Chapter Sixty-Nine: Study, Recuperation, and Return
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[Task Three: Completed]
[Reward: One standard paratrooper template, one neutral unit template]
[Note: The neutral unit template can only be used for animals. Paratrooper units are cloned animals with no combat capability, usable only for reconnaissance.]
[Due to their non-lethal nature, they are suitable for any terrain, and their summoning time is half that of the standard paratrooper template.]
After waking up, Gao Ning washed up quickly and sat down at the dining table, enjoying Brazilian barbecue and Mexican tortillas while focusing on the Red Alert interface, casually claiming the reward for Task Three.
He had to admit, the hidden task rewards were impressive. Not only did he receive a standard paratrooper template, but also an animal unit template.
Gao Ning fiddled with them for a while. Seeing there was no time limit, he set them aside for now. No matter what he was given, he firmly believed that the Red Alert interface, as his trump card, would never betray him.
The morning passed in leisure; he drank tea, daydreamed, and swam occasionally.
He admired his muscles in the mirror, flashing eight teeth and striking poses like a bodybuilder.
Gao Ning was rather pleased with himself; who would have thought that today, even he, once known as Fat Gao, would finally become a muscle man?
After spending the entire day, Gao Ning finally remembered he had important matters to attend to.
His exclusive compartment offered an absolute advantage with time, making it the perfect opportunity to learn new skills.
Recalling the neural data conversion chamber, he waved his hand, and a high-tech, oval-shaped device appeared before him.
Following the sequence he had noted earlier, various high-tech items materialized, quickly integrating with the conversion chamber.
A brief check confirmed all systems were functioning properly.
Gao Ning then lay inside the conversion chamber.
The vast amount of data in his mind was safely copied out.
After a bit of organization, he began the lengthy process of learning.
Gao Ning's goal was simple: to fully master computer technology and all the inventions he had acquired.
He resolved not to leave until he had completely digested this harvest.
Yet, seeing the hundreds of gigabytes of material, Gao Ning feared he might turn himself into a bookworm.
Nevertheless, skills had to be mastered.
There was no Matrix in the world he had traversed to; learning new knowledge relied solely on himself.
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Fortunately, the data conversion chamber was designed with neural system research in mind, which amplified his learning efficiency somewhat—it wasn’t entirely without assistance.
Thus, for quite some time, Gao Ning repeated the delightful cycle of learning, leisure, and savoring gourmet food.
———
A flash of white light, and time began to flow quietly.
His Simmons mattress sagged deeply beneath him.
Instinctively, he pushed himself up with his hands and stood, gazing blankly around his room as his memory traced backwards, finally recalling what he had been doing before.
It seemed after dining with his parents, he had returned home by himself.
It should still be before 3:00 PM.
He glanced at the clock: 2:40.
He rotated his neck and tapped his head, feeling as though his mind had been numb for some time.
As he had suspected, the vast trove of information had once again let him taste the bittersweet agony of enlightenment.
Even with the chamber’s assistance, it took him two full years to completely master all the technology and inventions he needed.
He hadn’t expected himself to persevere for so long.
At least, though arduous, the outcome was splendid.
A glance at the Red Alert interface confirmed the countdown was ticking normally.
There were twenty-nine hours of time or currency remaining; this time, there was no countdown.
Gao Ning nodded—the thirty-day stay card was active.
At last, he had time to arrange his affairs in the real world.
Witnessing Grandma Liu’s sudden death had deepened his understanding of his situation.
Moved by a thought, Gao Ning saw his Money Tree on the Red Alert interface decrease by ten thousand.
Instantly, his phone received a message: ten thousand credited to his bank card.
First, Gao Ning pumped his fist in excitement, then paused as a realization struck him.
In the Bliss Space, the exchange rate between gold coins and US dollars was 1:1, yet in this real world, the rate with local currency was still 1:1?
Could it be that the exchange rate was 1:1 for all currencies? If so...
Gao Ning muttered to himself, “Looks like I need to make some plans.”
He had raked in a formidable sum, breaking nine digits and even crossing into ten-digit territory.
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But tasks are frequent, recycling stations are rare.
He didn’t know if he could return to that space again; if he squandered everything, he might face more constraints in the mission worlds.
After all, whether ancient or modern, the power of money is indisputable.
Whatever the case, it was best to exchange the funds first.
US dollars were certainly necessary; though there were currencies with better exchange rates, their issuance was too limited. If he suddenly flooded the domestic market with billions, it would cause an earthquake.
The US dollar, with its vast issuance and global circulation, was ideal.
Every year, the money laundering market absorbs hundreds of billions; as long as Gao Ning handled his ten-digit sum properly, it wouldn’t even make a splash.
However, large-scale fund transfers attracted scrutiny; it would be wise to consult a professional.
He took out his somewhat unfamiliar phone, scrolled through his contacts, and dialed a name.
“Lu Lu? Got time? Let’s grab a meal together!”
He grinned and held the phone far from his ear. As expected, after a brief silence, a torrent of curses cascaded forth.
“Lu your sister! I’m called Lu Yingying now. If you dare call me by my childhood nickname again, I’ll tear your rotten mouth to shreds.
Fat Gao, are you itching for a beating? Want me to loosen you up?”
Gao Ning replied with a playful smirk, “How is it that after all this time, your temper’s still so explosive? Didn’t Uncle Lu say he’d find you a boyfriend to rein in your temper? I don’t see a single sign of improvement.
Last New Year, you swore you’d become a proper lady. How’d you forget it right after the holiday, turning your vows into pig’s feet to gnaw on?”
“Cut the nonsense. You know full well I don’t have a boyfriend.”
Gao Ning smiled silently; he knew that mentioning relationships would always make Lu Yingying nervous.
Sure enough, after a few more sentences, her tone softened.
A light cough, and the landlady’s voice shifted to that of a customer service agent: “Every time you call, you’re up to something. Out with it—what do you want this time?”
“I just want to treat you to dinner. Afraid you’re busy, so I’m booking you ahead! I’m back, so I thought I’d report in first!”
“Hmm! At least you have a conscience!” Lu Yingying snorted, perfectly mimicking the Empress Dowager’s tone. “I finish work in two hours. Come pick me up!”
“Alright!”
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