the job title section below exuded a murderous aura.

[Name: Jiang Chen]

[Position: National Special Security Consultant]

[ID Number: TS-001]

[Affiliated Department: Special Operations Group Directly Under the Central Military Commission]

"Special Security Consultant?"

Jiang Chen read the title aloud, feeling it was a bit of a mouthful. "Old Qin, is this position high-ranking? How many people can I command?"

"It is not a matter of high rank or not."

General Qin Weiguo lowered his voice, leaning forward slightly, his hawk-like eyes flashing with sharp light. "This is privilege."

"The holder of this permit possesses the highest level of clearance within this country. Whether it is a restricted military zone, a theater command headquarters, or the confidential office of a local government, no one will dare to stop you for a single step as long as you show this permit."

"Furthermore, to deal with the potential 'abnormal threats' against you..."

General Qin Weiguo paused, his tone becoming resolute:

"You possess the highest level of right to self-defense and counterattack."

"If you encounter an emergency, or if you judge that your own safety is threatened, you may mobilize all police forces and armed police units below the regiment level in the local area to cooperate with your actions."

"Even in necessary moments, you may—act first and report later."

The hand holding the permit trembled slightly.

Good heavens.

This isn't just a consultant's permit, is it?

This is clearly an 'immunity token' for traveling the world, plus an imperial sword!

"Act first and report later?"

Jiang Chen looked at General Qin Weiguo, the corners of his mouth unable to stop curling upward. "Old Qin, isn't there a bit too much fluff in what you are saying? If I see someone I don't like on the street and shoot them, does that count as self-defense too?"

"As long as you can write a reasonable 'threat assessment report'."

General Qin Weiguo picked up his teacup and took a sip, his eyes meaningful. "For example, if the other party attempts to steal state secrets, or intends to inflict personal harm on important scientific research personnel... Of course, I believe in Mr. Jiang's character; you certainly wouldn't mess around."

Jiang Chen was amused.

Does this mean that as long as the excuse is plausible, I can do whatever I want?

"Understood."

Jiang Chen solemnly tucked the little red book into his inner pocket, patted his chest. "This is the 'licensed to flex' permit the state issued me. With this, I won't have to call you to round up people every time I run into those oblivious rich second-generation brats or spies."

General Qin Weiguo smiled without refuting.

In a sense, this was indeed for Jiang Chen to "settle matters."

After all, the scraps of technology that leaked from this man's hands were enough to keep the Dragon Kingdom fed for ten years. Let him suffer grievances? That would be the biggest political incorrectness.

"Alright, the permit has been delivered, so I won't disturb you further."

General Qin Weiguo stood up and straightened his uniform. "Although the Eagle side has conceded, there will certainly be many underhanded moves in secret. It is better for you to take Zhao Gang and the others with you when you go out."

"Don't worry, I know what I am doing."

After seeing General Qin Weiguo off, Jiang Chen was in a great mood.

He hummed a little tune as he returned to the study, preparing to organize the few trinkets he had just retrieved from the Wasteland, when the phone on the table suddenly vibrated.

The WeChat notification sound rang incessantly.

Jiang Chen picked it up and saw it was a group chat he hadn't checked in a long time—[Tianhai High School Class 3-2].

At this moment, the group was as lively as Chinese New Year.

Class Monitor Zhang Wei: "@Everyone Students! It has been three years since we graduated; we haven't gathered in a long time! It just so happens everyone is free this weekend, so I have organized a get-together at the Tianhai Grand Hotel, a five-star one! Everyone come and join the fun!"

Passerby A: "Wow! Class Monitor is generous! It costs thousands per person at the Tianhai Grand Hotel!"

Passerby B: "Class Monitor is now a financial elite with an annual salary of a million; what is this little bit of money? Must go and show support!"

Passerby C: "@Jiang Chen Yo, why isn't our class's 'former richest man's' son saying anything? Heard your family went bankrupt? It is fine, Class Monitor is treating, you don't need to pay, coming for a free meal is fine too."

Jiang Chen looked at the screen, his brows furrowing slightly.

This kind of class reunion is, frankly, just a flex-fest.

Those who are doing well come to show off, those doing poorly come for a free meal, with a few pairs of ex-lovers rekindling their flames mixed in—it is incredibly boring.

He was just about to leave the group to save his sanity when a private message suddenly popped up.

The sender was a girl with a gaudy profile picture, and the name note was "Li Li".

This was also his ex-ex-girlfriend; they dated for three months in high school, but later she thought he wasn't "bad" enough at the time and ran off with a hoodlum from outside the school.

Li Li: "Jiang Chen, will you come? I heard Lin Yao dumped you? Sigh, don't be too sad; that kind of woman isn't worth it. It just so happens I am single now too, tonight's gathering... shall we chat?"

Seemingly comforting, but actually mocking.

Between the lines, it exuded a sense of superiority: "You ignored me back then, now you can't afford me."

Jiang Chen looked at this message, then looked at the sarcastic tags in the group, and suddenly found it a bit funny.

Do these people live their whole lives in this tiny circle?

Staring at other people's trivial matters all day, stepping on others to flatter themselves—is it interesting?

Originally, he really couldn't be bothered to go.

How could one be in a good mood being with these insects?

But.

Jiang Chen's hand subconsciously touched the little red book in his pocket that still held his body heat.

That was the confidence the state gave him.

It was also his biggest "toy" right now.

"Just right, I have been under a bit of pressure lately, constantly being grabbed by that crazy woman Academician Chen Shuyin for 'physical examinations', my mental state is almost weakening."

Jiang Chen rubbed his chin, a playful arc hooking the corner of his mouth. "Since someone is actively sticking their face out for me to slap, if I don't go, wouldn't I be letting down everyone's good intentions?"

"Besides..."

"Wealth without returning home is like wearing brocade in the dark."

"Although I don't care about that bit of vanity, teaching this bunch of snobs a lesson, telling them what 'thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river' means, seems quite stress-relieving too."

Thinking of this, Jiang Chen replied with two words in the group:

"I'll go."

The group went quiet for a few seconds, then erupted into an even more intense wave of mockery.

Class Monitor Zhang Wei: "Haha! Welcome, welcome! Jiang Chen, remember to dress up a bit, don't embarrass our class. If you don't have suitable clothes, I can lend you an old suit."

Jiang Chen sneered and locked his phone.

An old suit?

The clothes I have now, even a pair of underwear, are made of fabric specially supplied by the state!

"Let's go."

Jiang Chen stood up and checked the time; there was half an hour left before the gathering started.

He didn't go to the garage to take that bulletproof Hongqi, nor did he call Zhao Gang to drive him.

Since he wanted to flex, he had to be strategic—suppress before elevating.

Driving a luxury car there is what a nouveau riche would do; showing up low-key and then blinding their dog eyes is what a high-end move is.

"I'll walk there; it's not far anyway."

Jiang Chen was about to leave when he suddenly realized he was still holding something.

It was a black helmet with a sci-fi texture.

This was the [Neural Link Tactical Helmet] he had dismantled from the titan mech's cockpit while organizing the Wasteland supplies earlier. Because this thing hadn't passed Academician Chen Shuyin's safety inspection, it couldn't be put into the laboratory and had to be carried with him.

"Where should I put this?"

Jiang Chen looked around; the study was messy, and he didn't feel safe putting it anywhere.

This was the core component for connecting to the mech's neurons; if it were lost or damaged, that room full of Gundam figures would truly become just decorations.

"Forget it, I'll take it with me."

Jiang Chen casually tucked the helmet under his arm.

At first glance, this thing looked just like a slightly exaggerated motorcycle helmet.

Who would have thought that this was actually a war terminal capable of controlling individual nuclear weapons?

"I'll just treat it as an accessory."

Jiang Chen straightened his casual clothes, tucked the priceless helmet under his arm, pushed open the villa's door, and strode into the night.

Tonight, the Tianhai Grand Hotel.

Was destined to become exceptionally lively because of this "accessory."