Even insiders might not understand all the procedures for review and publishing.

He rubbed his forehead, organizing his words, "Actually, it's good not to know, just focus on writing your manuscript."

"I'm not interested in writing for now," Qu Jianlei firmly refused, "because I don't know enough."

But Geng Shougong understood that it wasn't about not knowing enough, but purely psychological resistance.

So he hesitated slightly and nodded, "Then don't write, life goes on as usual."

Four months later, spring arrived and Zhou Six shifted quickly from deep winter to early summer.

During this time, Qu Jianlei went hunting twice more, basically just to make a living.

He hadn't done any mechanical repair work again, not that he didn't want to, just that his prices were too high.

Now that spring had come, Qu Jianlei decided it was time to go out and move around.

Zhou Six isn't a bad place, but he felt there should be higher skies worth exploring.

Mostly because it wasn't absolutely safe here anymore, and he needed to find a safer place.

Going to the General Settlement seemed like a good idea, Qu Jianlei had been in this world for eight years and hadn't seen the General Settlement yet.

But just as spring began, the roads were difficult, so he decided to wait a bit.

In the blink of an eye, it was midsummer. Qu Jianlei had already finished reading all the books and didn't want to wait any longer, deciding to leave with the Flower Scorpion.

Spencer had already been released, while Cindy and Claire both had Settlement identities.

Both mother and daughter wanted to go with them, but staying behind didn't hold much meaning either.

However, in Qu Jianlei's mind, little Jing and the Rift remained—those two who originally didn't have to die.

So he solemnly warned them, "Your identities outside the city aren't exposed, first live inside for a while."

Cindy and her daughter's living conditions had improved a lot, especially Claire, who was already a minor overlord outside the city.

She didn't flaunt her resident status, mainly because she was young, armed with an Overclocked Oscillating Short Dagger and a Laser Pistol.

You could tell that they were people not to be messed with, and she had a get-even kind of personality.

Additionally, she could help introduce business to Panda, and outside the city, few teenagers dared to provoke her.

However, the good part was, even though she was domineering, she didn't like bullying the weak and was regarded as a child leader outside the city.

Cindy saw Qu Jianlei's resolute attitude, so she proactively asked, "Are you coming back?"

"Unless something unexpected happens," Qu Jianlei dared not make an absolute promise, "We'll be back before winter."

Cindy, being perceptive, guessed these two had big secrets, "Are you going to buy a house in the city?"

"Buy one," Qu Jianlei said as he took out five hundred silver coins, "Put it under your name."

Houses in the Settlement aren't cheap, let alone a mansion; even a house in a good location costs upwards of three hundred silver coins.

However, compared to that, the cost of living within the Settlement was even higher.

Qu Jianlei wasn't being wastefully generous; rather, he had no need to keep too many silver coins from Zhou Six.

If he could return here again, he wouldn't worry about ways to earn money; if he couldn't, the silver coins could easily expose his identity.

Originally, he brought this mother and daughter along just to find some help, later realizing that without their cover, his identity would likely have been exposed.

Qu Jianlei was never stingy when it came to rewarding those who helped him.

Cindy's gaze grew more complex, "What if you're not back this winter?"

"Wait till next winter," Qu Jianlei replied without hesitation, "Then you can decide for yourself."

"And these silver coins..." Cindy wanted a final confirmation.

Qu Jianlei nonchalantly shook his head, "If we don't come back, then naturally they're yours."

Hearing this, the Flower Scorpion also spoke up, "Once in the city, don't leave until winter... you should go ahead."

She knew the chaos that Black Heaven had stirred because of the Rift and Jing's deaths and believed it was a hurdle he couldn't surmount emotionally.

"Alright," Cindy nodded upon hearing this, skipping any unnecessary courtesy.

She did sincerely emphasize, "Rest assured, Claire and I have never seen you two."

The Flower Scorpion chuckled upon hearing that, "It's nothing serious, just don't speak about it carelessly."

Early the next morning, Cindy and her daughter, in a different direction, entered the city.

Claire was still a bit puzzled, "Mom, why did we say we have never met the boss and the second sister?"

"They're in trouble," Cindy had been attentive in raising her daughter and explained carefully, "We need to keep our mouths shut."

"In trouble... then let's take them out!" Claire declared without hesitation, "They need help."

"It's not your turn," Cindy replied irritably, wondering how much her daughter had inflated herself.

"Do you think you can help someone that even Panda would fear?"

Claire was speechless at that but couldn't help retorting, "One more person is one more strength."

"We're just burdens," Cindy understood perfectly, "I suspect even Yellow Scorpion might be a burden; do you think you're stronger than the second sister?"

Upon hearing this, Claire fell silent, for her idol wasn't Qu Jianlei, but the Flower Scorpion.

If she could become an elite adventurer like the second sister, she would already be satisfied—at least for now, that was her goal.

In the courtyard, the Flower Scorpion was also conversing with Qu Jianlei, "Are you worried they'll pursue us?"

"We must be cautious," Qu Jianlei replied with a dark expression, "You can't imagine how cold-blooded they are."

The Flower Scorpion hesitated for a moment but then asked, "How did you provoke them?"

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