CHAPTER 23

With a relieved sigh, Shao Haoran finally stepped out of the isolation area. His time in isolation confinement ended without any incidents.

Shao Haoran stretched his stiff body as he was leaving the isolation area. Like his master, Baobao also stretched out his body and gave a big yawn.

"I know you're tired, Baobao, but we still have to make a stop somewhere."

After rubbing Baobao's head, Shao Haoran then stepped forward toward the mission center. He needed to make a report regarding the mission he took.

He approached the mission center's bustling entrance while organizing his thoughts. Right when he reached the mission counter, which was manned by a pretty female mission offer, he took out his mission token. The lady, after confirming the authenticity of the said token, handed out a report form to him.

"Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Shao. Your efficiency is always appreciated," the lady said with a business-like smile. "Here's the report form. As per standard protocol, please fill it out as comprehensive as you can."

It wasn't Shao Haoran's first time going out on a mission and returning from one so he deftly filled out the form as instructed.

"Here's the completion receipt as well as the reward token for 500 crystal cores.", the lady gave her standard spiel. "You can redeem your reward from the bank anytime."

"Thank you." Shao Haoran received the items without any emotions and bid goodbye to the mission officer.

Since Shao Haoran now have the reward token and he still had time, he then proceeded to the bank. He had two goals this time - to receive the payment from the mission and to withdraw the money he had saved at the bank.

The bank was the epicenter of crystal core transactions and safekeeping so it was one of the heavily guarded areas in the base. As he entered the bank's grand foyer, he was met with the scrutinizing gazes of the guards assigned at the bank. Of course, some curious glances followed him as well from the clients who were already there before him.

Shao Haoran was already used to this. Some of these people are simply curious about him since he was one of the powerful superpowered humans in the base. A proof of that is that he can go on a mission alone and return without a scratch. As for the scrutinizing gazes, they are either because of the guards are doing their job, from people who are maliciously envious of him, or from people who belongs to factions that he was on the opposite side of.

"Well, not as if I'm going to be dealing with them anymore after this day.", Shao Haoran can't help but mutter to himself.

He sauntered up to the counter and immediately gave the female teller the reward token.

"I'm here to redeem my mission reward."

"Welcome back, Mr. Shao.", the teller greeted him. It looks like the other party recognized Shao Haoran. "Please wait a minute while I verify your reward token."

It didn't take long before the teller approved his request.

"Should we deposit all crystal cores to your account, Mr. Shao?", the teller asked. The teller probably assumed that he will deposit his crystal cores like usual.

"No, I'd like to get the crystal cores instead.", Shao Haoran replied. "I'm also closing my account."

The teller was quite surprised at what she heard. However, she tried to cover up her surprise and kept her composure.

"It will be quite a substantial withdrawal, Mr. Shao. I will need a supervisor's approval for this. Please take a seat while I process your request."

"Okay, thank you."

As Shao Haoran took his seat, he saw the teller approach a nearby cubicle of a man in his mid-forties. The man looked at the withdrawal request that the teller handed to him and then looked at Shao Haoran.

The bank director's gaze held a mixture of suspicion and caution. He stood up and approached Shao Haoran.

"Mr. Shao, it's lovely to see you today. You've got quite a hefty transaction today. Shall we continue in one of our VIP rooms?"

Shao Haoran followed the man into a private room.

"Please wait here while we process the transaction." the man said. "Please do help yourself with the refreshments here while you wait."

The refreshment was simple water and dried biscuits. It may not be as luxurious as pre-apocalypse, but this is already one of the best treatments possible in today's world.

Half an hour later, the man came back with a space pouch in hand and a couple of papers.

"Thank you for patiently waiting, Mr. Shao.", the man opened. "We understand that you want to withdraw all of your savings. If it isn't too much to ask, may we know why?"

"Just buying something, nothing out of the ordinary."

The director's smile was polite, but his mind raced with calculations and speculations. He knew better than to challenge Shao Haoran openly, yet he also understood the weight of his actions. A powerful superpowered human making a significant withdrawal – it was a puzzle piece that demanded attention. In fact, it may warrant him sending a report to the higher ups of the base.

Shao Haoran knew exactly what the other man is thinking but he decided to ignore him. He had already planned to get his affairs in order today so he can leave tomorrow morning.

"Is it necessary to provided a reason for withdrawal?", Shao Haoran's gaze met the director's, his tone casual but tinged with warning. One must know that Shao Haoran can be quite intimidating if he put on his serious face on.

"N-no.", the man cleared his throat. He then handed the papers to Shao Haoran. "If you can please sign here and here. Also, do you have a space pouch for us to transfer the crystal cores or will you be buying the space pouch as well?"

"No need to transfer the crystal cores. I'll buy the space pouch as well."

Unpertrubed by the unspoken tension, Shao Haoran finished the paperwork and left the bank. Baobao, who was resting carefreely at the steps of the bank, immediately got up and greeted its owner.

"Sorry for making you wait a long time, Baobao.", Shao Haoran petted the dog. Stealthily, he signaled the dog to take the space pouch of crystal cores in his hands.

Baobao, who had intelligence high enough to understand humans, was a mutated dog with space superpowers. It was safekeeping all of Shao Haoran's important items. This time too, Baobao will be safekeeping the crystal cores that will ensure their safe stay in Shen Tian's safe zone.