The system I want to overthrow, there’s no system I can’t overthrow.
Even if the goal is far away.
But I will approach it step by step.
As for now, I will first quietly integrate into the system, then transform into an ant, gnawing bit by bit, strengthening myself until I reach the other side.
At eight-thirty in the evening, Ren Zhong ended today’s study early.
"Let’s stop here for today. I need to go out for a bit. Tell the others I won’t be back tonight. Make sure they head to the sleep pods early. Although it’s not a big problem for you to be there alone, you should still be cautious."
Hanyu frowned and asked, "Mr. Ren, are you going out alone again?"
Ren Zhong waved his hand, "No, tonight I’m going to see Manager Ju."
Hanyu understood and reassured, "Hmm, got it. Then you can finally relax a bit tonight. Don’t overwork yourself, make sure to get some rest."
At the Military Weapon Store, in Ju Qingmeng’s private little lab.
A set of Second Level exoskeleton gear was laid out on the workstation.
Ju Qingmeng, still in a tight vest, was busy in the oil-scented lab.
Delayed by two days, Ren Zhong eventually upgraded his equipment.
But there was a difference this time.
This time he used Lin Wang’s sponsorship, following Lin Wang’s instructions, to upgrade his equipment to match the status of a reserve professional member.
To fit the "borrow money to upgrade" persona, Ren Zhong even felt at ease to increase the budget, raising the total expenditure from the 2800 points for the initial minor modification to 6000 points.
"Didn’t I give you twelve thousand? Why did you only spend six thousand?"
Ju Qingmeng raised her head from the pile of parts and asked Ren Zhong, who was handing over tools beside her, with surprise.
Ren Zhong replied, "I’m currently affiliated as Lin Wang’s subordinate member. He’s extremely suspicious; if I advance too quickly, he’ll worry about my ambitions going out of control and being replaced by me."
"Quite so, I’ve heard of Lin Wang’s reputation."
"So there’s no rush. I’ll first try to get used to the performance of the Second Level exoskeleton, and then proceed slowly when the time is right."
"Hmm, your considerations are very thorough. Could you help pass the microelectrical measuring instrument over there?"
At eleven-thirty at night, Ju Qingmeng cheerfully looked at Ren Zhong in his moderately modified Second Level exoskeleton.
Her beautiful eyes sparkled, it was unclear whether she was satisfied with her labor’s results or with the man’s heroic appearance in armor across from her.
In appearance, Ren Zhong’s gear wasn’t much different from standard Second Level armor, but the performance had already surpassed the Second Level limit.
The overall modifications are as follows:
1. Third Level scanner.
2. Energy Transmission System line upgraded to High Rank, capable of providing a maximum output power of 500 kilowatts.
3. Transmission system upgraded, the material can withstand 500 kilowatts of instantaneous output.
4. Enhanced dual shoulder cannons capable of firing Second Level Thumb Grenades.
5. Observation and targeting system upgrade.
6. Arc Light Saber fortified and modified.
Ren Zhong tried raising his hand, drawing the saber, and cautiously swinging it in the cramped and chaotic lab.
His movements were simple, yet carried an artistic beauty refined over countless practices.
Ju Qingmeng made a light exclamation, "If I remember correctly, this is your first time wearing a Second Level exoskeleton, right? I’ve made so many modifications, it’s completely different from the standard equipment, how are you so proficient?"
Ren Zhong’s actions slightly paused, "This design scheme was crafted with reference to Sid Meier’s insights. I’ve tested it repeatedly in virtual reality."
Ju Qingmeng suddenly frowned, questioning, "Virtual reality? When did you buy the Fourth Level wrist watch?"
Ren Zhong responded, "Emmm..."
Sometimes, a lie often needs countless others to cover it up.
The night before yesterday when borrowing money, Ren Zhong subconsciously hid the Fourth Level wrist watch for the time being.
This morning, while waiting at the store for Wang Zhaofu, the meticulous Ren Zhong still kept the secret.
"After you lent me the money the night before yesterday, I figured virtual reality training was crucial, so I temporarily revised the fund allocation plan."
Feeling a bit awkward for misappropriating funds and getting caught, Ren Zhong explained.
It was mainly because Ju Qingmeng’s brows were tightly knitted at this moment, looking quite displeased.
Ren Zhong sighed inwardly, thinking, forget it, it’s better to be as honest as possible with your own people in the future.
Lying is not a good habit.
At the beginning, I shouldn’t have taken shortcuts just to save trouble and time; I should have let her experience the charm of a stock market whiz.
Upon hearing this, Ju Qingmeng sighed, shaking her own wrist and blaming, "You should have said earlier that you needed a Fourth Level wrist watch, seriously. You can take mine to use; I still have a Third Level wrist watch I haven’t gotten around to selling. Such a waste of money."